A Unique Safari Experience in the Aberdare Range
Nestled deep within the Aberdare National Park, The Ark Lodge offers a truly unique wildlife experience. Built to resemble Noah’s Ark, this renowned safari lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, attracting a wide range of wildlife throughout the day and night. Designed to give guests an intimate view of Kenya’s rich wildlife, The Ark allows for uninterrupted game viewing from the comfort of the lodge’s decks and viewing platforms.
Queen Elizabeth’s Historic Visit: A Story That Changed History
From Princess to Queen in the Aberdares
The Ark Lodge shares a special connection with British royal history. In 1952, the then-Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, visited the Aberdare region and stayed at a nearby tree-top lodge, Treetops. During their stay, Princess Elizabeth ascended as queen following the death of her father, King George VI.
It was during this serene retreat in the heart of the African wilderness, overlooking the wildlife of the Aberdares, that Princess Elizabeth unknowingly became Queen Elizabeth II. This moment forever linked the Aberdare region with one of the most significant events in modern British history. The Ark, though not the exact lodge, shares in the rich tradition of royal visits to the Aberdares, making it a place steeped in both natural and historical significance.
A Wildlife Haven at Your Doorstep
Game Viewing at Its Finest:
The Ark Lodge is uniquely situated beside a waterhole and salt lick that are floodlit at night, offering around-the-clock wildlife viewing. Guests can witness animals such as elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards as they visit the waterhole to drink, bathe, or graze. This setup ensures that guests don’t miss a moment of the action, with animals coming and going at all hours.
The lodge is designed to provide panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, with several observation decks and glass-fronted lounges where guests can relax and watch the drama of the wild unfold before their eyes. Guests are even alerted by a buzzer in their rooms when particularly rare or exciting animals, such as leopards or rhinos, appear at the waterhole at night.
A Tranquil Escape in the Aberdare Mountains
The Beauty of the Aberdare Range:
The Ark is set within the Aberdare National Park, a highland region known for its cool climate, thick bamboo forests, waterfalls, and misty moorlands. The Aberdares are unlike any other park in Kenya, offering lush, forested landscapes teeming with unique flora and fauna. Guests staying at The Ark can enjoy guided nature walks, birdwatching, and game drives that reveal the park’s hidden treasures, including rare sightings of the elusive bongo antelope.
The nearby Karuru and Gura waterfalls, which are some of the highest in Kenya, offer a breathtaking sight, further enhancing the allure of the Aberdares as a destination for nature lovers.
A Comfortable Stay Amidst the Wilderness
Lodge with a View:
The Ark Lodge offers comfortable cabin-style rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and large windows to keep guests connected with nature. The lodge has a cozy, rustic charm, with the central focus being the waterhole and the viewing decks. Meals are served in the dining area, where guests can enjoy their meals while still gazing out over the wildlife below.
A Piece of Royal History and Natural Wonder Combined
Where History and Nature Meet:
The Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park offers more than just a typical safari experience—it provides a connection to one of the most iconic stories of modern royal history. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Aberdare forest, watch wildlife from the lodge’s decks, and reflect on the significant moment in history when a princess became a queen amid the African wilderness.
This blend of nature, wildlife, and history makes The Ark a truly unforgettable destination for visitors seeking both adventure and serenity.