Aberdare National Park
Kenya
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The Mystical Highlands of Kenya
Aberdare National Park is a dramatic departure from the typical African safari image. Part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, this park is a lush wonderland of misty rain forests, deep ravines, and open moorlands. Sitting at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters, it offers a cool, crisp climate and some of the most spectacular waterfalls in East Africa. It is also famously where Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne of England while staying at the Treetops Hotel.
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What to expect
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The Wildlife: Home to the “Big Five,” though sightings here are a thrilling challenge due to the thick canopy. It is the best place in Kenya to see the elusive Bongo Antelope, giant forest hogs, and rare Black Leopards.
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The Landscape: Explore a terrain that ranges from high-altitude heathery moorlands (reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands) to dense bamboo forests and rainforests.
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Birding Paradise: With over 250 species of birds, including the endangered Aberdare Cisticola, Jackson’s Francolin, and various sunbirds and eagles.
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Seasonal Overview
This is a high-rainfall area; even in the dry season, mist and rain are common, which adds to the park’s ethereal charm.
The Ark Lodge
Aberdare Country Club
Treetops Lodge
The Ark Lodge
Modeled after Noah’s Ark, this lodge has four viewing decks. A buzzer in your room will alert you at night if a rare animal (like a leopard or rhino) arrives at the waterhole.
Aberdare Country Club
The gateway to the park, set on a 1,500-acre wildlife sanctuary. It offers a colonial-style charm with a golf course, spa, and beautiful gardens.
Treetops Lodge
Steeped in history, this is where the British Royal family stayed in 1952. It offers a unique vantage point over a bustling waterhole and salt lick.
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Waterfall Chasing: Visit the magnificent Karuru Falls, which plunges in three stages for 273 meters, or the Chania Falls. These are among the most beautiful photography spots in Kenya.
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Moorland Hiking: Take a guided trek across the high-altitude plateaus. The views from the peaks (like Ol Donyo Lesatima) are breathtaking, offering glimpses of Mount Kenya in the distance.
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Trout Fishing: The park’s cool mountain moorlands are home to clear, ice-cold streams. We can arrange for a day of fly-fishing for brown and rainbow trout (fishing license required).
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24-Hour Wildlife “Watching”: At lodges like The Ark, enjoy “armchair safariing.” Watch elephants, buffalo, and rhinos come to the salt lick from the comfort of a lounge with a warm drink in hand.
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Birdwatching Walks: Explore the bamboo and rainforest zones with our expert guides to spot the unique montane bird species.
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Game Drives: Traverse the “Salient” (the lower altitude forest) to seek out the rare Bongo antelope and the park’s famous elephants, who are known for being slightly smaller and more elusive than their savannah cousins.
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