Aberdare National Park

The Aberdares is a long stretch volcanic range from South Kinangop, east of Naivasha, up to the Laikipia Escarpment northwest of Nyahururu. It forms the eastern wall of the rift valley. Aberdare National Park has varieties of flora, fauna, and enthralling landscape not found elsewhere. Elephants and buffaloes dominate the abundant wildlife. Endangered species include the rare bongo antelope, wild dogs, giant forest hog, and the endemic mole rate and mole shrew. Other game include a large population of black rhino, leopard, serval, bush pig, bongo antelope, spotted hyena, endemic bird species, and reptiles.

The highest points in the region are Ol Donyo Lesatima Peak (3999 meters) and Kinangop Peak (3906 meters), separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 300 meters. The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams, and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic beauty in the National Park.

Aberdare National Park is parked with a diverse topography with deep ravines which cut through the forested eastern and western slopes, and there are many clear streams and waterfalls, some dropping 300m down into the thick forest. Some waterfalls include Gura Falls, Chania Falls, and Karuru Falls, creating dramatic scenery. The region is an imperative water catchment area supplying water to the Athi and Tana Rivers and part of the Northern and Central Rift drainage basins.

A 400 km long electric fence completely encloses the park preventing human-animal conflict and protecting wildlife from poachers.

What to Do

Trekking in the northern moorlands, mountain climbing, camping, hiking, game viewing, night viewing of wildlife at The Ark and Treetops Lodges, and trout fishing in the clear streams.

Major Attractions

Landscape: Ol Donyo Lesatima Peak, Kinangop Peak, waterfalls (Karura, Gura, Chania, and others), Elephants Hills, Twin Hills, and the Table Mountains. Mau Mau Caves (Dedan Kimathi hideout), Treetops lodge (where Queen Elizabeth II learned of her accession to the British throne).

Wildlife: Elephants, buffalos, a vast population of black rhinos, rare bongo antelope, packs of the now very rare wild dogs, rare black leopards, serval, bush pig, and a variety of bird species, among others.

Other Details

Park Size: 765.7 sq. Km

Park Entry Fees: Check the Kenya Wildlife Service website to confirm prices.