The Dam Redhill in Limuru (Lakeside Dining, Boating, & Zipline)

The Dam Redhill is a recreational spot in Redhill, Limuru, in Kiambu County. The main feature in The Dam Redhill, as the name suggests, is a man-made dam. The business has built an experience around this water body.

The Story Behind The Dam Redhill

The facility you see today was developed around an existing dam. Dams like this one are common in Limuru, primarily built for water supply to the farms, especially the tea estates you'll see all around.

Someone saw the potential in this particular dam and its surroundings and decided to create a place where people could come to unwind.

Over time, they've added a restaurant, spaces for seating, and activities. It's become a popular weekend spot because it’s not too far from Nairobi and offers something a bit different.

Getting to The Dam Redhill From Nairobi

You'll find The Dam Redhill in Limuru. If you're driving from Nairobi, your main route will be Limuru Road. Head north, past Ruaka, past Gigiri, and keep going towards Limuru town.

Before you reach the main Limuru town area, you'll see signs for Redhill. Once you turn off for Redhill, there should be further local signage directing you to "The Dam Redhill."

The journey usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour from the city center, but Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekends, so factor that in.

Using a GPS app like Google Maps or Waze and searching for "The Dam Redhill" is your best bet for precise navigation. Most of the roads are tarmac until the very last stretch, which might be a good quality murram (dirt) road. Any standard car can handle it.

If you're not driving yourself, taxi services and ride-hailing apps operate in this area.

Activities and Experience at The Dam Redhill

This place offers a mix of dining and activities. Here's what you can expect:

• Eating and drinking: There's a restaurant and bar on site. It's quite central to the experience. You can order a range of food as they usually have nyama choma (grilled meat), which is a Kenyan favorite, alongside other local dishes and some international options like chicken, fish, and snacks. You can sit indoors, but many people prefer the outdoor seating or the bandas (small, covered huts) that offer a view of the dam and the surrounding area. It’s a casual dining setup.
• Boating on the Dam: This is a popular one. You can rent paddle boats or sometimes rowboats. It’s a relaxed way to get on the water, enjoy the view from a different perspective, and get some light exercise. They'll provide life jackets.
• Ziplining: If you're up for a bit more excitement, they usually have a zipline. It’s not an extreme, high-adrenaline course, but it’s fun and gives you a quick zip across a section, often with a view over the water.
• Fishing: Sometimes, they offer fishing. You'd typically pay a fee for this, and they might rent out basic equipment. It’s more of a casual pastime than serious angling.
• Space for Kids: If you have children, there’s usually some space or a designated area where they can play.
• Relaxing by the Water: Many people come just to sit, talk, enjoy the cooler Limuru air, and look out at the water. The surrounding area is primarily tea farms, so the backdrop is quite green.

Don't go expecting a wildlife park; it's a managed recreational area. You'll see birds, of course, but the animals are not the focus here.

Features of The Dam Redhill Near Tigoni

• The Dam Itself: The water is the main attraction and what the whole place is built around.
• Tea Country Setting: You're in Limuru, so you're surrounded by rolling hills of tea. This provides the green scenery.
• Mix of Things to Do: You can eat, boat, or try a zipline all in one place.
• Outdoor Dining: Eating in the bandas or at tables outside near the water is a big part of the appeal.
• Good for Families: It’s generally a welcoming place for people with children.
• Easy Trip from Nairobi: It’s close enough to Nairobi for a half-day or full-day trip without too much travel hassle.

Best Time to Visit The Dam Redhill

You can visit The Dam Redhill any day of the week, but here are a few things to consider:

• Weekends vs. Weekdays: Weekends, especially Sunday afternoons, tend to be the busiest. If you prefer a quieter experience, a weekday visit is a good idea. If you go on a busy day, be prepared for more people and potentially slower service.
• Time of Day: Arriving late morning allows you to settle in, maybe do an activity, and then have lunch. Afternoons are popular for leisurely meals and relaxation. If you plan for an early dinner, you might catch a nice sunset.
• Weather: Limuru has a cooler climate than Nairobi. Even on sunny days, it can get a bit chilly, especially in the evenings or if there's a breeze. It’s always smart to carry a light jacket or sweater. The area gets rain, particularly during the April-May and October-November rainy seasons. While the place still operates, rain can put a damper on outdoor activities. The dry months (June-September, January-February) usually offer more consistently sunny weather.

Key Information for your Visit To The Dam Redhill

• Opening Times: They generally open around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM and close in the evening, perhaps around 8:00 PM or a bit later, especially on weekends. It's always a good idea to check their Facebook page (if they have an active one) or call ahead if you're planning a visit, especially for specific holiday hours.
• Costs: Typically, there isn't a gate fee just to enter the premises and go to the restaurant. You pay for the food and drinks you order and for any activities you choose to do. For example, boating will have a per-person or per-boat charge for a set amount of time. Ziplining will also have its own fee per ride. If you're planning a large group gathering or an event, you should contact them beforehand to discuss any specific packages or minimum spend requirements.
• How Long to Stay: This depends on what you want to do. If you're just going for a meal, 2-3 hours might be enough. If you plan to eat and try a couple of activities, you could easily spend a good part of the afternoon (4-5 hours) or even longer if you're relaxing and enjoying the company.
• Activity Guidance: For things like boating and ziplining, staff members will be there to provide instructions, help you with equipment, and oversee safety.

Facilities You will Find at The Dam Redhill

• Restaurant and Bar: This is the main service hub for food and drinks.
• Restrooms: They have toilet facilities available for customers.
• Parking: There's a dedicated parking area for vehicles.
• Seating: You'll find various seating options – tables and chairs, and often the popular semi-private bandas.
• Activity Gear: They provide the necessary equipment for the activities they offer, like boats, life jackets, and zipline harnesses.

Taking Photos at The Dam Redhill

You'll likely want to take some nice pictures.

• Good Spots: Around the dam itself offers nice water views. If you're on a boat, that gives you a different angle. The restaurant areas, especially if you get a banda with a view, are good for shots of your group and the setting. The surrounding tea fields can also make a nice backdrop if you walk a bit.
• Camera Gear: Your phone camera will likely be fine for most shots. If you have a dedicated camera, a standard zoom lens is versatile.
• Best Lighting: The light is generally softer in the late afternoon – the "golden hour" before sunset can make the water and landscape look particularly good. Limuru often has overcast days, which can be great for photos too, as the light is even and you avoid harsh shadows.

Safety and How to get Around at The Dam Redhill

• Be Aware: For any water activities, always use the life jackets provided and listen to the staff's instructions. If you're ziplining, ensure the harness is fitted correctly and follow their guidance.
• Kids: If you're with children, keep an eye on them, especially near the water's edge or if they are using any play equipment.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground can be a bit uneven in places, especially if you walk down towards the dam.
• Accessibility: If you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, the main restaurant and parking area should be manageable. However, getting down to the boats or participating in some activities might involve slopes or uneven paths. It would be a good idea to call them in advance to ask about specific accessibility arrangements if this is a concern.

Respectful Visiting at The Dam Redhill

• Activity Rules: Pay attention to any rules for activities – they are there for your safety and to ensure the equipment is used correctly.
• Litter: Use the bins provided for any trash.
• Food and Drink Policy: Since they have a full restaurant and bar, they generally don't allow outside food and drinks.
• Consider Others: It’s a shared space, so be mindful of other visitors.

Nearby Attractions In Limuru

If you're making the trip to Redhill and have more time, Limuru has other places you might find interesting:

• Kiambethu Tea Farm: This is a very well-known attraction. It’s a working tea farm that offers guided tours where you can learn about tea growing and processing, enjoy a walk in their indigenous forest, and have a lovely home-cooked lunch. It’s a different vibe – more educational and structured – but very popular. You usually need to book Kiambethu in advance.
• Tigoni: The broader Tigoni area is beautiful for a scenic drive, with more tea fields and country inns. Some places in Tigoni offer high tea or have cafes.
• Brown's Cheese Farm & Factory: If you're a cheese lover, Brown's is not too far. They offer tours and cheese tasting sessions, often including lunch. Bookings are essential here too.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: The general area has some informal walking paths through the tea estates (always be respectful of private property and stick to known routes or go with someone who knows the area).

A visit to The Dam Redhill can easily be combined with a stop at one of these other locations to make a full day out in the Limuru highlands.

Just plan your time and any necessary bookings accordingly.