Aberdare National Park is located in the central Kenya highlands, about 150 kilometers east of Nairobi. This small but amazing park with a size of 765 sq. km is characterized by picturesque, steep forested ravines and open moorland. It is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range which is a region that features stunning and diverse landscape, with jagged peaks soaring up to 3,930 meters and deep ravines cutting through the forested slopes. Aberdare National Park is mainly popular for wildlife viewing, trekking, picnic and trout fishing in the Rivers.

Among the wildlife for which Aberdare National Park provides habitat are Elephants, Leopard, Black Rhinos, Spotted Hyenas, Olive Baboons, Colobus monkeys, Buffalos, Bushbucks, warthogs among others. others. One can also be lucky enough to see rare sightings like the Giant Forest Hog, Golden Cat, Blue Duiker, African Civet, and the shy, critically endangered Mountain Bongo- an elusive antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. At Aberdare, bird viewing is one rewarding experience. There are over 250 bird species in the park, including the Jackson’s Francolin, Sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

Inside Aberdare National Park, you will find a collection of spectacular water falls. These are Karura Falls, Chania Falls, Maragua Falls and Gura Falls. Gura Falls is the steepest one in Kenya, with its water plunging 300 meters below.

For those interested in climbing, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills and Table Mountain offer rich vistas. Although challenging, the hill climbs are attainable by the average hiker.

Inside the park are two remarkable accommodation facilities. These are the Tree Tops Lodge and The Ark. In these facilities, one gets the rare chance to enjoy a tree lodge experience during their safari in Kenya. The Ark is built in the shape of the Biblical Noah’s Ark, while Tree Tops is historical, being famous as the hotel where Queen Elizabeth II descended as queen- having arrived as a princess.

Both the Ark and Tree Tops are special accommodation facilities. Besides being Tree Houses, they are both located near flood lit watering holes that animals frequent during day time and night.  Both facilities offer excellent vantage points to view the wildlife as they come to quench their thirst.

Accessibility: Aberdare National Park is accessible from Nairobi on a nice drive on a smooth road. The drive takes about 3 hours. The park is also ideal as a one night stop over for travelers driving to Samburu National Reserve. Aberdares is also offered as part of a safari circuit featuring other parks like Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.