Treetops Lodge is a historic safari lodge located inside Aberdare National Park in central Kenya. The lodge is built on stilts in the forest and overlooks a natural waterhole where wildlife can be observed from the lodge.
The property has a long connection with Kenya’s safari history. In February 1952, Princess Elizabeth was staying at Treetops when her father, King George VI, died. She returned to Britain as Queen Elizabeth II.
The lodge was originally established in 1932 and has since been rebuilt and refurbished. It reopened after refurbishment in August 2024.
Wildlife Viewing in the Aberdare Forest
Treetops Lodge offers an elevated setting for watching wildlife around its waterhole. The surrounding Aberdare National Park is characterised by montane forest, moorlands, valleys, waterfalls and high-altitude landscapes.
Elephants and buffalo are among the wildlife found in the park, while game drives and trekking provide ways to explore the surrounding area.
What to Expect
Accommodation
Treetops Lodge has 36 en-suite rooms, including three suites. The lodge retains its distinctive elevated, wooden design and provides views towards the surrounding forest and waterhole.
Dining
The lodge has a dining room, lounge and bar. Its communal dining setup provides an opportunity for guests to dine together after a day exploring the Aberdare landscape.
Facilities
The lodge includes game-viewing areas and elevated decks overlooking the waterhole. Current accommodation information also lists Wi-Fi, parking and a restaurant among the available facilities.
Good for
Treetops Lodge is suited to travellers who want to combine wildlife viewing with a historic lodge experience in the Aberdare mountains.
Good to Know
Treetops Lodge is inside Aberdare National Park, rather than in Nyeri town. The park is a cool highland environment with forest, moorlands, streams and waterfalls, so temperatures can be considerably cooler than on Kenya’s lowland safari circuits.
The lodge’s historic connection with Queen Elizabeth II is one of its defining features. Kenya Wildlife Service officially identifies Treetops Lodge as the place where Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952.
Book Treetops Lodge as Part of Your Kenya Safari
Treetops Lodge can be included in a Kenya safari itinerary visiting Aberdare National Park and other destinations in central Kenya. It can also form part of a longer safari route connecting the Aberdare region with destinations such as Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.