ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The park is located about 100km North of Nairobi covering a total area of 766km2. The park forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range and was established back in the year 1950. The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others. The park is characterized by a wide range of astounding landscapes – from mountain peaks that rise up to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft.) above sea level, to their deep, v-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers and waterfalls. At lower altitudes is where you’ll find the bamboo forests, moorland and the rainforest.
Best time to visit
January to February and June to September are considered the driest months hence the best times to visit the park. However, the park is considered more of a year-round safari destination than most of the other parks. This is because its mountainous and you can experience mist and rain throughout the year.
Highlights
- Mind-blowing waterfalls with the main ones being Karuru waterfalls which fall in three steps, 1st step 117M, 2nd step 26M and 3rd 130M, Chania waterfalls and may other smaller ones.
- Trout fishing in the rivers escorted with knowledgeable local guides.
- Camping at the moorland.
- Bird watching. The park has recorded at least 290 species which incorporates the Aberdare Cisticola that is critically endangered and the Jackson’s francolin, which is regionally endemic, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.
- Rare sightings that include the Giant Forest hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat and the blue duiker. Wildlife is also available in plenty which include the African Elephant, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena, olive baboon and many more.
Our Favourite Properties
Aberdare Country Club
This is the base hotel for The Ark. Aberdare Country Club is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands. This captivating site was selected by an English couple who had decided to settle in Kenya. The Club’s wildlife sanctuary is teeming with eland, impalas, zebras, giraffes and the more reclusive leopards. It is a haven of unhurried charm set in a garden bursting with a profusion of colour and peacocks. See more.
Treetops
This property is the base hotel for Outspan. It is as much a part of nature as it has an ancient tree growing right through the hotel, with the lodge being built around it. The lodge is strategically located in front of a natural watering hole and salt lick, making it the perfect place to view game. Treetops is famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth II visited as a princess and left as queen. See more.
The Ark
This lodge was named after Noah’s Ark.  The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide an excellent location for wildlife viewing. The Ark has four viewing areas for observing the ever-present animal activity. There is also a ground level bunker – the perfect hideout for the discerning photographer. See more.
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