Reviews of The Emakoko
Wildlife sightings and reviews
120 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited The Emakoko and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
75% success
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87% success
87% success
79% success
78% success
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63% success
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6% success
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0% success
"The Emakoko, Nairobi"
If you need an "overnighter" in Nairobi, then the Emakoko is the place to stay. It is comfortable, friendly, well organised and the food is delicious. Don't research anywhere else!" See all these reviews: 15n in Kenya
"Great stay on edge of Nairobi National Park"
We were met by our guide, Elisaban, on arrival and had our first game drive on the way to the Emakoko where we were warmly received by Anthony and the staff. We were very happy with everything, the lodge was beautiful, food excellent (had dinner outside by candlelight).
Can't recommend it highly enough." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"The Emakoko - luxurious and comfortable"
The food and service were outstanding, and Anthony a very genial host. All the staff were friendly, helpful and efficient, even making sure we were checked in for our flight with our chosen seats.
The rooms were huge, and very comfortably furnished, with a verandah as well." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
"The Emakoko review"
It's not the bush, of course. But at the wonderful Emakoko, Anthony and Emma have managed to create a genuine safari experience that feels miles away from the mobile phone ads, shopping malls and mini-buses. It's in a secluded corner of the park where a wide open-sided dining room and bar overlooks the pool and river. Arriving from London late at night, we were driven (after a slightly worrying approach through a shabby industrial estate) into the National Park in the darkness (one of the very few times KWS will allow driving in a National Park at night) past grazing hartebeest, and warmly welcomed with a late supper at the lodge. Next morning, a rhino had come down to the river to say hello, and we were out in the park early before the local tours arrived. (Every car would stop and say "Have you seen anything?". We soon realised "anything" just meant "lion". There is a lot more to Nairobi NP than lions. Though they are there).
The owners used to run Elsa's Kopje, a lodge with a strong reputation, in the much more remote Meru NP and have brought a number of staff including guides and chef. The food is certainly excellent and many Nairobi residents come to stay just for that. Our guide, Elizaban, had come from Meru and was knowledgeable on all aspects of the wildlife in the park, including birds as well as mammals.
The rooms and public areas are all well-designed and have the feel of a lodge rather than a hotel. There are lots of nice touches like the old photographs of East Africa and Kenyan roses from a local farm. Each room has a large bathroom with bath as well as shower, and a deck overlooking the river, where birds and mammals can be seen wandering. Emma & Anthony are great hosts and more than happy to share their vast experience of safari life over a Tusker beer or generous gin and tonic (made by the enterprising Patrick, who is also the lodge carpenter) in the bar.
Nairobi NP is not a bush wilderness, but at the Emakoko, as darkness falls and the tour buses leave the park, you'll feel for a while like the city doesn't exist." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"Relaxing Stay at The Emakoko"
"Relaxing Stay at The Emakoko"
We wish we could have enjoyed a longer stay at The Emakoko as it was so relaxing. I would encourage future guests to consider an extended stay as the experience makes for a lovely retreat. We look forward to an opportunity to return." See all these reviews: 6n in Kenya
"The Emakoko review"
The only thing that went wrong was the pick up the driver was not there when we came out , which was very disappointing , and then when we did find him he told us he was there all the time . ( we had gone up and down to look for him )" See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
They sincerely apologise if their driver didn’t make himself as visible as necessary and stress they will make even greater efforts in future to be at the front of the crowd and holding their passengers’ name boards high. And we would stress that any travellers who are concerned that their driver is not there to meet them should call their lodge or camp with the numbers we provide in our pre-departure travel documents. Happily, it’s a very rare problem.
"East Africa Manager"
"The Emakoko review"
"Fantastic Food, lovely Lodge"
"The Emakoko review"
The owners were very friendly, quality of accomodation was fantastic and food was also excellent" See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
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