Aberdare Country Club

Overview

Aberdare Country Club is a historic and scenic highland retreat located on the slopes of Mweiga Hills in central Kenya. Originally a private home, it has evolved into a charming safari-style country club offering a peaceful base for exploring the Aberdare ecosystem.

The property is widely known as the gateway to The Ark Lodge inside Aberdare National Park. Guests typically begin their stay here before being transferred into the park for a unique wildlife viewing experience at floodlit waterholes.

Surrounded by lush gardens, rolling hills, and cool highland air, Aberdare Country Club offers a completely different safari atmosphere compared to Kenya’s savannah parks—focused more on relaxation, scenery, and forest wildlife encounters.

Location & Setting

Aberdare Country Club is located in the Aberdare highlands near Mweiga.

Key location advantages

• Scenic central Kenya highlands
• Gateway to Aberdare National Park
• Transfer point to The Ark Lodge
• Cool mountain climate
• Lush gardens and forested surroundings
• Easy access from Nairobi (approx. 2–3 hours)

The setting is peaceful and ideal for relaxation before entering the national park.

Why Stay at Aberdare Country Club?

Aberdare Country Club offers a peaceful and scenic highland retreat with access to one of Kenya’s most unique safari experiences at The Ark Lodge. It is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation, nature, and a different perspective on Kenya’s wildlife beyond the savannah.

Accommodation (Room Types)

The property offers comfortable country-style rooms and cottages spread across landscaped grounds.

Standard Rooms

Cozy rooms with garden or hillside views.

Cottages

Spacious private cottages ideal for families or groups.

Guests can expect

• En-suite bathrooms
• Comfortable beds
• Garden or forest views
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Traditional country-style décor
• Peaceful outdoor seating areas

Accommodation focuses on comfort and nature immersion.

Dining Experience

Dining at Aberdare Country Club reflects its country estate atmosphere.

Dining highlights

• Buffet and à la carte meals
• Fresh farm-style cuisine
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Bar and lounge
• Garden dining experiences
• Private dining options available

Meals emphasize fresh, locally inspired ingredients.

Wildlife & Safari Experience

Aberdare offers a unique forest safari experience compared to open savannah parks.

Activities include

• Transfer to The Ark Lodge for night wildlife viewing
• Game drives in Aberdare National Park
• Birdwatching in forest zones
• Nature walks (in designated areas)
• Photography of highland landscapes
• Cultural and historical visits nearby

Wildlife Highlights

The Aberdare ecosystem is home to:

• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Leopard (rare sightings)
• Giant forest hog
• Bushbuck
• Colobus monkeys
• Diverse bird species

Wildlife is often seen in forest clearings and at waterholes in the park.

The Ark Lodge Experience

One of the main highlights of staying here is access to The Ark Lodge.

Guests may experience:

• Night-time wildlife viewing at floodlit waterholes
• Elephant and buffalo gatherings
• Rare nocturnal animal sightings
• Observation decks with bunker-style viewing rooms

Aberdare Country Club acts as the comfortable staging point before and after this unique experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful highland setting
• Gateway to The Ark Lodge
• Peaceful, scenic environment
• Rich colonial-style charm
• Good for relaxation and short stays
• Close to Aberdare National Park

Cons

• Not inside the national park
• Wildlife mostly seen during park excursions
• Limited “big safari plains” experience

Best For

Aberdare Country Club is ideal for:

• Couples
• Families
• Relaxation-focused travelers
• Safari stopovers
• High-end leisure guests
• Visitors to The Ark Lodge

Nearby Attractions

• Aberdare National Park
• The Ark Lodge
• Karuru Falls
• Thomson’s Falls (Nyahururu)
• Mount Kenya foothills
• Local coffee estates

Safari Packages Using This Property

Aberdare Country Club is commonly included in:

• Aberdare & Mount Kenya Safari Packages
• Kenya Highlands Safari Tours
• The Ark Lodge Night Safari Experiences
• Luxury Kenya Circuit Safaris
• Nairobi–Aberdare Short Breaks

Best Time to Visit

June – October

Best for:

• Clear highland weather
• Comfortable temperatures
• Good wildlife viewing

January – March

Best for:

• Warm, dry conditions
• Scenic landscapes
• Easy travel access

April – May & November

Best for:

• Lush green scenery
• Fewer visitors
• Misty highland atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aberdare Country Club inside the national park?

No. It is located outside the park and serves as a gateway to Aberdare National Park and The Ark Lodge.

What is the main attraction?

The main attraction is access to The Ark Lodge for night-time wildlife viewing at floodlit waterholes.

Is it good for families?

Yes. It is a quiet and safe highland retreat suitable for families.

How many nights should I stay?

1–2 nights is ideal, especially when combined with The Ark Lodge experience.

Can I see wildlife at the property?

Occasionally, but most wildlife viewing happens during park excursions or at The Ark Lodge.