Aberdare National Park

Explore dense

Afro-alpine forests alive
with rare and elusive wildlife species.

Spot endangered black rhinos
and forest elephants near tree-canopy lodges.

Aberdare National Park is one of Kenya’s most unique safari destinations, set within the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya.

Covering about 766 square kilometers, this elevated park features thick bamboo forests, lush valleys, rugged moorlands, and deep ravines fed by cascading waterfalls.

Unlike open savannah parks, Aberdare’s cool, misty climate and montane ecosystem make it a haven for rare wildlife including the elusive bongo antelope and giant forest hog.

Visitors enjoy scenic drives and forest hikes, with the chance to spot leopards, hyenas, and bushbucks amidst dense vegetation.
It’s also one of the best places in Kenya to see black rhinos in a secluded, forested setting.

Aberdare’s legacy is intertwined with history—Queen Elizabeth II learned of her father’s passing and became queen while staying at Treetops Lodge here.

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Aberdare Highlights

Experience highlights showcasing Aberdare’s lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain wildlife for an unforgettable look at its distinct highland magic.

Spot rare species like black rhinos, bongos, and forest hogs in dense alpine vegetation and bamboo thickets.
Explore dramatic highland scenery with rivers, ravines, and the tallest waterfalls in all of Kenya’s national parks.
Enjoy cool mountain air, misty mornings, and a peaceful safari atmosphere far from the usual crowds.

Take forest walks guided by rangers and discover birds, plants, and animal tracks in complete silence.
Watch wildlife gather at salt licks and waterholes from raised viewing decks in forested clearings.
Visit historic locations connected to royalty and colonial-era adventure tales set in the Kenyan highlands.

Activities to Do in Aberdare National Park

Adventure and solitude blend well in the Aberdare highlands. Explore ancient forests, rare wildlife, and mountaintop tranquillity.

Game Drives

Aberdare’s game drives offer a unique safari through forest tracks and moorland clearings. Spot elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, and the elusive bongo antelope hidden in dense bush. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife sightings. Raised lodges provide exclusive night-viewing opportunities from balconies and salt licks.

Waterfall Viewing

Karuru Falls and Gura Falls are some of Kenya’s most spectacular waterfalls, plunging hundreds of feet into forested gorges. Visitors can hike to view points or drive to access platforms. These sites are especially photogenic during the wet season when water flow is strong and mists shroud the cliffs.

Nature Walks and Forest Hikes

Rangers guide visitors along marked forest trails through thick bamboo and high-altitude vegetation. You’ll learn about indigenous plants, animal tracks, and bird calls. Some routes lead to scenic viewpoints or remote waterfalls. Walks offer a peaceful, immersive way to experience Aberdare’s natural beauty.

Bird Watching

With over 290 bird species, Aberdare is a birder’s paradise. Look for crowned eagles, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds, and the rare Aberdare cisticola. The forest canopy, moorlands, and riverine areas each offer different birdwatching opportunities. Bring binoculars and explore during morning hours for the best sightings.

Night Wildlife Viewing

One of Aberdare’s signature experiences is watching wildlife at night from elevated lodges like The Ark and Treetops. These lodges are built overlooking salt licks and waterholes, attracting elephants, hyenas, leopards, and bush pigs. Observation decks and logbooks enhance the experience for overnight guests.

Historical Lodge Experience

Stay at the legendary Treetops Lodge where Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952. The lodge offers a nostalgic, immersive atmosphere. Its structure, built into a tree, gives a unique vantage point over the forest and visiting wildlife—a rare blend of history and safari.

Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is best from June to September or December to February, with drier months offering excellent wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.

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Season Safari Guide

Due to its elevation, Aberdare stays cool and misty year-round, offering a refreshing escape from lowland heat.

The dry season from June to October is ideal for game drives, as trails are drier and animals gather at water sources.

July to September is particularly good for spotting elephants and forest species near salt licks at lodge viewpoints.

The wet season from November to May brings heavier rainfall, especially in April, transforming the park into a misty, green paradise. Waterfalls are most impressive during this time, and birdwatchers will enjoy the high activity.

January and February offer a break in the rains with pleasant temperatures. Rainfall often comes in the afternoon, leaving mornings open for exploration.
Note that some tracks may become slippery during peak rains, making 4x4 vehicles essential.

Accommodations

Stay amidst mountain forests and moorland with panoramic views, fresh air, and easy wildlife sightings right from your balcony or porch.

Kenya

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Kenya

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Kenya

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife To See

Rhino
Leopard
Hog
Antelope
Elephant

Get To
Aberdare

The main entry point into Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located in Nairobi. From there, Aberdare National Park is approximately 180km north of the capital, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours. The park can also be accessed via Nyeri or Mweiga towns. Scheduled flights land at nearby Nanyuki airstrip, followed by road transfer to your lodge. Most visitors travel as part of a multi-park safari circuit covering Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, and Samburu.

What our guests are saying

4.5/5 Based on
975 reviews

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

Hannah W

Feb 2025

Amazing experience

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

View All Reviews

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Aberdare National Park

High-altitude wilderness teeming with forest giants, misty valleys, and secret waterfalls in central Kenya’s hidden highlands.

Explore dense

Afro-alpine forests alive with rare and elusive wildlife species.

Spot endangered black rhinos and forest elephants near tree-canopy lodges.

Gallery

Map

Aberdare Highlights