KenGen planning geothermal spa at Olkaria and Hells Gate
Hell's Gate National Park, Kenya (source: flickr/ Bernt Rostad, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
7 Nov 2012
Kenya's KenGen is planning to build a geothermal spa close to its operation at Olkaria adjoining Hells Gate National Park, with an expected start of operation in the spring of next year.
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is planning a tourism business near Hells Gate National Park, an hour’s drive from the captial of Nairobi.
The company plans to build a spa near its Olkaria geothermal plant. The full fledged-spa adjoining the national park is to be opened before Easter next year. It will feature several open air lagoons with water temperatures of up to 40 degrees celsius, using brine water with unique healing and medical contents. It will also offer steam and sauna rooms for added relaxation and a restaurant. Sounds familiar to similar spa facilities in Iceland, e.g. the Blue Lagoon.
“Adjoining the spa itself will be a visitor center and museum, highlighting Kenya’s involvement in tapping into geothermal energy sources. However, no accommodation will be offered in phase one of the project. There is speculation though in hospitality circles that this novel concept could indeed be a winner, for the location near an adventure national park known for hiking and for the novelty of a “Safari Spa,” and it is expected that KenGen might well already be holding exploratory talks on the management and marketing of the new venture with suitable partners willing to come on board with additional investments and hospitality expertise in running spas and resorts.”
Some other hotel businesses have hotels in this region, so the spa should be a good idea.
Source: E Turbo News
