The Emakoko’s unique location straddling the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park was exactly the reason why we chose to stay here for the first part of our Kenya itinerary. And yet, once we arrived to the lodge, we felt as though we were deep in the wilderness. Secretly ensconced in a steep gorge, the lodge is surrounded by rocky cliffs, while a running river runs alongside the swimming pool. It was incredible to feel like we were in the midst of the African savanna, despite being so close to the city. But its proximity to Nairobi’s other attractions also meant that we could dip in and out of the park whenever we wanted.
A Vision of Conservation and Community
The concept for The Emakoko was the brainchild of Anthony and Emma Childs. Emma and Anthony were both brought up in Kenya and have lived and worked in some of the most beautiful places in Kenya. With their knowledge and passion for conservation, they designed and constructed the lodge themselves in this private plot of land. Over the years, they built a strong team of staff who take pride in their work. Right from the beginning, Emma and Anthony have always been deeply committed to both the local community, and the preservation and protection of the park itself. Part of their revenue go into looking after both the community and the park.Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters
At The Emakoko, guests can choose to go on two daily game drives with their wildlife guide. One is in the early morning at day break and another in the evening that includes sundowner drinks. We saw animals on our very first day while driving towards the lodge. Upon entering the gates of the national park, my 4.5-year-old daughter immediately spotted a giraffe family, and then herds of impalas and wildebeests. Driving further into the park, we spotted a few ostriches, hartebeests, two jackals and even a lion sprawled across a boulder. And in the evening, a massive herd of buffalo surrounded us as we sipped on our sundowners while the sun set against the skyline of the city.
The Emakoko has direct access to Nairobi National Park, which allows the guests to enjoy a wildlife experience during their stay at the resort. The open plains and riverine forests support a wide range of animals - all Big Five, plus predators such as cheetah and herbivores such as giraffe, zebra, gazelle, eland, impala, and many more!
Nairobi National Park lies at the rim of the city, just a 15-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It’s not everyday you get to see wild animals roaming freely in the outskirts of a city. Yes, the capital city of Kenya is home to a national park where animals run free. Established in 1946, this is Kenya’s first national park and possibly the most underrated. It was set aside as a game reserve by the colonial governments back in the 1910s and remained as a protected area since then. Today, the national park is home to four of the Big Five (except elephants). The 45 square miles (117 sq km) park has a good number of lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland and wildebeest. The star of the show here is the rhino.
Unique Experiences
- Game Drives: Enjoy morning and evening game drives with experienced guides.
- Sundowners: Sip on drinks while watching the sunset over the city skyline.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more right from the lodge.
Luxurious Accommodation and Amenities
The Emakoko features ten luxury suites, with five perched on the cliff edge and five located closer to the river and the main lodge. With polished rooms featuring balconies, guests can enjoy breathtaking views. All of its rooms are huge and spacious, with extra beds for the little ones. We stayed at one of the higher rooms and our view was just spectacular. We could see the sun set and grassy plains right from the comfort of our bed. The spacious cottage-style room also had a high ceiling, a fireplace, and a sofa that was converted into a bed for our daughter. The wide windows in our huge open-plan bathroom allowed us to drink in the views while soaking in the tub. We also had a walk-in shower and a round sofa in the middle of the bathroom.All accommodation is airy and spacious, with the same contemporary style as the main areas. It really is safari lodge meets lux hotel here, with large lamps on chic bedside tables, comfy seating at the end of the beds, sleek writing table and chair, safe for all your valuables, and nicely cushioned armchairs or sofas around an inviting fireplace! The en-suite facilities are just as well-appointed, with flush toilet, twin washbasins, walk-in shower and bathtub positioned to take advantage of the views.
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Features of the Lodge
- Comfortable sofas and armchairs
- Substantial fireplaces
- Elegantly furnished dining room
- Swimming pool
Culinary Delights
Each morning, we feasted on a big spread of breakfast at the restaurant, which overlooks the pool and surrounding cliffs. We would often spot monkeys, and the adorable rock hyrax in the trees and bushes around us. The food at the lodge was also phenomenal - the local chef served up gourmet food made from fresh, natural ingredients. We had a fantastic Chicken Milanese one night, and a delicious Turkey Wellington another. And the desserts were decadent and out of this world.According to some locals, the food served at Emakoko is some of the best found in the whole of Nairobi. Based on my experience, I would agree. The lodge encourages its guests to come for sundowner drinks before dinner. That was great because some wild cats and bushbabies would come over to get food near the bar at that time. The dining room is adjacent to the bar, and all the food is made fresh for every meal. Breakfast is served hot and crispy, and it was a great start to the day.
Exceptional Service and Hospitality
What makes The Emakoko stand out from the other safari lodges we have stayed at is the personal service. The staff go out of their way to make you feel special. From day one, they remembered our names and food preferences. One restaurant staff in particular, Patrick, made a particular impression on our daughter. Our favorite time was usually in the evenings, after our sunset game drive. We would gather at the main lounge and dining area for drinks and snacks.Activities and Excursions
Guests can enjoy local visits too - to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant and rhino orphanage and into Nairobi city if a little culture is called for!The Elephant sanctuary was not a pleasant experience and I wished I had stayed in the Nairobi national park instead. There must have been over 300 people there and we could not see anything. The organization has a good mission and the baby elephants are cute but it was an unpleasant experience. The giraffe center was fun. It was busy but a lot less crowded. We could feed giraffes.
We visited Nairobi National Park for a Safari in Kenya in 2024! [4K | 11.ai]
Know Before You Go
- Consider visiting during Easter weekend for a special experience at The Emakoko
- Take advantage of insider tips provided by the friendly staff for the best drives in Nairobi National Park
- Plan your stay to include visits to nearby attractions like Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage within easy reach from The Emakoko
- Prolong your journey to enjoy pit stops along the way to soak in the unique surroundings before arriving at The Emakoko
Rates and Booking
The rates for The Emakoko start from US$663 per person or $1096 per couple (all meals included). Kids 0-3 year old stay for free, while those 4-15 years of age is charged US$332 per night.A night at the Emakoko costs about 550 USD per person. This price includes all food, drinks. It includes the game drives ( with a fully stocked minibar 🙂 ) and the airport transfer. To book, you can contact Emakoko directly or you can book via Bush and Beyond. Bush and Beyond is a safari organizer in Kenya that specializes in Luxury boutique lodges. Most of them are family-owned and provide an authentic experience of Kenya. They booked our Kenya trip and the whole organization was flawless so I highly recommend them for your safari in Kenya.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Rate (per person) | $663 USD |
| Starting Rate (per couple) | $1096 USD |
| Infant (0-3 years) | Free |
| Child (4-15 years) | $332 USD per night |
| Inclusions | All meals, drinks, game drives, airport transfer |
Final Thoughts
I can’t rave enough about the lodge - it has an excellent location close to the airport, and wonderful kid-friendly cottages for bush-loving families. The staff are amazing and every single detail is well taken care of. Plus there are the Big Five, right its backyard. The Emakoko Lodge is a great first stop on a Kenya safari. Depending on your flight times, I recommend spending one or two nights at the lodge. It is the best way to start your safari because you’ll be experiencing the unique wildlife and landscape within 15 minutes of leaving the airport. The accommodation is super comfortable, the food is excellent and the service friendly.
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