Aberdare National Park
A misty mountain forest park rising from 2,000m to over 4,000m with spectacular waterfalls, bamboo forests, and moorland.
Destination Guide
About Aberdare National Park
A misty mountain forest park rising from 2,000m to over 4,000m with spectacular waterfalls, bamboo forests, and moorland. Famous for its unique tree-hotel lodges where wildlife comes to you — elephants, buffalo, and leopards visit floodlit waterholes at night.
Why Visit Aberdare National Park?
Aberdare National Park offers incredible experiences. Unique tree-hotel experience — wildlife comes to your lodge at night. The Ark and Treetops Lodge — Queen Elizabeth became Queen here in 1952. Spectacular waterfalls including Karuru Falls (273m — Kenya's tallest). Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this destination will leave you with unforgettable memories.
🦁 Wildlife Guide
Animals of Aberdare National Park
African Elephant
HighHerds visit the floodlit salt licks at The Ark lodge nightly.
Leopard
ModerateThe forest habitat makes Aberdare one of Kenya's best parks for leopard.
Giant Forest Hog
ModerateThe world's largest wild pig — rarely seen elsewhere but common here at night.
Bongo
RareThe extremely rare mountain bongo lives in the dense bamboo forests.
Black Rhinoceros
ModerateA small population roams the lower slopes and visits waterholes.
Colobus Monkey
HighBlack-and-white colobus troops swing through the forest canopy.
🎯 Activities & Experiences
Things To Do at Aberdare National Park
Tree-Hotel Wildlife Viewing
Spend the night at The Ark or Treetops — watch elephants, buffalo, and leopards visit floodlit waterholes.
Waterfall Hikes
Hike to Karuru Falls (273m), Chania Falls, and Gura Falls through misty forest.
Trout Fishing
Fly-fish for rainbow and brown trout in pristine mountain streams.
Forest Game Drives
Drive through bamboo forests and moorlands spotting elephants, buffalo, and rare forest species.
Bird Watching
Over 250 forest bird species including Jackson's francolin and Aberdare cisticola.
📅 When To Visit
Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park
Peak Season
ExcellentJanuary to March
driest months with clearest skies
Good Season
GoodJuly to October
dry season; good wildlife at waterholes
Green Season
FairApril to June
very wet; roads can be challenging but waterfalls are spectacular
✈️ Getting There
How to Reach Aberdare National Park
By Road
Drive from Nairobi — 2.5 to 3 hours via Nyeri
Transfer
En route from Nairobi to Mount Kenya and Samburu
By Road
Well-maintained tarmac road to the park gates
💰 Park Fees
Entry Fees for Aberdare National Park
| Category | Fee (per person/day) |
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* All park fees are included in C.A.T.S safari packages. Fees shown for reference only and may change without notice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Aberdare National Park FAQs
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