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Nyeri, Kenya
Treetops Lodge Kenya
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Overview
Resident Rates / Prices
Treetops Lodge, Aberdare National Park, Kenya -Â is a historic wildlife-viewing hotel in Aberdare National Park, near Nyeri. The lodge overlooks a waterhole, allowing guests to spend time watching for animals from its observation areas without being in a safari vehicle all day.
Treetops is also one of Kenya’s best-known historic hotels. Princess Elizabeth stayed here in February 1952; during that visit, her father King George VI died and she became Queen Elizabeth II. The lodge operating today is a later building, rather than the original treehouse where she stayed.
A stay here is about forest wildlife, patient observation and the history of the place. Treetops suits travellers who will enjoy returning to the waterhole throughout the day, whether or not a particular animal appears.
Location: Aberdare National Park area, near Nyeri
Accommodation: Standard rooms, suites and a Queen Elizabeth room category
Main experience: Wildlife viewing at the lodge’s waterhole
Best for: Wildlife watchers, couples, photographers and history enthusiasts
Recommended stay: One or two nights
Important arrival rule: Late arrival requires advance clearance
Treetops Lodge at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Property type | Historic wildlife-viewing lodge |
| Location | Aberdare National Park area, near Nyeri |
| Setting | Forest and waterhole |
| Main attraction | Watching for wildlife from the lodge |
| Room categories | Standard, Suite and Queen Elizabeth |
| Standard-room bedding | Twin beds that can be converted to a king-size double |
| Suites | Three ; additional sitting space and bathtub |
| Restaurant and bar | Available |
| Game drives | Can be arranged; confirm package and cost |
| Guided experiences | Ask about walks, birdwatching and historical talks |
| Park fees | Confirm separately in your quotation |
| Late arrival | Requires advance notification and KWS clearance |
| Recommended stay | One or two nights |
Our View of Treetops Lodge
We recommend Treetops to travellers who understand that its greatest asset is time spent watching. You can look out over the waterhole in the afternoon, return after dinner and check again the next morning. The experience changes with animal movement, weather and the time of day.
The lodge also gives an Aberdare itinerary a strong sense of place. Its 1952 story is famous, but the surrounding forest and wildlife are the reason to stay overnight rather than make a brief historical stop.
There are two points we would establish before confirming a booking. First, we would check the complete price, including meals and park fees. Second, we would plan the arrival time and correct gate. The lodge states that night movements and late entry are restricted in the surrounding rhino sanctuary. An unplanned evening arrival could prevent guests from entering.
Treetops is a particularly good addition to a longer Kenya safari when you want a contrast with open savannah parks. The Aberdares offer forest scenery and a different style of wildlife viewing. We would generally allow one night if the itinerary is moving onward, or two nights if you also want a game drive and time to enjoy the lodge at a slower pace.
Treetops Lodge Is Best For
- Travellers who enjoy watching wildlife from a lodge
- Guests interested in Aberdare National Park
- Couples seeking a quiet forest stay
- Wildlife photographers with time to wait for sightings
- Birdwatchers
- Visitors interested in the lodge’s royal history
- Travellers combining Nyeri with other Kenyan safari destinations
- Guests who prefer a small safari-focused stay over a conventional resort
Consider Another Hotel If
- You need to arrive late in the evening
- You want to stay within Nyeri town
- You expect a swimming pool, spa or extensive resort entertainment
- Your main goal is open-plains wildlife viewing
- You want every activity and park fee automatically included in the room price
- You would be disappointed if no large animals visited the waterhole during your stay
Wildlife Viewing at Treetops Lodge
Treetops is known for its waterhole-facing wildlife-viewing experience. Instead of relying entirely on a scheduled game drive, guests can return to the viewing areas at different times and watch what comes through.
Aberdare National Park supports forest wildlife, including elephants and buffalo. A visit to the waterhole is always governed by animal movements: one evening can be active and another quiet. We would never book the lodge on the promise of a particular species appearing.
Making the Most of the Waterhole
- Leave time in your itinerary to watch rather than filling every hour with excursions.
- Bring binoculars, even if you do not normally use them on safari.
- Return at different times of day.
- Ask staff where the current viewing areas are and which are open after dark.
- Keep noise low when animals approach.
- Follow lodge instructions on lighting and photography.
Wildlife may be visible from some parts of the lodge, but room views vary. Request a waterhole-facing room specifically if this is essential, and allow us to confirm whether one is available.
Is Treetops a Substitute for a Game Drive?
The waterhole provides an unusually convenient viewing opportunity, but a game drive lets you explore more of the Aberdare landscape. Guests with only one night may be happy to concentrate on the lodge. With two nights, it is easier to include both a park excursion and unhurried waterhole viewing.
The History of Treetops Lodge
Treetops began as a small treehouse in the 1930s. Its best-known historical event took place in February 1952, when Princess Elizabeth stayed overnight during her visit to Kenya. Her father, King George VI, died on 6 February, and Elizabeth became Queen.
The original treehouse no longer serves as today’s guest lodge. Treetops was rebuilt during its history. This distinction matters for visitors who want to understand what they are seeing: the significance belongs to the site and its story, while the present accommodation is a later structure.
Treetops’ history also belongs within the broader story of colonial Kenya and the independence struggle. Guests interested in that context can ask whether a historical presentation is available during their stay. The lodge offers historical lectures among its experiences, but their schedule should be checked before arrival.
Treetops Lodge Location
Treetops is near Nyeri in the Aberdare National Park area. The lodge describes the surrounding area as the Treetops Rhino Sanctuary and publishes specific entry and exit restrictions.
Approximate Travel Times
| Route | Planning estimate | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to the Nyeri/Aberdare area | Approximately 3½–4½ hours by road | Add time for traffic, stops and the final approach |
| Nyeri town to Treetops | Our existing page describes the lodge as approximately 17 km from town | Ask for the correct gate and current driving directions |
| Treetops to other Aberdare attractions | Depends on route, road and weather conditions | Plan with the lodge or your driver-guide |
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed transfer times. The approach and permitted entry hours matter more than the distance alone.
Getting to Treetops Lodge
By Road from Nairobi
A private road transfer allows us to plan the departure around the lodge’s entry requirements. Treetops can form part of a longer journey through the Nyeri and central Kenya region.
A road package can include:
- Nairobi pickup
- Private vehicle and driver-guide
- Treetops accommodation
- Aberdare National Park entry
- Game drives
- An onward transfer to another safari destination
We would schedule an early enough Nairobi departure to allow for traffic and a comfortable arrival.
Self-Drive
Self-driving guests should request the correct gate, access instructions and approved entry hours before travelling. Confirm park and vehicle charges as part of your budget.
The lodge says late arrival details must be reported by 4:30 pm on the day of arrival so they can be submitted for Kenya Wildlife Service clearance. It states that guests arriving without the required prior clearance will not be allowed entry. Treat this as an essential booking detail.
Best Time to Visit Treetops Lodge
Treetops can be considered throughout the year, but the experience changes with weather. Aberdare is a highland forest environment, so pack warm clothing and be prepared for rain even when travelling outside the main rainy periods.
Drier Periods
Drier weather can make road travel and outdoor excursions easier. Waterhole activity still depends on many factors, and a dry-season booking does not guarantee more sightings on a particular day.
Wetter Periods
Rain brings a greener forest and can create attractive photographic conditions. It may also affect visibility, road surfaces and the timing of outdoor activities.
If your dates are flexible, we can compare the available rate, likely travel conditions and your wider itinerary rather than selecting a month on wildlife predictions alone.
Advantages and Points to Consider
Why Choose Treetops Lodge?
- Wildlife viewing from the lodge
- Waterhole setting
- Historic connection to 1952
- Forest location in the Aberdare area
- Observation-focused safari experience
- Suitable for a one-night addition to a longer safari
- Opportunity to combine lodge viewing with a park game drive
- Room choices from standard accommodation to suites
Points to Consider Before Booking
- Waterhole sightings cannot be guaranteed
- Not every room necessarily has the same view
- The current lodge is not the original treehouse
- Late entry is restricted
- A room starting price may exclude meals or park fees
- Guided activities may cost extra
- The forest climate can be cool and wet
- A short stay leaves less time for both game drives and patient lodge viewing
Treetops Lodge Compared with Other Nyeri and Aberdare Hotels
For this page, Nyeri and Aberdare properties are the relevant comparisons. Naivasha hotels serve a different destination and travel plan.
| Property | Strongest reason to consider it | How it differs from Treetops |
|---|---|---|
| The Ark Lodge | Another Aberdare wildlife-viewing lodge | Compare its viewing arrangements, access, room style and live price with Treetops |
| Aberdare Country Club | Country hotel atmosphere and grounds | Less focused on watching a waterhole from an elevated lodge |
| Outspan Hotel | Historic accommodation convenient for Nyeri | Better suited to guests seeking a Nyeri-area base than an overnight waterhole experience |
If you are deciding between Treetops and The Ark, send us the same travel dates for both. We can compare the total cost, including meals, park fees and transport, alongside the style of stay.
Treetops Lodge Booking and Contacts
We can book Treetops as an accommodation stay or include it in a complete Kenya itinerary.
We can help arrange:
- Standard room or suite
- Couple or family booking
- Nairobi road transfer
- Private driver-guide and safari vehicle
- Aberdare National Park visit
- Game drives
- A comparison with The Ark Lodge
- An onward safari or Nyeri-area stay
For an accurate quote, send us:
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Number of adults
- Number and ages of children
- Residency status
- Preferred room category
- Meal-plan preference
- Whether you have your own vehicle
- Expected arrival time
- Any dietary or accessibility requirements
- Any other destinations on your trip
CityBreaks.Africa WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970
Book Treetops Lodge
Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming. We will check the available room categories and provide a dated, itemised quotation showing accommodation, meals, park fees, activities and transport.
WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970
Highlights
- Historic lodge where a queen's reign began.
- Elevated views of wildlife at a waterhole.
- Set deep inside Aberdare National Park.
- Unique treehouse-style safari experience.
- Watch elephants from your room window.
Treetops Lodge Prices
What are the 2026 Prices for Treetops Lodge Nyeri?
Here are Treetops Lodge Nyeri Resident Rates:
What Does PPS Mean? PPS (Per Person Sharing) means cost Per Adult when sharing the Room with another. Example KES 10,000/- PPS means, 2 Adults in 1 Room pay KES 20,000/-
Treetops Lodge Nyeri Rates
| Standard Room Prices (FB) |
Double/Twin Sharing |
Single Occupancy |
| 2nd Jan 2026 – 30th Jun 2026 | KES 10,800/- PPS | KES 14,100/- PP |
Treetops Lodge – Aberdare Nyeri Prices/Rates are in KES, Per Person, Per Night
Treetops Lodge Nyeri Prices are based on Full Board Accommodation (FB)
What Is Included in a Treetops Lodge Rate?
Inclusions depend on the specific offer, so the dated quotation is the reference to use when booking.
Our former resident tariff was for full-board accommodation, meaning the room plus breakfast, lunch and dinner. It excluded drinks and extras.
Items to Check Separately
Unless your quotation expressly includes them, ask about:
- Aberdare National Park entry fees
- Vehicle entry fees
- Transport from Nairobi or Nyeri
- Game drives and safari vehicle
- Guided activities
- Drinks
- Additional meals
- Child or extra-bed charges
- Tips and personal expenses
We will identify these items in the quote so you can compare Treetops fairly with other Aberdare lodges.
Treetops Lodge Child Policy
Our existing page publishes the following child conditions for its expired January–June 2026 resident offer:
| Age and arrangement | Former published condition |
|---|---|
| Ages 0–3, sharing with adults | Free |
| Ages 4–11, sharing with adults | 50% of the adult PPS rate |
| Maximum number of children under that sharing condition | Two |
These conditions need reconfirmation for new travel dates. A child’s price also depends on room occupancy and whether the family needs an additional room. Include every child’s age when requesting a quote.
Because Treetops is in a wildlife area, children must follow the lodge’s supervision and movement rules. Ask us to confirm any age restrictions for a planned guided walk or other activity.
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Accommodation at Treetops Lodge
The lodge currently has standard rooms, suites and a Queen Elizabeth category. Rather than selecting a room solely by its starting price, consider how much time you expect to spend inside it. Many guests spend their most memorable hours in the shared observation areas watching the waterhole.
Standard Rooms
The lodge describes its standard rooms as en-suite and says their twin beds can be converted into a king-size double.
A standard room is the natural starting point for guests who want the Treetops experience and expect to spend most of their waking time in the viewing and communal areas.
Confirm the bed arrangement when booking, particularly if you require a double rather than twins. Also ask about the outlook if a particular view matters to you; do not assume that every room faces the waterhole.
Suites
The lodge has three suites. Its description identifies a wardrobe, bathtub with overhead shower and an extended sitting area, giving guests more space than a standard room.
A suite is worth considering for:
- A longer stay
- A special occasion
- Guests who want more room to relax between wildlife-viewing sessions
- Travellers for whom the bathroom layout is an important choice
Ask us for the exact suite available on your dates and a quote that identifies its meal plan.
Queen Elizabeth Room Category
The lodge has a separate Queen Elizabeth category at a higher starting price.
If the historical association is your main reason for choosing this category, ask us to confirm precisely what distinguishes the room offered today. The current lodge is not the original treehouse used in 1952.
Choosing the Right Room
| Your priority | Room to ask about first |
|---|---|
| The lowest available accommodation price | Standard |
| More indoor space and a bathtub | Suite |
| The lodge’s premium historically named category | Queen Elizabeth |
| Family accommodation | Ask us to check suitable occupancy and connecting or additional-room options |
Dining at Treetops Lodge
The Lodge has a restaurant and bar. Eating at the lodge also gives guests a chance to return to wildlife viewing between meals, rather than travelling elsewhere during the day.
Meal Plans
Request a quotation that names the meal plan:
- Bed and breakfast: Room and breakfast
- Half board: Room, breakfast and dinner
- Full board: Room, breakfast, lunch and dinner
These definitions explain the plans; they do not imply that every plan is offered for every room or date. We will confirm what Treetops is selling when we check your stay.
If you plan a long game drive, ask whether a packed meal can be arranged. Give us advance notice of vegetarian requirements, allergies and other dietary needs.
Facilities and Experiences
Treetops’ main facility is its wildlife-viewing setting. The lodge also has a dining and a range of possible experiences. Availability, additional charges and applicable park rules should be checked for your dates.
Game Drives
An Aberdare game drive can take you beyond the lodge’s waterhole into the wider park. This is useful if you want to see more of its forest scenery and spend additional time looking for wildlife.
Ask whether your booking includes:
- A vehicle
- A driver-guide
- Park entry
- Vehicle entry
- The planned duration
- Any packed meal
We can arrange a private safari vehicle as part of a broader road trip if you are also visiting other destinations.
Birdwatching
The forest setting is attractive to birdwatchers. Bring binoculars and tell us if you want a guide with a particular interest in birds. A specialist outing should be requested in advance rather than assumed to be part of the room rate.
Guided Nature Walks
The lodge lists guided walks among its experiences. Any walk must follow the property’s current arrangements and wildlife-safety rules. Do not walk independently into the surrounding sanctuary. Confirm route, duration, guest fitness requirements and cost before booking.
Historical Talks
Travellers interested in the 1952 royal visit and the lodge’s wider history can ask about a historical talk. We can check whether one is scheduled during your stay.
Photography
Treetops is well suited to guests who enjoy photographing wildlife from a fixed position. Bring equipment you can comfortably keep close during periods of observation, and prepare for changing forest light. A sighting cannot be guaranteed, so photography-focused guests may prefer two nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Treetops Lodge in Kenya?
Treetops Lodge is in the Aberdare National Park area near Nyeri, Kenya. Request the current gate and access instructions with your booking.
Is Treetops Lodge open?
Yes. The lodge is offering accommodation and accepts reservation enquiries. Specific dates and room categories remain subject to availability.
Are Treetops Lodge prices per person or per room?
Our resident tariff is quoted per person per night. Always check the basis of the specific rate you receive.
Are Aberdare National Park fees included?
No. They are not . Your quotation should state whether park and vehicle fees are included or charged separately.
Is Treetops Lodge inside Aberdare National Park?
Treetops is associated with Aberdare National Park and the surrounding Treetops Rhino Sanctuary. Entry arrangements are controlled, so confirm the appropriate gate before driving there.
What animals can I see at Treetops?
Aberdare National Park has elephants, buffalo and other forest wildlife. The species and number of animals visiting the lodge’s waterhole vary; no sighting is guaranteed.
Do I need to book a game drive?
You can spend time watching wildlife from the lodge. A game drive is worthwhile if you also want to explore the wider Aberdare landscape. Ask whether a vehicle and park fees are included in your package.
Did Queen Elizabeth stay at Treetops?
Yes. She stayed at the original Treetops during her February 1952 visit to Kenya. She became Queen following the death of her father, King George VI.
Is today’s Treetops the original treehouse?
No. The lodge has been rebuilt during its history. The current guest accommodation should not be described as the original two-room treehouse.
What rooms are available?
The lodge currently has standard rooms, three suites and a Queen Elizabeth room category. Request current photographs and a room-specific quotation before choosing.
Do all rooms overlook the waterhole?
Do not assume so. If a room outlook is important, request it specifically and have us confirm what is available for your dates.
Does Treetops Lodge have a restaurant?
Yes. The lodge has a restaurant and bar. Confirm the meal plan attached to your accommodation rate.
Can children stay at Treetops Lodge?
Ask for the current child policy and suitable room occupancy. The child rates on our existing page applied to an offer that expired in June 2026. Provide the children’s ages for an accurate quote.
Can we arrive after dark?
Do not plan an unannounced late arrival. The lodge states that late arrival requires KWS clearance and must be reported by 4:30 pm on the arrival day. Without prior clearance, entry may be refused.
How many nights should I stay?
We recommend one night if Treetops is a stop within a longer journey. Two nights give you more time for both waterhole viewing and an Aberdare excursion.
Is Treetops Lodge the same as The Ark Lodge?
No. They are separate Aberdare-area properties. Both attract guests interested in wildlife viewing, but their rooms, access arrangements and rates should be compared separately.
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