For many Kenyans, experiencing royal families, castles, and horse-drawn carriages is a fantasy only seen on screens or in books. However, this fantasy can be found in Kenya, attracting visitors like Nadia Ng'ayu, who visited Lord Egerton Castle with her family in August. Nadia was drawn to the castle's medieval drama and natural setting, having seen TikTok videos showcasing its greenery. The castle, built by an English aristocrat, has a romantic history that Nadia found fascinating.
Lord Egerton Castle has retained its old-world character, with historic interiors well-preserved and maintained. Nadia and her family chose to tour the castle on their own, using displayed information to understand what they were seeing. They spent about an hour exploring, taking in furnishings and displays, with Nadia favoring the ballroom, grand piano room, and master bedroom. The castle's driveway, lined with trees, and large estate with well-kept lawns, made a lasting impression on Nadia.
Faith Wambui, an English Literature teacher, also experienced a royal fantasy at Tafaria Castle on July 5, 2026. She and her friend booked a Sh3,800 package through a tour company, including transport, activities, and photography. Faith found the castle's design and atmosphere distinctive, with views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, and the Laikipia plains. She enjoyed riding in a horse-drawn carriage, taking a dip in the heated pool, and having a birthday picnic on the castle grounds.
Faith recommends Tafaria Castle to couples and families, but advises solo travelers to consider the limited activities. She also suggests confirming prices for additional activities and planning a budget accordingly. Mitchell Luciana, who stayed at Tafaria Castle with her family for a weekend, describes the entrance as "literally like Bridgerton style." The family's stay included trying archery and horse riding, exploring the art section and museum, and visiting the farm.
Mitchell highly recommends Tafaria Castle, citing its activities for children and varied experiences. However, she notes that the castle's relative isolation may make it difficult to use as a base for exploring other attractions. The two-night stay for Mitchell's family of three cost nearly Sh100,000, which she believes was worth it. Mitchell would definitely return and stay longer to explore more activities.
Cornelius Ndeche had his Tafaria experience on October 3, drawn to the castle's luxurious look and feel. While details about his experience are limited, many visitors like Nadia, Faith, and Mitchell have found these local castles to offer a unique and memorable experience. These castles provide a chance for Kenyans to explore historic and scenic destinations without traveling abroad.
The castles' historic and natural settings make them appealing to visitors with diverse interests. While some may find the experiences limited, many visitors have expressed a desire to return and explore more. As local tourism continues to grow, these castles are likely to remain popular destinations for Kenyans and international visitors alike.
Key points
- Local castles like Lord Egerton and Tafaria are becoming popular tourist destinations for Kenyans.
- Visitors are drawn to the castles' historic and natural settings, as well as their royal fantasy appeal.
- The castles offer a range of activities, including horse riding, archery, and exploring art sections and museums.
