About the Park

Nestled in Kenya’s central highlands, Aberdare National Park is a misty, mountain paradise known for its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and rare wildlife. The park covers about 766 sq km and ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 meters in altitude, offering a cool climate and lush scenery year-round.

Established in 1950, the Aberdares form part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, which rises sharply from the Great Rift Valley. This park is famous for its history, it’s where Princess Elizabeth learned of her father’s death and became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 while staying at Treetops Lodge.

Wildlife & Habitat

Aberdare’s ecosystem is rich and varied, transitioning from tropical forests to bamboo zones and alpine moorlands.

Key Species: African elephant, black rhino, leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, bongo (rare mountain antelope), hyena, and colobus monkey.

Notable Sightings: The elusive bongo and black leopard (melanistic) have been photographed here, making Aberdare one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife destinations.

Birdlife: Over 250 bird species, including the crowned eagle, sunbirds, Jackson’s francolin, and Aberdare cisticola.

Habitat: Thick mountain forests, bamboo stands, and open moorlands with scenic waterfalls like Karuru Falls, Gura Falls, and Magura Falls — some of the tallest in Kenya.

Experiences & Activities

Aberdare National Park offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, perfect for those seeking nature, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

Top Activities:

  • Game Drives: Morning and evening drives through forested glades and moorlands.
  • Waterfall Visits: Hike or drive to see Karuru Falls, which drops in three tiers totaling 273 meters.
  • Forest Walks: Guided walks in designated areas for close encounters with smaller wildlife and rare plants.
  • Lodges with Viewing Decks: Stay at Treetops or The Ark, where wildlife visit waterholes right below the decks.
  • Fishing: Trout fishing in cold mountain streams like the Chania River.
  • Photography & Birdwatching: The misty atmosphere and forest wildlife offer great photographic opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

Open Year-Round

Best Months: January–March and June–October — the dry seasons are best for wildlife drives and clear views.

Rainy Seasons: April–May and November–December — lush greenery and waterfalls at their most dramatic, but some roads can become slippery.

Temperature Range: Cool climate — 10°C to 20°C during the day, dropping below 10°C at night.

How to Reach & Park Entry

Location: About 150 km north of Nairobi, in Nyeri and Nyandarua counties.

Nearest Airports:

  • Nanyuki Airstrip (domestic flights)
  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), 3.5 hours by road.

By Road: Access through Nyeri or Naivasha towns.

Main Gates:

  • Ark Gate
  • Treetops Gate
  • Kiandongoro Gate
  • Wandare Gate
  • Rhino Gate

Park Fees: Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS); payment via eCitizen or at the gate.

Where to Stay / Lodges & Camps

Inside / Near the Park:

The Ark Lodge: Built like a ship overlooking a floodlit waterhole, great for nighttime wildlife viewing.

Treetops Lodge: Historic lodge where Queen Elizabeth II became queen offers treehouse-style rooms.

Aberdare Country Club: Luxurious base outside the park that arranges game drives and lodge transfers.

Fishing Lodge & Campsites: Affordable KWS-run accommodations for self-drive visitors.

Travel Tips / Safety Notes

  • Dress warmly, mornings and evenings are cold.
  • Carry rain gear even during dry months; mist and showers are common.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential due to steep, muddy tracks.
  • Always stay inside your vehicle unless in designated areas.
  • Avoid driving alone deep into the forest; network signals are limited.
  • Respect wildlife viewing distances and avoid feeding animals.

Packing List

  • Warm clothing and rain jacket
  • Hiking boots and gloves
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Water and snacks
  • Park map and guidebook
  • Passport/ID and eCitizen entry receipt

Visitor Statistics

Aberdare National Park receives around 40,000 – 50,000 visitors annually, mostly domestic travelers and nature enthusiasts. It’s less crowded than other major parks, making it perfect for a quiet and intimate wildlife experience.

Conservation & Responsible Tourism

Aberdare plays a crucial role in protecting Kenya’s mountain water catchment areas that feed rivers like the Tana and Athi. The park also shelters endangered species such as the black rhino and mountain bongo.

Conservation efforts include forest restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and electric fencing to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

Travel Responsibly

  • Stay on marked roads and trails.
  • Avoid littering or picking plants.
  • Choose eco-lodges that employ local communities.
  • Support local crafts and conservation projects.