Treetops Lodge | Nyeri

Treetops Lodge is a renowned and historically significant wildlife lodge located in Aberdare National Park, Kenya. Its unique design and strategic location have made it a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of nature, wildlife viewing, and history. Here is a detailed overview of the lodge:

Overview

Location: Aberdare National Park, Nyeri County, Kenya.

Establishment: Treetops Lodge was originally established in 1932, offering visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Design: The lodge is built into the tops of trees, giving it a treehouse-like appearance. The elevated positioning allows guests to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forest and wildlife. Its design ensures that guests are immersed in nature, providing a comfortable and elevated perspective of the park's wildlife and lush surroundings.

Elevation: The lodge sits at an elevation of around 1,966 meters (6,450 feet) above sea level, offering cooler temperatures and a unique atmosphere.

Historical Significance

Treetops Lodge is famously known for its connection to the British royal family. It gained international fame in 1952 when then-Princess Elizabeth ascended to the British throne while staying at the lodge. She was staying at Treetops when she received the news of her father, King George VI’s passing. This moment was one of the most significant in British royal history.

Royal History: The event was widely publicized, and the lodge became a symbol of history. Following this, the lodge was even more popular among travelers who wanted to stay at this iconic location.

Reconstruction: The original lodge was destroyed by fire in 1954. However, a new lodge was constructed in the 1960s, and it remains the structure that stands today. The newer lodge still retains the original appeal, offering an elevated wildlife-viewing experience.

Wildlife Viewing

Treetops Lodge offers one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Kenya. The lodge is strategically situated in front of a natural watering hole and salt lick, which attracts a variety of animals.

Wildlife: Common visitors to the lodge’s surroundings include elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and numerous bird species. Visitors can witness these animals up close as they come to drink from the watering hole.

Viewing Facilities: The lodge provides large windows in every room, allowing guests to enjoy wildlife viewing directly from their rooms. There is also a top-floor viewing deck that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and wildlife, enhancing the experience for visitors.

Alert System: Treetops Lodge has a buzzer system in each room that alerts guests when wildlife approaches the watering hole, ensuring that visitors never miss the opportunity to watch animals in action.

Accommodation

Treetops Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for its guests. The lodge consists of:

Number of Rooms: There are 36 en-suite rooms, each designed to provide a cozy and relaxing space with a view of the wildlife below. The rooms are equipped with large windows that offer the best vantage points for watching animals.

Room Features: Each room comes with a private bathroom and modern amenities. The main feature is the wildlife viewing windows, which allow guests to feel immersed in the natural surroundings.

Additional Amenities

Treetops Lodge provides several amenities designed to enhance guests’ comfort and experience:

Restaurant and Bar: The lodge features a dining area where guests can enjoy delicious meals while watching wildlife. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisines.

Viewing Areas: Aside from the rooms, the lodge has several viewing spots, including a lounge and a rooftop viewing deck, perfect for spotting wildlife, especially during early mornings and evenings.

Historical Touches: The lodge also displays memorabilia and photographs related to its royal history, giving guests a chance to learn more about the lodge’s significant past.

Accessibility

Treetops Lodge is located approximately 180 kilometers (about a 3-hour drive) from Nairobi, making it a convenient destination for tourists coming from the capital. It is easily accessible by road, but for those preferring quicker transport, it is also accessible via air.

Road Access: The drive from Nairobi takes around 3 hours, with well-maintained roads leading to Aberdare National Park.

Air Access: The lodge can be reached via Mweiga airstrip, located about 7 kilometers away from the lodge, making it possible for guests to fly directly into the area and minimize travel time.

Activities

Besides wildlife viewing, guests at Treetops Lodge can participate in various activities within Aberdare National Park, including:

Game Viewing: The primary activity is game viewing, with opportunities to watch a wide range of wildlife from the comfort of the lodge.

Guided Safaris: Guests can take guided safaris into Aberdare National Park to explore its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, bamboo groves, and grasslands.

Bird Watching: The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great spot for bird watchers.

Photography: With its stunning surroundings and abundant wildlife, Treetops Lodge is an excellent destination for nature and wildlife photography.

Conclusion

Treetops Lodge offers a truly unique experience, combining luxury, history, and wildlife. Whether you are interested in its royal legacy, observing wildlife up close, or enjoying the beauty of Aberdare National Park, Treetops Lodge provides a one-of-a-kind getaway. It is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure, history, and comfort in the heart of Kenya’s wilderness.