Aberdare Country Club

Aberdare Country Club occupies a large, private estate on the slopes of Mweiga Hill, approximately 180 kilometres and a three-hour drive from Nairobi. The club serves as a primary logistical gateway to the Aberdare National Park, a protected expanse of indigenous montane forests, bamboo thickets, and high moorlands in Kenya's central highlands.

From its grounds, the property offers clear views across the Laikipia Plains towards the magnificent Aberdare mountain range.

The Country Estate Layout of Aberdare Country Club

The property is centred on a main manor house, built in a classic colonial style with solid stone walls, polished wooden floors, and deep verandas. This central building contains the reception, guest lounges with large fireplaces, the primary bar, and formal dining areas.

The grounds are a significant feature, covering 1,300 acres of well-tended gardens and a private wildlife sanctuary, all enclosed within a secure perimeter fence. The overall environment feels more like a traditional country estate than a conventional safari camp, offering a controlled and serene atmosphere.

Cottages and Suites at Aberdare Country Club

Guest accommodation is provided in 48 cottages and suites detached from the main building. These are distributed across the gardens, offering a high degree of privacy and tranquility.

The walk from the rooms to the main manor is along paved stone pathways that wind through the mature gardens, often visited by resident peacocks and warthogs.

Stone Cottages with Garden Views

The standard accommodation consists of spacious cottages, configured as either stand-alone units or in semi-detached blocks of two. Each cottage is constructed from local stone with a solid roof, an en-suite bathroom with a shower, and a small veranda overlooking the gardens or the golf course.

Room interiors are appointed with classic furnishings, including comfortable bedding, a writing desk, and a seating area with its own fireplace, which staff can light on request during the cool highland evenings.

Family Cottages and Spacious Suites

For larger groups or those desiring more space, a selection of suites and two-bedroom cottages is available. These units provide additional living space with a separate lounge area, and the family cottages feature interconnecting rooms.

This arrangement is well-suited for guests travelling with children, allowing for both convenient proximity and individual privacy.

On-Site Activities and Club Facilities

A significant number of on-site activities are available, catering to guests on non-safari days or those with younger family members. The club's extensive facilities form a core part of its appeal and value.

• 9-Hole Golf Course: A challenging 9-hole, par-3 golf course meanders through the estate. Equipment hire is available for guests.
• Heated Swimming Pool: A heated swimming pool is located in the gardens, complete with an adjacent sun terrace and dedicated bar service.
• Private Wildlife Sanctuary: The grounds include the Mweiga Game Sanctuary, home to the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, zebra, impala, and Thomson's gazelles, which can be seen on foot, horseback, or during a guided nature walk.
• Equestrian Centre: Horse riding is a popular activity, offering a different perspective from which to observe the sanctuary's resident wildlife.
• Health and Wellness: A health club with a spa, steam room, sauna, and gymnasium is available for all guests.

Formal Dining and Lounges at the Club

The club maintains a traditional approach to dining, which is centred on the main building. Most stays are booked on a full-board basis, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant serves either a set menu or a buffet, with cuisine that blends international dishes with locally sourced Kenyan ingredients.

The atmosphere is formal, and the service is notably attentive. A separate bar and lounge, complete with a large fireplace, provides a comfortable space for pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner conversation.

Gateway to The Ark and Aberdare National Park

The Aberdare Country Club functions as the check-in point and base for guests proceeding to The Ark, the renowned tree hotel located deep inside Aberdare National Park. Guests arrive at the club, park their vehicles, and leave their main luggage in secure storage.

A scheduled transfer service, using the lodge's own 4x4 vehicles, transports guests with only an overnight bag into the national park. The transfer to The Ark takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, with the duration dependent on road conditions within the park.

Why the Aberdare Country Club is Ideal for Families

The Aberdare Country Club is particularly well-suited for families and multi-generational groups seeking a secure and activity-rich base from which to visit the Aberdares region. The fenced perimeter, heated swimming pool, and extensive on-site programmes like horse riding and golf provide ample engagement for children and adults.

Its essential logistical role as the mandatory check-in point for The Ark makes it a necessary and comfortable stopover for those venturing deeper into the park, providing a secure and comfortable base before the focused wildlife viewing experience.