Product Description

Treetops Lodge is a historic treehouse safari lodge in Aberdare National Park, Nyeri, overlooking a waterhole and salt lick, and famous for Princess Elizabeth’s stay in February 1952, the night she became queen.

Product description

Treetops Lodge is one of Kenya’s most famous safari lodges, a treehouse-style lodge in Aberdare National Park built on stilts above a waterhole and salt lick. It is best known for its royal connection: Princess Elizabeth was staying at Treetops in February 1952 when she became queen. Today it offers an old-school, close-up wildlife experience, with animals arriving at the waterhole day and night.

Why Stay at Treetops Lodge

Treetops Lodge lies on an ancient elephant route between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, at about 1,966 metres above sea level. Instead of heading out on game drives, you watch the wildlife come to you from the lodge’s decks and rooftop viewing platform, with a lounge that overlooks the waterhole.

Elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and waterbuck are regular visitors, rhino and leopard appear with luck, and the show continues after dark.

The History of Treetops Lodge

The first treehouse here opened in 1932 and was built into the branches of a large tree to give guests a safe view of the animals. The lodge was rebuilt in 1957 overlooking the same waterhole, and it has been refurbished since while keeping its rustic wooden character.

Staying here means sleeping in a piece of Kenyan history.

Treetops Lodge Accommodation

Treetops Lodge has about 50 small, cosy cabin-style rooms, mostly twins and triples, plus a few suites, with views of the waterhole. Rooms are compact and simple, with wooden floors that add to the atmosphere, so expect charm rather than space.

Because the animals come so close, children under 5 are not allowed.

Dining at Treetops Lodge

Afternoon tea and dinner are served at the lodge, which also has a lounge and two bars overlooking the waterhole. Breakfast and lunch are normally served at the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, so please confirm the meal arrangements for your booking.

How a Stay at Treetops Lodge Works

Guests normally check in at the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, the lodge’s sister property, where they receive a gate pass before travelling into Aberdare National Park to the lodge. You spend the afternoon and evening watching the waterhole, and many guests set an alarm to catch night visitors such as leopards and hyenas.

Park entry fees are charged separately by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Ask us to confirm check-in times and transfer details for your dates.

Things to Do Near Treetops Lodge

Aberdare National Park offers forest walks, over 250 recorded bird species, and waterfalls including Karuru and Chania, among the tallest in Kenya. Treetops Lodge also fits neatly on the Mount Kenya circuit, with Nyeri, Nanyuki and Ol Pejeta Conservancy within reach.

Many travellers use it as an overnight stop between Nairobi and Samburu.

Getting to Treetops Lodge

Treetops Lodge is about 180 km from Nairobi, roughly 3 to 4 hours by road to Nyeri and the park gate. From the Outspan Hotel, guests continue into the park by vehicle.

Good to Know Before You Visit Treetops Lodge

Nights at this altitude are cool, so bring warm clothing. Pack binoculars, a camera that works in low light, and quiet clothes in neutral colours. Keep noise and lights low so you do not disturb the animals.

Check the age and luggage rules with us before you travel.

Rates and Meal Plan

(Add your rates table here, in the same format as your other hotel listings.)

Book Treetops Lodge With Africa Events & Incentives

Ready to book? Browse our other Mount Kenya and Nanyuki hotel deals, or contact our team to tailor a package. For park rules, fees, and conservation information, see the Kenya Wildlife Service.