A breath of fresh highland air
The rooftop
Take your morning coffee up to the rooftop and enjoy the fresh air and views towards the Aberdares. Stay a little longer with a book or your notes.
A breath of fresh airAcademic Residencies & Retreats
Ol Kalou, Kenya · Aberdare region
A place to think.
A reason to stay.
Come to the Kenyan highlands for research, focused study or a retreat with colleagues. Find time for your work, good company at the table and a comfortable place to call home.
Research & fieldworkIdeas & collaborationRest & reflection
Grand Burnham Hut
Good company for curious minds.
Psychology · Public health · Education · Social work · Agriculture · Humanities
Researchers, educators, independent scholars and professionals are welcome here. Come on your own or with colleagues for focused work, a sabbatical, a workshop or a team retreat in Ol Kalou.
Explore the disciplines we welcomeScholarships
Accommodation scholarships are available. Tell us about your project, preferred dates and the support you need.
Your written award confirms what is covered. Meals, laundry, safari experiences and transfers are included only if specified.
Life at the Hut
Make yourself at home.
Good food. Unhurried conversation.
The shared table
Join us for meals prepared by our private chef. There is time to enjoy your food, hear about someone else’s day and feel at home around the table.
Come hungry. Stay awhile.A warm welcome awaits
The main hall
Leave your bags, settle into a comfortable seat and let us welcome you. The main hall is a lovely place for afternoon tea or a chat before dinner.
Make yourself at home
The private library
Settle in with your next idea.
Spend a quiet morning with a book or bring your notes to the shared study table. There is room to concentrate, with good company close by.
Step away from the desk when you need a break, then return to your work at your own pace.
Find your place in the libraryYour highland home
Stay close to your work.
Make room for life.
A private room, shared meals and time to enjoy the countryside. Come for a short academic retreat or settle in for a longer residency.
Work from your room, spend an afternoon in the private library or meet your colleagues on the rooftop. We have 5G Wi-Fi and a conference room for group sessions.
Find your room
Your time here
What will bring you here?
Your own project
Give your research, analysis or writing the time it deserves. Plan your days around your project, with meals and laundry taken care of.
Independent residencies →Time with colleagues
Spend a few days together working through ideas, holding seminars or planning the next stage of a shared project.
University & group stays →Beyond the desk
Put your work aside for a while and explore the highlands. Talk to us about local walks and optional safari experiences, quoted separately.
Explore Kenya →Student residencies
Space to study. A stay within reach.
Introductory student rates for 30 nights, with meals included. Choose shared accommodation or a room of your own.
Shared Twin Room
US$599
Per person · 30 nights · two sharing
Share a room with another resident, with separate beds. Twin-room availability and room-sharing arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Request availabilityPrivate room
US$899
One guest · 30 nights · private room
A room of your own, with a workspace for reading, writing and research.
Request availabilityDeluxe Suite
US$1,199
One guest · 30 nights · private suite
A deluxe suite for your residency, with meals and everyday essentials included.
Request availabilityAll three student options include three daily meals prepared by our private chef, weekly laundry, 5G Wi-Fi, and access to the library and room and rooftop workspaces.
Prices are in US dollars. Airport transfers and safaris are optional and charged separately. Shared-room pricing is per person, not per room. Your written quote confirms availability, the total payable, taxes and any extras. Ask about shorter stays, university groups and conference-room use.
Come and stay
Tell us what you’re planning.
Send us your dates and a little about your work. We’ll help you choose a room and plan your time here.
Plan your stay