Location: Nyandarua and Nyeri Counties, central Kenya
Best Time to Visit: January to February and June to September (dry seasons)
Famous For: Dense mountain forests, waterfalls, rare animals, The Ark and Treetops Lodges
Ecosystem: Bamboo forest, moorland, alpine zones, montane rainforest
Key Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bongos, hyenas, colobus monkeys, over 250 bird species
Aberdare National Park is a wild, green paradise nestled in the central highlands of Kenya. Unlike the classic savannah safaris found in parks like the Masai Mara, Aberdare offers a completely different atmosphere: cool mountain air, thick bamboo forests, mist-covered hills, and roaring waterfalls. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility, nature walks, and the chance to spot rare highland wildlife.
Covering an area of 766 square kilometers, the park protects a vast portion of the Aberdare Range, which forms the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.
Aberdare National Park is located about:
There are several gates into the park: Kiandongoro, Treetops, Ark, Rhododendron, and Wandare. Roads within the park can be steep and muddy, especially in the rainy season — a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.
Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather near salt licks and waterholes. Less rain means better road access and clearer skies.
Lush and vibrant scenery, especially for photography. Roads can be challenging, but birdlife is more active.
Aberdare’s high elevation means it is cooler and wetter than most parks year-round, so packing warm clothing is essential even in the dry season.
Aberdare is one of the best places to see rare highland species that are not often found elsewhere in Kenya.
Large herds roam through the forests and often visit famous waterholes like those near The Ark and Treetops lodges.
Often seen at night, especially at the lodges where they are drawn to the lit waterholes.
These massive, shaggy pigs are rarely seen elsewhere and are commonly spotted here.
One of the most elusive antelopes in Africa. The mountain bongo, an endangered forest-dwelling antelope, is a highlight of the Aberdare ecosystem.
Buffaloes, bushbucks, black-and-white colobus monkeys, suni antelope, and hyenas. Civet cats, genets, and porcupines are often seen during night-time viewing.
With over 250 bird species, Aberdare is excellent for birdwatching:
The park’s incredible variation in altitude (from 2,100 to 4,300 meters) creates one of the most diverse landscapes in Kenya.
Thick vegetation shelters rare animals and creates a mysterious, misty atmosphere. Best explored on guided hikes or near lodges with forest access.
Above the forest line, the landscape opens into moorlands with giant lobelias and heath, similar to what you’d find in Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro ecosystems.
Aberdare boasts spectacular waterfalls, some of the most dramatic in East Africa:
These spots are breathtaking, especially during the rainy season when water volume is highest.
While traditional game drives are possible, Aberdare offers unique safari experiences not found in most parks.
The Aberdare region is home to the Kikuyu people, who have strong cultural and spiritual ties to the mountains. The area is considered sacred, and traditional practices of land stewardship continue among local communities.
Aberdare can be combined with visits to Mount Kenya, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, or Lake Naivasha for a varied safari itinerary.
Aberdare National Park offers a completely different Kenyan safari experience — cool, misty, and serene. Whether you’re watching elephants emerge from the forest mist, standing beside Africa’s tallest waterfall, or catching a glimpse of the rare bongo antelope, this park will leave you with memories that feel like something out of a fairytale.
It’s not for everyone — but for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurous souls, Aberdare is pure magic.
