Aberdares was named after an erstwhile president of the Royal Geographical Society, Lord Aberdare. It also goes by the Kikuyu name Nyandurua, or drying hide, due to its shape, akin to a pegged out animal hide. The Aberdare National Park straddles the ancient bedrock of a mountain range that rises from the Great Rift Valley. Its forested slopes hide animals big and small, from golden cats to giant elephants. But to enjoy them all, arrange an overnight stay as part of a tailor made itinerary, and check into one of the famous treetop hotels in Aberdare for a luxury safari experience.

The Ark is more modern than the original Treetops, famous for being the place where Princess Elizabeth as she was then, became Queen, on the death of George VI. Both lodges are most famous however, for offering the chance to sit on their elevated decks all night, watching wildlife congregating around nearby waterholes. If you simply must go to bed, a bell will ring on the sighting of one of the more exciting animals, such as leopards.