Aberdare National Park, located in central Kenya, is a diverse and scenic wilderness area renowned for its lush mountainous landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique accommodation options. Here’s a detailed overview of Aberdare National Park, including its background, things to do, and nearby attractions to consider including in your itinerary:
Established in 1950, Aberdare National Park spans over 766 square kilometers across the Aberdare Mountain Range. The park’s terrain ranges from bamboo forests to moorlands, waterfalls, and dense rainforests, creating a diverse habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
The park is named after the Aberdare Range, which forms part of the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley and rises to altitudes of up to 4,000 meters.
Things to Do
Visitors to Aberdare National Park can engage in a range of activities that showcase its natural beauty and wildlife:
Game Drives
Aberdare is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the rare bongo antelope, which can be spotted along the park’s network of tracks and trails. Game drives offer opportunities to explore different ecosystems within the park, from open grasslands to dense forests, and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Safari Walks and Hiking
Guided nature walks and hiking trails allow visitors to explore Aberdare’s diverse landscapes on foot. The park’s scenic beauty, including waterfalls like Karuru and Gura, offers picturesque settings for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Walking safaris provide opportunities to encounter smaller wildlife, birds, and endemic flora under the guidance of experienced rangers.
Treetop Lodge and Ark Lodge
Unique accommodation options such as Treetops Lodge and The Ark provide unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences. These lodges are built overlooking waterholes and salt licks, where animals gather for drinking and salt intake. Visitors can observe wildlife from the comfort of their rooms, including elephants, buffaloes, and even leopards that come to drink water at night.
Fishing and Birdwatching
The park’s rivers and streams offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing, particularly in the upper reaches of the park. Birdwatchers can spot over 250 bird species, including the endangered Aberdare Cisticola and Jackson’s francolin, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting Aberdare National Park, consider exploring these nearby attractions to enhance your itinerary:
Solio Game Reserve
Located adjacent to Aberdare National Park, Solio Game Reserve is known for its successful rhino conservation efforts. It boasts a high density of both black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these endangered species up close.
Mount Kenya National Park
To the east of Aberdare National Park lies Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain. Mount Kenya National Park offers diverse landscapes, from equatorial forests to alpine meadows and glaciers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for hiking, mountain climbing, and wildlife viewing, including sightings of mountain species like the mountain bongo and various bird species.
Thomson’s Falls
Located near the town of Nyahururu, Thomson’s Falls is a scenic waterfall on the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The falls cascade 74 meters over a volcanic rock cliff and are surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene setting for picnics, nature walks, and photography.
By including Aberdare National Park and these nearby attractions in your itinerary, you’ll experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, making it a memorable safari adventure in the heart of East Africa.
