The Ark Aberdare
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.
Your time at the Ark
The Ark has four viewing areas from which to observe the ever-present animal activity at the waterhole and saltlick. There is also a ground level hide – the perfect spot for the discerning photographer. From this vantage point, photos of animals can be taken at eye-level. So as not to miss any animal sightings, the resident guide will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. Simply throw on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera and view nightlife at the waterhole! The sister property to The Ark the Aberdare country club, is a short distance away and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Activities include a game walk on our 1300 acres, golf, tennis, horseback riding, relaxing at our health club, taking a dip in the swimming pool, or simply enjoying the gorgeous gardens.
A day at the Ark
Once inside The Ark, the resident host closes the door at 6.30 pm and open it again at 6.30 am. Before dinner, the host gives an interactive talk to guests, who can ask questions and get answers about the local fauna and animals. Dinner is served from 7.30 pm to 9 pm. Going to bed early does not mean missing the action. Guests have been known to stay up all night watching the wildlife. If you do want to go to bed, during the night our resident ranger stays on watch and will buzz your room if an interesting animal comes to the water hole. One ring for Elephant, two rings for Rhino, three rings for Leopard and four rings for other unusual sightings like the Giant Forest Hog.
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. The triple-bed cabins are the best rooms for families.
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 organised at The Ark. The food is very fresh with organic vegetables and spices picked from the Aberdare Country club gardens accompanied by fruit are brought in daily from the village. The chef is always on hand to cater for special dietary requirements. A collection of fine wines is available from The Ark cellar.
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 animals only a few yards away.
The gift shop
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 Ark waterhole
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 waterhole.
The library
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.
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.
Activities
With altitudes ranging from 7,000 feet to 14,000 feet above sea level, the Aberdare National Park is located 260 kilometres from Nairobi. Since the 1950’s, Aberdare National Park has been a major attraction and continues to be a favorite destination of travelers who love the outdoors and wildlife.
Wildlife
Visitors can observe different animals, such as elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinos in the park. These animals come to the waterhole and can be seen from the comfort and secure decks. Elephants dominantly rule the waterholes and salt licks. There are other animals that come to drink water such as hyenas, which have to contend with elephants chasing them off at great speed. Some animals such as leopards are shy. However, the leopards are often seen in the morning and evening during safari drives. While on game drives or walks through the forest, you may chance upon various monkeys, such as the Colobus and Vervet monkeys, for whom the Aberdare National Park is an ideal habitat. Many birds are also found here. In the forest there are many animals like the Red Duiker, Suni, Bushbuck, elephants, buffaloes, leopards etc.
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 reservebecame 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 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.
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 walk.
Visit to the moorlands
At the moorlands you will see the magnificent waterfalls of River Magura, River Karuru and River Chania.
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.
