Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is set within the Aberdare Mountain Range, Central Kenya-East of the East African Rift Valley. It was gazetted as a national park in 1950 and occupies an area of 767sq.kms. It sits between elevation 2000 and 4000m. Its landscape is unique comprising of mountain peaks that rise up to 4000m to V-Shape valleys intersected by rivers, waterfalls, streams. In the lower area, the park features bamboo, rainforests, and moorland. It takes its name from Aberdare mountain ranges isolated volcanic range in the Eastern side of the rift valley which extends up to 100kms North-South. Aberdare National Park boasts of its huge concentration of wildlife which makes it an outstanding wildlife safari destination to explore on Kenya safari.

Attractions in Aberdare National Park

• Wildlife 

The numerous wildlife to see on Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park include baboons, elephants, antelopes, spotted genet, buffaloes, hyenas, giraffes, giant forest hogs, black and white colobus monkeys, black rhinos, East African dog, golden cats, stripped jackals, melanistic serval cats, leopards, Skye’s monkeys, and many others.

• Birdlife 

Birds are some of the incredible attractions to look out for on Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park. Over 290 bird species are distributed in this park alone making it one of the essential birding sites in Kenya. The birds to expect to identify in this park include African fish eagles, Jackson’s spurfowl, rufous breasted sparrow hawks, Jackson’s francolins, goshawks, mountain buzzards, Abbot starling, African green ibis, African thrush, crowned hornbill, Hartlaub’s turacos, sharp’s long claw, Aberdare cisticola, Ayre’s hawk-eagle, sunbirds, plovers, baglafecht weavers to mention but a few.

• Karuru waterfalls

A visit to Aberdare National Park isn’t only about exploring its birdlife and wildlife but for you to also get the best of its scenic Karuru waterfalls. This natural wonder is surrounded by many hills including elephant hills, Twins hill, Chebuswa hill, Kinangop, Ol donyo lesatima.

• Aberdare ranges 

These are some of the stunning volcanic mountain ranges that are worth exploring on Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park. They feature peaks like Kinangop and Oldoinyo Satima peak and comprises of a lush rainforest, bamboo forest and moorlands. On a visit to these mountain ranges, you also come across a variety of primate species including colobus monkeys as well as other wildlife dwellers like bongo antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, genet cats and not to forget the exceptional view of the park.

Activities to do in Aberdare National Park

• Wildlife viewing 

The different wildlife species to expect to view on Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park include elephants, antelopes, spotted genet, buffaloes, hyenas, giraffes, giant forest hogs, black and white colobus monkeys, East African dog, golden cats, stripped jackals, melanistic serval cats, leopards, black rhinos, Skye’s monkeys.

• Birding

Birders on Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park can keep an eye on birds such as African fish eagles, Jackson’s spurfowl, rufous breasted sparrow hawks, Jackson’s francolins, goshawks, mountain buzzards, Aberdare cisticola, Ayre’s hawk-eagle, sunbirds, plovers, baglafecht weavers, Abbot starling, African green ibis, African thrush, crowned hornbill, Hartlaub’s turacos, sharp’s long claw.

• Horse riding 

Aberdare National Park also presents visitors on Kenya safari with opportunity to embark on the horseback riding experience. This lets you explore the park’s stunning sights and diverse wildlife while on horsebacks.

• Hiking 

Hiking adventures in this park take you through its designated trails via lush forests, moorland, and bamboo. You stand a chance to view the unique flora and several tourist attractions including Karuru falls and breathtaking landscape while sighting different species of wildlife.

When to visit Aberdare National Park

The dry season is considered the best time to visit Aberdare National Park. This begins in June, July, August, September then January, February. Visiting the park during the wet or rainy season is a bit challenging as most game trails become muddy. The wet or rainy season in this park begins in March, April, May, and October, November to December.

• How to get to Aberdare National Park

Tourists on Kenya safari can get to Aberdare National Park for a safari holiday starting from Nairobi through Nyeri and Naro Moru. Alternatively, take a flight from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki airstrip, Mweiga airstrip or Nyeri airstrip.

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