Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, iconic and yes, quirky. The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome 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. So that you don’t miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. 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. This is a magical corner, where there is close contact with the essence that tells of an unexplored Africa, and where, very often, the visitor may enjoy in solitary state the beauty of it all.”– Monty Brown’s book, Haven Under the Hill
Facilities
- The restaurant offers excellent cuisine for dinner and breakfast, either as a buffet or set menu, depending on the number of guests. Lunch is served at the Aberdare Country Club. However, on advance request the same can be organized at The Ark. The food is very fresh with organic vegetables and spices picked from the…
- Viewing Decks, On all four levels of The Ark there is a viewing deck thus creating enough room for every guest to be able to freely view and take photographs of the wildlife. There are open viewing areas on deck B and a photo hide bunker on deck D that give you the perfect photo opportunity, with…
- The gift shop is located on deck D. It is well stocked with souvenirs, memorabilia with The Ark logo, as well as toiletries and books with the story of The Ark well told.…
- The waterhole is the premier attraction and center of attention at the lodge. Unlike game drives where one merely drives right through, at The Ark, you have the time and safe vantage to observe and study the animals unhurried. You get to see and appreciate the uniqueness of each of the animals that come to…
- The Bar, As the animals quench their thirst at the water hole, we have our own well stocked bar with a variety of wines and liqueurs available for you to quench yours with.…
- Our library is well stocked with books on flora and fauna, history of animals in the Aberdare National Park, as well as the history of the region. So, go on and explore the Ship’s library for useful information and history of this wonderful area.…
Restaurant & Cuisine
Viewing Decks
The Gift Shop
The Ark Water Hole
The Bar
library
Accommodation
All “cabins” have an en-suite shower and bathroom. Accommodation in The Ark is in the form of cabins that are self-contained with a shower and toilet. The rooms are on three levels – Deck A, Deck B and Deck C.
Deck C is the main deck where all the main lodge facilities are located, including the restaurant, cloakrooms and bar. There is also access for wheel chairs, for those who require it.
From the safety and comfort of all the four decks, one can watch the wild animals visiting the water hole in front of The Ark.
- Six single bedded rooms
- Thirty seven twin rooms with two single beds in each room
- Ten double rooms with one queen bed in each room
- Seven triple rooms with three single beds in each room
Activities
- Safari Drive
Half or full day safari drive to The Salient and The Moorlands in Aberdare National Park. Search the forest for a plethora of animal activity, and capture that perfect photograph to take back home.
Game drives to the Solio Sanctuary, a private game reserve that extends between the spurs of Aberdare Mountains and Mt. Kenya are possible too. This 25,000 hectare reserve became famous because of its unique success in the rearing of the White and Black Rhino. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and zebras can also be spotted in large numbers.
- Guided Bush / Nature Walk
Enjoy various guided bush walks through the well-developed trails in the park. Our guides have in-depth knowledge of the local flora, fauna and wildlife. The KWS rangers will be happy to answer any questions you have about animals or the history of the area. It is mandatory to have a ranger for the walks in the park.
- 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.
- Bird Watching
Bird life found in the forest is abundant and varied with over 250 species of bird recorded. The most conspicuous group is the Sunbird, with four abundant species: Tacazze Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, the emerald-green Malachite Sunbird and the tiny, double collared Sunbird.
Birds can be watched whilst on a safari drive or on an organized nature wal
