Things to Do in Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park, Kenya - Complete Travel Guide

Aberdare National Park, located in central Kenya about 100 kilometers north of Nairobi, is a pristine mountain wilderness that offers one of Kenya's most unique safari experiences. The park encompasses the scenic Aberdare Mountain Range, featuring dense forests, bamboo groves, open moorlands, and dramatic waterfalls cascading down volcanic slopes. At elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, the park provides a refreshingly cool climate and stunning landscapes that contrast sharply with Kenya's traditional savanna parks. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and over 250 bird species. Aberdare is particularly famous for its historic tree hotels - Treetops and The Ark - where visitors can observe wildlife from elevated platforms throughout the night. The park also holds historical significance as the headquarters of the Mau Mau freedom fighters during Kenya's struggle for independence, adding cultural depth to its natural beauty.

Top Things to Do in Aberdare National Park

Tree Hotel Wildlife Viewing

Stay overnight at the iconic Treetops Lodge or The Ark, elevated tree hotels offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. These unique accommodations provide floodlit waterholes and salt licks that attract elephants, buffalo, leopards, and other nocturnal animals throughout the night.

Booking Tip: Book well in advance as these historic lodges have limited capacity. Rates range from $200-400 per person per night including meals. Best wildlife activity occurs during dry seasons when animals congregate around water sources.

Waterfall Hiking

Trek to spectacular waterfalls including Karuru Falls (the tallest in Kenya at 272 meters), Zaina Falls, and Gura Falls. These hikes traverse diverse ecosystems from bamboo forests to open moorlands, offering breathtaking scenery and photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Hire a certified guide through Kenya Wildlife Service for $20-30 per day. Waterproof hiking boots essential due to muddy trails. Best visibility during dry months (June-September and December-March).

Game Drives

Explore the park's diverse habitats on guided game drives through forest tracks and moorland plains. Spot elephants, buffalo, leopards, and endemic species like the giant forest hog while enjoying the cool mountain climate and stunning vistas.

Booking Tip: 4WD vehicles mandatory due to steep, muddy terrain. Book through licensed operators charging $150-250 per vehicle per day including guide. Early morning drives (6-9 AM) offer best wildlife sightings.

Fishing

Try your hand at trout fishing in the park's pristine mountain streams and rivers, particularly the Gura and Chania rivers. The crystal-clear waters are stocked with rainbow and brown trout, providing excellent angling opportunities amid beautiful scenery.

Booking Tip: Obtain fishing permits from Kenya Wildlife Service ($10 per day). Best fishing during dry seasons when water levels are optimal. Local guides available for $15-25 per day and can provide equipment rental.

Bird Watching

Discover over 250 bird species including Jackson's francolin, sparrow hawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird, and plovers across diverse habitats from dense forests to open grasslands. The varied elevations create multiple ecological zones supporting different bird communities.

Booking Tip: Bring binoculars and warm clothing for early morning sessions. Specialized birding guides cost $30-50 per day. Peak birding seasons are November-April when migratory species are present.

Getting There

Aberdare National Park is accessible by road from Nairobi, approximately 160 kilometers (3-4 hours drive) via Nyeri town. Most visitors access the park through Nyeri Gate in the east or Mutubio Gate in the west. The roads can be challenging, especially during rainy seasons, so 4WD vehicles are recommended. Scheduled flights are available from Nairobi to nearby Nyeri airstrip, followed by a 30-minute drive to the park gates. Many tour operators offer transfer services from Nairobi hotels, typically costing $100-200 per vehicle.

Getting Around

Movement within Aberdare National Park requires 4WD vehicles due to steep, often muddy terrain and high altitude conditions. Self-driving is permitted but not recommended due to challenging navigation and safety concerns. Most visitors join organized tours or hire vehicles with experienced local drivers familiar with park conditions. The park has several entry gates and a network of tracks connecting different zones, but GPS and local knowledge are essential for navigation.

Where to Stay

Treetops Lodge
The Ark Lodge
Aberdare Country Club
Outspan Hotel Nyeri
Sandai Homestay
Nyeri Town Hotels

Food & Dining

Dining options within Aberdare National Park are limited to the tree lodges (Treetops and The Ark), which serve international and local cuisine as part of their accommodation packages. The nearby town of Nyeri offers various restaurants serving traditional Kenyan dishes, Indian cuisine, and continental food. Local specialties include nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, and fresh trout from mountain streams. The Aberdare Country Club provides fine dining with a colonial atmosphere, while Nyeri town has budget-friendly local eateries and cafes serving hearty meals perfect after park activities.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Aberdare National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to March when roads are more accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. However, the park can be visited year-round, with the wet seasons (April-May and October-November) offering lush landscapes and fewer crowds, though some roads may become impassable. Temperatures remain cool throughout the year due to high altitude, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10-20°C and nighttime temperatures often dropping near freezing. Pack warm clothing regardless of the season.

Insider Tips

Pack warm, waterproof clothing as temperatures can drop significantly at night and weather changes quickly at high altitude
Book tree lodge accommodations well in advance as they have limited rooms and high demand, especially during peak seasons
Bring a good camera with telephoto lens for wildlife photography and consider extra batteries as cold temperatures drain them faster

Explore Activities in Aberdare National Park