Aberdare National Park

Introducing

Aberdare National Park

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.

Experience the Aberdare National Park

At the Aberdare National Park situated next to the Great Rift Valley, here, luscious, vibrant forests give way to open expansive moorland, towering mountains and steep gorges. The Aberdare National Park is famed for its population of black rhino, as well as the giant forest hog, elephants and a range of antelope and gazelle. Aberdare National Park protects the mountain range of the same name. Tree hotels are designed for guests to observe wildlife coming to waterholes (or salt licks) in pristine forest habitat. Wildlife viewing from this elevated position is a remarkably rewarding way to see animals otherwise difficult to spot in the dense vegetation.

The forests and moorlands of Aberdare National Park are a birder’s paradise – more than 290 species have been recorded. The striking Hartlaub’s turaco is just one of the interesting visitors at the bird feeding platforms at the tree hotels. The indistinct Aberdare cisticola is endemic, and therefore unique, to the region and can be found at higher altitudes. Several interesting sunbirds are found in the park including the rare scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird which can be found on the mountain peaks.

Locate the Aberdare National Park

Discover: 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.

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).

Best time to visit

Aberdare National Park 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.

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.

Where to go in Kenya