Set in the highlands of central Kenya, Aberdare National Park is a realm of misty valleys, tall mountains, and vibrant green moorlands. This tranquil park provides a refreshing break from city life, with dense forests and wide-open grasslands that invite you to breathe deeply and relax.
It’s perfect for anyone seeking peace and a bit of adventure. As you explore stunning waterfalls or observe wildlife in their natural settings, Aberdare offers an unforgettable experience in one of nature’s most splendid settings.
- Be amazed by the Karuru Waterfalls, which drop from high up in a breathtaking display.
- Listen to the roar of the Gura Waterfalls, which tumble down cliffs.
- See the lovely Chania Waterfalls making their way through the forest.
- Visit the magical Magura Waterfalls, flowing near the mysterious Queen’s Cave.
Aberdare National Park is not just beautiful – it’s a place full of adventure and calm, waiting for everyone who loves the outdoors while Visiting Kenya.
Best Time To Visit
Within Aberdare National Park, every view tells a story, from historic hideaways to elevated tree hotels observing the wild’s quiet stirrings.
The optimal times to visit Aberdare National Park are from June to September and December to February, during the dry seasons. These months offer the best conditions for hiking and wildlife watching, as animals gather around waterholes and the weather remains mostly sunny. Trails and roads are easier to navigate, although these periods can be busy with visitors.
Alternatively, the wet season from October to May provides lush scenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities, with fewer tourists and lower hotel rates. However, prepare for occasional rain and slippery conditions that might affect travel and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
Aberdare National Park offers a unique wildlife experience, not typically seen in other Big Five parks. While spotting all five of the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—can be challenging, elephants and buffalos are commonly observed.
The park’s tree hotels provide a rare chance to see black rhinos by the floodlit waterholes at night. Although lion and leopard sightings are rare, the park is one of the few places you might see the elusive melanistic leopard.
Common residents include bushbuck and defassa waterbuck. The park is also a haven for forest primates like the black-and-white colobus and Sykes’ monkey. At night, nocturnal creatures such as the giant forest hog and large-spotted genet frequently visit the waterholes.
Additionally, Aberdare is critical for the conservation of the beautiful bongo antelope, which is increasingly rare and also found in a breeding program at Mt Kenya National Park.
Aberdare National Park covers an area of 767 square kilometres.
By Road: Aberdare is about 180 km from Nairobi, accessible via well-maintained roads from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the east, and from Naivasha on the west. The park headquarters is 15 km from Nyeri town on the Nyeri-Nyahururu road.
By Air: The nearest airstrip is Mweiga Airstrip, located near Sasini Estate Farm, across from the park headquarters on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road.
Commonly seen animals include African elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, baboons, colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys, Cape buffalos, warthogs, zebras, bushbucks, and reedbucks. Rare sightings may include giant forest hogs, bongos, golden cats, serval cats, African wild cats, African civets, and blue duikers.
The park is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, notably the Karuru Waterfalls, which cascade in three steps totalling 273 meters. Other attractions include the scenic Chania Waterfalls, numerous ridges, river valleys ideal for photography, and a 400 km electric fence installed to protect wildlife and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
Visitors can enjoy picnics, trout fishing in the rivers, camping in the Moorlands, and bird watching with around 290 recorded bird species, including the critically endangered Aberdare Cisticola and the regionally endemic Jackson’s francolin.
Wildlife
"Home to the Big Five; elephants and buffalos almost guaranteed."
Birdwatching
"Spot over 290 bird species, including rare high-altitude dwellers."
Scenery
"Endless forests, woodlands, and plains offer stunning panoramic views."
Climate
"Mild year-round weather, ideal for safari any time of year."
Privacy
"Fewer visitors ensure a private, intimate encounter with nature."
Accommodation
"Stay at unique lodges like the Ark, overlooking vibrant waterholes."
