See 'The Lion King' cast for real in Africa

See 'The Lion King' cast for real in Kenya

IN THE REMAKE OF THE CLASSIC - THE LION KING

From Banzai, Simba and Shenzi to Pumbaa, Timon and Zazu, the characters of The Lion Kinghave captivated millions, both young and old, since the original animated feature was released 25 years ago. With the live-action remake out on 19 July, we thought we’d reintroduce you to some of the species featured in this famous film and provide some advice on the best places to see them in the wilds of Kenya.

Kenya being the inspiration behind the locations in the movie, the Unilad Adventure channel travelled to Kenya and explored the best things to do in our magical country –

Check out the video here!

Follow the trails of Simba and his friends to witness them in their own home in Kenya! Be it adult male lions like Mufasa & Scar, or lion cubs like Simba & Nala, Pumbaa the Warthog, or Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, the hyenas - you'll find them all here! Get a first-hand experience of The Lion King by booking an unforgettable safari with Adler Tours & Safaris today...

One of the properties mentioned in the video is the stunning Ark Lodge.

Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Resembling and named after Noah's Ark, The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide a superb location for wildlife to be seen. So that you don't miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. One ring for Elephant, two rings for Rhino, three rings for Leopard and four rings for other unusual sightings like the Giant Forest Hog. The choice is yours - and you can turn the buzzer off if you like!

There is also a ground level bunker - the perfect hideout for the discerning photographer. This is a circular pillbox-like structure, and it is from this vantage point that pictures of animals on the salt lick only yards away may be taken through the view holes in complete safety.

 

The waterhole is the premier attraction and center of attention at the lodge. Unlike game drives where one merely drives right through, at The Ark, you have the time and safe vantage to observe and study the animals unhurried. You get to see and appreciate the uniqueness of each of the animals that come to the waterhole.

Accommodation in The Ark is in the form of cabins that are self-contained with an en-suite bathroom. The rooms are on three levels - Deck A, Deck B and Deck C.

Deck C is the main deck where all the main lodge facilities are located, including the restaurant, cloakrooms and bar. There is also access for wheel chairs, for those who require it.

From the safety and comfort of all the four decks, one can watch the wild animals visiting the water hole in front of The Ark. There are: 6 single bedded rooms, 37 twin rooms with two single beds in each room, 10 double rooms with one queen bed in each room, 7 triple rooms with three single beds in each room - perfect for families.

The restaurant offers excellent cuisine for dinner and breakfast, either as a buffet or set menu, depending on the number of guests. There is also a well stocked bar with a variety of wines and liqueurs available. The food is fresh with organic vegetables and spices picked from the Aberdare Country Club gardens accompanied by fruit which are brought in daily from the village. The Chef is always on hand to cater for special dietary requirements. A collection of fine wines is available from The Ark cellar.

There is a library and a gift shop in the premises. Other activities during a stay at the Ark include game drives in the Aberdare National Park, guided bush/ nature walks, bird watching, visit to the moorlands and trout fishing.