The Aberdares National Park is located in the Central Highlands of Kenya. It is one of the most enchanting places in East Africa. Though not as popular as the Masaai Mara and Amboseli National Parks, it is quite one of the best hidden gems you will ever experience during a safari. It is a forest reserve with rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. If you are a photographer or a nature lover, the Aberdares is a place you need to visit. It has a great number of natural features and a wild variety of bird species that will quench your thirst for adventure. In addition, some of the world-famous Rodgers and Campsites are found in this Park.
Elephants in Aberdares
Location Of Aberdares National
The Aberdares is located between the Counties of Nyeri and Laikipia. This Park is 150 kilometers north of Nairobi and nested within the Aberdares Mountain Ranges. It spans an area of 767 kilometers and is the start of the Aberdares Forest Reserve. It is located at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 meters above sea level, thus it is one of the highest parks in Kenya. It is quite a cold place due to the low altitude, This altitude results in an ecosystem that is diverse with open grasslands, major waterfalls, and deep valleys that are misty.
Wildlife at the Aberdares National Park.
Rare animals in other parks can be easily found in the Aberdares National Park. This Park is rich in feed for the animals, thus it has many animals. This cool and deeply forested park has some of the endangered and elusive species.
Key Animals In this Park.
- African Elephant
- Black Rhino
- Leopards
- African golden cat
- Giant Forest Hogs
- Bushbucks
- Bongos
- Colobus monkeys
- Over 290 species of birds.
- Nocturnal wildlife.
Bird in Aberdares
One of the best spots to watch the night life of animals is at the Tree lodges, such a the Tree tops and The Ark.
Activities at the Aberdares National Park
Game Drives:
Game drives include a safari with one of the 4by4 vehicles since the trails are rugged to watch and see the range of birds and animals. The diverse vegetation with a range of traditional trees that are many years old. The best time for game drives is in the morning and the evening to view the animals before the hotter hours of the day, when the animals settle down in the bushes to rest.Majestic Waterfalls:
Some of the best waterfalls in Kenya are found at the Aberdares National Park. This water catchment area has many rivers that feed these waterfalls. The waterfalls are best seen during the rainy season or soon after the rains when the water levels are still high.
- Karuru Falls- this is the tallest waterfall in Kenya. It plunges 273 meters in 3 major stages.
- Gura Falls- this is just opposite the Karuru Falls. It falls down with a huge cascade.
- Chania and Magura falls- the falls are easily accessible and popular for photography. Hiking and Trekking:
The Park has scenic hiking opportunities. This is mostly at the moorland zones and above the tree lines, which are popular trekking paths.
Some of these treks are as follows: Table Mountain Trails, which is a full-day hike with panoramic views.
Elephant Hill Trails, Challenging and very rewarding, is a training route for Mt. Kenya.
Dragon Teeth is a mystical landscape with rocky outcrops and alpine vegetation.
Bird Watching.
There are many birdwatchers in the Aberdares, visitors to this Park should carry a binoculars and a guidebook to have a good experience.
Stay in Iconic Tree Lodges.
The park is well forested and has tree lodges that allow you to mix with nature. The Treetops Lode is where the Late Queen Elizabeth learned of her father's demise in 1952, and she was to ascend to power. The Ark Lodge offers an excellent view of the wildlife over a busy waterhole.
Where to stay in Aberdares National Park?
Inside the park, there are a few parks where one can stay.
The ark lodge
The Treetops Lodge
Fishing lodge
Accommodation Outside the Park:1.Aberdares Country Club- A luxury hilltop resort with a good view of the park.
2.Rhino Watch Safari Lodge- Ideal for families and birdwatchers.
3.Camping site for those who seek the thrill of nature and are looking for budget-friendly experiences
A giraffe in Aberdares
Best time to visit the Aberdare National Park.
This Park is open all year round, but there are sometimes of the year that are preferred for a visit than others. The dry season is more enticing and will give you a chance to travel around the park than the rainy season. The dry seasons of December to February and again from June to September. At these times, animals are more visible at the watering holes, and the vegetation is not as thick, thus viewing animals becomes much easier.
The wet months of March to May and October to November are good for watching the water fall, but are tricky due to the mud. Due to the low altitude, temperatures can become very low; thus, always carry warm clothes to keep yourself warm.
How to get to the Aberdares:
By Road:
The park can be accessed by road from the Nyeri or Naivasha highways. It can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the park gate by road. The park has a number of entrances at Treetops Gate, Wandare Gate, and Mutubio Gate.
By Air:
Flights can land at the Mweiga Airstrip near the park. This is a more convenient option for luxury travellers or if your stay is for a limited time.
Conservation Efforts at the Aberdares National Park.
Aberdare National Park plays a critical role as a water catchment for some of Kenya's major rivers, including the Tana River, which is the largest river in Kenya. This catchment area also applies water to the Sasuma and Ndakaini dams.
The park faces a number of challenges.
One of the most obvious and common challenges is poaching, particularly of elephants and rhinos.
Another major concern is the human-wildlife conflicts near the park boundaries, despite major efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Service to fence the park.
Finally, the climate change challenges have also affected the Aberdares ecosystem.
Aberdares National Park is a unique destination that offers a refreshing alternative to the more well-known savannah safaris. The cool climate and rare wildlife caters to both safari lovers and those looking for a rich, immersive nature experience. It will give you an experience like no other as you immerse yourself in nature.