Aberdare Country Club

Aberdare Country Club sits on the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains, overlooking rolling highland landscapes with views toward Mount Kenya.

Originally built in the 1930s as a private residence, the property later became one of Kenya’s classic safari lodges and remains part of the traditional Central Highlands safari circuit. Today the estate functions as both a historic lodge and the gateway to nearby wildlife viewing experiences in the Aberdare region.

The property also serves as the staging point for guests continuing onward to The Ark Lodge within Aberdare National Park.

Landscape & Setting

The lodge occupies a large highland estate of rolling lawns, forest edges and open parkland typical of Kenya’s Central Highlands.

Because of its elevation, the climate here is cooler than most safari destinations. During clear mornings the peaks of Mount Kenya often appear on the eastern horizon, while the Aberdare Mountains rise behind the estate.

Wildlife occasionally moves across the property’s grounds, creating a setting that feels relaxed and distinctly different from the open savannah landscapes of Kenya’s more traditional safari parks.

Accommodation

Aberdare Country Club offers a range of rooms and cottages set across the estate.

Accommodation includes:

Manor house rooms within the historic building
Garden cottages overlooking the lawns
Suites with views toward the surrounding highlands

The architecture reflects the property’s colonial heritage, with spacious interiors and comfortable lounges overlooking the gardens.

Safari Experience / Activities

While the lodge itself sits within a private estate, it also provides access to several experiences in the Aberdare region.

Activities include:

• Scenic drives through the Aberdare foothills
• Wildlife viewing within the estate grounds
• Excursions to The Ark Lodge in Aberdare National Park
• Golf and nature walks on the property

For many travellers the estate provides a relaxed highland stop before continuing to other wildlife areas in Kenya.

Wildlife

Although the estate is not a national park, wildlife can occasionally be seen moving across the grounds.

Animals sometimes encountered include:

• Bushbuck
• Warthog
• Colobus monkeys
• Various antelope species

The surrounding Aberdare region also supports elephants, buffalo and forest wildlife within the nearby national park.

When to Visit

Aberdare Country Club can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
Cool and dry conditions create comfortable weather for exploring the highlands.

December – March
Clear days often offer good views toward Mount Kenya.

April – May / November
Rainfall during these months brings lush green landscapes across the estate.

Because of the altitude, temperatures remain cooler than in many safari areas.

Insider Tips

Clear views of Mount Kenya are most common early in the morning before clouds gather around the peaks.

The estate’s lawns and gardens create a peaceful setting that contrasts with the wildlife-focused camps elsewhere in Kenya.

Many travellers also combine a stay here with a visit to The Ark Lodge for wildlife viewing.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Take a scenic drive through the Aberdare foothills, where the landscapes shift from open highland plains to dense forest and mountain valleys.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend combining a stay at Aberdare Country Club with an evening wildlife viewing experience at The Ark Lodge, which overlooks a floodlit waterhole inside Aberdare National Park.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.