Aberdare National Park

About Aberdare National Park

Located in the Aberdares Mountains of Kenya, the Aberdare National Park is the second largest protected area in the country, and was established in 1948. It is also the only high-altitude park in Kenya, set at an altitude of between 1,400 and 2,200 meters above sea level in the Eastern Highlands Province. It lies in the heart of the country’s Great Rift Valley, now protects unique biodiversity and cultural heritage in an area that has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age, over 1,000 years ago. Aberdare National Park Africa is home to both the Aberdare Ranges and the highest peak in Kenya, Mount Kenya, as well as spectacular waterfalls and endless greenery.


There are over 300 plant species in the national park, including giant groundsel, giant lobelia, and giant cane. Species endemic to the Aberdare range include the threatened Aberdare cedar (Podocarpus hallbergii). An amazing place to enjoy wildlife safaris, the park is also home to seven Simisian species and 23 species of mammals, in addition to 198 species of birds, 100 species of butterflies and more. These include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos as well as unique species like spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks as well as the blue duiker. If you are looking for an unforgettable safari experience, then Aberdare National Park is the perfect place for you!

Aberdare National Park Flora & Fauna

Flora

The Aberdare National Park is home to a wide variety of plant life. Over 800 species of plants can be found within the park, including tree ferns, bamboo, and wildflowers. The park is a haven for biodiversity, and its many different habitats support a variety of plant life. The park's forest floor is covered with a dense layer of mosses, ferns, and other trees and shrubs. The park's streams and waterfalls are lined with lush vegetation, and the open grasslands are dotted with acacia trees. Some of the common trees that can be found here include the African Blackwood, cedar and olive, in addition to African daisies.

Fauna

Aberdare National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including elephants, leopards, rhinos, and giraffes. The park also has a rich birdlife, with over250 species of birds having been recorded, such as vultures, eagles and kites. Other animals present in the park include kongoni, eland, hartebeest, and impala. Aberdare National Park also provides refuge to other unique and endangered species of wildlife, including black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs as well as bushbucks. On rare occasions, you can also catch sightings of the Giant Forest hog, bongo, several cats, golden cats, the African wild cat, African civet cat and the blue duiker in the park.

Aberdare National Park Tour Packages

5-Day Aberdares Nakuru Masai Mara Safari
  • Enjoy a safari in three of the best wildlife spots in Kenya
  • Head to the Lake Nakuru National Park to witness thousands of flamingos nesting along the shores of this rift valley lake
  • Explore the Aberdare National Park to catch sights of rare black rhinos, as well as large mammals like antelopes, gazelles and elephants
  • Then head to the Masai Mara, where you can witness the epic Great Migration
  • Inclusions:
  • Park Entry Fee
  • Activities
  • Accommodation
  • Professional Driver/ Guide Services
  • Transportation
  • Taxes/ VAT
  • Airport Transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinking Water

Price: USD 1,121 per person


Also Checkout: Kenya Safari Holiday packages

4-Day Samburu Game Reserve and Aberdare National Park
  • Indulge in a 4-day trip to the northern regions of Kenya, from the Samburu Game Reserve
  • Explore the scenic beauty of the reserve, while also spotting animals like leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, grevy's zebras and more
  • Then, head over to the Aberdare National Park to enjoy a stay in a treehouse
  • Look out for animals like black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and elephants here
  • Inclusions
  • Park Entry Fee
  • Activities
  • Accommodation
  • Professional Driver/ Guide Services
  • Transportation
  • Taxes/ VAT
  • Airport Transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinking Water
  • Price: USD 795 to USD 1,065 per person
2-Day Aberdare Ranges and Solio Rhino Conservancy Tour
  • Set out for a journey to the Aberdare Ranges, which are isolated volcanoes and lie between Nairobi and the Thompsons Falls

  • Indulge in fishing, mountain climbing, bird watching and hiking in the terrains of the mountains

  • Enjoy a tour of the Solio Sanctuary, and witness the rare black and white rhinos, along with hundreds of other birds and animals here

  • Inclusions:

    • Park Entry Fee
    • Activities
    • Accommodation
    • Professional Driver/ Guide Services
    • Transportation
    • Taxes/ VAT
    • Airport Transfer
    • Meals
    • Drinking Water

Price: USD 361 to USD 436 per person

2-Day Taste of Aberdares
  • Get a taste of the Aberdares mountains as you enjoy a stay in the famous Ark Lodge, nestled deep within the forests of the park

  • Enjoy exploring the age-old elephant migratory route between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, to catch sights of elephants and rhinos

  • Witness unique animal species like warthogs, bush pigs, waterbuck, duikers, reedbuck and bongo during your stay

- Inclusions:

  • Park entry fee

  • Activities

  • Accommodation

  • Professional driver/ guide services

  • Transportation

  • Taxes/ VAT

  • Airport Transfer

  • Meals

  • Drinking Water

- Price: USD 397 to USD 488 per person

1-Day Tour of Aberdare National Park
  • Enjoy a short day trip to the Aberdare National Park, located within the picturesque Aberdares Mountains in Kenya

  • Indulge in a game drive and wildlife safari in the park, and enjoy spotting wildlife species like African Elephant, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena, olive baboon, black and white colobus monkey

  • Spend some time visiting the offbeat trails where you can catch sights of more elusive animals like sykes monkey, cape buffalo, warthog, common zebra (North Aberdare), bushbuck, reedbuck

  • Inclusions:

    • Park Entry Fee
    • Activities
    • Accommodation
    • Professional Driver/ Guide Services
    • Transportation
    • Taxes/ VAT
    • Airport Transfer
    • Meals
    • Drinking Water
  • Price: USD 220 per person

3-Day Tour of Aberdares and Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary
  • Take part in a tour of the Aberdare National Park and enjoy a stay in a hotel right in the midst of wilderness

  • Enjoy spotting different wildlife species from the terrace, including elephants, lions, gazelles, leopards, as well as African buffaloes, that gather at the waterhole located next to your lodge

  • Then, visit the Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary where you can enjoy game drives, and view elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other birds as well as animals here

  • Inclusions:

    • Park Entry Fee
    • Activities
    • Accommodation
    • Professional Driver/ Guide Services
    • Transportation
    • Taxes/ VAT
    • Airport Transfer
    • Meals
    • Drinking Water
  • Price: USD 1,400 to USD 1,560 per person

Things to Do at Aberdare National Park

Enjoy a Wildlife Safari

The Aberdare National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Kenya. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Visitors to the park can go on safari drives, bush walks, and game drives. The park also has a number of lodges and campsites, making it the perfect place to stay for a wildlife safari.

  • Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
  • Price: USD 200 onwards


Also Read: Things to Do in Kenya

Go for a Game Drive to Solio Game Ranch

Solio Game Ranch is a privately owned game reserve in Kenya's Aberdare National Park. The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Solio Game Ranch is a popular destination for safari-goers and is known for its efforts to conserve and protect Kenya's wildlife. The ranch is home to the country's largest population of black rhinos, and the reserve has been successful in increasing the population of the endangered species.

  • Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
  • Price: USD 150 onwards


Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kenya

Take Part in a Hiking Adventure in the Mountains

Aberdare National Park is a great place to hike if you're looking for an adventure. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. The park is home to the Aberdare Range, a series of volcanic mountains. The park also has many wildlife species including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and there are several trails to choose from. The most popular trail is the Ngong Hills Trail, which offers stunning views of the park and its wildlife.

  • Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

  • *Price: *USD 52 onwards

Enjoy Bird Watching

Birdwatching in Aberdare National Park is an incredible experience. The park is home to a variety of different bird species, and the scenery is absolutely breath-taking. The best time to go birdwatching in the park is during the early morning hours, when the birds are most active. You can also go birdwatching during the late afternoon and evening hours, but the bird activity will be much less during these times. When birdwatching in Aberdare National Park, you will likely see a variety of different bird species, including the African fish eagle, the red-necked francolin, the white-faced scops owl, and the black-headed weaver.

  • Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

  • Price: USD 200 onwards

Try Chimpanzee Trekking in the Park

Aberdare National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see chimpanzees in the wild. The park is home to a large population of these amazing animals, and there are several chimpanzee trekking opportunities available. Chimpanzee trekking is a great way to see these animals up close and personal. You'll have the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, and you may even get the chance to interact with them.

  • Timings: 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

  • Price: USD 60 onwards

Witness the Sunset

There is nothing like watching the sun set over the Aberdare Mountains, with the colours reflecting off of the water. You can simply head off to the lodges, or other campsites within the mountains, and soak in views of the setting sun, as its rays cover the entire sky in vibrant hues of red, pink and orange, making for a sight to behold. The sunsets in Aberdare National Park are some of the most beautiful in the world. You can even catch the sights of numerous birds and animals as you sit by and relax during the sunset.

Timings: 06:00 p.m. onwards

Lodges and Camps in Aberdare National Park

The Ark Lodge

The Ark Lodge campsite is one of the most popular camping spots in Aberdare National Park. The campsite is situated on the edge of a lake, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The campsite is well-equipped with all the necessary facilities, and is also home to a variety of wildlife.

  • Amenities: On-site restaurant, free internet access, bar/ lounge, laundry facilities
  • Price: USD 260 onwards


Also Check: Kenya Safari Lodges

Solio Lodge

The Solio Lodge campsite in Aberdare National Park in Kenya is a great place to stay while on safari. The campsite is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Aberdare Mountains, and it offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The staff at the campsite are very friendly and helpful, and they can provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, in-room spa treatments, dining venues, housekeeping

Price: USD 300 onwards

Reedbuck (At The Moorlands)

Set in the heart of the park, the campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also the perfect place to spot wildlife, with a number of different animals often seen grazing in the nearby meadows.

  • Amenities: dining area, picnic benches, private shower rooms, comfortable tents

  • Price: USD 100 onwards

Kiguru (K1)

Kiguru (K1) campsite is located in Aberdare National Park in central Kenya. The campsite is situated in a forest clearing and offers stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges. There is a variety of wildlife to be seen in the area including elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. K1 campsite is the perfect base for exploring this beautiful national park.

  • Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents

  • Price: USD 100 onwards

Bill Woodley Campsite

The Bill Woodley campsite in Aberdare National Park in Kenya is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The campsite is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. The campsite has a range of facilities and activities on offer, making it the perfect place to stay for a few days or longer. There are a number of hiking trails in the area as well.

  • Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents
  • Price: USD 100 onwards
Muringato (M1)

M1 Campsite in Aberdare National Park is a great place to stay if you want to experience the true wilderness of the park. The campsite is located in a remote area of the park and is only accessible by foot. There are no roads or trails leading to the campsite, so you will need to be prepared for a hike. The campsite is located near a river, so you can expect to see some wildlife while you are staying here.

  • Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents

  • Price: USD 100 onwards

Plan Your Visit to Aberdare National Park

Essential Information
What to Pack
Health and Safety Tips

How to Reach

  • By Air: You can take a flight, or fly in to the Mweiga Airstrip, which is located on the opposite side from Park Hqs along Nyero – Nyahururu Road near the Sasini Estate Farm, and then take a short drive to the Aberdare National Park.
  • By Road: You can also drive to the park. The park is located about two hours north of Nairobi, and there are several routes that can be taken. The most direct route is to take the A2 highway north from Nairobi. However, this route can be quite congested, so it is often faster to take one of the other highways that connect to the A2. Once you reach the town of Aberdare, the park entrance is well-marked.


Best Time to Visit

Aberdare is a diverse and beautiful park that can be enjoyed year-round. The best time to visit Aberdare is during the dry season, from June to September, when the temperatures are lower and the scenery is lush and green.

The weather in Kenya is often hot and dry, so pack clothing that will help you stay cool. Pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Insect repellent will help keep insects away and keep you safe from insect-borne diseases. Pack a pair of binoculars if you have them, and bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights. Additionally, don’t forget to carry light, comfortable clothes, socks, good hiking shoes as well as emergency first-aid kit and plenty of water and dry food during your visit.

  • Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking

  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails

  • Watch out for wildlife and avoid getting too close

  • Pack out all trash and do your part to keep the park clean

  • Be prepared for changes in weather and pack accordingly

  • Follow all park rules and regulations.

FAQ's of Aberdare National Park

What activities can we do at Aberdare National Park camps?

Some of the activities that you can enjoy doing at Aberdare National Park camps include game drives, wildlife safaris, bird watching, stargazing, bonfire, horse riding, viewing the sunsets, photography, trekking, etc.

How many days do you need in Aberdare National Park?

Most safaris last for three or four days, but if you want to really make the most of your time in the Aberdare National Park, it is best to stay here for at least a week. This will give you plenty of time to explore the different areas of the park and see all the animals that it has to offer.

What is the best time of year to visit the Aberdare National Park?

The dry season from June to September is the best time of the year to visit the Aberdare National Park. It is during this time when you can see the animals gather around the waterholes. With less rainfall during this time, it is also great to enjoy hiking in the forests and exploring the moorlands at the higher altitudes of the park.

What facilities will I get in Aberdare National Park camps?

At the camps in Aberdare National Park, some of the most common facilities that you can enjoy include running water, free internet access, comfortable rooms or tents, delicious meals and drinking water, bar or lounge facilities, dining areas, activities, etc.

Which are the best places to visit in Aberdare National Park?

Some of the best places to visit in the Aberdare National Park include the Karuru Waterfalls, Solio Game Ranch, the Aberdares Mountains, Chania Waterfalls, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Treetops Lodge, among others.

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