An Out of Africa experience (inc.video)

Ah! African Heritage House, the magic of African diverse art and legacy in the form of a house!

Its an early afternoon on a sunny Saturday when I arrive at the most photographed house in Africa, and no,that is not an exaggeration by any means, but yes, on my way here even I wondered what it is exactly about this house that captures most people's hearts! Half an hour's drive later from the Nairobi's central business district, via Mombasa road through to Mlolongo, in Kenya's Machakos county I'm greeted by the most striking structure perched in a superb position off the noisy streets, with an enviable view overlooking Nairobi National Park.

The wind blew slightly, the sun was shining, the skies were as blue as it could get and the feeling of being away from everything else was quite refreshing. I spend a few minutes exploring the main house, marveling at the art and artifacts from all over Africa,a statue here, an extremely unique piece of fabric in vivid colors on a wall,an intriguing rich collection of books on African fashion and culture, all beautifully and meticulously displayed across the entire house.

Soon after, I meet my host Alan Donovan and boy! The conversations from history, politics, art and culture, not just about Kenya but Africa as a whole to how he drove across the Sahara dessert through African countries and finally into Kenya back in the 70's to the birth of the African Heritage House was quite fascinating and incredibly educational. Watch the feature video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjn-ufbxG60

With so much more to see in between the chat, a couple just checking out joins in on the tour and as we move around the house, Alan guiding us through our discovery,I can tell from their beaming faces that their stay here made for a memorable experience, I don't know why but it makes me smile too. An unexpected sound jolts me out of my wandering thoughts and back into focus,we all look out into the park and there's a train passing though the railway line causing us a moment of excitement. In the meantime, Alan has stopped to give some background information on a piece of artifact from Mali, a stature of some sort as he occasionally does during the tour, going deep into the background information around some of the extremely beautiful fabrics (the collection of fabric in this house could very well kick start a textile industry), pieces of handmade jewelry, the stories behind which part of the continent he collected the artifacts puts a lot into context.

We then wander into one of the bedrooms,and you can easily see that every detail has been thought through from furniture, the interior African decorations all the way to the bathroom plumbing. The bedroom opens up into your own veranda with a view to boot! The Nairobi National Park, now that's a view to wake up to.

Not too big, not too small, just perfect and of course the rich heritage makes the house a popular spot for those seeking a short city break with an "out of Africa' experience. No wonder travelers from all over the world come here to view decades of creativity and art beautifully displayed across the house. Just 10 mins from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the house is a perfect first night in town or last night in town accommodation choice.

Travel Tip

My personal recommendation on how to tour the house? Take in the grandeur of the main building, enjoy a stroll inside the house and soak in the stylish and unique interior decor, eat your way through the unique dining experience and spend at least one night then top off your African heritage house experience with a hearty breakfast for the road.

From the verandas offering spectacular views of the park, the diverse and unique African legacy topped with a unique dining experience, African heritage house is a showpiece of African culture and a must visit for every discerning and aesthete world traveler.

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