The Ark Hotel is a unique tree lodge located in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, Kenya. Perched deep within the lush forests, this iconic lodge offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in Kenya. Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, iconic and yes, quirky. Designed to resemble Noah’s Ark, the hotel overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, attracting a variety of wildlife.
Resembling and named after Noah’s Ark, The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide a superb location for wildlife to be seen. The Ark is world-famous and one of Kenya's 'must do' experiences. Built to resemble Noah's Ark it floats amid the forests of the Aberdare National Park, joined to the world by its own wooden drawbridge.
The multi-level structure gives guests uninterrupted views from almost every angle. Unlike other safari lodges that require drives to see animals, The Ark brings the wildlife to you. Elephants, buffalos, bushbucks, warthogs, and hyenas are frequent visitors.
The Yasabara Waterhole, meanwhile, attracts animals from all over the park - notably large herds of elephant. An expectant hush pervades The Ark.
Guests can see the animals from three different levels, inside or out. The ground level photo hide has no glass in the windows - allowing visitors to be literally feet away from a herd of elephants.
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Location and Access
The Ark is nestled in the heart of Aberdare National Park, in Nyeri County, central Kenya. It sits within a forest glade at over 2,000 meters above sea level. The elevation gives it a cool, fresh climate throughout the year.
By Road: The Ark Hotel is approximately 170 km from Nairobi a 3 to 4 hour drive. Guests first arrive at the Aberdare Country Club, the base hotel, before being transferred to The Ark by the lodge’s vehicles. Guests check in at Aberdare Country Club, which acts as a base hotel and check-in point.
Accommodation and Facilities
The Ark Lodge has 60 cabin-style rooms spread across four decks. The Ark Hotel offers 60 cabin-style rooms spread across four decks, categorized as single, twin, double, and triple rooms. Each room is compact but comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and cozy bedding.
Each room is compact yet cozy, featuring en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and large viewing windows to observe wildlife at the waterhole. While there are no TVs, this only enhances the immersion into nature.
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The Ark Hotel has three observation decks and a bunker-level hide, allowing guests to get up close to wildlife. The Ark has four viewing areas for observing the ever-present animal activity. There is also a ground level bunker - the perfect hideout for the discerning photographer.
This is a circular pillbox-like structure, and it is from this vantage point that pictures of animals on the salt lick only yards away may be taken through the view holes in complete safety. "In this intimate recess one can almost, but not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds and smell the aroma of the night.
The Ark has four viewing decks with balconies and lounges to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. Modeled after Noah's Ark, The Ark has four viewing decks with balconies and lounges to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge.
The restaurant also serves a selection of fine wines and cuisine, including fresh organic vegetables and fruits delivered daily and a selection of fine wines. Guests enjoy all meals at The Ark, with breakfast and lunch typically served at the Aberdare Country Club before transferring to the lodge. The main dining area serves buffet-style meals, while the bar and lounge provide a warm, relaxing ambiance. The menu is a mix of continental and African dishes, with fresh vegetables, meats, soups, and desserts prepared daily.
Activities and Things to Do
While The Ark itself is more of a sit-and-watch lodge, game drives through the Aberdare National Park can be arranged from the Country Club.
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Game Drives: There are games drives available at Solio Sactuary. Half and full day safari drives to the Salient and the Moorlands in Aberdare National Park are also offered.
Trout Fishing: Up in the moorlands, trout fishing can be done in the moorland’s small rivers, the major one being the River Chania, within Aberdare National Park.
BirdWatching: There are over 250 species of bird recorded.
Guided forest walks can be arranged through Aberdare Country Club. The Aberdare region is home to over 250 species of birds, including sunbirds, hornbills, and African crowned eagles.
Additional Information
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) is ideal for wildlife viewing.
Connectivity: There’s limited mobile signal and no Wi-Fi at The Ark.
To ensure you don’t miss any special moments, guests can request a night buzzer alert in their room. Even at night, when a special animal arrives at the waterhole, the Nightguard will alert you to the sight. Silence is requested so as to encourage optimum game viewing. Bells in the rooms indicate when game has come to the waterhole.
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