KENGEN TO OPEN SPA

KenGen will soon be diversifying its portfolio with entry into the tourism industry. It is set to open a full-fledged spa at Olkaria adjoining to the Hell’s Gate National Park. The project is expected to cost Sh25 million is set for completion in February next year and has the backing of the Kenya Wildlife Service, which owns the park.

The spa, to be known as the Direct Use Centre, will also host a geological and geothermal museum tracking the development of geothermal resources in Kenya as well as progression of global technology for converting steam into economic activities. 

The new facility will have open air “lagoons” with water temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, using brine water with unique healing and medicinal properties. The new health center will also offer steam and sauna rooms for added relaxation and a restaurant.

Visitors will pay normal park entrance fees and pay KenGen an additional fee to use the recreation facility. KWS charges Sh300 for citizens and residents while children pay Sh200 to get into Hell’s Gate National Park, which is a member of the Scenic and Special Interest Parks. Foreign tourists pay $15, the equivalent of Sh1, 275 at current exchange rates.

Other renowned natural spas in the world include Whakarewarewa in New Zealand, Karlovy Vary thermal mineral springs in the Czech Republic, Hamam in Turkey,  Arenal Volcano and Thermal Baths in Costa Rica where tourists pay $65 (Sh5525) per session), Lake Hévíz thermal bath in Hungary, El Tatio in Andes, Chile where the charges are $100 (Sh8,500), Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia; Therme Vals in Switzerland and Bad Gleichenberg in Austria.

Source:  Subinteractive research || ETN