Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is a high-altitude wonderland located in Kenya’s Central Highlands. Unlike the sun-drenched savannahs of other parks, Aberdare is cool, misty, and rich with biodiversity. Its landscapes shift from bamboo forests and deep ravines to alpine moorlands and open grasslands. Waterfalls plunge dramatically from the escarpment — including Karuru Falls, the tallest in Kenya. This diverse terrain provides a unique safari experience and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and photographers.

The park is a sanctuary for rare and elusive wildlife like the bongo antelope, black leopard, and giant forest hog. Elephants and buffalo roam the forests, while hyenas and leopards lurk in the shadows. One of Aberdare’s signature experiences is night wildlife viewing from elevated lodges like The Ark, where animals gather at floodlit waterholes below. For travelers looking to explore Kenya beyond the usual safari routes, Aberdare offers a magical, off-the-beaten-path experience filled with natural drama and quiet beauty.

• Queen Elizabeth II became queen while staying at Treetops Lodge in Aberdare in 1952.
• Home to Karuru Falls, the tallest waterfall in Kenya at 273 meters.
• One of the few places in East Africa where you might spot the rare bongo antelope.
• The park’s cool, misty climate is a result of its high elevation — reaching over 4,000 meters.
• Night wildlife viewing is a unique highlight, especially from lodges like The Ark and Treetops.
• Over 250 bird species have been recorded, including the Jackson’s francolin and mountain buzzard.
• The dense forest provides cover for black leopards, which have occasionally been photographed here.
• Part of the larger Aberdare Range, which helps supply water to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

• Forest Game Drives – Navigate winding forest roads in search of elephants, leopards, and rare antelope.
• Visit Waterfalls – Explore scenic spots like Karuru, Gura, and Chania Falls for dramatic photo opportunities.
• Night Wildlife Viewing – Stay at lodges like The Ark, where you can watch animals visit floodlit waterholes after dark.
• Birdwatching – Spot colorful and rare species like the Hartlaub’s turaco, crowned eagle, and Aberdare cisticola.
• Hiking & Nature Walks – Take guided hikes through bamboo forests and open moorlands for a more immersive experience.
• Photography – Capture mist-covered landscapes, deep valleys, and forest-dwelling wildlife in a truly unique setting.
• Cultural Storytelling (lodge-based) – Some lodges offer evening talks on the Queen’s visit and the colonial history of the park.

• Region: Central Kenya, within the Aberdare Mountain Range
• Distance: About 3.5 hours by road from Nairobi
• Nearest Gate: Ark Gate or Treetops Gate (near Nyeri)
• Access: Easily reached via well-maintained roads from Nairobi through Nyeri or Naivasha

• Bongo antelope
• Black leopards
• Elephants
• Giant forest hogs
• Colobus monkeys