Treetops Hotel Roars Back to Life – Back in time, Treetops Hotel was a hotel in Aberdare National Park in Kenya 16 km from the township of Nyeri, and standing at 1,966 meters above sea level on the Aberdare Range and in sight of Mount Kenya.

First opened in November 1932 by Eric Sherbrooke Walker, it was built into the tops of the trees of Aberdare National Park as a treehouse, offering the guests a close view of the local wildlife. The idea was to provide a machan (hunting platform on a tree during shikar in India) experience in relative safety and comfort. From the original modest two-room tree house built into the top of a tree, it grew into a 35-room hotel. The original structure was replaced by a larger structure, also in the tree, but additionally supported on legs; this was burnt down by the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA) during the 1954 Mau Mau Uprising. The hotel was rebuilt near the same waterhole and became fashionable for wealthy clientele. It included an observation lounges and ground-level photographic hides from which guests could observe the local wildlife at the nearby waterholes.

The original idea of Major Eric Sherbrooke Walker, who owned land in the Aberdare Range, was to build a treehouse for his wife Lady Bettie. The idea grew, and in 1932 the couple oversaw the construction of a two-room treehouse in a huge 300-year-old fig tree well away from Nyeri itself; this was intended as an adjunct facility to the Outspan Hotel in Nyeri, which they had also built and owned. 

For a longer period of time, the construction was hampered by the presence of wild animals, as the treehouse was purposely built beside animal trails leading to a nearby waterhole. Labourers and supervisors were often chased away by wild animals, which led to increased labour costs and time.

Initially, this structure was open only on Wednesday nights as a night-viewing platform for guests staying at the Outspan Hotel; although beds were provided, these were intended for resting or dozing, rather than sleeping. Rising demand prompted the Walkers to expand to accommodate more visitors.

Royal Visit

The visit of Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to Kenya in 1952 included a visit to Treetops as personal guests of the Walkers. The visit cemented the fame of the Treetops. The princess’ stay, which coincided with the death of her father King George VI on the night of 5–6 February 1952, and consequently her succession to the throne, involved the Treetops in the worldwide publicity surrounding these events.

The same night, before the event was known, Sir Horace Hearne, then Chief Justice of Kenya, had escorted the princess and her husband, Prince Philip, to a state dinner at Treetops. After word of George VI’s death reached the new Queen the following day – when she had already left Treetops and was by this time at Sagana Lodge – she returned immediately to Britain. She was the first British monarch since King George I to be outside the country at the moment of succession.

The renowned hunter Jim Corbett, who was invited by the princess to accompany them during their stay there, wrote in the visitors’ book:

For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into a tree one day a Princess and after having what she described as her most thrilling experience she climbed down from the tree next day a Queen – God bless her.

Second & the Lodge’s Growth

Treetops was rebuilt in a nearby chestnut tree overlooking the same waterhole and salt lick near the elephant migration pathway to Mount Kenya. The facility became so popular that rising demand required a new, larger structure, and this was supported further by poles as well as the tree itself.

Further demand required the Walkers to accommodate more visitors. Treetops had another level added, and was reinforced – see picture below right. Its capacity was increased to four rooms, including one for a resident hunter.

Later Years & Tourism

Further increased demand flowing from the publicity surrounding the Queen’s accession there, the name Treetops was transferred, with the addition of the word “Hotel” to a new 35-room structure on additional stilt supports. It had four decks and a rooftop viewing platform. Due to the quick change in profile of the rustic tree lodge, National Geographic ran an article A New Look at Kenya’s “Treetops” in October 1956.

Treetops’ popularity was additionally due to their “no see, no pay” policy during their early years – a common business policy on safaris, where guests were not charged for services if they failed to see any big game. Visitors could observe the wildlife from the top deck, the viewing windows in the communal space, or from ground level hides. They could also take motor tours from the Treetops.

While an overnight destination, only overnight luggage was allowed, with visitors being driven in from the Outspan Hotel for the night. Other facilities included a thousand-watt artificial moon used to illuminate animals at the waterhole during darkness. Another unusual restriction at the Treetops was a low-decibel noise-level restriction due to the hearing sensitivity of many animals; this included a ban on all hard-soled footwear.

Management

In 1966, when Eric Walker was 79, he sold the Outspan Hotel, and with it, Treetops, to the Block Hotel group. Eric Walker died in 1976, aged 89. Aberdare Safari Hotels acquired the two properties in 1978. Following the success of Treetops, another treetop lodge – the Shimba, was opened by the Aberdare Safari Hotels group in the Shimba Hills National Reserve.

Aberdare Safari Hotels embarked on an initiative dubbed “Return the Bush” in conjunction with the Kenya Wildlife Service. The initiative involved the rehabilitation of 310 acres of the Aberdare National Park that has been degraded by the toll the fenced-in elephant population has exerted on the ecosystem. Electric fencing for the paddock covering an area of 41 acres around the lodge was installed. The paddocking allowed reforestation as well as the natural regeneration of the local flora within the paddock.

Life above the Canopy Experience

Originally built in 1932, Treetops Lodge lies in the path of an ancient Elephant migratory route between the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya National park, and is strategically sited right in front of a natural watering hole and salt lick, making it the perfect place to view game.

Treetops is as much a part of nature as it has an ancient tree growing right through the hotel, with the lodge being built around it. It is the perfect fusion of nature and comfort sporting a rustic look that fits right into the Aberdares.

We will help you experience Treetops life in its true sense. From living among the residents to eating authentic delicacies, you are sure to walk home with memories and wonderful moments.

Surrounded by scenic beauty and attractive tourist attractions we make it convenient for you to visit all the beautiful places with our in-house guide. We can also help you arrange transport facilities for an easier commute to nearby places.

Amenities & Facilities

The lodge boasts of 36 en-suite rooms. The dining experience is largely a communal affair and it features long Victorian style dining room tables that allow guests to interact. The hotel also boasts of a lounge and bar decked with elephant tusks that were donated to Sir Eric Walker. The lounge offers a near-close up view of the water point from the second floor. There’s even a disabled-friendly room on the first floor. The rooms have desks, luggage racks for the safari suitcases, and en-suite bathrooms with showers/ bathtubs.

The suites have a sitting area with expansive windows offering an amazing view of the watering hole and salt lick area. Optional Buzzers are fitted in the rooms to alert guests when there are animals at the watering hole.

The dining area has an intimate setup designed to help guests savor the scenic views while enjoying delicious meals. Mini-chandeliers illuminate all the tables and restaurant furniture while the rooftop terrace is an admirable place to view the watering hole and views beyond. Contact us +254755124643 or email us at goeco@oluokos.com to book your Treetops Lodge Kenya Safari