5 Days | Aberdare and Mount Kenya Trek

 
The Ark Lodge | aberdares

Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, famous and yes, eccentric, The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which draws in a large group of wildlife. Looking like and named after Noah`s Ark, The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges offers a superb location for wildlife to be seen. The Ark has four viewing areas for watching the ever-display animal activity. There is also a ground level bunker, an ideal hideout for the discerning photographer. This is a round pillbox-like structure, and it is from this vantage point that photos of animals on the salt lick just yards away might be taken through the view openings in complete safety. As Monty Brown describes in his book, "Asylum under the Hill". In this cozy break one can almost, yet not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds and notice the aroma of the night. This is a magical corner, where there is close contact with the pith that recounts an unexplored Africa, and where, all the time, the guest may

 
Aberdares Country Club | aberdares

The Aberdare Country Club is settled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. This captivating site was selected, with much feeling, by an English couple who had chosen to settle in the place that is known for their choosing – Kenya. Everything happened many years back: their children grew up there, however then proceeded onward to better places. After almost half a century, their home, "The Steep", was sold and developed along the lines the first owners would not have longed for, but rather was precisely supported and kept in a way they would have affirmed. This is highlighted in Monty Brown`s book, "Safe house under the Hill" so appropriately: "Today, in spite of the quick changing beat of the outside world, the old home still holds that comfortable, strong feeling on traditions from a period when life continued at a much more relaxed and tender pace". The Club`s 1,300 acre wildlife sanctuary is teeming with zebras, impalas,giraffes and the more reclusive leopards. It is a haven of unhurried charm set in a garden bursting with a bounty of shading, and with peacocks living inside the lavish green yards. Strolling through this untainted landscape is paradise. Play a round of golf watched by a family of warthog, take a Mountain bike and ride up to Kamatongu Hill, play tennis or simply unwind by the warmed pool within the lovely greenery enclosures.

 
Treetops Lodge | aberdares

Located in the Aberdare National Park, the Treetops Lodge Nyeri tree-house lodge on stilts is famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth II visited as a princess and left as queen.

Originally built in 1932, Treetops Lodge lies in the path of an ancient Elephant migratory route between the Aberdare Ranges and Mt Kenya National park, and is strategically sited right in front of a natural watering hole and salt lick, making it the perfect place to view game.

Treetops is as much a part of nature as it has an ancient tree growing right through the hotel, with the lodge being built around it. It is the perfect fusion of nature and comfort sporting a rustic look that fits right into the Aberdares.

 
The Outspan Hotel | aberdares

Situated at the heart of Kenya`s coffee and Tea growing highlands and close to the spectacular Karuru Falls is a perfect getaway for any fun loving person. It has incredible atmosphere, dynamic gardens and verdant green gardens where peacocks wander freely.

In 1926 Major Eric Sherbrooke Walker and his better half Lady Bettie picked the ideal spot between the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya to build their dream Hotel in Nyeri. After purchasing the land from the government, they build another four rooms with private showers and running water.

The Walkers offered a bottle of champagne to whoever recommended the best name for the new hotel. It went to Grace Barry, a saw-mill operator who proposed `Outspan` meaning where the explorer outspans(un-harnesses) his weary bulls toward the end of the day`s journey. Outspan was officially opened to people in general on New Year`s Day 1928 with ten rooms.

Master Baden-Powell, the Scouts Movement author, and a companion of Walker spent the most recent years of his life at the Paxtu Cottage inside the Outspan compound.