By: A Squirrel-Envying Human Being
There are hotels.
There are lodges.
There are Airbnbs with infinity pools and artisanal soap shaped like endangered animals.
And then—there are treehouses.
But not your childhood “3-planks-and-a-dream” treehouses. Oh no. I’m talking about the kind of high-end forest fortresses that make Tarzan look like he settled. Welcome to Kenya, where the treehouses are not just homes—they’re leafy legends.
1. Ngare Ndare Forest Canopy Tree Platform – Mount Kenya’s Secret Sky Suite
Located near Timau, on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, Ngare Ndare Forest is a hidden gem that lets you literally walk (and occasionally sleep) among the treetops. The canopy walkway stretches 450 meters and leads to a tree platform where you can spend the night—yes, up there, suspended in the forest like an extremely adventurous bird.
Expect:
- Tree-high views of Indigenous Forest
- Elephant parades passing beneath you
- The kind of silence that makes your city brain explode in peace
This is glamping meets Tarzan, minus the vine-swinging (unless you’re feeling extra).
2. Watamu Treehouse – Yoga, Views & Insta Envy by the Beach
Located in the coastal paradise of Watamu, this is the treehouse of your Pinterest dreams—except it's real, and there’s a smoothie bar. Think organically flowing white architecture wrapped around real trees, open-air rooms with ocean and forest views, and yoga on rooftops with birds flying dramatically in the background like a BBC documentary.
You might experience:
- Sunrise meditations followed by mango smoothies
- Conversations with butterflies who’ve seen things
- Hammocks that read your aura and adjust accordingly (okay, not really—but it feels like it)
It's magical, it’s coastal, it smells like sea air and spiritual growth.
3. Olepangi Farm Treehouse – Rustic Luxury in Laikipia’s Highlands
In the rolling hills of Laikipia, Olepangi Farm is home to one of Kenya’s most charming (and Instagrammable) treehouses. Built overlooking a river, this little elevated wonder offers comfort, solitude, and horseback riding just a few steps away.
Highlights include:
- A wooden deck with "write a novel here" energy
- Fresh mountain air and blankets that feel like hugs
- Sunsets are so good they might convert you to poetry
Come for the views, stay for the home-cooked meals and long talks by the fire.
4. Basecamp Eagle View – Tree-Style Luxury in Masai Mara
Overlooking the endless plains of the Masai Mara, Basecamp Eagle View offers eco-luxury tents built on elevated platforms that give serious “treehouse in the savannah” energy. It’s less jungle canopy and more wild open skies, but you’re still sleeping above the ground—eye-level with eagles and possibly a giraffe or two.
Expect:
- Elevated decks with cinematic wildlife views
- Maasai-guided walking safaris that teach you things Nat Geo never did
- Hyenas laughing at your morning hair
This is the spot for safari lovers who want the full “wild but wow” experience.
5. Treetops Lodge – Aberdare’s Royal Treehouse Legacy
Ah yes, Treetops Lodge, the O.G. treehouse hotel of Kenya. Located in Aberdare National Park, this legendary spot is where Queen Elizabeth II woke up a princess and left a queen (true story). Built into the forest and overlooking a salt lick, it's raised on stilts and surrounded by wildlife at all times—basically a real-life episode of Planet Earth.
Royal perks include:
- Animal sightings from your window (no binoculars required)
- Nighttime watering hole drama (elephants, buffalo, rhinos—you name it)
- The historical brag of “I slept where the Queen became THE Queen”
It's less treehouse fantasy and more regal safari sanctuary.
Final Thoughts from the Treetops ????
Forget hotel lobbies with elevators and stale mints on pillows. In Kenya, you can sleep above the ground, among the trees, and sometimes above the giraffes. Whether you're craving romance, solitude, wildlife, or just a better view than your neighbour’s wall, Kenya’s treehouses deliver an unforgettable, elevated escape.
So, climb up. The wild is waiting.
Just watch out for monkeys—they're cute but they will judge your snacks.
