Aberdare National Park

The Aberdare National Park in Kenya: Activities, Attractions & Safaris’ Guide

The Aberdare National Park is among the best national parks in Central Kenya. You can find all the BIG 5 animals (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos) and more wild animals in the park. The scenery at the park is exciting, with the thick tropical forests and bamboo vegetation. It is most famous for its Treetops Lodge, where Princess Elizabeth learned about his father’s death and becoming queen and the ark lodge Kenya. Top activities at the park include hiking, game viewing, bird watching, camping, photography, and walks, among others.

Facts about the Aberdare National Park

  • The Aberdare National Park is in Nyeri, Kenya, occupying 767 square kilometers.

  • It runs under the Kenya Wildlife Services, KWS.

  • It is approximately 4 hours’ drive from Nairobi to the Aberdare National Park

  • The Park was developed to protect the Aberdare Mountains

  • Famous animals in the park include lions, leopards, elephants, East African wild dogs, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, Cape buffalo, Sykes Monkey, and Elands.

  • It is home to 250+ bird species

Activities at the Aberdare National Park

Here are some of the top activities in the Aberdares National Park:

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Camping

The Aberdare National Park is among the top spots for camping in Kenya. It has many camping sites that are well-protected by the KWS. There are public and special campsites depending on your interest. Some camping sites include the following:

Aberdare National Park Kenya Safaris

Wildlife Viewing & Photography

The Aberdare National Park is an excellent spot for visitors seeking an extraordinary game-viewing experience. It is the home to many herds of wildlife, including the Big 5 animals. Among the animals you can spot at Aberdares are:(leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Also, you can spot and take pictures of hyenas, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, and bushbucks.

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Bird Watching & Photography

Visitors are welcome to watch and photograph birds all year round. There are birds in the park all year long. However, the best time for bird watching is November to April. During this period, migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are around. Some of the bird specials in the area include the following:

Camping Sites

  • Reedbuck campsite

  • Honi campsite

  • Shamata campsite

  • Bill Woodley Campsite

  • PC Haji’s Campsite

  • Murungato campsite

  • Queen Beatrix

  • Nyati Campsite

  • Kiguru Campsite

  • Princes Charles Campsite

Wildlife

  • Lions

  • Leopards

  • Elephants

  • East African Wild Dog

  • Cape Buffalo

  • Elands

  • Wathorgs

  • Bushbucks

  • Hyenas

  • Baboons

Birdlife

  • African green pigeons

  • Bronzy Sunbird

  • African goshawk

  • Bar-tailed trogon

  • Moorland Char

  • Olive Ibis

  • Jackson’s Francolin

Safaris & Tours in Aberdares National Park

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Aberdare National Park Accommodation

In the Aberdare National Park, you can stay in different places, including the famous Ark Lodge Kenya and Aberdare Country Club.

  • The Ark Lodge: It is a tree ark shape and overlooks salt-licks and Aberdare mountains’ waterholes. It is where Princess Elizabeth learned about his father’s death and becoming queen.

  • Aberdare Country Club: It is a charming and comfortable property. Activities include golf, nature walks, horseback riding safaris, and game drives. For a night-out experience, visitors can try out their camping sites. They are well-protected and relaxing.

Popular Routes of a Destination

There are two main ways to get to the Aberdare National Park. You can drive from Nairobi to Nyeri (approximately 180 kilometers taking about 4 hours). Driving along the Nyeri-Nyahururu Road is about 15 kilometers from Nyeri town to the park. The other method is flying from Nairobi to the Mweiga Airstrip opposite the Park along the Nyeri-Nyahururu Road.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Aberdare National Park?

The best time to visit the park is June to September and January to February. During this period, the park is warm and cool, making it ideal for sightseeing and visiting its attractions.

What is unique about Aberdare Park is its location. Unlike most national parks, it is located in Central Kenya. The area is cool and comfortable due to the high altitude. However, it means it is almost impassible during the rainy season.

Safety Guides and Tips

  • Get the recommended vaccinations before visiting the park. Note that Kenya, notably the Aberdare National Park, is malaria-free.

  • Book your accommodation early. It is best to get a tour and travel agency to assist with the accommodation.

  • It is safe to view the wildlife. However, it is advisable to stay a safe distance from the animals.

  • Get a professional guide from a credible Tours and Travel Agency to take you around the park.

  • Always listen to your guide at all times.

  • Carry your identification button to confirm your identity before entry

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Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park FAQs

The Aberdare National Park is best known for its treetops lodge. This is where Princess Elizabeth finds out she will be the future queen of England after her father’s death.

Yes! The Aberdare National Park is a top wildlife and bird-watching destination in Kenya. It is home to many animals, including the big 5 (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Also, it is where you can find the highest waterfall in Kenya, the Karuru waterfall.

The highest waterfall is the Karuru Waterfall in the Aberdare National Park. It is 273 meters deep with 3 differently-sized levels. The first stage is 117 meters, the second at 26 meters, and the third at 130 meters deep. It is one of the best scenes at the Aberdare National Park waterfalls.

The Aberdare National Park is home to the Big 5 animals (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Also, you can spot hyenas, baboons, monkeys, warthogs, bushbucks, etc.

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