The Emakoko is a charming family-owned and run boutique safari lodge uniquely positioned on the southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, offering the extraordinary experience of a safari that begins within minutes of leaving Nairobi's city center. Just 45 minutes from both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport, The Emakoko is the ideal place to start or end a safari within the authentic wildlife environment that guests come to Kenya to experience.
Accessed via a scenic footbridge across the Emakoko river, The Emakoko sits in the heart of Nairobi National Park, home to lion, leopard, and rhino that range within spitting distance of the lodge, while hippo and impala are known to frequently wander through the lodge's grounds. The park entrance fees are included in your stay, and morning and evening wildlife drives are easily arranged, allowing you to game drive through the park for the majority of the 45-minute drive from the airport.
The Emakoko features intimate accommodations with only 10 double rooms, 1 family-size cottage, and 1 private home, all much more airy and spacious than many other lodges, with a maximum capacity of just 28 guests. The property includes 8 individual cottages (16 beds), 1 family cottage (4 beds), and 1 Private House (4 beds), all en-suite with open-plan bathrooms, baths positioned next to low-level windows for a "bath with a view," walk-in showers with hot water always available, and stunning views of the expansive parklands and river gorge, especially from upper-level rooms.
The lodge offers a comfortable lounge, dining room, and terrace with a pizza oven, plus an unheated swimming pool with the pool area lit with torches at night. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi in the main area, 24-hour electricity, hair dryers, yoga mats on request, CPAP machine support, gift shop, and Askari (security guard) on duty day and night for safety.
Activities at The Emakoko include morning and evening game drives in Nairobi National Park, escorted walks with specialist guides, visits to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant and Rhino Orphanage, in-room massages, private game drives, city day trips to art galleries and local shops, leisurely poolside relaxation, stargazing, birding, and nature observation. The lodge welcomes children of all ages and is ideal for families seeking an intimate, personalized safari experience.
The owner-managers, Emma and Anthony Childs, were born and raised in Kenya and have strong links with nearby communities, providing authentic local knowledge and warm hospitality. The Emakoko is ranked #2 of 186 specialty lodging in Nairobi with a 4/5 rating from over 360 traveler reviews, making it one of Nairobi's premier boutique safari lodges where you can go from city to safari in a heartbeat.
Destination
Kenya Safaris
Style
Lodge
