Cedar Ridge Resort

Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area within Kenya's Great Rift Valley, approximately 160 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. The park is defined by its expansive, shallow soda lake and its crucial role as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinoceros.

Cedar Ridge Resort occupies an elevated escarpment within the park, a position affording commanding, panoramic views over the water and the surrounding acacia woodlands.

Architecture and Property Layout at Cedar Ridge Resort

The central lodge building and guest accommodations are constructed from local stone and dark timber, creating a solid structure that integrates with the rocky terrain.

A series of paved, well-lit pathways connect the main reception, dining, and lounge area to the guest rooms, which are arranged in a crescent formation along the ridge.

The unfenced property allows wildlife to move freely through the grounds, a key component of the guest experience at the resort.

Guest Rooms and Suites at Cedar Ridge Resort

The resort offers 32 guest rooms across two distinct categories, differentiated by their size, position on the escarpment, and the quality of their park views. All rooms are built as solid cottages to provide a secure and comfortable base for wildlife observation.

Standard Ridge Cottages

The 24 Standard Ridge Cottages form the majority of the resort's inventory. Each unit is a semi-detached cottage with stone walls and a solid roof, ensuring cool interiors during the day.

The rooms feature polished concrete floors, a choice of king-size or twin beds draped with mosquito netting, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. A small, private veranda with safari chairs offers a good, albeit partial, view towards the park.

Panoramic Lake View Suites

The eight Panoramic Lake View Suites occupy the most desirable locations on the ridge, offering uninterrupted, 180-degree views of Lake Nakuru.

These larger units feature an integrated lounge area within the bedroom and a more substantial veranda for private wildlife viewing. The en-suite bathrooms in the suites also include a bathtub in addition to a shower. Key room features include:

• En-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water
• Mosquito nets over all beds
• Private veranda with seating
• In-room safe for valuables
• Complimentary bottled drinking water

Wildlife Viewing and Safari Activities

Cedar Ridge Resort is primarily a base for exceptional wildlife observation. The main lodge features a large, cantilevered viewing deck furnished with seating and binoculars, which looks directly over the lake.

From this elevated position, guests frequently observe herds of buffalo, waterbuck, and grazing white rhino on the shoreline below. The park's prolific birdlife is a constant feature, with large flocks of flamingos and pelicans often visible on the water's surface.

Guest activities centre on game drives within Lake Nakuru National Park, conducted in either lodge-provided 4x4 vehicles or a guest's own vehicle. The drives focus on tracking the park's rhino populations and seeking out other key species such as the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, resident leopards, and lions.

Guests should confirm upon booking if game drives are included in the nightly rate, as they are often offered as an additional, separately priced activity.

Lodge Facilities and Guest Safety Protocols

The resort operates on a hybrid power system, combining a solar farm with a backup diesel generator to provide reliable 24-hour electricity to all rooms and common areas. Wi-Fi connectivity is available throughout the main lodge and extends to all guest rooms, offering sufficient bandwidth for general use.

The unfenced nature of the property requires strict safety protocols. Wildlife, including buffalo and occasional predators, can enter the lodge grounds. Guests may walk unaccompanied during daylight hours but must remain aware of their surroundings.

After sunset, movement between any buildings is permitted only with an escort from a uniformed lodge askari (guard), who are available on call to ensure safe passage to and from guest rooms.

Cedar Ridge Resort at a Glance

Who Should Stay at Cedar Ridge Resort?

Cedar Ridge Resort is an excellent choice for keen wildlife photographers and birdwatchers who prioritise direct, uninterrupted views and an authentic bush experience. The unfenced perimeter provides opportunities for wildlife encounters directly from the lodge.

The mandatory escort policy after dark is an essential safety measure, but it may feel restrictive for guests who prefer complete independence. This policy, combined with the proximity of wildlife, makes the property less suited to families with very young children.