Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is located in the central part of Kenya, just 160 kms north of Nairobi and was named after Lord Aberdare, the then-president of the Royal Geographical Society. The Aberdare National Park covers the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges of central Kenya, which the locals then called Nyandarua.
Animals that are easily observed in the park include; the Black Rhino, Leopard, Giant Forest Hog, Black and White Colobus monkeys and Sykes Monkey. Rarer sightings include those of Lions, the Golden Cat and the Bongo- an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the Eland and spotted and melanistic serval cats can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Sweet waters tented camp
A sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Serena Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury. The tented camp has 39 luxury tents, each with its own ensuite bathroom (hot and cold running water, 24-hour hot showers and flushed WCs). All tents have luxury canvas interiors, solid floors and separate thatched roofs. Electricity is provided by 24 hour generator. 14 tents are on raised platforms with private balconies, the rest have private verandas, all with safari chairs and tables. Extra beds and cots can also be provided.
The Ark/ Aberdare country club
Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Modeled after Noah’s Ark, The Ark has four viewing decks with balconies and lounges to provide superb game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. 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.
The Aberdare Country Club, only a two and a half hour drive northeast from Nairobi, is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. This captivating site was the homestead of an English couple that decided to settle in Kenya. Almost a half century later, their home, “The Steep”, was renamed the Aberdare Country Club and opened for guests. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare Country Club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn.
Mt. Kenya Safari Club
With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Resort’s 120 luxuriously appointed hotel rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. It’s no wonder this Nanyuki resort emerged a winner in the 2013 Travellers Choice Awards and that Travel & Leisure Magazine often positions it in the ‘World’s Top 50’ List. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club’s illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby.