Treetops Hotel Nyeri

Treetops Lodge Nyeri: A Historic Safari Hideaway in the Heart of Aberdare

Treetops Lodge in Nyeri, Kenya is not just a place to sleep—it is a destination steeped in global history and rich in natural wonders. Originally built in 1932 as a simple two-room treehouse, Treetops gained international fame in 1952 when Princess Elizabeth stayed overnight and ascended to the throne the following day, upon the passing of her father, King George VI. This iconic moment forever etched the lodge into the annals of history with the phrase: "She went up a princess and came down a queen."

Today, Treetops offers more than just its royal legacy. Located deep within Aberdare National Park, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, photographers, and anyone seeking an immersive African safari experience.

Location: Inside Aberdare National Park

• Situated approximately 17 kilometers from Nyeri town
• Nestled inside the lush forests of Aberdare National Park
• Elevated at about 1,966 meters (6,450 feet) above sea level
• Accessible by road (3–4 hours from Nairobi) or air (Mweiga Airstrip nearby)

This secluded setting provides guests with front-row access to a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. The lodge is uniquely positioned near a waterhole and salt lick, drawing in animals throughout the day and night.

Accommodation: Treehouse Luxury Meets Rustic Charm

Treetops features 36 ensuite rooms designed for unobtrusive wildlife viewing and restful retreat. The lodge has been rebuilt and upgraded since its humble beginnings, now elevated on stilts and constructed using eco-conscious materials.

Room Categories Include:

• Standard Rooms: Cozy with basic comforts and direct views of the salt lick
• Deluxe Rooms: More spacious with upgraded furnishings
• Suites: Ideal for couples or special occasions, featuring panoramic views and added amenities

Each room is designed with large windows that allow guests to observe wildlife right from the comfort of their beds. At night, a buzzer system alerts guests when major wildlife appear at the waterhole, offering an around-the-clock safari without ever leaving your room.

Dining: A Culinary Journey in the Wilderness

The lodge’s dining experience complements its wild setting with freshly prepared meals served in a communal dining hall. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the forest canopy and wildlife activity below.

Highlights Include:

• Buffet-style and à la carte options
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Evening storytelling and fireside experiences
• Packed breakfasts or lunches for early game drives

Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Wildlife Experience: Nature at Your Doorstep

Treetops is one of the few lodges in Kenya where wildlife comes to you. Thanks to its elevated location and proximity to a permanent waterhole, guests can expect sightings of:

• Elephants
• Buffalos
• Giant forest hogs
• Bushbucks
• Hyenas
• Rare sightings of leopards and rhinos

Birdwatchers will be in paradise with over 250 bird species recorded in the area, including hornbills, turacos, and sunbirds.

Activities and Excursions

Guests can complement their stay with a variety of curated activities:

1. Guided Game Drives

• Explore the vast Aberdare ecosystem
• Spot elusive animals like the bongo and black leopard

2. Nature Walks

• Led by knowledgeable guides
• Learn about indigenous flora and fauna

3. Birdwatching Tours

• Specialized guides for avid birders

4. Historical Tours

• Discover the lodge’s royal history
• Visit the Queen’s Tree, where Elizabeth spent the night

5. Cultural Interactions

• Visit nearby communities
• Learn about Kikuyu traditions and Mau Mau history

6. Sundowners & Bush Meals

• Enjoy drinks and dinner in the open wilderness

The Mau Mau Connection and Changing Narratives

Treetops is not without controversy. In 1954, the original structure was burned down during the Mau Mau uprising, as it was viewed by freedom fighters as a colonial outpost. In recent years, the lodge has taken steps to honor this part of history too—balancing the British royal legacy with deeper engagement in Kenya’s anti-colonial past.

Modern visitors are now invited to learn about both sides of the story, providing a richer, more inclusive narrative that respects Kenya’s complex heritage.

Sustainability and Conservation

Treetops operates with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism:

• Solar energy and eco-friendly waste management
• Support for Aberdare National Park conservation projects
• Local employment and community engagement programs
• Wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching partnerships

These initiatives ensure that your stay not only enriches your life but also supports the land and people who make it possible.

What Makes Treetops Unique?

• Historical significance unmatched by any other lodge in East Africa
• Uninterrupted wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room
• Dramatic forest setting in a lesser-visited national park
• Educational programs that engage with Kenya’s cultural and ecological history
• Romantic and family-friendly packages available

Tips for Visitors

• Best time to visit: June to October (dry season) or January to February
• What to pack: Warm layers, binoculars, camera, insect repellent
• Park entry fee: Payable via eCitizen (Aberdare National Park fees vary by residency)
• Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi access; ideal for a digital detox
• Health precautions: Bring anti-malarial medication and a reusable water bottle

Treetops for Groups, Honeymoons, and Events

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a photographic safari, or a private retreat, Treetops offers tailored packages:

• Wedding and honeymoon setups
• Corporate team-building retreats
• Private wildlife photography sessions
• Family group discounts

The intimate setting and limited number of rooms ensure that every guest receives personalized attention.

How to Get There

• By road: Nairobi – Nyeri – Aberdare (approx. 180 km; 3.5 to 4.5 hours)
• By air: Flights available from Nairobi to Nanyuki Airstrip
• By private charter: For luxury travelers or groups

Why Treetops Remains a Timeless Destination

Treetops Lodge is more than a hotel—it is a living museum, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a monument to a pivotal moment in global history. Yet it is also a place of transformation, now evolving to tell a fuller, richer Kenyan story.

Whether you come for the elephants or the echoes of royalty, the silent forests or the untold stories, Treetops invites you to pause, look, and listen. Here, every creak of wood and trumpet of an elephant connects you to something greater—nature, history, and the heartbeat of Africa.

For travelers seeking something deeper than just a safari, Treetops in Nyeri offers an experience that resonates long after you’ve returned home.