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 the safari experience included in your stay.
Explore Kenya →Monthly residencies
Choose your room.
Settle into your work with a 30-night stay. Meals are included in both room options.
Single room
US$1,499
30 nights · one guest
A room of your own, with a workspace for your reading, writing, and research.
Request availability
Deluxe suite
US$2,000
30 nights · one guest
A deluxe suite for a 30-night stay, with meals included.
Request availabilityBoth options include meals prepared by our private chef, laundry, 5G Wi-Fi, access to the room and rooftop workspaces, the private library, and an included safari experience.
Rates are in US dollars for a 30-night stay for one guest. Airport transfers are quoted separately. Your written quote confirms the total payable, tax treatment, safari arrangements, and any requested extras. Ask about conference-room use, additional guests, or a different length of stay.
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