Spend a night perched above a floodlit waterhole at Treetops or The Ark and watch elephants, bongo and nocturnal visitors come to drink. This compact 2-day lodge safari pairs close-range wildlife viewing with cool, montane scenery and colonial-era history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks low over the Aberdare ridgeline, mist pooling in the valleys while floodlights pick out the silhouettes of elephant and bushbuck at the lodge waterhole. On a 2-day, 1-night lodge safari to Treetops or The Ark, wildlife comes to you: the lodges’ elevated viewing platforms and balconies put guests at eye level with a streaming parade of mammals and night-time visitors drawn to salt licks.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (1 night)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—short walks and vehicle-based game drives; expect uneven lodge steps and damp conditions.
Wildlife
History
Treetops gained global notoriety when Princess Elizabeth was staying there in 1952 and received the news of her accession; the lodges retain a colonial-era atmosphere tied to Kenya’s conservation history.
Conservation
Aberdare National Park is managed to protect high-altitude forest and watershed values; visitors can reduce impact by keeping to lodge areas, avoiding plastics and supporting park fees that fund rangers.
Reserve your spot on the 2 Days 1 Night Tour in Aberdares National Park Safari today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pack warm layers
Temperatures drop after sunset at lodge altitude—bring an insulated jacket and warm hat for evening viewing decks.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Many highlights occur at the waterhole or on game drives—opt for 8–10x binoculars and a 200mm+ lens for photography.
Respect the waterhole etiquette
Keep noise low and avoid flash photography at night to avoid disturbing wildlife and other guests.
Plan for early starts
Morning game viewing and transfers often begin before sunrise—set alarms and keep essentials packed for quick departures.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Brings distant and low-light wildlife at the waterhole into clear view.
Warm insulated jacket
Nights at Aberdare lodges can be chilly—layers keep you comfortable during evening viewing.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Useful for short walks around the lodge and on uneven trails during game drives.
Telephoto camera lens (200mm+)
Captures close-up wildlife and night-time shots from lodge balconies and vehicles.