The Ark Aberdare
The Ark Aberdare is a truly iconic safari lodge in Kenya’s Aberdare National Park and is considered a national institution thanks to its unique design and legendary wildlife viewing experience. Built to resemble Noah’s Ark, the lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick that attract elephants, buffalo, and other forest animals throughout the day and night. Guests can relax in viewing lounges and observation decks, often spotting wildlife without ever leaving the lodge. With its historic reputation, atmospheric setting in the misty Aberdares, and one of the most distinctive safari concepts in Kenya, The Ark offers a memorable and classic safari stay.
Our Review
The Ark in Aberdare National Park is truly a Kenyan institution and is well documented as one of the best places in the country for a classic armchair safari. It has built a long standing reputation for offering incredible wildlife viewing without the need to head out on game drives, and it absolutely lives up to that legacy.
The design of the lodge is what makes it so special. Built with large windows and multiple viewing decks overlooking the waterhole and waterfall, it allows for excellent wildlife viewing at all hours of the day and night. During our stay we enjoyed brilliant elephant and buffalo sightings, often just sitting comfortably indoors while watching the activity unfold outside.
One of the clever aspects of The Ark is the number of viewing levels, both inside lounges and outside decks. This means you can always find a good vantage point and the lodge never feels crowded, even when it is busy. There is plenty of space to settle in and quietly observe the wildlife in peace.
The food is served buffet style and is good and satisfying, with enough variety to suit most tastes. There is also a nice small souvenir shop on site and a good range of drinks available at the bar, making it easy to relax and enjoy the atmosphere between wildlife sightings.
A particularly fun feature is the famous leopard alarm. You can switch it on in your room and the staff will call you through the night if a leopard is spotted on site, giving you the chance to head to the viewing areas and not miss the action. The lodge itself is dated in style, but this is very much part of its charm. It feels like stepping back in time to how safari used to be, which only adds to the authenticity and enduring appeal of this iconic property.
Tours that include this Accommodation
Price From £2695 or
$3495
pp Sharing
Tour Overview Prices From: £2695/$3495 (Low Season) and £2995/$3895 (High Season) Single Supplement – £395/$515...
