Treetops Lodge
Situated deep within the misty highlands of central Kenya, Treetops Lodge acts as one of the most ancient lodges in the world. Raised above the forest and facing a natural waterhole, this historic lodge provides tourists the unique chance to watch wildlife from a unique, high viewpoint.
For those planning a Kenya safari, treetops offers tourists the rare opportunity to observe wildlife from a unique, elevated view. Treetops lodge provides the perfect mixture of royal history, amazing landscape and personal encounters with Africa’s wonderful wildlife.
Located within Aberdare national park, treetops is not only a lodge but also an experience immersed in history, mystery and charm. From being the site where princess Elizabeth became queen Elizabeth II in 1952 to being a sanctuary where elephants and buffaloes gather nightly, treetops remains a timeless symbol of Kenya’s safari heritage.
A HISTORIC ICON IN KENYA’S SAFARI LEGACY
Treetops lodge is famous worldwide for its royal connection. On February 6, 1952, princess Elizabeth and her husband prince Philip stayed at the lodge during a wildlife tour of Kenya. That very night, her father George VI passed away and she ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II thus climbing down as a princess and ascending as a queen.
This extraordinary historical event changed treetops into one of the most famous landmarks in the world of safari tourism. To this day, tourists are attracted to its legacy, eager to stand where a queen once stood and to witness the wild drama of the Aberdare stretch out below.
Location and setting
Treetops lodge is situated within Aberdare national park, a lush, mountainous region located about 150 kilometers north of Nairobi. The park lies between Kenya’s great rift valley and the central highlands, featuring altitudes that range from 2,000 to over 4,000 meters.
The drive from Nairobi to the lodge takes around three hours, offering a scenic journey through rolling hills, tea plantations and traditional kikuyu villages. Guests check in at the Aberdare country club which acts as the base lodge for treetops. From there, they are moved to the lodge in safari vehicles, roaming through dense forests and misty hills where elephants, buffaloes and antelope roam freely.
This isolated and raised setting offers treetops a feeling of isolation and peace, thus making it perfect for tourists searching for a peaceful retreat rich in the african wilderness.
Architecture and design
Just like its name states, treetops lodge is constructed high above the ground, supported by wooden poles and nestled into the canopy of ancient trees. This extraordinary architecture allows guests to feel completely submerged in nature while remaining safely raised from the animals below.
The lodges’ viewing decks, lounges and large windows overlook a natural waterhole and salt lick, which attract wildlife throughout the day and night. Floodlights illuminate the area after dark, thus allowing guests to witness nocturnal animal behaviors, an extraordinary experience rarely found in traditional safari lodges.
Inside, the lodge’s rustic wooden interiors and cozy atmosphere evoke the charm of an old explorer’s outpost. Every room is simple but comfortable, mixing natural materials with modern meets. The absence of television or loud entertainment encourages guests to fully engage with the sights and sounds of the forest, thus a true african safari immersion.
Dining and hospitality
Dining at treetops lodge is an intimate experience. Meals are served in a cozy dining room with large windows overlooking the forest, thus allowing guests to enjoy spectacular views while savoring Kenyan and international cuisine.
The lodge’s chefs use locally sourced ingredients to prepare fresh, hearty meals and the warm hospitality of the staff ensures that every guest gathers in the lodge with a drink in hand, sharing stories of sightings as the night unfolds outside a quintessential african safari tradition.
WILDLIFE ENCOUN
Treetop lodges offer a wildlife experience like no other. Because of its strategic location beside a well-frequented waterhole, guests don’t have to venture far to see Africa’s iconic animals. Instead, the animals come to you.
Throughout the day, herds of elephants, buffaloes and bushbucks visit the waterhole to drink and bathe. At night, hyenas, giant forest hogs, leopards and sometimes even black rhinos emerge from the shadows to quench their thirst.
To ensure guests never miss a special sighting, each room is equipped with a buzzer system that alerts tourists when key animals such as leopards or rhinos are spotted near the waterhole. This innovative feature ensures that even while resting, guests remain part of the ongoing safari adventure.
Tourists on an african safari, the excitement of observing elephants below the moonlight or hearing the calls of hyenas echo through the forest is an experience that grabs the true spirit of the wild.
Birdwatching paradise
Aberdare national park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 250 species of birds. The forested environment surrounding treetops lodge is home to unique highland and forest birds such as the Hartlaub’s turaco, silvery-cheeked hornbill, bar-tailed trogon and mountain buzzard.
The lodges’ elevated decks offer an excellent vantage point for birdwatching, where guests can spot colorful species flitting among the treetops. Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated birder, this is a remarkable location to experience the avian diversity of an african safari.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AT TREETOP LODGE
While the main attraction of treetops is its constant wildlife viewing, the lodge also offers a range of unique experiences that make it stand out among Kenya’s safari destinations.
- Night wildlife observation
The major delight of staying at treetops is the ability to watch animals after dark. The highlight waterhole provides 24 hour wildlife observation opportunities, providing guests a unique peek into the secret lives of nocturnal animals
- Guided nature walks
From the Aberdare country club, visitors can enjoy guided nature walks through open grasslands and forest trails before heading to treetops. These walks offer the chance to learn about local flora, birdlife and smaller mammals, thus enhancing the educational value of your african safari.
- Historical and cultural perception
Treetops lodge proudly shows photographs, artifacts and stories from its royal history. Guests can explore the displays of the history of queen Elizabeth II’s visit and know about the colonial history that formed Kenya’s safari culture.
Tourists can also visit nearby kikuyu villages which can be arranged, thus providing a greater understanding of Kenya’s highland communities, traditions and preservation efforts.
- Photography and reflection
Some places in Africa compete with treetops for photography. The cooperation of light, mist and wildlife forms an ever-changing view of natural beauty. Whether capturing an elephant’s silhouette at sunrise or the sparkle of raindrops on the leaves, every moment is a photographic masterpiece waiting to happen.
Therefore, treetops lodge in Aberdare national park is far more than a place to stay; it’s a living monument to Kenya’s safari heritage and a sanctuary for those who wish to experience the wild in its purest form. Its royal legacy, unmatched wildlife encounters and tranquil setting make it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking an unforgettable african safari adventure.