Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is located 150 Km from Nairobi in Nyeri County, Central Kenya. The park which was founded in 1950 is one of the most visited destinations in Central Kenya.

Getting there

Aberdare National Park is accessible by both air and road. By road, you will drive on the Nyeri-Nairobi road and later divert onto the Nyeri-Nyahururu road. The park is about 15 Km from Nyeri town. By air, you will fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and land in Mweiga Airstrip which is just opposite the park’s headquarters.

Wildlife in Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park receives rainfall throughout the year thus making it a good habitat for wild animals. Its beautiful forests and vegetation is what will catch your eyes first on arrival. Vegetation comprises of striking rainforests and bamboo forests.

Lovely waterfalls and silent rivers are other natural features found in Aberdare National park. The most conspicuous falls are Karuru and Chania waterfalls. The Aberdare Mountains have several streams which drain into major rivers.

Animals found in the park include Colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, serval cats, elands, jackal, bushbuck, African elephant, warthog, Olive Baboon, Zebras, blue duiker, golden cat, leopards and baboons among others. Lions in the park have been transferred to other parks to protect the Bongo antelope. They can still be spotted although very rarely.

There are over 250 bird species in Aberdare National Park. Some of these species include eagles, plovers, sunbirds, sparry hawks, Aberdare Cristicola and Jackson’s Francolin among others.

Accommodation

The Ark Lodge (As the name suggests, the Ark Lodge is designed in the shape of Noah’s ark)

Treetops Lodge

Activities at Aberdare National Park

There are many activities carried out at the park which include;

Game Viewing

Aberdare National Park is home to many rare and endangered species. On a game drive in the park you will be able to spot these animals with the help of a guide who will give you names of all the animals you see. It is a good place to see the Black rhino which is a densely populated species in the park.

Bird Watching

As mentioned above the park has over 250 bird species. You should carry a pair of binoculars for easy spotting of the birds.

Fishing

The Aberdare Mountains/Ranges in the park are river sources. These rivers are rich in the brown rainbow trout. These rivers form great fishing grounds. You can be taught how to fish or do it for fun while on a visit in the park.

Camping

Aberdare National Park offers camping sites to both public and private campers. You can carry with you camping equipment or pay the park for provision.

Hiking

Aberdare Mountains provide good hiking grounds. Carry with you recommended hiking attire, drinking water and snacks.

Picnic walk

A picnic walk in Aberdare National Park is the most amazing activity. Breathing in the fresh air in the beautiful bamboo forests and rainforests is amazing. The beautiful waterfall s and streams/rivers are also quite a sight to see during the picnic walk.

Horse Riding

There are grounds set aside in the park for horse riding.