Introduction to Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is one of Kenya’s most enchanting and ecologically diverse protected areas, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, pristine forests, and rich wildlife. Established in 1950, the park forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya and spans an area of about 766 square kilometers. Unlike the classic savannah parks of East Africa, Aberdare National Park offers a completely different safari experience—one defined by mist-covered mountains, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, alpine moorlands, and dense bamboo forests.

The park’s unique high-altitude environment creates a spectacular variety of habitats. Its lower slopes are cloaked in thick tropical and bamboo forests teeming with wildlife, while the upper regions open into vast moorlands dotted with giant lobelias and heathers. The Aberdares are also home to some of Kenya’s most impressive waterfalls, including Karuru Falls, a three-tiered cascade plunging over 270 meters, and Gura Falls, one of the country’s highest and most dramatic drops.

Aberdare National Park is renowned for its exceptional and often rare wildlife. Elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, and bongos—an elusive and endangered forest antelope—roam its thick vegetation. The park is also home to black rhinos and a large number of primates, including colobus and Sykes monkeys. Its montane habitats support over 290 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers, with species such as the Aberdare cisticola, crowned eagles, and various sunbirds thriving in the region.

One of the park’s signature attractions is its unique lodge architecture, where iconic tree lodges like The Ark and Treetops Lodge overlook floodlit waterholes and salt licks. Guests can observe wildlife—especially elephants, buffalos, and hyenas—throughout the night from the comfort of their rooms or viewing decks. Treetops Lodge is also famous for being the place where Princess Elizabeth ascended to the British throne in 1952 after the passing of King George VI.

Aberdare National Park offers an array of activities beyond traditional game drives, including nature hikes, bird watching, trout fishing, and scenic drives through its misty mountain landscapes. The cool, refreshing climate and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a peaceful and immersive wilderness experience.

With its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, rich history, and unique forested landscapes, Aberdare National Park stands as one of Kenya’s most magical destinations—a place where natural elegance and adventure blend seamlessly.