The latest entrant to Naivasha’s unending list of attractions is the Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant. Yes, that power generation plant is now an attraction!

Owned by Kengen, the plant is the largest in Africa. But it is not the size of Olkaria that draws hundreds to its doors every week. It is a spa built within the plant that is the main crowd puller.

The Olkaria Geothermal Spa has put Kengen on the national map for being the first company in Kenya to own such a health facility that is powered directly by energy coming from the bosom of Mother Nature.

Built initially as a recreation facility for Kengen staff, the frequent gate crashing outsiders proved unstoppable, prompting the company to rethink their original strategy.

The new plan now for the 3,600 M2, 5 feet deep spa is to commercialise it by constructing value-added facilities that will give visitor’s an even better experience.

Already an ultra-modern changing facility, tarmacked pavements, a conference room and a restaurant where meals and snacks will be served, are being put up. Kengen is yet to announce how much visitors will have to part with to enjoy this 40°C of natural therapy.

The company further plans to put up cottages on the hills surrounding the spa and outsource their management to an independent operator. At the time of writing, it was not known who the operator will be.

As with other recreational facilities,  all safety measures have been put into consideration.  The Olkaria Geothermal Spa is constructed with terraces all around to minimise chances of drowning. The terraces also act as staircases which define levels one can go into the water.

At some levels, water reaches as far as your knee but as you go deeper to the lower inner terraces, the mineral-rich water can go as far as your neck.  There is a small pool for kids to enjoy as well.

The sulphur in the water, which is believed to have medicinal properties, is good for the skin and the central nervous system. It also helps relax tense muscles. There are claims that those suffering from Arthritis who have paid the spa a visit have benefited greatly.

The Olkaria Geothermal Spa, like the natural jacuzzis of Lake Magadi, promises to be a great spot to while away a weekend with friends and family as you get treated to the best in hydrotherapy from, perhaps, one of the few, if not the only open clinic in Africa.

Go take a look this weekend and when you get back, do let us know how the experience was.