Aberdare National Park is like nowhere else in East Africa – a forested mountain park where the lodges have front-row seats for the best wildlife action. Aberdare holds deep historical significance for Kenyans, having played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence. It also offers a more intimate safari experience compared to the wide-open spaces of the savannah grasslands found in many other Kenyan parks.

Aberdare doesn’t have many lodges, but an elite few date back to the early days of safari tourism in Kenya. In addition to those located in the park itself, the nearby highland city of Nyeri is another convenient base for exploring the area. Read on for our pick of the top five places to stay when visiting Aberdare.

The accommodations below are not ranked in a specific quality order.

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1. The Ark

The Ark The Ark is a full-service lodge with excellent waterhole views, cheerful rooms and appealing public areas

The Ark is far and away the most popular choice for places to stay within Aberdare National Park, and it’s not difficult to see why. This fine lodge looks out upon a waterhole where elephants and other wildlife very often come to drink: it can be hard to leave because you never know what might appear. There are four different viewing areas, and every room looks out upon a green world where passing animals are always a possibility.

The rooms are modern and come with bright colors, while the decor in the dining, bar and lounge areas evokes the safaris of yesteryear. Given that temperatures can sometimes get quite cool in the evening, we especially love the cozy feel in the lounge areas after dark.

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2. Aberdare Country Club

Aberdare Country Club High in the hills, Aberdare Country Club has excellent facilities and large rooms with fireplaces

In a superb location just outside the national park, Aberdare Country Club is a luxurious base for exploring the park and surrounding area. The historic property looks out across Kenya’s Central Highlands, with views that seem to go on forever. Rooms come in a range of sizes and styles, including stone cottages, but all are spacious and have traditional wooden furnishings. Some feature fireplaces and views of Mt Kenya.

The restaurant is excellent, and there’s no finer place to enjoy a drink than out on the terrace, taking in the view. You can also swim in the small pool, work out in the fitness center, shop in the gift shop and relax in the spa.

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3. Treetops Lodge

Treetops Lodge Treetops Lodge is a historic place to stay in the heart of Aberdare, with fine waterhole views

Staying at Treetops Lodge is a wonderful experience. One of the national park’s original lodges, Treetops is the classic Aberdare safari retreat. It wraps around one of the park’s largest waterholes, which means that many of the rooms and public areas look out over an area where wildlife very often comes to drink. Sometimes you don’t even need to leave your room to see an elephant!

The rooms, restaurant and lounge areas have all been refurbished, but they remain faithful to the golden age of safari travel. It was here in 1952 that the young Elizabeth learned of her father’s death and became Queen of England.

Treetops Lodge Tours

 

4. Sandai Guest Cottages

Sandai Guest Cottages Sandai Guest Cottages has large rooms in a pretty rural setting close to Aberdare National Park

Occupying its own corner of Kenya’s Central Highlands, Sandai Guest Cottages is a wonderfully quiet retreat from the clamor of tourist Kenya. The large cottages are supremely comfortable and look out over a tranquil scene of rolling hills, grasslands and distant forests. As a base for visiting Aberdare, Sandai has much to recommend it because the park’s forests and wildlife are less than an hour away by road.

For meals, you can join your hosts on a shopping trip to Nyeri and then return to share hearty dishes around the communal table.

Sandai Guest Cottages Tours

 

5. Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge

Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge has a fine hillside position with good rooms and pretty surrounds

In a picturesque setting amid hills and forests a deep shade of green, Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge feels very much a part of the local environment. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the sights and sounds of a nearby mountain stream rushing past, or relax in the rustic-chic rooms, some with wooden floors, balconies and muted color schemes. The lodge is a short distance outside the eastern boundary of the park, making it an ideal base for exploring both the national park and the surrounding landscapes.

 

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By Anthony Ham
Australia AU

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guidebook to Kenya.

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