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OVERVIEW:
The Emakoko has loads to recommend it, whether you are looking for a stopover for a couple of nights or a longer stay! With very comfortable accommodation and an interesting mix of activities, this is one of the leading lodges in the region. Highly recommended by YZ!
ACCESS & LOCATION:
It is situated in the far south of Nairobi National Park, almost on the border with its dramatic gorge. The lodge occupies varying levels of a cliff – some of its buildings are at the base, whereas others require a bit of a climb! Despite this wild location, The Emakoko is only 45 minutes from both JKIA and Wilson Airport, making it a great stopover destination for travellers touching down in Nairobi for a short time. Arrivals to the property park on the north bank of the Mbagathi, then there is a short walk over a wooden footbridge to the lower level of the lodge.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT THE EMAKOKO:
This is home to five guest rooms as well as the main areas. The lounge defines sumptuous, with its comfortable sofas and armchairs and substantial fireplaces, which are especially appreciated during the colder months of the year! The dining room is elegantly furnished, with smart upright chairs around sleek individual tables. The Emakoko’s terrace provides additional places to sit and relax, with beautiful views of the river rushing by. All communal areas have a contemporary feel, with a palette that blends well with the natural environment. Finally, there is a swimming pool in the lodge’s grounds – this has a lovely location, but it isn’t heated so we do not recommend taking a dip from July to October! During the hotter months, however, it is perfect for cooling off and winding down.
The other five rooms that make up guest accommodation at The Emakoko are built into the cliff face. It really is a steep series of steps from base camp, but the views from the upper rooms are truly spectacular, well worth the effort! Each room is in effect half a cottage, so the lodge can accommodate up to twenty guests. Both twin beds and double beds are available – and two of the units can function as family or group accommodation, with connecting rooms. All accommodation is airy and spacious, with the same contemporary style as the main areas. It really is safari lodge meets lux hotel here, with large lamps on chic bedside tables, comfy seating at the end of the beds, sleek writing table and chair, safe for all your valuables, and nicely cushioned armchairs or sofas around an inviting fireplace! The en-suite facilities are just as well appointed, with flush toilet, twin washbasins, walk-in shower and bathtub positioned to take advantage of the views. The private veranda is also ideal for looking out onto the park and watching the wildlife.
*For families with children under the age of 6 years, we always request a ground floor room for safety reasons.
ACTIVITIES AT THE EMAKOKO:
Activities from The Emakoko focus on wildlife watching, with game drives at the top of the list. There really is a lot to see in Nairobi National Park.
- The open plains and riverine forests support a wide range of animals – all Big Five, plus predators such as cheetah and herbivores such as giraffe, zebra, gazelle, eland, impala, and many more! Hippos wallow in the rivers, while baboons swing from the trees.
- The birdlife is equally impressive, with over 500 resident and migrant species to spot!
- The lodge also offers guided walks along the gorge, a great opportunity to get to know such a scenic site.
- Guests can enjoy local visits too – to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant and rhino orphanage and into Nairobi city if a little culture is called for! And anyone hoping to venture farther afield will love taking a helicopter ride to the Maasai Mara or even as far as majestic Mount Kenya, with breathtaking vistas of the country on the way.
