Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is known for its deep forests and vast moorlands that demonstrate an exceptional and diverse ecological system. It holds 52 of Kenya’s 67 Afro tropical Highlands species, providing a home to thousands of animals including African elephants, black rhinos, leopards, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffalos, bushbucks, and warthogs among others.
From a distance, the Aberdare Ranges present a picturesque silhouette that is simply breathtaking; earning her the nickname Nyandarua _ “the dying hide”.
Located in Central Kenya, the Aberdare National Park is made up of a 160 km long mountain range forming the wall of the Great Rift Valley to the north. There are three peaks. Mount Satima, (3, 999M) to the north, Mount Kinangop (3, 906M), to the south, and Mount Kipipiri (3,349M). The mountains are joined together by a long saddle land raised above 3000 M. This makes it a perfect destination for trekking and mountain climbing adventures.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Vacationing at the Aberdare National Park will be an enchanting experience. The best wildlife viewing and photography experiences are provided by the Ark Hotel, situated at the heart of the Aberdares National Park. Inspired by Noah’s Ark, this hotel overlooks a natural waterhole and salt lick where thousands of wildlife gather daily. The Ark has three decks with balconies and lounges to give you a perfect and safe location for wildlife viewing. In this intimate spot, you can almost pat the animals and listen to their magical songs.
Additionally, The Treetops Lodge lies on an Ancient Elephant migration path connecting the Aberdare Ranges and Mt Kenya National Park, swiftly blending your leisure with nature. Built in 1932, the Treetops Lodge is internationally famous as the place where the ruling UK Queen Elizabeth II walked in as a princess and walked out as a Queen.
Bird Watching
The park also has over 250 bird species. Some notable sightings include including the African eagles, plovers, sparrow hawks, Jackson’s Francolin, sunbirds and goshawks.
Honeymoon in the Wild
For those planning a honeymoon vacation in the wild, you are in for a treat. Make a romantic display with a wild picnic, camp in the moorlands, back horse trek, or enjoy an exclusive game drive with your soulmate. Whatever makes your day wildly memorable, the Aberdares got you!
Fact Files
Game Viewing
Easy sighting of wildlife including; black rhino, African elephant, olive baboon, sykes monkey, black and white colobus monkey, leopard, spotted hyena, reedbuck, bushbuck, cap buffalo, zebra and warthog.
Special sighting: Giant forest hog, African Civet cat, blue duiker, bongo, African wild cat, the golden cat and serval cat.
Photography
Karura falls, Chania Falls, and over 10 smaller falls.
Bird Watching
Over 250 bird species including the endangered Aberdare Cisticola, Jackson’s Francolin, goshawks, eagles, plovers, sunbirds and sparrow hawks.
Accommodation
KWS Self Catering: Fishing Lodge- Aberdare
Hotels Inside the Park: The Ark Hotel (Aberdare Country Club), The Treetops Lodge,
Camping and Campsites: Reedbuck, Honi Campsite, Price Charles, Shamata campsite, Kifaru, Bill Woodley campsite, Queen Beatrix, P.C Haji’s Campsite, Nyati, Muringato and Bongo.
Park Access
By Road: Through Nyeri and Narumoru gates, 150 Kms Eastern from Nairobi. There is a road that cuts across the park connecting the Moorlands to Naivasha to the west, 87 Kms from Nairobi.
By Air: Mweiga Airstrip, along Nyeri-Nyahururu road.
Park Entry Fees: Prices vary for citizens, residents and non-residents. Your Shajoy tours trip consultant will be able to guide you on your bookings and packing ideas.
