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Reviews of The Ark Lodge 5 stars

Aberdare National Park, 00100 Nyeri, Kenya

#2 of 17 hotels in Nyeri

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 67 hotel reviews

8.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.9

  • Location

    9.5

  • Facilities

    8.4

  • Staff

    9.4

  • Value for money

    8.0

  • Free WiFi

    6.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 May 2024

    10
    You must visit the Ark, an incredible animal sanctuary with amazing views of Kiri Nyaga.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The food at was not as good as other years we have been there, which was a little disappointing. We had no view from our room (we have been very lucky with great views in the past so we really can't complain)

    The staff really make this an exceptional experience, starting at the country club (Paul and Nderitu), continuing on the drive (Stephen) and of course everyone at the Ark. Special mention to Anne at the Ark, expert in aromatherapy massage. The Ark is so relaxing and so quiet with a true emphasis on the animals. We have been drawn back to this beautiful place several times over the last 32 years and will continue to return.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 April 2024

    10
    Relaxing, cosy and a welcome retreat.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The big fire in the main area, the warm water bottles in the bed, the friendly staff. Thank you!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Amazing place right by a watering hole. We spent two nights. The first night was only buffalo and forest pigs. The second night there were elephants and babies the entire night. We say 15 hyenas, they even tried a go at the elephants! The buzzer system is great. We are vegan and they prepared some great food for us. Make sure to check out the 'bunker' in the basement for great viewing.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 January 2024

    10
    I loved it, especially all the animals that come to the mineral rich soil around the hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Rooms are kinda small, but still ok

    Amazing breakfast. We are vegetarians, and the food was perfect for us

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 January 2024

    8.0
    Interesting Place.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The room was rather small. The time it took to find out that we had actually paid. If it was not on purpose then they should work with their accounting.

    A very nice restaurant and an interesting set-up in general. Fine view of animals outside.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2024

    8.0
    Lovely stay in the Ark Lodge
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Early check-out ;-)

    Lovely surroundings, everything was enjoyable! Thank you

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 December 2023

    10
    Excellent and memorable.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A small suggestion: a shelf in the bathroom and also in the bedroom would make a real difference. And easy to address, I think.

    We loved the day safari around the Aberdares - green, fresh, and lots of animals. We really enjoyed the lecture about elephants by Stephen. The food was excellent, as was the bar and the log fire. And we loved having hot water bottles in our bed at night! Special thanks also go to Amos for taking care of us.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 October 2023

    9.0
    Will definitely be going back!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    My first room had a slight plumbing issue, but the staff quickly moved me to another room.

    The location is amazing, right in the middle of the Aberdare with lots of wildlife. The staff were very helpful, and the food was great too.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 October 2023

    9.0
    Excellent stay. Highly recommended.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Excellent stay with no problems. Wonderful experience!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 July 2023

    9.0
    Amazing wildlife views, great food and welcoming staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Quite expensive

    Food was excellent, the location was unique and the staff friendly

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2023

    10
    My only regret is not staying 2 nights. 🙁
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I didn’t like having to buy water. The hotel could buy a 5 gallon water jug and let customers fill up their glasses whenever. I did like the glass water bottles in our room.

    I loved the 3 floors of windows for viewing the animals and the decor was really cool. The bar is cool and good food. AMAZON staff!

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Better communication about pick up and drop off at the Aberdare Country Club would have been helpful.

    The view over the water hole and salt lick was amazing for seeing animals and birds. A relaxing and memorable last two days of our trip to Kenya. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food was delicious.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2022

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff and reservation team. At onset they charged us rack rates which were far more than booking.com

    The stay was very good. However the staff unfriendly. Starting from the sales team of Nairobi office, reservation office - Paul. They told us the minimum stay was 2 nights only to get to base to be told we have lost the money for 2nd night as no refund will granted. This were words from only one Solomon of Aberdares country club.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2022

    8.0
    The place is superb!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wine is abnormally expensive especially for kenyans.

    Food and view of animals was cool. The facility is beautiful. Security is good.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: 21 August 2022

    10
    execlent
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    none

    As soon as you step foot in the ARK you'll feel happy. (1) You will be surrounded by an atmosphere of classic elegance. (2) You will enjoy the hospitality of the entire staff.

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: 28 May 2022

    8.0
    We would love to go back - a unique place - but check out at 8am is too early.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We were all woken up by an alarm at 7am, had to eat breakfast very quickly (one hour is not enough with little kids) and were all carted out at 8am. This was far too early, cut our experience short and caused a lot of stress. It ruins the experience, especially if you want to stay up to watch the animal activities at night. It means hardly any sleep. A noon check out would be more humane and fair, also for that price.

    A unique experience. Very exciting to watch the animals, the rooms were clean, the food was great, the staff were friendly and such a fabulous location.

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 May 2022

    10
    Amazing stay. Great service
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    You have to check out at the Aberdare country club before proceeding to the hotel. Check in should directly at the property

    Service was great. Price was good since you get a full board room. Food was good and there were many options for vegetarians like me. After 4 pm the pond by the hotel gets full of elephants and buffalos. It is such a wonderful experience

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 2 May 2022

    8.0
    Good location and good food.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms too small.

    Food was very good.

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Triple Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    overpriced, wifi is weak

    The location is fantastic

    Stayed in January 2022

  • Reviewed: 14 January 2022

    8.0
    A great stay in reasonable accommodation situated in an amazing location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The furnishings (and the whole demeanour of the place) is very dated - it needs an uplift.

    The location is amazing and the staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2022

    9.0
    It is a perfectly located and interestingly built hotel, that is despite it’s older age appearance still comfortable, co
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    - slightly smaller portions of dinner

    - its location where you can observe elephants, hyenas, many birds, buffaloes and other animals from an incredible proximity and safety - warming beds via hot water bags before going to bed - good staff taking care of guests - afternoon tea time with coffee, tea, biscuits/little cakes

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 20 December 2021

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Sheer magnificense and tranquility Serenity at its peak... Perfect setup for someone seeking peace of mind

    Stayed in December 2021

  • Reviewed: 17 June 2021

    9.0
    Great place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Make sure you call ahead before coming for lunch, as they only carry in to the park exactly what they need. We had booked for the night but arrived in time for lunch, and the staff kindly made an exception for us - good on them, we appreciated it. Wonderful place, would recommend to all.

    Stayed in June 2021

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    7.0
    Nice place aging a bit and over priced
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Manipulating of currency exchange rate and refusal to let me pay in dollars cost me a lot more than the quoted rate from booking.com. Also due to weather they refused to take us on a game drive as we wanted

    Great relaxing place that we love

    Stayed in April 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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