The Emakoko is the newest (as of 2015) and most upmarket lodge to open in Nairobi National Park, offering an authentic, traditional game-viewing experience while still being within easy reach of Nairobi's city attractions and international airport.
Nairobi National Park, being mainly of interest to day trippers and those without the time to venture to Kenya's more famous safari reserves, hasn't so far attracted many luxury lodge operators. This allows the Emakoko to fill something of a niche, as one of the few upmarket lodges in the park, and it fills this niche wonderfully!
The Emakoko enjoys a great location in the southern reaches of Nairobi NP, in the curve of a valley where the Mbagathi and Emakoko Rivers converge, with easy access to some of the better game-viewing regions and the park's eastern gate (which connects easily with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport – 25 mins drive away).
Owner-run and managed, the Emakoko has a relaxed vibe in keeping with the character of its hosts, Emma and Anthony Childs. Guests are accommodated in homely chalets (ten in total), each with cosy fireplace and views of the river and plains. The public areas include an open-air lounge, terrace, dining room and swimming pool. Connecting everything together is a long wooden footbridge, from which footpaths snake out to the guest cottages, which are loosely scattered at the foot of the valley.
The Emakoko is perfect for those wanting to combine a short one or two night stop-over in Nairobi with a safari. The lodge is easily accessible from the international airport (and the drive through the park is much more pleasant, and often shorter, than the alternative option of a drive through Nairobi's notorious traffic!) While not Kenya's most famous safari park, game-viewing in Nairobi National Park has improved immeasurably in recent years. There is now a healthy black and white rhino population (with arguably better sightings than in any other park in Kenya), as well as lion, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, leopard and more.
Accommodation
Emakoko offers just ten cottage rooms, built in pairs and scattered around the main lounge and terrace that forms the hub of the lodge – five in the base of the valley and another five up on the rim of the gorge, offering a better view but also a steeper climb!
The Emakoko's spacious cottages have been beautifully decorated with dark wooden furnishings and large double beds draped with mosquito nets. Brick fireplaces and thick wooden ceiling beams lend the rooms a rustic charm. Adjoining the rooms are large open-plan bathrooms, with walk-in showers, separate bathtubs, his and hers washbasins, and complimentary toiletries. The cottages open at the front onto private verandahs with canvas chairs and coffee table. All enjoy a view of the river and plains in front of the lodge.
Dining
Meals are served at individual tables rather than communally, and can be taken in the dining room or out on the terrace. The menus are creative and utilise lots of fresh local produce. Start the day with a cooked breakfast in the lodge or, if heading out on an early morning game drive, a picnic basket! Lunch and dinner are fixed menus.
All drinks are included at Emakoko, except premium brands.
Facilities
Swimming pool
Lounge and terrace
Dining room
Activities
4x4 Game Drives
Elephant and Rhino orphanage visits
Guided walks in the lodge grounds and nearby gorge
Child Policy
The Emakoko has no age restrictions. Children of all ages can be accommodated.
