Aberdare National Park

A beautiful area but harder to spot some wildlife as the jungle is dense

We were only there for one night, so did not get enough time to assess the area properly. That said, The Ark was a very special place with its own watering hole. We saw a limited number of animals, but the proximity to those animals, and photo opportunities, were excellent. Bird life was abundant first thing in the morning and towards sunset. The biggest regret of our safari was that we wish we'd have stayed at The Ark longer. One down side to The Ark as a safari destination is that you can't travel around the area in search of wildlife, so what you see is what you get. It is very much down to luck what you see.

In Aberdare, we stayed at the Ark lodge. The ark is unlike anywhere else we went to - once you arrive, you are locked in until the next day. The lodge is surrounded by wildlife, and there are several viewing decks from which to see them. I'm glad this was the first location we went to - I think it would not compare to the parks we went to later on in the safari, but for a first night outside of Nairobi it was a lot of fun. The food and drinks were very good, and the wildlife viewing was very good as well - you can get very close to the animals on the lower level of the lodge. A good first night - I would recommend it as a way to start a safari.

Everything was actually beyond my expectations

The scenery is superb

Wildlife less visible than in most other parks, because of the thick vegetation. However, when you do see animals, they are usually quite close.

Again, beautiful opportunities to see animals and birds in the wild. I stayed up all night looking at the elephants and other animals at The Ark hotel. Lots of photographic moments.

Unique wildlife viewing experience from THE ARK

We stayed overnight at THE ARK which is situated in Aberdare NP (about 6000ft above sea level). The lodge is superb with a waterhole in front, flood lit at night. There was a lot of greenery around. We were locked inside the lodge as it was dangerous to go out since wild animals roam freely. Cape buffalos, antelopes, warthogs, jungle pig and ducks were sighted from the afternoon when we arrived. Herds of elephants (lots) started arriving during evening for water and salt (which was strewn in the open area). They stayed till late night. Hyenas came during night and a pack of them even attacked a cape buffalo, close to our room. The lodge staff, through a buzzer, let us know which animal has arrived at night . The viewing lounge is excellent with full glass panes and good seating arrangements, so is the food - and the talk about Aberdare NP. Additionally there were bird feeding and wild cat feeding sessions- both enjoyable. Sunrise with Mt Kenya on the side, is a sight to behold. All up, a unique experience in viewing wildlife. Travellled through Kenya Budget Safaris- tour guide excellent. Staff of THE ARK also very good and helpful.

Wherever you go in Kenya there is something new. Different species, different scenery but always good accommodation

we saw less variety of wildlife than in the Mara