Kenya · Safari

3-Day Aberdare Safari at The Ark Lodge with Night Wildlife Viewing

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy luxurious treehouse-style accommodation with wildlife views at The Ark Lodge
  • 02 Explore Aberdare National Park on guided game drives and scenic nature walks
  • 03 Experience unique nighttime wildlife viewing from the lodge's observation decks
  • 04 Discover diverse landscapes, waterfalls, and over 250 bird species in the park
  • 05 Encounter rare animals such as the bongo and giant forest hog

Experience a thrilling 3-day safari at The Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park. Enjoy luxurious treehouse-style accommodation with panoramic views of wildlife at the waterhole, guided game drives, and serene nature walks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kenya's highlands while discovering Aberdare's diverse landscapes, rich birdlife, and remarkable wildlife.

Evening: Settle in and watch as elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife gather at the waterhole from the lodge's observation decks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Nairobi, Aberdare National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to The Ark Lodge in Aberdare

  • Morning: Depart from Nairobi and enjoy a scenic drive to Aberdare National Park.

  • Afternoon: Arrive at The Ark Lodge, a unique treehouse-style accommodation overlooking a busy waterhole.

  • Evening: Settle in and watch as elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife gather at the waterhole from the lodge's observation decks.

2
Day 02

Game Drive and Nature Walk in Aberdare

  • Early Morning: Embark on an exciting game drive through the diverse landscapes of Aberdare National Park.

  • Late Morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast and some leisure time.

  • Afternoon: Join a guided nature walk to explore the park's flora and smaller fauna.

  • Evening: Relax at The Ark with uninterrupted views of wildlife at the waterhole, capturing the essence of the wild.

3
Day 03

Final Wildlife Viewing and Return to Nairobi

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some final wildlife viewing from the lodge.

  • Mid-Morning: Check out from The Ark and begin the drive back to Nairobi, with opportunities for more game viewing along the way.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi, marking the end of a memorable safari experience.

The Ark Lodge treehouse-style accommodation, waterhole wildlife gatherings, Aberdare National Park

Where this trip takes you

The Ark Lodge treehouse-style accommodation, waterhole wildlife gatherings, Aberdare National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation at The Ark Lodge (or a similar lodge) on a full-board basis

  • Meals - usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of the safari

  • Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Park entry fees for Aberdare National Park

  • Game drives in Aberdare National Park, including the unique experience of wildlife viewing from The Ark's decks

  • Bottled water in the safari vehicle

  • Pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi, typically at the airport or your hotel

  • Taxes and levies related to the safari

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, phone calls, and tips

  • Travel insurance (it is recommended for any safari)

  • Tips for guides, lodge staff, and drivers

  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (for example, nature walks or night game drives, if available, may be extra)

  • Visa fees, if applicable

  • International flights and airport transfers if outside Nairobi

  • Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs or special equipment for photography

Know before you go

  • The Ark Lodge Experience

    • Styled after Noah's Ark, this lodge is designed for maximum wildlife observation, especially at night.

    • It overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attract a variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, and leopards.

    • Guests can observe wildlife from multiple levels, including panoramic viewing decks, ensuring excellent visibility.

  • Nighttime Wildlife Viewing

    • One of the unique aspects of The Ark is the chance to view nocturnal wildlife up close, with the lodge sounding buzzers when rare animals approach.

    • It is excellent for spotting elusive animals like leopards, hyenas, and the occasionally shy bongo, a rare forest antelope.

  • Scenic Landscapes and Birdlife

    • Aberdare is known for its dramatic landscapes, including dense forests, waterfalls, and bamboo groves.

    • The park is also home to over 250 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers.

    • The moorlands, forest canopy, and misty weather create an enchanting atmosphere.

  • Waterfalls and Hiking Trails

    • Aberdare National Park boasts several waterfalls, including Karuru Falls, one of the tallest in Kenya.

    • Hiking through the forest and moorlands offers beautiful vistas and the chance to encounter unique flora and fauna.

  • Rare and Endangered Species

    • Aberdare is one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot the bongo and the giant forest hog.

    • Other commonly sighted animals include elephants, black rhinos, and a variety of antelope species.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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