This is a high altitude national park created to protect the slopes and moorland of the Aberdare Mountains. The park is a perfect location for topography enthusiasts and for viewing Kenya’s animals and birds.
The topography ranges from high moorland, hills and peaks to indigenous forest, ravines, streams and waterfalls. Due to its high altitude, the park is very rainy and misty, with roads that become impassable during the wet season.
The Kenya Wildlife Service and Rhino Ark, a charity dedicated to the protection of the area and its wildlife, run Aberdare National Park. Aberdare is home to the second largest herd of endangered black rhinos.
Many Kenyan animals can be seen here including African elephants, lions, rhinos, black leopard and the elusive bongo antelope. Two of Kenya’s best safari lodges are located in Aberdare National Park – Treetops and The Ark. Both provide excellent game viewing at night over the watering hole.
Attractions & activities in Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park offers many activities and tourist attractions, as well as wildlife safaris. See African elephants, lions, rhinos, black leopards and bongo antelope as well as many other animals native to Kenya.
Chania Falls in Aberdare National Park
Bird watching is good here, with over 250 species of birds recorded in Aberdare National Park.
Trout fishing in the ice-cold Guru Karuru and Chania Rivers is another popular activity.
You can also take time to admire Lesatima and Kinangop peaks or walk through the moorland and visit the magnificent waterfalls.
Do a nocturnal animal viewing from The Ark or Treetops lodges. In fact, it was while vacationing at the Treetops lodge that Princess Elizabeth of Great Britain learned her father had died, thus making her Queen.
Climb the Twin Hills, Elephant Hills and Table Mountains.
Best time to visit Aberdare National park
January and February are good months to visit Aberdare, as are June to September. March to May is the heavy rainy season and should be avoided because the roads become impassable. There may also be some access problems from October to December.
Safari Lodges and Hotels
Treetops lodge is actually a tree-house lodge, accessed via a gangway rising to treetop level. The Ark lodge is designed in the shape of Noah’s ark and is generally considered to have better views.
It offers standard safari lodge accommodation. Both lodges are above ground level overlooking floodlit watering holes and salt licks.
There is a bell in each room that is rung if any unusual animal arrives at the watering hole. Nocturnal animal viewing is taken very seriously! Booking in advance to stay in any of these lodges is essential.
The Outspan Golf and Country Club the nearest hotel to Karura Falls in Aberdare National Park, offers a spectacular view of Mount Kenya.
Campsites/Bandas
Sapper Hut has two beds and an external bathroom.
Tusk Camp Banda has two Banda’s to sleep eight guests.
The Fishing Lodge has three bedrooms and two bathrooms to sleep seven guests.