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The start of The Emakoko

The Emakoko is a boutique lodge uniquely positioned on the edge of the Nairobi National Park. It is located a short 45 minute drive from either of Nairobi’s airports. The drive through the park itself, with its beautiful scenery and abundance of plains game is a superb way to start any East African safari. What better way to start a holiday by supporting the conservation of this unique area and in particular, by supporting the endangered Black Rhino which are prolific in this park.

The Nairobi National Park, despite its proximity to the capital city of Kenya, boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife, with over 400 species of bird recorded in one day. With an excellent possibility of spotting four of the Big Five, many Nairobi residents find the lodge a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. By staying at The Emakoko you are directly contributing to the protection and conservation of Nairobi National Park and its wildlife.

As we continue to adjust our behaviour, we want to put your mind at ease of all the measures we have in place to keep you and our staff safe during these troubling times. For more information on how The Emakoko is set up to adhere to social distancing measures and your safety, please contact Emma and Anthony directly on the details provided in the ‘Contact us’ section.

the family that owns the emakoko
the family that owns the emakoko
girls and her dog
the family that owns the emakoko

Our Family

The concept for The Emakoko was the brainchild of Anthony & Emma Childs – your hosts during your stay. They live on site with their small family and their dedicated team of staff, who are delighted to welcome guests and for whom nothing is too much trouble. With large and comfortable rooms, each with a verandah looking out on to the Park, the Emakoko is deeply committed not only to the local community, but to the preservation and protection of the Park itself with its huge variety of flora and fauna.

Emma & Anthony were both brought up in Kenya and met for the first time opposite the site of the lodge, in the park itself whilst enjoying a legendary Kenyan ‘sundowner’. It is true Serendipity that their dream lodge has been built directly opposite the place where they met. Both of them grew up with a passion for Kenya and for the National Park itself, and it was the result of numerous expeditions into the park and its surroundings which enabled them to find and purchase the perfect location and to generate revenue without intruding into the Park – the lodge is built on private land on the very border of the Park itself.

staff at the emakoko

Our second family, the Emakoko team

Our staff are drawn from all the varied corners and tribes of Kenya, and the local Maasai are well represented. Most of our staff have experience in other boutique lodges in Kenya – as do Emma and Anthony – but many of them have been trained at the Emakoko itself. Our team take huge pride in their work and are never happier than when the lodge is full to overflowing. Our team take huge pride in their work and bringing exeptional service to our guests.

Head Guide Eliziban holding a pair of binoculars
Elizaban Kinuthia
Our Head Guide
head chef Stephen Musyoka plating a dish at the emakoko
Stephen Musyoka
Our Head Chef
head of bar Patrick Kyalo making a drink
Patrick
Our Head of Bar
Coke's hartebeest
lioness and her cubs
black rhinos
the emakoko lodge

Our location has the best of both worlds

Prolific for its unique location bordering Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi National Park is both the oldest and smallest park in Kenya. Established in 1946, the park is home to predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena as well as other large mammals such as buffalo, black rhino and giraffe. Located a short 45-minute drive from Nairobi’s major airports, The Emakoko is the ideal alternative to a city hotel when traveling to Kenya.

The Nairobi National Park, despite its proximity to the capital city of Kenya, boasts a spectacular assortment of birds and wildlife, with over 400 species of bird recorded in one day. With an excellent possibility of spotting four of the Big Five, many Nairobi residents find the lodge a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life.

rhinos touching noses
children smiling
fox
children jumping on a trampoline

Discover our passion for conservation and community

Owners, Anthony and Emma Childs have placed great emphasis on creating a culture of sustainable tourism within their business. The Emakoko facilitates independent Community Outreach projects and aids The Kenya Wildlife Service in support of protecting Kenya’s endangered Black Rhino through conservation fees. By staying at The Emakoko you are directly contributing to the protection and conservation of Nairobi National Park and its wildlife.

Discover our stories from the edge

Discover our exciting field notes, guest stories, and the latest developments from our life at The Emakoko.

2 Years on

On the 11th of March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. What happened over the next two years was beyond comprehension.

Happy New Year

And so the extraordinary year of 2020 has finally drawn to a close. I have never been so happy to see the end of one year.

The end of 2021

Another year has gone by and wow, what a year it has been. It has been very long, very worrying and very tiring.

“Fantastic lodge in Nairobi National Park to stay. You cannot fault anything about Emakoko, from the luxurious comfortable rooms, attentive staff, whole ambiance, and delicious food. Hyrax around lodge all day. Bushybaby and Genet cat around the bar early evening.”

“The hotel is stunning and tastefully decorated. Incredible location, amazing views! Oh the food is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming staff. Anton was a gracious host. They certainly do have a personal touch. The rooms are huge and quiet! Excellent place for a getaway. Totally loved it!”

“Fantastic lodge in Nairobi National Park to stay. You cannot fault anything about Emakoko, from the luxurious comfortable rooms, attentive staff, whole ambiance, and delicious food. Hyrax around lodge all day. Bushybaby and Genet cat around the bar early evening.”

“The hotel is stunning and tastefully decorated. Incredible location, amazing views! Oh the food is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming staff. Anton was a gracious host. They certainly do have a personal touch. The rooms are huge and quiet! Excellent place for a getaway. Totally loved it!”