Aberdare National Park
“Majestic Peaks, Moorlands & Intriguing Falls"
Aberdare National Park has an area of 296 square miles(767 sq km). The park is located in the southwestern part of Central Kenya. It comprises a diverse collection of flora and fauna, the rise and fall of the misty valleys stretched across the park, meandering rivers, streams and hills, open moorland with thick tropical forest coupled with a deep lush of clean, crisp air with the Aberdare Mountain Range as the backdrop. Aberdare is a perfect break for relaxation, peace and serenity. Its scenic characteristics are one of the highlights of visiting the park.
All the Big Five are present but most are hard to see. Buffalo and elephant are common, and you might sometimes spot black rhino at one of the tree hotel waterholes at night. Lion and leopard are rarely seen. Especially hard to find are the black (melanistic) leopards. If you see the very rare, shy bongo, you’ve hit the jackpot. Black-and-white colobus monkeys are a real treat. Bushbuck and waterbuck are common.
The Aberdare National Park Highlight:
Treetops Lodge - The tree-top lodge makes Aberdare famous. Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II loved the park. While visiting the park in 1952, news reached that her father had just died. She entered the park as a princess and left as a Queen. 30 years later, in 1983, the Late Queen Elizabeth II went to the park with her husband.
Experience the Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park promises an experience unlike anywhere else in Kenya. The dense mountain forests of the Aberdares have a rich history, with the caves and forests here a refuge for Mau Mau rebels during colonial times. More recently, the park’s elevated tree hotels allow you to observe wildlife coming to waterholes (or salt licks) in pristine forest habitat without even leaving your room. It’s a remarkably rewarding way to see animals that are otherwise difficult to spot in the dense vegetation.
Game drives are possible but require patience if you’re to see the birds and wildlife that inhabit the forest. Take time to allow your eyes to adjust to the dim forest light. You can also hike along forest trails, which is a fantastic way to explore the park.
Best time to visit: Aberdare National Park
Wildlife Experience
Aberdare National Park is a wildlife haven for animal lovers which includes (Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyenas, Elephants, Colobus Monkey, Endangered Black Rhinos, Buffalos, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Reedbuck, Eland, Jackal, African golden cat, Wild Dog, Giant Forest Hog, Africa Civet, Cat, Bongo, Olive Baboons and Blue Duiker among others.
Birdlife
For Bird-watching lovers, Aberdares offers more than 250 species of birdlife, including the Majestic African Fish Eagle, the Jackson’s Francolin, Goshawks, Sparrow Hawks, Sunbirds, Eagles and Plovers.
Best time to visit
Aberdare is an all-year-round safari destination compared to other parks. The best times to visit are January and February & June to September. The months are rewarding for spectacular game viewing, making it an enjoyable adventure with the possibility of spotting all your favourite animals and a good time for hiking. For birdwatching activities, the best time to do birding is from November to May, when there is a presence of migrant birds from Europe and North Africa.
Getting There?
By Air: You can access the park by flying to the nearby headquarters at Nyeri & Mweiga.
By Road: The Aberdare National Park can be accessed from Nairobi via Nyeri-Naromoru Road. The drive is approximately 150km (93 mi). The drive is about 3 hours on a tarmacked road. The drive from Naivasha is about 87km(54 mi).
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