Information
Landmark: Treetops LodgeCity: Nyeri
Country: Kenya
Continent: Africa
Treetops Lodge, Nyeri, Kenya, Africa
Overview
Treetops Lodge, perched among the trees in Aberdare National Park, Kenya, is famous for its rich history and remarkable wildlife views.With its one-of-a-kind design and prime spot near the river bend, it draws tourists eager for a mix of lush landscapes, close-up wildlife encounters, and rich history.Here’s a quick look at the lodge-tucked inside Aberdare National Park, in Nyeri County, Kenya, where mist often drifts through the trees.Treetops Lodge opened its doors in 1932, welcoming guests to watch elephants wander past and soak in an unforgettable wildlife experience.Design: The lodge nestles high among the branches, so it feels like a treehouse, with wooden beams brushing against leaves just outside the windows.From its high perch, guests can take in sweeping views of the forest below, spotting deer moving quietly through the trees.The design pulls guests right into nature, letting them relax while gazing down at the park’s wildlife and the emerald sweep of its trees.Perched about 1,966 meters-6,450 feet-above sea level, the lodge enjoys crisp, cool air and a distinctive mountain feel.Treetops Lodge holds a special place in history, celebrated for its ties to the British royal family-where once a young princess watched the dawn break over the forest.In 1952, the lodge made headlines around the world when Princess Elizabeth, sipping tea by the fire, learned she’d become Queen of Britain.She was at Treetops when word came that her father, King George VI, had died, the air still heavy with the scent of rain on cedar.It was a turning point in British royal history, the kind people still picture with the sound of church bells in the air.Royal History: News of the event spread quickly, and the lodge soon stood as a proud symbol of the past, its old timbers smelling faintly of pine.After that, the lodge drew even more travelers-people eager to spend a night beneath its cedar beams in such an iconic spot.Reconstruction: A fire tore through the old lodge in 1954, leaving only its charred stone chimney standing.In the 1960s, workers built a new lodge, and that’s the same sturdy building you can still see standing today.The new lodge keeps its old charm, while giving you a better view of the wildlife-like spotting a heron gliding across the lake at dusk.At Treetops Lodge, you’ll find some of Kenya’s finest wildlife sights-elephants browsing quietly beneath the trees.The lodge sits right across from a clear watering hole and a pale salt lick, drawing in everything from antelope to thirsty birds.Around the lodge, it’s not unusual to spot elephants ambling past, buffalo grazing in the distance, a rhino emerging from the brush, or a leopard slipping between shadows-and the trees are alive with the chatter of countless birds.You can watch these animals wander in close, their hooves crunching the dry earth, as they gather to drink from the watering hole.Every room at the lodge has wide windows, so guests can watch deer grazing or birds swooping past without leaving the comfort of their bed.On the top floor, a viewing deck opens to sweeping forest views, where you might catch the rustle of leaves or a deer moving through the trees, making the visit unforgettable.At Treetops Lodge, every room has a buzzer that goes off when wildlife nears the watering hole, so guests can rush to the window and catch the sight of antelope bending to drink.Treetops Lodge welcomes guests with cozy rooms, where soft blankets and warm lighting make it easy to feel at home.The lodge offers 36 en‑suite rooms, each a warm, inviting space with a window overlooking the wildlife grazing below.Each room has wide windows that frame the perfect view-like catching sight of a giraffe strolling past at dawn.Each room has its own bathroom, plus modern extras like a sleek shower and soft towels.The highlight is the wildlife viewing windows, letting guests sink into the scene outside-a squirrel darting past or leaves trembling in the breeze.Treetops Lodge offers extra comforts to make every stay memorable, including a cozy restaurant and bar where you can savor hearty meals while spotting elephants in the distance.The restaurant offers everything from fresh local dishes to flavorful plates inspired by kitchens around the world.Beyond the rooms, the lodge offers several places to take in the view-a cozy lounge and a rooftop deck where you can watch wildlife drift through the mist at dawn or under the fading light of evening.Historical touches fill the lodge, from worn leather-bound albums to faded photographs of royal visits, inviting guests to step into its storied past.Treetops Lodge sits about 180 kilometers from Nairobi-roughly a three-hour drive-so visitors from the capital can reach it easily, with the road winding past acacia trees and dusty market stalls along the way.You can reach it easily by road, but if you’re in a hurry, there’s also a quick flight that gets you there.It’s about a three-hour drive from Nairobi, with smooth, well-kept roads that wind past green hills before reaching Aberdare National Park.Air Access: Guests can fly straight into the area via Mweiga airstrip, just 7 kilometers from the lodge, cutting travel time to a short drive past the acacia trees.Beyond spotting wildlife, guests at Treetops Lodge can dive into a variety of experiences in Aberdare National Park, with game viewing front and center-picture watching elephants amble past right from the lodge’s veranda.Guests can join guided safaris into Aberdare National Park, wandering through shadowy forests, quiet bamboo stands, and wide, sunlit grasslands.Bird Watching: The park bursts with birdlife, from bright red cardinals to quiet owls, making it a favorite place for anyone who loves spotting feathers in the trees.With towering trees, crisp mountain air, and wildlife grazing nearby, Treetops Lodge is a perfect spot for capturing nature and animal photography.In the end, Treetops Lodge delivers a one-of-a-kind stay, blending plush comfort, rich history, and the call of wild birds at dawn.Whether you’re drawn to its royal history, eager to watch elephants feed just yards away, or simply soaking in the beauty of Aberdare National Park, Treetops Lodge offers a getaway you won’t find anywhere else.In the heart of Kenya’s wilderness, it offers adventure, rich history, and the ease of a soft bed after a long day under the sun.
