Aberdare National Park is one of the Mountain bongo species lies in a mountainous conservation area located in Central, Kenya and is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. This national park in Kenya is renowned for its rich biodiversity, lush landscapes, and a unique range of habitats and this reserve is home to the indigenous species, mountain Bongo, and is also known for the rare Black Leopards.
With Naicef, we curate well-planned itineraries to engage in the Aberdare ventures, view the Aberdare National Park animals, and stay in accommodations like the ark Aberdare National Park.
History of Aberdare National Park
This National Park was established in 1950 with an aim to conserve and protect the Aberdare Mountains and the vegetation which are water catchment areas and since then, it has grown to a size of an area of 767 sq. km, forming also part of the Aberdare Mountain Range.
Aberdare National Park is historically and famously known as the site where the late Queen Elizabeth visited as a princess and left as a Queen after the death of her father, King George VI, while she was staying at the Treetops Hotel.
This mountainous conservation area is encompassed by a wide range of landscapes which include deep valleys, dense bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls offering dramatic scenic views.
Interesting facts and questions on Aberdare National Park
- Â The Park protects the forests since it is a significant water catchment area in Kenya.
- The National Park is also termed a ‘Mountainous conservation area’. Aberdare waters feed the Tana River, River Malewa- where Lake Naivasha gets its waters, Athi River, and Ewaso Nyiro.
- Hosting historical significance to Kenyan history, Aberdare National Park is famous for being the destination of the late Queen Elizabeth, the then Princess Elizabeth in 1952 for her visit to Kenya. She became queen in Kenya when she found out that her father, King George VI had passed on. The then Princess was staying at the Treetops Hotel which later on, became famous.
- Another historical figure was the late Dedan Kimathi’s post office, the Mugumo fig tree. The post office was used as a messaging channel for the Mau Mau fighters through the agents during the fight for independence.
- Did you know, there are other captivating peaks, Kinangop, Ol Donyo Lesatima Peak, Moorlands, bamboo thickets, deep ravines, Gura Falls, rugged terrains, Karuru Falls, rivers, Chania Falls, streams, Magura Falls?
- Where are the Aberdare mountains located? Aberdare mountain ranges form part of the Great Rift Valley’s Eastern side in Central Kenya.
Location of Aberdare National Park
This mountainous conservation park is located in the central highlands of Kenya and covers an area of approximately 766 square kilometers (296 square miles).
The park, Kenya is part of the larger Aberdare Mountain Range, which rises to over 4,000 meters above sea level at its highest point Mount Kinangop.
A fun fact about Mount Kinangop is that it is worth visiting, especially for those who enjoy hiking and exploring diverse ecosystems.
Aberdare National Park entry fees:Â
| Citizen | Non- Citizen |
| Adults- Kshs.300
Children- Kshs.215 |
Adults- $52
Children- $26 |
Exploring Aberdare National Park- Visitor information
This National Park gives you the luxury to experience a wild Safari, not just an open Savannah, but a mixture of Bamboo thickets, Open Moorlands, and ravine rainforests with sightings of the very best of the beauty of Aberdare National Park, Kenya.
Did you know the best time to visit the park is during the dry season, January to March, and June to September as the park animals are more frequent due to wildlife gathering around water sources?
Aberdare National Park, Kenya is a popular destination for adventure tourists. Its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife attract nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Attractions in Aberdare National Park
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Wildlife
Did you know Aberdare National Park is home to these unique Aberdare National Park animals? Well, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, and Buffaloes are present, and Rhinos are not found in the park. However, Aberdare National Park, Kenya is great for tracking Leopards which are frequently spotted.
2. Vegetation cover
 The higher you go, the cooler it becomes, but for Aberdare National Park it is more of the higher you go, the more dramatic it becomes giving each section a beautiful vegetation with diverse birdlife and wildlife. From the lower altitudes, animals include the African Elephant, Olive Baboons, Giant Forest Hogs, Civet Cats, and a variety of monkey species ready to pose for your snaps.
3. The Aberdare Mountain ranges
are referred to by the Kikuyu people of Kenya as Nyandarua meaning, ‘drying hide’ because of the distinctive folds they form. At the apex of the range, Lake Naivasha and Mau Escarpment can be sighted capturing a picturesque scenic overview of the natural attraction.
4. The tall, majestic waterfallsÂ
The impressive Aberdare National Park has majestic waterfalls, accessed via Mutubio West Gate. Aberdare ventures are thrilling and so, cautious as you hike for about 20 minutes to the waterfalls and watch your steps, through the forested vegetation.
5. Cultural sites.
For cultural and historical significance to visit, Aberdare National Park Kenya is the destination for you. The Aberdare is steeped in history, particularly among the Kikuyu people who inhabit the area since they believe the Aberdare Mountains are where their God ” Ngai” lives, and the forested slopes of Aberdare are still seen as spiritual and a cultural sanctuary.
The park is also historically significant as a location during the Mau Mau Uprising, such as Dedan Kimathi who found refuge in the Aberdare region.
Activities in Aberdare National Park
While Aberdare National Park is enticing, there are activities to undertake and Naicef offers you opportunities to engage in them responsibly. They include;
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Unforgettable Safari Experience
 Game drives in Aberdare National Park are dramatically beautiful. Here are the Aberdare National Park animals; The African Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino, the endangered mountain Bongo living in the bamboo forests, bushbuck, common eland, serval which inhabit the higher moorlands, and monkey species like white colobus, and Sykes monkey.
With each game drive you take with Naicef, you minimize environmental impact with our sustainable and eco-friendly tactics. Black Leopards, Eastern Bongo, Lion, African Golden Cat, and Black Serval are rare animals.
   2. Bird-watching Ventures
 Aberdare is home to over 250 species of birds, including, the African fish eagle, sunbirds, Ayres hawk eagle, mountain buzzard, rufous-breasted sparrowhawk, and African goshawk. Our Naicef tour guide is an expert at spotting and characterizing bird species.
  3. Hiking Ventures
 Hikes along the forest trails toward the majestic waterfalls are common but careful caution while in one of your Aberdare ventures, especially towards the waterfalls. This is an incredible way to explore the park as you get to hear musical performances from the birds
Other activities include Trout fishing ventures, golfing, African bush picnics ventures, sundowners, visiting the caves, night game viewing, and horseback riding ventures.
Accommodations in Aberdare National Park
Wondering where to stay at Aberdare National Park Kenya? Ranging from luxury accommodations to midrange and budget accommodations, these accommodations include;
- The Ark
- Aberdare Country Club
- Treetops lodge
- Aberdare Cottages
- Tusk Camp BandaÂ
- Sapper hut which provides easy access and offers comfortable stays.
Contact naicef for the best deals and accommodation as per your preferences.
Campsites in Aberdare National Park
Camping at the offers an amazing experience blending nature, Aberdare National Park Animals and beautiful landscape. The National Park is known for its dense forests, waterfalls and diverse ecosystems hence, the perfect place to camp.
Camping in the reserve is a wild way to experience the atmosphere at night. Public campsites in Aberdare National Park include, Shamata Reedbuck,
- Mweiga
- Gikanda campsites.
They offer basic facilities like water, toilet facilities and sometimes cooking area.
The Park offers a perfect escape into nature, and camping there is a great way to truly experience the beauty and tranquility of Kenya’s Central highlands.
Accessibility of Aberdare National ParkÂ
The park is accessible from Nairobi about a 3 -4-hour drive, making it a convenient destination for both day trips and extended stays. There are also airstrips for those flying in.
Need a day trip or days and night trips to Aberdare National Park? Naicef will gladly help you curate an unforgettable itinerary to let you experience the unique and laid-back of Aberdare National Park.
Opening times are from 6 AM-6 PM. Mode of payment for the entry fees includes Mpesa, visa card, or via citizen platform.
If you are looking to visit Aberdare National Park, consider booking your tour with unforgettable experiences with Naicef saving plan. The savings plan has three options daily savings plan, weekly savings plan, and monthly savings plan.
Your package will include an unforgettable safari experience, wildlife viewing, and a visit to key park attractions like Treetops Lodge or the waterfalls.
For every Aberdare National Park, Kenya safari and visit you can take with Naicef, to impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community.Â
For the best Aberdare National Park Safari and Package, contact www.naiceftravel.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277
