About the club
The Aberdare country club, only a two and a half hour drive northeast from Nairobi, is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare highlands, part of the Great rift valley. This captivating site was the homestead of an English couple that decided to settle in Kenya. Almost a half century later, their home, The steep, was renamed the Aberdare country club and opened for guests. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare country club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn.
The club
The club’s 1,300 acre wildlife sanctuary is teeming with Thompson and Grant’s gazelles, zebras, giraffes, and the more reclusive leopards. It is a haven of unbridled charm set in a garden bursting in a profusion of colour, with peacocks roaming its lush green lawns. Walking through this unspoiled terrain is paradise. Play a round of golf watched by a family of warthog, go horseback riding, work out in the gym, have a massage, play tennis or just relax by the pool set within the beautiful gardens. From here you can see the sunset with the stunning Aberdare Mountains as a backdrop.
Interesting facts
In 1884, Scottish geologist and explorer, Joseph Thomson, discovered the Aberdare ranges, called the Nyandarua ranges by the local people. He also discovered the falls at the end of the Aberdare National Park and the falls were named after him him. In 1951, the 300 square mile Aberdare range was officially made into a national park and is one of Kenya’s major watersheds, supplying Nairobi’s water. It is a water catchment area as it is an un-destroyed virgin forest and most of the rivers in Kenya start from the Aberdare National Park. It is the source of water that services the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Built within its own 1300 acre wildlife sanctuary on the slopes of Kamatongu hill in Mweiga, Nyeri, the Aberdare country club is an ideal getaway destination in a beautiful setting. Our staff is very hospitable and will do all they can to make your stay memorable.
Rooms
All rooms are cottages and have spectacular views to the North, over looking the Solio Game Sanctuary the home of the black and white rhinos. The Aberdare mountains to the west and Mount Kenya to the East provide a stunning backdrop to the beautiful ACC grounds. Aberdare country club serves as a check in point for its sister establishment, The Ark.
Horseback riding
Can you imagine riding on horseback, within a beautiful sanctuary teeming with wildlife? This is the perfect adventure for any romantic, or nature lover. Our guides will take you for an unforgettable experience. All levels of riders welcome.
Golf
This is a 9-hole golf course within the Game Sanctuary. Guests can bring their own clubs or hire them from the Club.The unique and wonderful thing about the golf course at the Club is that you can tee off amidst the wildlife that wonder on the course to forage for food. Priceless!
Bird watching
Guests can search for birds and walk within the Game Sanctuary but we also offer a drive as an exception to the elderly, of for those requiring assistance. Let our guides inform you about the plethora of birds one can sight. Bird life found in the forest is abundant and varied. The most conspicuous group is the Sunbird, with seven species that include: Tacazze Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, the emerald-green Malachite Sunbird and the tiny, Double collared Sunbird.
Sundowner
Enjoy a cocktail or dawa with a great view of the Aberdare Ranges, Mt Kenya and of the Solio ranch from the Kamatongu hill. The perfect conclusion to a day out in the Game Reserve or after making use of all the sanctuary has to offer. Please ask reception for more details.
Nature walks
This takes place within the Aberdare country club game sanctuary, which has an area of over 1300 acres, full of wildlife and birds, flora and fauna. Drives can be arranged too for those who need assistance walking, upon request.
Bush culinary experience
With the advantage of the vast game sanctuary full of animals, the bush breakfast/lunch/dinner is a must for those seeking a more personal experience with nature. Let the wilderness be your dining room and let our chefs delight you with mouth-watering surprises.
Safari drive
Half or full day safari drive to The Salient and The Moorlands in Aberdare National Park. Search the plains for a plethora of animal activity, and capture that perfect photograph to take home. Game drives to the Solio Sanctuary, a private sanctuary that extends between the spurs of Aberdare mountains and Mt. Kenya, are possible too. This 25,000 hectare reserve became famous because of its unique success in the rearing of the White and Black Rhino. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and zebras can also be spotted in large numbers.
The Solio game reserve
The Solio reserve is home to both black and white rhinos, recognised as one of the most successful private rhino breeding reserves in Kenya. Wildlife found on the plains include zebra, impala, Thomson gazelle, and oryx amongst others.
Abderdare national park
In the Aberdare national park, equatorial forest elephants, leopards and antelope are common. The most elusive of all, The Bongo can be found hiding in the thickets and forests, leopard are also quite common, though difficult to see!
Aberdare game sanctuary
Roam freely within the 1,300-acre sanctuary which pays host to and protects an abundance of wildlife. Guests can horse ride on the forested slopes and moors mingling with a dazzle of zebras, a herd of Thompson’s gazelles, a sounder of warthogs, and a tower of Rothschild giraffes, the tallest creature on earth. The Rothschild giraffe, identified by its light coloring and white knee socks is a rare and highly endangered species: the Club’s sanctuary is one of the few places in the world to see them in the wild. Guided walking safaris are also possible within the sanctuary.
Chimpanzee trekking
The Chimps are at OL Pajeta conservancy in Nanyuki about one and half to two hours drive About and one and a half hours’ drive from the ACC, in Nanyuki at the Ol Pajeta conservancy, you can go in search of some chimpanzees. This is a great day out with the family and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Champagne breakfast
Imagine the delight of a full champagne breakfast in the Aberdare game sanctuary with a view of the Aberdare ranges and Solio ranch in the distance as a backdrop. Share this exciting and wonderful experience and kick start your day with some sparkles and bubbles! More details are available at reception or upon request.