Planning to visit Maasai Ostrich Farm? You should read this!

As its name suggests, Maasai Ostrich Farm is a place where ostriches are bred for meat, eggs, feathers and to attract tourists, basically it is business dealing with ostriches.

Located 45 kilometers from Nairobi in Kitengela (Kajiado County), the farm is literally in the middle of nowhere! Which might be a good thing if you are looking for serenity and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Along the Nairobi-Namanga, there’s a big sign board directing you to an access road. The marram road is very poor to say the least, and makes the 10km distance seem like eternity, oh and by the way don’t think of going there when it has just rained heavily, unless you own a tractor! However, due to the remoteness of the route you might be lucky to see a zebra or two strolling around.

Now in the farm there are three activities, the ostrich ride, the farm tour and swimming. Apart from that, there is a restaurant and a side bar, there are swings and a beautiful garden where you can freely relax.

The ostrich ride will cost you sh300 on weekends and holidays and sh500 on weekdays, which I think is a major rip off considering you only get one small round. I mean even before you get comfortable the ride is over. That said, it is very fun while it lasts and a memorable experience. For those scared of the big birdy, don’t worry you will have ‘experts’ with you to make sure you have a safe ride.

Tourist riding an ostrich

On wards to the farm tour, which is a guided one where you will be taken around the farm. This will cost you sh300, and I think it’s worth it. Even though there are only two things to see (different ostriches and gigantic ostrich eggs) there’s much to learn. There’s also an incubator to hatch the eggs but due to its sensitive nature it’s not open to visitors. During the tour you should expect to carry fresh ostrich eggs that weigh about 1.4kg (though vary in size) and can feed up to 7 people. The egg goes for about sh3000. You should also carry the shell after its content has been gently blown out. The shell is sold for sh1000.

Empty ostrich egg shells

Complete ostrich egg

During the tour you will learn a lot about ostriches, you will be shown the different types as you pass the numerous stalls. The ostriches will also treat you with a racing spectacle! And if you are lucky you will see both the male and female ostriches perform a mating dance and actually mate!

Then there’s a pool, which is kind of swallow, maybe considering the average swimmers out there. Swimming will cost you sh300. It is advisable due to the high temperatures of Kajiado County.

Ostrich Farm Swimming Pool

There makuti roofed hotels are beautiful! They serve their famous char-grilled ostrich meat (which is to die for I tell you), ostrich eggs and other cuisines. There is also ‘mbuni choma’, ostrich barbeque.

There’s also a tennis court, which seemed a little out of shape, swings and slides for the kids, an averaged weight adult may also find the swings as fun and beautifully kempt gardens in all corners.

For those interested in accommodation, there are private cottages that looked very beautiful from the outside which cost sh8000 to spend in. Which I can’t comment on the worth.  

All in all I think it’s a place worth visiting at least once a year.

Karimbuni! Hehe pun intended.