Resembling and named after Noah's Ark, The Ark comprises three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you closer than you would believe possible to the animals such as elephant, rhino, leopard, bushbuck and occasionally an elusive bongo or giant forest hog.
The Ark has 60 'cabin-styled' rooms, comprising 5 singles, 36 twin, 10 double and 8 triple-bedded cabins (and one courier cabin which is not en suite). All rooms have private bathrooms with shower; all are comfortably furnished and enjoy a view of the forest waterhole. Each cabin is fitted with a buzzer to announce the arrival of one of the "Big Five" at the waterhole. Dinner and breakfast are served "On Board" in the main dining room. Located on one of the viewing decks are a lounge and a bar, which remains open all night for tea and coffee.
You can, on a full-day game drive, visit the Aberdare National Park. Travelling through the Salient, you gradually climb in your vehicle to the National Park gate at a height of about 8000 feet. As you ascend, you see the vegetation change to tall cedars, Podo trees, thick Bamboo forest and varieties of Alpine trees. Wild mountain flowers bloom in a riot of colour. Profuse bird-life (including such species as the scarlet tufted malachite sunbird) reside here. Despite the dense vegetation, you may have glimpses of elephant, buffalo, zebra, colobus monkey and waterbuck. At 10,000 feet in the upper tundra region you see the majestic peaks of Mt. Kenya, Batian and Nelion. Another option is a visit to the Salient. Only specially authorised vehicles are permitted to visit this area of the Aberdare National Park in an effort to conserve and protect the environment. This Park is home to elephant, rhino, buffalo, bush buck, giant forest hog, Sykes monkey, leopard and the rare bongo. An ornithologist’s paradise, sunbirds - tacazze, golden winged malachite, dainty double-collared and scarlet-chested - emerald Narina’s Trogon and the crowned eagle are a few of the species to sight. All the Aberdare Country Club’s vehicles are authorised to enter the Salient.
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