The Ark lodge
The Ark lodge is located 197km north of Nairobi ranges on the altitude of 2,286 meters (7500 feet). The Ark lodge is a world famous and one of the Kenya’s must do experiences, built to resemble the Noah’s Ark it floats amid the forests of the Aberdare National Park, joined to the world by its own wooden drawbridge. The Yasabara Waterhole, meanwhile, attracts animals from all over the park, notably large herds of elephant. No private vehicles are allowed within the area, guests are brought in by the bus from the nearby Aberdare Country Club, which serves as a king of the staging post for the Ark itself. The ark Lodge is a 4-star lodge with free breakfast and restaurant.
An expectant hush pervades The Ark, Conversations are whispered, binoculars and cameras head in readiness. There is an early wake-up call-to catch both the wildlife and the first glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya, it’s the public viewing areas, however, that give the Ark its utterly unique appeal. The visitors can see the animals from three different levels, inside or out. The ground level photo hide has no glass in the windows thus allowing visitors to be literally feet away from a herd of elephants. Elsewhere, viewing can be done in warmth and relaxation.
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 the three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide a superb location for wildlife to be seen, so that you do not 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 the 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 the beauty of it all’’
Accommodation.
The Ark offers 60 `en-suite rooms or the ‘cabins’ on the various decks, silence is requested so as to encourage optimum game viewing, bells in the rooms indicate when game has come to the waterhole. All rooms have electricity. Laundry can be done at the nearby the Aberdare Country club, the disabled access is provided. Only a lightweight overnight bag and camera equipment are allowed, then excess luggage can be safely stored at the Aberdare country club vantage points.
A deck lounge-glassed-off viewing lounge, overlooking the waterhole
B deck with balcony-open balcony just above the salt-lick and waterhole, where the spotlights are aimed from.
C deck enclave-glassed-off lounge, a designated non-smoking area, view of the waterhole.
D deck-photographic hide, non-smoking ‘’bunker’’ at ground level.
Game alarm, Glass enclave-another-off, non-smoking lounge, Open-air balcony, the catwalk, Bird feeding platform.
The Ark is afair-sized lodge with 60 deluxe ‘’cabin style’’ rooms, each with an en-situ bathroom. There are 6 singles, 37 twin-bed rooms, 8 double/ queen bedrooms and 9 triple-bed of family rooms. Deck C is easily accessible for the disabled. All 60 rooms offer room service, premium bedding, and free bottled water. Beds feature premium bedding, bathrooms include the showers and complementary toiletries, housekeeping is always provided.
Dining and bars.
The Ark lodge has a central dining with the communal tables, serving traditional safari buffet selections, there is also a charmingly rustic bar. Hot drinks available throughout the night. Picnics are also held in the ‘’Salient’’ portion of the park. The main lounge has a large stone fireplace, the mounted rhino head is a relic of a fatal fight between it and an elephant, which took place by the waterhole, then the tea and cakes are served in the afternoon.
Along with a restaurant, this lodge has a bar/lounge and the laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas are also provided. Other amenities include a front-desk to the guests and among others.
Child-friendly.
Children under the age of seven are not permitted at the Ark Lounge unless on a special ‘’ children’s night’’.
Facilities provides by the Ark Lodge.
Restaurant and Cuisine.
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 species picked from the Aberdare Country Club gardens accompanied by the fruits that are brought from the village. The chef is always on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements. A collection of fine wines is available from The Ark celler.
Viewing Decks.
On all four levels of The Ark there is a viewing deck thus creating enough room for avery 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 animals only a few yards away.
The Gift Shop.
The gift shop is located on the 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 Ark Water Hole.
The waterhole is the premier attraction and the 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 seen appreciate the uniqueness of each of the animals that come to the waterhole.
Library.
Our library is well stocked 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.
The Bar.
As the animals quench their thirst at the water hole, we have our own well stocked bar with a variety of the wines and liqueurs available for you to quench yours with that takes away your thirst and brings you enjoyment.
Activities done at The Ark Lodge.
The tourists are given the number of the activities to be done during their tours at the sister Ark Lodge which includes the Safari drive, wildlife viewing, Bird watching, Guided Bush/Nature walk, Visit to the Moorlands, trout fishing which gives the tourists the best memories in Kenya.
How to get to The Ark Lodge.
The Ark lodge can be accessed by both the road and the air means from Nairobi city to the lodge.
By Road transport. It’s about a 2 and a half drive (180km) from Nairobi to The Arks lodge, Aberdare Country Club, and its check-in point. After lunch at the Club, you will be transferred to The Ark with other guests, only 10km away.
By Air transport. Daily scheduled flights (approximately 45 minutes fly time) connect from Nairobi to Nanyuki airstrip, followed by a further 45-minute drive to the Aberdare Country, your check-in point.
