The Emakoko

We had a fantastic day at Emakoko. A late flight meant we spent the day utilising the facilities and we only wish we could've stayed a few nights - the team were very attentive led by the owner Anton whose personal approach made us feel very welcome. The location is perfect, only a river separating the lodge from the national park - it is a hugely versatile place, you can relax by the pool, take the view of the animals in the park from your private terrace in the room, do a game drive, visit Nairobi, or eat & drink at your leisure. Nothing was too much for the staff and the food was excellent. We were looked after by Elizaban as our guide for the day, who was friendly, easy to chat to and very knowledgeable about the surrounding wildlife. A great place to spend some time in the national park and although less than a few miles from Nairobi it felt a world away.

Stayed here with husband and friend for an Easter weekend. Amazing location in the National Park. Beautiful rooms, great service, superb and friendly staff who gave us great tips for the best drives. Yummy food and an overall 5 star experience. We’re already thinking of when we can return :) Thank you Anthony and the team!

We have always wanted to stay at The Emakoko and our wish finally came true this year! We enjoyed an amazing night with great food, stunning views, friendly staff and pure relaxation by the pool. Our guide was Elizaban, a very nice man who showed us corners of the park that we had never seen before, despite living in Nairobi most of our lives. He found us 22 rhinos in just two drives and he is super knowledgeable on birds - which is what I was most interested in. Our room was beautiful - tucked away high on the ridge - with incredible views over the valley and seasonal river below. You are surrounded by birdsong during the day and the sound of leopard and hyenas at night. The meals were delicious, and we enjoyed freshly made enjoyed pizzas straight out of their wood fired oven and dawas at the bar, before sitting down to a three course meal under the stars. The whole experience was magical - thank you to Emma, Anton and the rest of team for looking after us so well.

It's a great lodge. I went their for my birthday and was not disappointed. The staff made me a birthday cake and sung happy birthday. |I personally love this lodge and have been many times and will continue to go. I don't agree with alot of the negative comments on this lodge. |I know the owners quite well and have always known them and their staff to be highly friendly and welcoming people.|To finish my review I believe that it is an amazing lodge and will be going again.||From Erin Douglas

My wife and I just returned from a three-night visit at the Emakoko, and throughly enjoyed the experience. This was our first trip to Kenya, and given the brief amount of time that we had, we were mainly looking for a relaxing place to stay near Nairobi and this was definitely it. As an all-inclusive lodge, all meals and drinks were included, as were daily game drives with a driver and guide, Sila, who was assigned to us for the whole visit. Sila picked us up and saw us off at the airport, and in-between, did a great job each day in helping us get the most out our game drives and excursions....he was a real pleasure to get to know. Our room was very comfortable, with a great view across the ravine to the park itself, where we often saw giraffes grazing on the opposite hilltop. The meals were excellent, and made all the better by the friendly and helpful service in the dining room, led by Patrick, and in general, the overall service in the lodge was great, with Rihaz and his team following up with us repeatedly to be certain that all was well. While the buildings of the lodge are built into the side of a bluff, several staff encouraged us to go to the top of the bluff to see the neighboring community, as well as the facilities where the lodge grows its own produce and maintains a flock of a hundred or more chickens that produce the eggs served in meals. I was glad that I did, as Peter, who created and manages the garden, generously took some time out to show me the operation and take me on a half-hour hike around the surrounding countryside, giving me more insight into the community and its interactions with the lodge (most of the staff come from there). An added bonus was meeting the resident orphaned giraffe, Melman, who lives on the grounds and was raised by Peter. Some reviewers have noted the remote location of the lodge, which is only reached by driving through Nairobi National Park, but for us, this was part of its appeal. Even so, we were still able to make trips to Karen to visit the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. In short, we were really glad that we stayed here, and would gladly do so again if we are ever back in the area.

Great service and wonderful staff but while going on safari in Nairobi is convenient it's not like Masai Mara or Sumburu. Still... If in Nairobi this is absolutely the best place to visit with experienced guides, a lovely venue, and great cuisine.

Understated excellence at the Emakoko, here for our 3rd night, magnificent rooms with great service and fantastic food. The proximity to the National Park and all its wonderful wildlife is amazing.|The Driver we had Sila was so knowledgeable and patent taking us on our morning and afternoon game drives.|We saw so many animals in various parts of the park, Lions, Zebra, Black and White rhino, Giraffes and various Impala, Gazelle and even a Buffalo.|The whole lodge is run with the very best customer service ethos.|The truly amazing thing is that 1 hour after landing in Nairobi you have seen wild animals and are relaxing in your super accommodations.|Recommend to anyone as their first safari stop in Kenya.

Nothing I write here will do justice to the Emakoko and their staff. What a magical place. I felt at home from the moment we arrived and will miss The Emakoko greatly.