The Aberdare National Park is located in the central highlands of Kenya and offers a fascinating contrast to the dry savannah. Mist, bamboo forests, moorlands, and roaring waterfalls shape this green paradise. It is considered one of the most mysterious and beautiful parks in the country.
📍 General Information
Location: Central Kenya, northwest of Nairobi
Area: about 767 km²
Established: 1950
Altitude: 2,100–4,000 m above sea level
Climate: Cool and humid, with frequent mist and rainfall
🌲 Landscape & Nature
Dense forests, clear mountain rivers, and spectacular waterfalls such as the Karuru Falls define the scenery. At higher elevations, you’ll find open moorlands dotted with giant lobelias.
🐘 Wildlife
The forests are home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and several antelope species. The park is especially known for the rare Bongo – a reddish-brown forest antelope. You can also spot colobus monkeys, bush pigs, bushbucks, and many bird species.
🏡 Lodges & Experiences
- 🏠 The Ark Lodge – built like an ark, overlooking a lit waterhole
- 🌳 Treetops Hotel – the historic tree hotel where Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952
- 🌄 Hikes and game drives through the misty forest
- 💧 Visits to stunning waterfalls and viewpoints
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from December to March and from July to October. During the rainy season, the slopes turn into a sea of mist – magical, but with slippery roads.
🌍 Did You Know?
In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II became queen here while staying at the Treetops Lodge.
The Aberdare Mountains are an important water source for Lake Naivasha and the Tana River.
The Karuru Falls plunge over 270 meters – the highest waterfall in Kenya.