Kitengela Glass Kenya – Where Art, Sustainability, and Magic Meet

Perched on the edge of Nairobi National Park, just outside Kenya’s capital city, lies one of the country’s most fascinating creative spaces — Kitengela Hot Glass. A world of color, craftsmanship, and imagination, this eco-art studio turns discarded glass into breathtaking works of art. From shimmering chandeliers to whimsical sculptures and handmade beads, Kitengela Glass is not just a workshop — it’s an experience where art meets sustainability in the heart of Africa.

Glassblower shaping glowing glass with a rod in a dim workshop. Colorful glass pieces scattered on table, a vibrant furnace ablaze nearby.

Where Is Kitengela Glass Located?

Kitengela Hot Glass is located about 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Nairobi city center, across the Nairobi National Park, in the Olooloitikosh area near Kitengela town.

To get there, visitors can either drive from the Karen side through Ongata Rongai, crossing the scenic Silole Sanctuary bridge, or approach via the Kitengela–Athi River route, which leads through a rustic landscape of rolling hills and Maasai homesteads.

The journey itself is part of the adventure — the final few kilometers are rough and unpaved, but every bump brings you closer to a place of extraordinary creativity.

A Story Forged in Fire and Vision

Kitengela Hot Glass was founded in 1981 by Anselm Croze, a visionary glassblower and artist. The son of renowned stained-glass artist Nani Croze, Anselm inherited both the skill and the passion for turning discarded materials into beauty.

What began as a small studio has grown into a full-fledged eco-village — a creative haven powered by solar energy, recycled materials, and sheer imagination. Today, Kitengela Glass stands as one of Africa’s most unique examples of sustainable art and architecture, attracting visitors, designers, and environmentalists from around the world.

The Art of Glassblowing

At the heart of Kitengela Glass lies its glassblowing workshop — a mesmerizing sight of fire, color, and craftsmanship. Here, artists transform recycled glass bottles into glowing molten forms using furnaces that reach over 1,000°C.

Visitors can watch artisans skillfully blow, mold, and shape the molten glass into beautiful pieces such as:

• Bowls, vases, and glasses

• Stained glass panels and lamps

• Beads and jewelry

• Mirrors and mosaics

• Large-scale installations and sculptures

Each item is made by hand, meaning no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

The process is rhythmic, almost meditative — flames flicker, glass glows orange, and creativity takes shape before your eyes.

Colorful glassware in blue, green, and orange on tables and shelves in a rustic room with stone walls and circular stained-glass windows.

A World Built from Recycled Dreams

Kitengela Glass isn’t just about art; it’s a living example of upcycling and eco-design. Almost everything on the premises — from buildings to benches — is made from recycled or natural materials.

The pathways are paved with colorful glass shards, walls are covered in mosaics, and rooftops glisten with bottle ends and mirrors. Even the fences are adorned with glass artwork, giving the whole compound a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.

Walking through the compound feels like stepping into a surreal dream — a blend of Gaudí’s Barcelona, African color, and eco-conscious design.

Architecture That Inspires

Every corner of Kitengela Glass is a masterpiece in itself. The buildings, designed by the artists themselves, feature curved walls, domed roofs, arched windows, and vibrant mosaics. Stained glass reflects sunlight across the walls, creating a kaleidoscope of color and shadow.

From the studios and galleries to the guest cottages and swimming pool, the entire space exudes artistic freedom and creativity.

Many visitors describe Kitengela Glass as “a living art installation” — a place where even the everyday feels enchanted.

Things to Do at Kitengela Glass

1. Watch Glassblowing in Action

The main attraction is the live glassblowing demonstration, where visitors can see artisans working in the furnace area. You’ll learn about the process, from melting and molding to finishing, and even get a chance to try simple shaping under guidance.

2. Explore the Gallery and Shop

After the workshop, stroll through the gallery and craft shop, where a dazzling array of handmade glass items are displayed. Whether you’re looking for a colorful souvenir, an elegant lampshade, or unique jewelry, every piece tells a story of sustainability and creativity.

3. Walk the Artistic Compound

The entire property is a visual journey — with mosaics, sculptures, animal figures, and even glass bridges scattered around. Don’t rush; take time to wander, photograph, and soak in the details.

4. Visit the Bridge Across the Gorge

A short walk from the main compound leads to the suspension bridge that crosses the Silole Gorge, connecting Kitengela Glass to Nairobi National Park. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the savanna below and the city skyline in the distance — a favorite spot for photographers and thrill seekers alike.

5. Stay Overnight

For those wanting a deeper experience, Kitengela Glass offers eco-lodges and guest cottages, each uniquely designed using recycled materials. Rooms feature stained-glass windows, artistic décor, and peaceful views of the surrounding wilderness.

At night, lanterns glow softly through colored glass, creating a tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere.

Smiling person in a yellow shirt stands on a rope bridge in a lush green forest. Bright, cheerful mood with natural backdrop.

Community and Sustainability

Kitengela Glass has long been a champion of community development and environmental sustainability. The studio employs and trains local artisans, providing steady jobs and valuable skills in glassmaking, metalwork, and design.

The site also runs:

• Waste recycling and collection programs

• Solar-powered workshops and kilns

• Educational tours for schools and environmental groups

Their philosophy is simple: nothing should go to waste, and beauty can come from what others throw away.

Getting There

From Nairobi city center, drive toward Karen or Rongai, then take the Ongata Rongai–Masai Lodge Road toward Silole Sanctuary. Cross the hanging bridge into Kitengela Glass.

Alternatively, drive from Kitengela town toward Olooloitikosh. The last few kilometers are rough but passable by 4x4 vehicles or taxis familiar with the route.

• Distance: 45–60 minutes from central Nairobi

• Entry: Small fee for tours and photography

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily

Best Time to Visit

Kitengela Glass is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons (June–October and December–February) when the paths are dry and the sunlight enhances the glass reflections.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most pleasant temperatures and best lighting for photography.

Why Visit Kitengela Glass

Kitengela Glass is more than just an art center — it’s a statement of creativity, sustainability, and vision. It challenges the idea of waste and proves that art can coexist with environmental responsibility.

Whether you’re an artist, a traveler, a photographer, or simply curious, Kitengela offers a sensory feast: the glow of molten glass, the hum of creation, the laughter of artisans, and the brilliance of color everywhere you look.

It’s one of those rare places where art feels alive — shaped by fire, air, earth, and imagination.