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Located in the central part of Kenya, Aberdares National Park is an ideal sanctuary for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with terrains offering unique experiences. Spanning 767 square kilometres, the acclaimed park is chiefly famous for its rich, dense vegetation draped in foggy clouds and waterfalls. It is endowed with picturesque vantage points and cool mountain air, in addition to being a haven for elephants, leopards, and the elusive bongo antelope. One of the most beautiful parks in Kenya for adventurers and animal lovers, the park offers game drives, hiking through dense rainforests, and trout fishing.
Quick Facts
Location: Rware, Ndaragwa, Kenya
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: $52 (non-residents); KES 300 (residents)
How To Reach: By air, rail, or road
Nearest Airport: Nanyuki Airport, 70 km
Nearest Railway Station: Nyeri Station, 50 km
Best Time to Visit: January to February, June to September
Where To Stay: The Ark Lodge, Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, Ranges View Lodge, Nyati Hill Cottages, Juniper Green Gardens Resort and more.
Where To Eat: Le Pristine Hotel, Bells & Whistles, Betty’s Place, The Vatican Grill, Stardust Restaurant and more.
Location
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the central region of Kenya is the national park, which occupies most parts of Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. Its specific inlet points are at Nyeri Town, which can be seen along the road to Nyahururu. Forming the park’s topography is the Aberdare Mountain Range, which represents between 2000 and 400 meters above sea level. The nearest tourist landmarks include Mweiga Airstrip and Dedan Kimathi University. Its central situation ensures that it is easily accessible from major towns such as Nyeri, Nyahururu, and Nairobi.
How To Reach
Photo: Caligula / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Nanyuki Airport is the closest airport, 70 km from Aberdare National Park. From Nairobi to Nanyuki, the domestic flights take around 45 minutes. You need to organise a taxi from the park gates or book one in advance.
By Rail: Nyeri is the nearest railway station and is 50 km away. It links with Nairobi by Kenya Railways. To get to the park, you can catch a taxi or private transport. Train timings change so check beforehand.
By Road: To reach Aberdares National Park, it is a 2.5-hour drive from Nairobi along the Thika-Nyeri Highway. The roads are good, with trails passing the major park gates like Ruhuruini, Ark Gate, etc. SUVs are recommended for visits, but you can drive your vehicle through guided treks.
Things To Do
1. Visit Karuru And Gura Waterfalls
Photo: Matteo Frigo / Wikimedia Commons
Karuru Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Kenya, with its multi-tiered cascade towers at 273 meters. Nearby, Gura Falls serves as a nice counterpoint to Karuru’s dramatic plunge into the gorge. A short hike to these falls is a guided walk through the secluded forest pathways with rare birds such as African goshawks. These waterfalls are also great for photography due to the mist and lush surroundings. Dedicated hikers should put on some proper boots, as the paths can be a bit slippy.
2. Moorlands Trout Fishing
Photo: Anthony O’Neil / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A well-known area within the Aberdares moorlands is a great, peaceful trout fishery. The rainbow trout-filled waters of rivers such as the Gura and Chania also create an angling paradise. It is ideal during the dry season when water levels are constant. You are required to have a permit to be picked up at the Kenya Wildlife Service offices. Bring your fishing gear or rent from local outfitters and enjoy a day of peace in the wilderness. The day out on the fly fishing water captures anglers in a natural setting with views across miles of Indigenous vegetation.
Places To Visit Near Aberdares National Park
1. Solio Game Reserve
Photo: Valentina Storti / Wikimedia Commons
Solio Game Reserve is an internationally reputed sanctuary for rhinos and a perfect haven for wildlife lovers. Also found within Laikipia County, this private reserve has a healthy number of black and white rhinos as well as various other wildlife such as lions, leopards, buffalo, & antelopes. The short grass of the well-maintained plains allows for great visibility on game drives. It is also bolstered by the imposing backdrop of Mount Kenya, which enhances its aesthetic appeal to guests. Solio also has an anti-poaching environment and emphasises conservation through responsible tourism.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Distance From The Park: 60 km
2. Thomson’s Falls/Nyahururu Falls
Photo: Raidarmax / Wikimedia Commons
One of Kenya’s most stunning natural attractions is Thomson‘s Falls, a 74-meter cascading waterfall on the Ewaso Narok River. With lush forest overgrowth surrounding it, the waterfall emits a cooling mist in its immediate surroundings that provides excellent opportunities for picnics or casual strolls. Short hikes along the nearby trails direct you to a range of different points with views of water. Nature lovers enjoy watching the many birds that inhabit the immediate surroundings. Neighbouring souvenir shops offer locally made artwork, providing a taste of Kenyan culture.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Park: 100 km
3. Mount Kenya National Park
Photo: Galkey / Wikimedia Commons
In Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve, you have the unique opportunity to explore Africa’s second-highest peak in the wilderness. It is the perfect place for trekkers, as there are marked paths that take you to tourist places and the climatic zones of the highlands. For more thrills, climb up to Lenana Peak. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, hyenas, and colobus monkeys. On the other hand, lower slopes can be perambulated by birdwatchers and photographers. You can stay in lodges or campsites on this UNESCO site.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Distance From The Park: 80 km
4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Photo: Weldon Kennedy / Wikimedia Commons
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya and nestled between dramatic Rift Valley landscapes, it is a favourite in Laikipia. It is named among some of the top sanctuaries doing socially responsible tourism. It boasts East Africa’s biggest black rhino population and the planet’s last two northern white rhinos. Enjoy a visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees living in an environment that is safe for them. Game drives both during the day and at night to see elephants, lions, and cheetahs and also provide horseback and tree safaris.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance From The Park: 90 km
5. Nyeri Museum
Photo: LordHarris / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nyeri Museum offers to relive the memories of Lord Baden-Powell, the great founder and innovator of worldwide scouting. The museum is quite small but covers his life with the use of personal items, photos, and mementoes from around the world. There is also the grave next door, which has become a place of pilgrimage for Scouts from all over the globe. The museum itself provides guided tours exploring Baden-Powell’s influence on the growth and leadership of young people. Nestled in a quiet garden setting, this place can offer history and culture.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance From The Park: 45 km
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- It can get quite cold up in the Aberdares, so dress warm and make sure to carry something that keeps you nice and cosy.
- Choose 4WD cars as some roads are roops and muddy.
- Carry binoculars for better wildlife and bird watching.
- Keep on trails and never get too close to wild animals.
- Carry your water bottles and also ensure that they do not litter the place because it helps maintain places.
The Aberdares National Park is a land of diversity that gives the visitor ample choices of wildlife, scenery, and things to do. From trekking through its fog-laced forests to setting out on electrifying game drives and even exploring the surrounding local attractions, every moment in Kenya is a celebration of ecological wealth. Book an organised tour and plan a trip with TripXL to experience the heart of wild Kenya at the park.
Cover Photo: Will Shelley / Unsplash
