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Aberdare country club Africa Kenya Mountain Vacation to go- The Aberdare country club

Most people only see the Aberdare country club because it is the departure base for the Ark, A night game viewing lodge. The minivan disgorges their international, camera toting cargo before lunch. After lunch the dark green ark buses roll out heading for the Aberdare forest. The crowds come back next morning looking weary and disheveled to herded back into minivans and on to the next stop.

For those who have the time to stay however the Aberdare country club can be a supremely quiet and relaxing getaway. The main house, a romantic stone building with red tiled roof was built in 1937 by the Lyon family from England. They named the house “steep” because of its position on the side of the hill commanding sweeping views in all directions.

The Lyon’s were part of the notorious happy valley set. Apparently some pretty wild parties were thrown at step during world war 11-difficult to imagine debauchery in rather staid, British house with its mullioned windows, dark wood paneling and heavy drapes. today the windows are larger but the lounge and bar are still dark with maroon carpeting, leather couches and big stone fireplaces, reminiscent if an old British club.

The beauty of the place is best enjoyed sitting out at tables scattered on shaded lawns in front of the house, from here you can see forever out over grassy banks which extend down the hill-tempting children to run or roll. Vivid bougainvillea brightens the scene and the swimming pool is partly visible through flowering shrubs. The open sided Karuru bar next to the pool overlooks two tennis courts on a clear day you can see Mt Kenya. There is nine hole golf course- rather steep and often host to families of baboons.

Guests stay in grey stone cottages most of which are nested among wonderful gardens on the hill behind the main building. They have high pitched shingle roofs fireplaces big picture windows and private outdoor sitting areas. There is a feeling of peace and privacy, and the fireplace is welcome on the many cool and misty evenings up in these highlands.

The dining room occupies a large part of the main house. There are yards of dark wood paneling and big windows frame lovely views. Lunch and breakfast are self serve safari buffets. Children under 12 are encouraged to eat early. Adult dining is candlelit with a set of menu. Special dining arrangements such as barbecues or bush banquets can be made for safari groups of conferences.

Beyond the stables is a game sanctuary where guests can take a walk or ride the club horses. You can go on night game drives in the sanctuary.

There are accommodations for about 100 guests stay either in the original nursery Wing or in the cottages. The nursery wing is a separate building with five rooms. The cottages each contain two double rooms. Each room has a fireplace and en suite bathroom. If you want connecting rooms you can book the whole cottage.

Special offerings

Conference facilities for 50, club membership available, nine hole golf course, pool, tennis courts, horse riding, game sanctuary, game drives, trout fishing superior gift shop.