Thing to do
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery Visit
A one-hour daily visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant nursery, where orphaned calves come in for their midday milk feed and mud bath.
Kitengela Hot Glass
A glassblowing studio and artists' compound on the plains south of Nairobi, where visitors watch glassblowers at work, cross a swaying bridge and eat at the café.
At a glance
- Type
- Glassblowing studio and artists' compound
- Area
- Ongata Rongai, Nairobi, Kenya
- Opening
- Open daily · 08:00–16:30
- Official site
- kitengela.glass
Good to know
- Glassblowing demonstrations
- Glassblowing lessons
- Café
- Shop
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Kitengela Hot Glass is a glassblowing studio set on the Athi Kapiti plains just beyond the southern edge of Nairobi, near Ongata Rongai. The workshop grew from the work of Anselm, who took a glassblowing course in France in 1988 at the age of 22 and, from 1990, spent four years building a dome inspired by traditional English glasshouses. The compound around it has grown into a mix of studio, gallery and sculpture garden associated with the artist Nani Croze, whose colourful mosaics and installations are part of the visit.
The main reason to come is to watch the glassblowers. Demonstrations run every day, but only in the mornings on Sundays and Mondays, and you can watch molten glass gathered from the furnace, then blown and shaped by hand. Visitors aged 10 and over can also book a glassblowing lesson. Around the studio you can explore Nani's Wonderland, cross the swaying bridge that the studio itself calls the scary bridge, take a Maasai cultural tour or stop for a meal at the Glasstronomique café.
It suits creative travellers, families with older children and anyone who enjoys watching makers at work, and it makes a good half-day outing combined with the south-western suburbs. The studio's glass is sold on site, so leave some space in your luggage. Prices for experiences are listed on the website, and booking and paying online in advance is the way to secure a slot for lessons and tours.
The studio is open from 08:00 to 16:30. If you cannot travel out of the city, Kitengela Glass also runs shops at The Junction mall and at Village Market, with their own opening hours. Allow two to three hours at the studio itself to watch a demonstration, wander the grounds and eat at the café.
Getting there takes some care. Do not head for Kitengela town, which is in a different direction. From Bomas of Kenya, follow the Magadi road for about 6.5 km past the Multimedia College and, just before Ongata Rongai, turn onto Masai Lodge Road towards Nazarene University. The studio is about 3 km further on a murram road that is rocky in places but passable in a small car if you drive slowly. Search for Kitengela Hot Glass on a map app or download the studio's own map.
Kitengela Hot Glass FAQs
What are the studio opening hours?
The studio is open from 08:00 to 16:30. Glassblowing runs daily but only in the mornings on Sundays and Mondays.
Do I need to book?
Book and pay online in advance to reserve a slot for lessons and experiences.
Can children take part?
Glassblowing lessons are for ages 10 and over, but younger children can watch the demonstrations.
Is it in Kitengela town?
No. The studio is near Ongata Rongai, off Masai Lodge Road, and the studio advises against heading to Kitengela town.
Can I drive there in a small car?
Yes. The last 3 km is an all-weather murram road that is rocky in places, so drive slowly.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. The Glasstronomique café is on site.
Can I buy the glass in the city?
Yes. Kitengela Glass also has shops at The Junction and at Village Market.
How long should I allow?
Two to three hours to watch a demonstration, explore the grounds and eat.