3-Day Aberdares Rainforest Safari
Venture into the emerald heart of Kenya's highlands on this enchanting 3-day Aberdares rainforest safari. Aberdare National Park protects a vast swathe of ancient montane forest, bamboo groves, and moorland plateaux rising above 3,000 metres. Waterfalls cascade through moss-draped ravines, and the forest floor is carpeted with ferns and orchids — a world apart from the sun-baked savannahs that define most Kenya safaris. The Aberdares are home to a unique cast of wildlife adapted to the cool, misty highlands. Giant forest hogs — the world's largest wild pigs — emerge at dusk to root around floodlit waterholes. Black rhinos browse in bamboo thickets. Leopards, rarely seen elsewhere by day, prowl the forest tracks. And the elusive eastern bongo, one of Africa's most endangered antelopes, haunts the deepest groves. A highlight of this safari is a night at a legendary tree lodge, where you watch wildlife from elevated viewing decks as elephants, buffalo, and hyenas visit the floodlit waterhole and salt lick below. This is a safari for those who crave atmosphere, altitude, and the thrill of the unexpected.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Aberdare National Park — A2 Highway via Nyeri (180 km, ~3 hrs)
7:00 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through the rich farmlands of Murang'a and the tea plantations around Karatina. Continue to Nyeri town at the foot of the Aberdare Ranges, with views of Mt Kenya's peaks to the east. Turn west into the montane forest zone and arrive at the park gate by 10:30 am. Check in at your treelodge — perched above a floodlit waterhole that draws wildlife around the clock. Enjoy lunch at the lodge while watching bushbuck and warthogs emerge from the forest edge. 2:30 pm — Afternoon nature walk or game drive through the bamboo and hagenia forest zones. The Aberdares' mossy, mist-wrapped trails are home to black rhino, giant forest hog, and the extremely rare bongo antelope. Listen for the haunting call of the crowned eagle. Return to camp by 6:00 pm to settle in for the night waterhole vigil — elephants, buffaloes, and even leopards visit under the floodlights.
Full Day Aberdares — Waterfalls, Forest Drives & Night Waterhole Vigil
6:00 am — Early morning game drive through the salient area. The highland air is crisp and cool as your guide navigates muddy tracks beneath towering camphor and cedar trees. Drive to Karuru Falls, Kenya's tallest waterfall at 273 metres, cascading in three dramatic tiers down a forested cliff. Continue to Chania Falls set within dense tropical vegetation. Keep watch for black leopard — the Aberdares are one of the few places on Earth where melanistic leopards have been reliably photographed. 9:30 am — Return for breakfast. Midday leisure at the lodge viewing deck — perfect for birdwatching (Aberdares host over 250 species including Hartlaub's turaco and Jackson's francolin). 3:00 pm — Afternoon drive through the moorlands zone above 3,000 m if weather permits, with giant lobelias and tussock grass stretching to the horizon. Optional trout fishing in mountain streams (additional cost). Return for dinner and the nightly waterhole watch. Buzzer alerts ring through the lodge when rare species approach.
Morning Forest Drive & Return to Nairobi — A2 Highway South (180 km, ~3 hrs)
6:30 am — Final dawn drive through the mist-wrapped forest. Giant forest hogs root through the undergrowth while black-and-white colobus monkeys swing through the canopy above. 8:30 am — Full breakfast and check out. 9:30 am — Depart the Aberdares, driving through Nyeri, past Sagana, and south onto the Thika Superhighway. Packed lunch provided. Arrive in Nairobi by approximately 12:30 pm. Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
ℹ️ IMPORTANT PRICING INFORMATION
Advertised safari prices are based on regular seasonal rates and may vary depending on accommodation category, availability, and travel dates at time of booking. Expect marginal price variations based on specific accommodation choices and safari seasons.
Package rates may be subject to supplementary charges during peak periods including Easter, Christmas, New Year, Great Migration season, and public holidays, as accommodation providers impose seasonal surcharges. Easter supplements may also apply to selected properties during the Easter weekend. Any applicable supplements will be clearly communicated and included in your final quotation before confirmation of booking.
Prices are in USD Per Person Sharing in a double/twin en-suite room.
What's Included
- ✓Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari guide
- ✓All park entrance fees
- ✓2 nights full-board accommodation including tree lodge
- ✓Game drives and nature walks as outlined in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water
- ✓Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Tips and gratuities
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Personal expenses and laundry
- ✗Optional activities not in the itinerary
Safari Seasons & Rates Guide
Package rates vary by season. Select a season in the pricing table below to view rates.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room. Includes park fees, full-board accommodation, forest walks, game drives, and Nairobi transfers.
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,780 | $1,950 | $2,130 | $2,570 |
| 2 Persons | $1,250 | $1,380 | $1,500 | $1,810 |
| 3 Persons | $1,100 | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,600 |
| 4 Persons | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,240 | $1,500 |
| 5 Persons | $990 | $1,090 | $1,180 | $1,430 |
| 6-7 Persons | $950 | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,380 |
| Single Room Supplement | $110 | $140 | $160 | $220 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.