# The Ark Lodge > The Ark Lodge offers a unique wildlife experience with cozy rooms, scenic views, and unparalleled opportunities to observe animals in Aberdare National Park. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a comfortable and unforgettable safari experience. - **Type:** accommodation - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/the-ark-lodge - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Type:** Lodge - **Star Rating:** 5 - **Location:** Mweiga, off Nyeri-Nyahururu Rd, Nyeri - **Destination:** Aberdare National Park - **Price Range:** $$ - **Amenities:** Observation Decks, Restaurant, Wildlife Viewing, Laundry, WiFi, Bar, Gift Shop, Game Drives, Parking, Safari Lounge, Wheelchair Accessible ## Details ## Why Stay at The Ark Lodge? The Ark is one of Kenya's most distinctive safari lodges, designed to resemble Noah's Ark and moored deep in the cool, forested highlands of Aberdare National Park. Rather than driving to find wildlife, guests simply wait: the lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, and a room buzzer system announces special arrivals through the night. ## Where Is The Ark Lodge & What Wildlife Can You See? The lodge sits inside Aberdare National Park near Nyeri, reached via check-in at Aberdare Country Club followed by a 40 to 45-minute transfer through the park; Nairobi is roughly 3 to 4 hours away by road, or a short flight to Mweiga airstrip. The waterhole attracts elephants, buffalo, hyenas, bushbuck and giant forest hogs, with sightings of the elusive black rhino and rare bongo antelope possible in this montane forest ecosystem, an experience entirely different from savannah parks. ## Rooms & Style The Ark offers 60 cosy cabin-style rooms in standard, superior and family categories, echoing the compact charm of a ship's berths. Multiple observation decks, a photography hide and lounges with wide windows mean the wildlife theatre continues from breakfast until well after dark. Half-board and full-board plans include hearty highland meals, horseback safaris explore the moorland fringes, and the gift shop, bar and lounge keep the atmosphere sociable between sightings. ## Who Is It Ideal For? - Wildlife enthusiasts hoping for black rhino and bongo sightings - Families who prefer watching animals arrive rather than long drives - Photographers using the hide and floodlit waterhole at night - Travellers adding a highland forest chapter to a savannah safari ## Pairs Well With The central highlands link neatly to the Rift Valley lakes; continue to [Lake Nakuru National Park](/kenya/lake-nakuru-national-park) on the [7-day Lakes and Plains safari](/safaris/7-days-lakes-and-plains-safari). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is special about The Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park? The Ark Lodge is designed to resemble Noah's Ark and overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick deep in Aberdare National Park. Rather than driving to find wildlife, guests simply wait — a room buzzer system announces special arrivals through the night. Elephants, buffalo, hyenas, bushbuck and giant forest hogs visit the waterhole, with possible sightings of the elusive black rhino and rare bongo antelope. ### How do you check in to The Ark Lodge? All guests check in through Aberdare Country Club before being transferred to The Ark by the lodge's vehicles — a drive of about 40 to 45 minutes through the park. From Nairobi, the road journey to the Country Club via Nyeri and Mweiga takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. Flying is faster: scheduled or charter flights from Wilson Airport reach Mweiga, Nyeri or Nanyuki airstrips in 30 to 60 minutes. ### What rooms does The Ark Lodge offer? The Ark offers 60 cosy cabin-style rooms in standard, superior and family categories, echoing the compact charm of a ship's berths. Standard Rooms have double or twin beds with en-suite bathrooms and forest views, Superior Rooms are larger with excellent waterhole views, and Family Rooms provide multiple beds. Multiple observation decks, a photography hide and wide-windowed lounges keep the wildlife theatre going all day. ### When is the best time to visit The Ark Lodge? June to October is the prime season at The Ark, when drier weather increases wildlife activity around the waterhole and improves visibility for observation and photography. January to February is another highly recommended window with clearer skies. March to May brings lush green-season scenery and spectacular waterfalls, though animals can be harder to spot in dense vegetation, while October to December is quiet and scenic with abundant birdlife. ### What activities are available at The Ark Lodge besides waterhole viewing? Beyond watching the floodlit waterhole, The Ark Lodge offers game drives, night drives, bird watching, photography tours using its dedicated hide, nature walks and horseback safaris exploring the moorland fringes. Half-board and full-board plans include hearty highland meals, with bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, sundowner cocktails and private dining also available. A gift shop, bar and lounge keep the atmosphere sociable between sightings. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.