The Ark

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Please Note: We only take reservations for this hotel as part of a safari package. To view the safaris which include a stay at The Ark, please click the "Safaris" tab below.

Overview
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Activities
Safaris
Wildlife
2 Reviews

Location: Aberdares

Situated in the heart of the Aberdare forest, this unique tree lodge, built in 1969 as a modern-day Noah's Ark, is a truly special place to stay. Overlooking the Yasabara saltlick waterhole, it is adorned with viewing decks and balconies providing vantage points from all angles - a great feature considering the saltlick is a magnet for wildlife, and in particular elephants.

The Ark's myriad wildlife viewing options include a photographic hide at ground level, a glass enclave and an extensive "catwalk", where birds are fed each day at 5pm.

The biblical name is reflected in the lodge's wooden structure and simple, cabin-style decor. The lodge's 60 en suite rooms (divided into singles, doubles, twins and triples) are set out on different decks, and the lodge itself is accessible only via drawbridge. Each room comes equipped with a bedside buzzer which can be set to wake you should any animals come to the lodge during the night!

Meals are served in the softly-lit dining area, which offers both European and Kenyan dishes. There is a lounge bar with a fireplace on one of the decks which stays open late into the night to serve teas and coffees.

Please note that children under the age of seven are not permitted to stay in The Ark, unless on a special "Children's Night."

Photos of The Ark

The Ark

Double bedroom

Dining at The Ark

There are a number of different activities you can do while staying at The Ark, some of which have been listed below:

Walking Safari

The above activities are subject to availability.

Tours to The Ark

Below are some of the safari holidays we offer which include a stay at The Ark. To find out more about each tour, just click one of the links below. We can also arrange custom tours and safaris which include a stay at The Ark so feel free to e-mail us or visit our custom tours page.

Aberdare, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
5 days from $1,695 per person

Kenya & Tanzania
12 days from $4,150 per person

Safari and Beach Honeymoon
10 days from $4,240 per person

Reviews & Testimonials of The Ark

"You could see the animals so close up"

The whole stay from when we arrived at the Aberdaire country club for lunch, the drive to the Ark, the food and accommodation (the hot water bottle was a nice touch, even though it wasn't cold) and the drive back in the morning was great. The fact that you could see the animals so close up was ideal for us and the bells in the rooms to inform you of animals visiting during the night was good. The Hide was the best place of all. There was a problem with the hot water but it didn't spoil the stay. The only sad thing that happened was that a man didn't get the full benefit of the place because he was on his phone and laptop all afternoon and evening. I thought holidays were too get away from work. A most place too go if you are animal lovers

Maxine from Kent, England

"I loved everything about The Ark"

I can safely say that after visiting there, it was out of all the places I stayed in the 2 week period(4-5 different Sarova hotels and the White Sands), by far my favorite!! Ok sure, it's not a Sarova hotel, but the experience of being so far out in the middle of the green forrest just above a watering hole is not something your going to see anywhere else! The rooms are not that small, the beds are comfy, and there's hot water. The whole point of being there is to see the wildlife, not be in your rooms the whole time. You'll be outside or in other viewing rooms watching these animals practically walk right past you. The people are SO nice and welcoming. They will sit and tell you some pretty amazing stories too. I loved everything about The Ark, and I wish I could have stayed there longer. If you want to experience the wild, then I definitely suggest this. It's something you can only experience in Kenya. It was beautiful! If i ever go back, I will definitely go back here.

rambocious from San Diego, United States