Aberdare National Park is one of Kenya’s most unique and underrated safari destinations, offering a lush, mountainous contrast to the savannah landscapes found elsewhere in the country.

Overview
Location: Central Kenya, within the Aberdare Mountain Range
Size: ~767 km²
Altitude: Ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,600 to 13,000 feet)
Established: 1950, to protect the Aberdare ecosystem

What Makes Aberdare Special?
Unique Scenery
Misty mountain forests, deep ravines, waterfalls, and moorlands
Lush bamboo groves and alpine vegetation at higher altitudes
Cool, rainy climate – ideal for hikers and nature lovers

Wildlife
Elephants, buffalos, leopards, bushbucks, and colobus monkeys
Rare species like the bongo antelope, giant forest hog, and melanistic (black) leopards
Rhinos are found in the Solio and rhino conservancies nearby, not always within the forested park itself

Birdwatching
Over 250 species of birds including Jackson’s francolin, sunbirds, goshawks, and crowned eagles

Waterfalls
Karuru Falls: Kenya’s tallest waterfall (273 meters / 896 ft)
Chania Falls and Gura Falls also offer beautiful viewpoints

Historic & Cultural Relevance
The park was once a hiding place for Mau Mau fighters during Kenya’s independence struggle
The Treetops Lodge is historically famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952 after the death of her father while she was staying there

Practical Info
Category Details
Best time to visit January–February and June–September (drier months)
How to get there ~3–4 hrs by road from Nairobi
Nearest towns: Nyeri and Naro Moru
Park fees ~$50–$60 per adult per day (varies by nationality)
Accommodation Inside: Treetops Lodge, The Ark Lodge, public campsites
Outside: Aberdare Country Club, Outspan Hotel

Ideal For:
Visitors looking for a cool, forested safari experience
Hiking, waterfall treks, and scenic drives
Photographers and birdwatchers

History and culture enthusiasts