Aberdare National Park
About Aberdare National Park
Imagine the undiscovered creatures still lurk here, such as rare Black Leopards.
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running about 100 Km north south between Nairobi and Thompsons Falls. This beautifully scenic region is much cooler than the savannahs and offers a completely different perspective on the country. The national park lies mainly above the tree line. The scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist.
The Experience at Aberdare National Park
The experience in Aberdare National Park is unlike anywhere else in Kenya. The Park is most famous as the place where Princess Elizabeth found out that she was Queen upon the death of her father at Treetops Lodge. Since then this lodge has been popular with tourists on safari to Kenya.
Half the thrill of game viewing in this park is an Elephant or Buffalo suddenly appearing out of the thick rainforest vegetation. One of the best places to see the local denizens is at one of the waterholes by the lodge. The Park has several high mountain peaks, deep ravines with icy mountain streams and many beautiful waterfalls with a moorland plateau. You can explore the park while on game drives and trek up the high peaks and take in the spectacular scenery.
The thick rainforest gives way to bamboo forest and interesting alpine vegetation the higher you travel up the mountain peaks within the park. The forest is home to populations of forest Elephants, Buffalo, Lion and several species of antelope such as Waterbuck, Duiker, the rare Suni and Bushbuck. If you are very lucky you might catch a glimpse of Kenya’s rarest antelope, the Bongo. The Park is also home to a healthy population of Black Rhino.
Serval and Leopard also occur some of which have a rare black coat. There are many species of primates, including Black and White Colobus and Sykes and Vervet Monkey’s.
Climate at Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park covers the bulk of the heights of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges in Central Kenya. The best times to visit the Park are in January and February, as well as June and September. Due to its high altitude the region is much cooler than the savannahs and coastal plains.
The region is misty and it rains year round, however, there are two main rainy seasons, from March through May and October through December. Due to the high amounts of rainfall during these periods, the roads may become impassable.
How to get there!
By Road
Visitors will travel 96 miles north from Nairobi via the A104 and Kirima-Murungaru roads. The journey will take approximately three and a half hours.
By Air
Visitors can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki Airstrip and then take a 90-minute transfer to Aberdare National Park.
Best Time to Visit the Park!
Weather & Climate
The higher altitude at Aberdare National Park means the climate is generally cooler than other parks in Kenya with mist known to roll in over the mountain ranges. Average temperatures range between 59 degrees Fahrenheit in the dry, winter months to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the late summer months. The short rains fall between October and the end of March, while the longer rains will arrive in March and continue until mid-May.
Avoiding Crowds
To avoid many vehicles traversing Aberdare National Park and assure accommodation options, visitors should consider visiting the park outside the peak winter months of June to early September.
Value for Money
Accommodation in Aberdare National Park is moderately priced and set in an amazing location with abundant wildlife. Proximity to Nairobi makes it an overall value-for-money safari experience.
Wildlife and Landscape
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Aberdare NationalPark
There have been over 290 species of birds recorded in the Aberdare National Park with the occasional sightings of the rare giant forest hog and the unique Bongo. The park is home to the Big Five so visitors will have a chance to spot their favorites including elephants, buffalo and lions. Plains game such as bushbuck, giraffe and the cute blue duiker can also be seen on a safari in the park.
The Terrain
The terrain of Aberdare National Park consists of the Aberdare mountain range that forms part of the Great Rift Valley, with sheer drops on the western side and gentle, sloping hills along the east. Dramatic waterfalls, forested valleys and moorlands make up the picturesque topography of Aberdare National Park.
Safari Experiences
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted in enclosed 4×4 safari vehicles, usually lasting around three hours each time. Qualified guides will show guests the beauty and bounty of Aberdare National Park, drives conducted at the ideal time for wildlife spotting.
Guided Walking Safaris
Park rangers will guide guests through the Aberdare National Park on safari walks
Lodges and Accomodation Overview
Accommodation in the Aberdare National Park ranges from classic African, four-star lodge establishments to more modest accommodation options. There is no top luxury accommodation in the park.
Aberdare National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
The Ark Lodge | Located within the Park, 6 miles from the Wandare Gate |
Treetops Lodge | Located within the Park, 0.5 miles from the Treetop Gate |
Aberdare Country Club | Located outside the Park, 6 miles from the Treetop Gate |
Aberdare Fishing Lodge | Located in the Park, 7.5 miles from the Mutubio Gate |