The Ark Lodge is located 197 kilometers north of the Nairobi highlands at an elevation of 2,286 meters (7500 feet). The Ark Lodge is a world-famous and must-do safari experience in Kenya. Built to mimic Noah’s Ark, it floats in the woodlands of Aberdare National Park, connected to the outside world by its own wooden drawbridge.
Meanwhile, the Yasabara Waterhole attracts animals from all throughout the park, including big elephant herds. Private automobiles are not permitted in the region; instead, attendees are transported by bus from the nearby Aberdare Country Club, which serves as the Ark’s staging station. The Ark Lodge is a four-star lodge that offers free breakfast and a restaurant.
An anticipatory silence fills The Ark; conversations are murmured, and binoculars and cameras are ready. There is an early wake-up call to see both the wildlife and the first glimpse of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peak, but it is the public viewing places that truly distinguish the Ark.
Visitors can observe the animals from three distinct perspectives, inside or outside. The bottom level photo hide has no glass windows, allowing guests to be merely feet away from a herd of elephants. Alternatively, viewing can be done in comfort and relaxation.
The Ark Lodge
The Ark, located in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, is famous and, yes, eccentric. It overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attract a variety of amazing animals. The Ark, which is modeled after and named after Noah’s Ark, consists of three decks with several balconies and lounges that give an excellent place for wildlife viewing. To ensure that you do not miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when unique animals visit the waterhole. The Ark offers four observation locations where visitors can observe the constant activity of the animals.
There is also a ground level bunker–the ideal hiding for the discerning photographer. This is a circular pillbox-like building from which images of animals on the salt lick barely yards away can be snapped through the view holes in full safety.
“In this intimate recess, one can almost, but not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds, and smell the scent of the night.” This is a magical area, where there is close contact with the essence that tells of an uncharted Africa, and where, very frequently, the visitor can appreciate in solitude the beauty of it all.”
Accommodation.
The Ark includes 60 ‘en-suite rooms’ or ‘cabins’ on the various decks; stillness is asked to allow optimal game watching, and bells in the rooms indicate when game has come to the waterhole. Every room has power. Laundry can be done at the neighboring Aberdare Country Club, which has accessible access. Only a lightweight overnight bag and photographic equipment are permitted; additional luggage can be securely stored at the Aberdare Country Club view points.
A glassed-off observation lounge overlooking the waterhole.
B deck with balcony-an open balcony directly above the salt-lick and waterhole, where the spotlights are aimed.
C deck enclave-glassed-off lounge with a designated non-smoking section with a view of the waterhole.
D deck: photographic conceal, non-smoking ”bunker” on ground level.
Game Alarm, Glass enclave-another-off, nonsmoking lounge, open-air balcony, catwalk, and bird feeding platform.
The Ark is a medium-sized lodge with 60 deluxe ”cabin type” rooms, each with its own bathroom. There are six single beds, 37 twin beds, eight double/queen bedrooms, and nine triple-bed family rooms. Deck C is easily accessible to the disabled. All 60 rooms provide room service, luxury bedding, and complimentary bottled water. The beds have luxury bedding, the bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries, and housekeeping is always available.
Dining and bars.
The Ark lodge offers a central eating area with communal tables that serves conventional safari buffet selections. There is also a beautifully rustic bar. Hot drinks are offered throughout the night. Picnics are also held in the ”Salient” area of the park. The main parlor includes a large stone fireplace, and the mounted rhino head is a relic from a tragic fight between it and an elephant near the waterhole. Tea and cakes are given in the afternoon.
This resort features a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi in public areas are also available. Other amenities include a front desk for visitors, among others.
Child-friendly.
Children under the age of seven are not admitted in the Ark Lounge unless on a special ”children’s night.
The Ark Lodge offers several amenities.
Restaurant and cuisine.
The restaurant serves outstanding cuisine for dinner and breakfast, with options for a buffet or set menu based on the number of guests. Lunch is offered at Aberdare Country Club. However, upon advance request, the same might be arranged at the Ark. The meal is particularly fresh, with organic veggies and species gathered from the Aberdare Country Club gardens, followed with fruits bought from the hamlet. The chef is always on hand to accommodate any unique dietary requirements. The Ark Cellar offers a selection of exquisite wines.
Viewing decks.
On all four levels of The Ark, there is an observation deck, allowing each guest to freely see and photograph the wildlife. There are open viewing spaces on deck B and a picture hide bunker on deck D, providing the ideal photo opportunity with animals only a few yards away.
The Gift Shop.
The gift shop is located on Deck D. It is well-stocked with souvenirs, artifacts bearing the Ark insignia, toiletries, and books that tell the Ark’s narrative.
The Ark Waterhole.
The waterhole is the lodge’s main attraction and draws the most attention. Unlike game drives, when you simply drive past, at The Ark you have the leisure and safety to observe and study the animals without rushing. You can notice the uniqueness of each of the animals that visit the waterhole.
Library.
Our library is well-stocked with flora and fauna, animal history in the Aberdare National Park, and regional history, so please explore the ship’s library for important knowledge and history of this lovely location.
The bar.
As the animals quench their thirst at the water hole, we have our own well-stocked bar with a selection of wines and liqueurs to quench your thirst while also providing you with enjoyment.
Activities performed at The Ark Lodge.
Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities at the sibling Ark Lodge, including safari drives, wildlife viewing, bird watching, guided bush/nature walks, visits to the moorlands, and trout fishing, creating unforgettable memories in Kenya.
How to Get To The Ark Lodge.
The Ark Lodge is accessible from Nairobi via both road and air.
Road transportation. The Arks Lodge, Aberdare Country Club, and its check-in point are approximately two and a half hours’ drive (180 kilometers) from Nairobi. After lunch at the Club, you will be transferred to The Ark with the other guests, which is only 10 kilometers away.
By air transport. Daily scheduled flights (about 45 minutes) connect Nairobi to Nanyuki airfield, followed by a 45-minute drive to Aberdare Country, where you will check in.
