Aberdare National Park

The Aberdare National Park is a protected area in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya located east of the East African Rift Valley. It covers the higher areas and the Aberdare Salient to the east. The park lies in both lower and higher altitude rising to 14,000 meter above the see level and covering a total land of 766 square kilometers that also forms part of Aberdare Mountain Range. It was created in 1950 as a protected national park to inhabit wide range of wildlife species and is on the list of UNESCO heritage site.

Why visit Aberdare national park?

The park is located about 100 km north of Nairobi and stretches over a wide variety of terrain at elevations from 2,000 metres to 4,000 metres. Established in May 1950, the Aberdare National Park covers an area of 766 square kilometers and forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. The park contains a wide range of landscapes – from mountain peaks that rise to 4,000 metres above sea level, to their deep, v-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests are found at lower elevations.

Things to do in Aberdare national park

Aberdare national park is one the most visited safari destinations to travelers who prefer to do outdoors and wildlife activities. The park is exceptionally one of the most admirable catchment areas in the country of Kenya providing water to River Tana and Athi which are part of central Rift valley and Northern drainage basin. Some of the activities in this national park include,

Game drives

Aberdare national park is a home to number of wild animal species which can be adventured on game drive activity. Game drive can be done in three sessions that is Morning game drive which starts at 6:30am to 10:30 am this is the best time to see animal’s active looking for food and some going back from their hide out, Evening game drive begins at 2pm to 6pm time to see animals under the tree resting, huge number of species can be seen on water banks linking for water and Night game which starts at 6:30 to 7:30pm best time to see nocturnal animals like bush babies, leopards, lions hunting. On your game drive along you can be able sight see variety of mammal species such as African elephants, cape buffaloes, mountain reedbuck, eland, wild dogs, leopards, and side stripped jackals among others.

Birding

Aberdare national park is a home to more than 290 bird species which can be spotted on safari to this park. These are some of the notable bird species to spot in here which include sunbird, goshawks, Jackson’s francolin, mountain buzzard, Rufous breasted sparrow hawks, ayre’s hawk many more species.

Horseback riding

This sounds like an impressive experience done on beautiful land scape teeming with variety of animals. Horseback riding can be carried out by the guide to savannah grass land and end up with perfect adventure most especially to nature lover.

Sundowner

This is absolutely interesting time a visitor to enjoy your cocktail in the wilderness while getting attracted to panoramic view of the Aberdare Ranges, Mount Kenya and the stunning hills around. This gives you a beautiful view on your African safari.

Bush breakfast experience

This activity is done to travelers who are nature lovers and seeking for more personal experience with the nature. And since Aberdare has professional chefs who can delight your dining table in the wilderness with mouthwatering juice so enjoyable experience.

Trout fishing

This can be done on various rivers such as the Guru, Karuru, and Chaina rivers, as well as numerous other fishing spots throughout the park. You can also do cave fishing where you get to also see lots of wildlife. Brown and rainbow trout are the most common fish in the park.

Golf experience

This is truly humbling to have this gorgeous play within the Game sanctuary. It is a 9-hole Golf course and you can enjoy the activity while getting attracted to wildlife species that wonder on the course looking for food. This is so wonderful and awesome experience in life time.

Chimpanzee trekking

Traveler can still engage in chimpanzee trekking at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki which take 1 to 2 hours’ drive to reach there. This activity can be done in morning or afternoon time as you get a great time to spend with these apes and have a chance to learn about their social behaviors.

Where to stay Aberdare national park?

There are many safari lodges and campsites that offer excellent services in Aberdare National Park. These range from luxury accommodation to mid-range as well as budget options. These facilities include The Ark Lodge, Green Hill Hotel, Dove Nest Lodge, Aberdare country club, Ole Itiko Cottages, Rhino Watch safari Lodge, Mutara Camp, Ranges View Lodge, Kika Lodge, Treetops.

The best time to visit Aberdare national park

Considered more of a year-round safari destination than some of the other parks, Aberdare National Park is mountainous and can experience mist and rain throughout the year. The drier months of January and February and from June to September are usually the best times to visit with the most rewarding game viewing.

How to access Aberdare national park?

By Road

Aberdare, Kenya, is only 160km from Nairobi. The best route runs from the towns of Naivasha and Nyahururu. However, a smooth tarmac road from Naro Moru and Nyeri towns is on the eastern side.

Gates are located at Treetops, Ark, Ruhuruina, Wandare, and Kiandongoro if you come from Nyeri. If you approach the park from Nyahururu, you should use the Shamata or Rhino Gate. Mutubio gate is perfect for visitors coming from Naivasha.