At the heart of the awesome Aberdare National Park, The Ark Lodge sits above its own floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which both attract a wide range of African wildlife.
Guests can take in panoramic views from a series of decks around the unique, boat-shaped lodge. For a closer encounter, a ground-level viewing bunker places you just a few feet from elephants and other animals visiting the waterhole, all in complete safety.
Whether you’re hoping for the perfect photograph or simply want to soak up the moment, the staff at The Ark are on hand to make it happen. Evenings bring a talk from the Ark host, and the ship’s library is well stocked with books on the park’s wildlife and history.
The main lodge facilities, including the restaurant, bar and viewing deck, are on Deck C and accessible by wheelchair. A lounge with a fireplace offers a cosy spot on cooler highland evenings.
ACCOMMODATION
In keeping with the boat theme, rooms at The Ark are called cabins. Each has an en suite bathroom, windows overlooking either the forest or the waterhole, and a buzzer that sounds when animals arrive at the salt lick or waterhole. Cabins come in a variety of configurations, from single and twin to family, king and queen, across three decks. Deck C has an accessible cabin with facilities for guests with disabilities.
The Ark lies within Aberdare National Park in Kenya's central highlands, overlooking a waterhole on the edge of the Wasambara Swamp. Guests stop for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club before a 45-minute drive up to the lodge. The journey from Nairobi via the country club takes around three hours by road. Alternatively, Nanyuki airstrip is a one-hour flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, followed by an hour's drive. The surrounding park is known for its misty forests, moorlands, waterfalls and trout streams.
Speak to a specialist for availability and pricing.
