Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park offers more than a traditional safari, drawing nature lovers with its vast elephant herds, black rhinos, and enchanting landscapes. This unique park combines rich flora and fauna, with 300m-high waterfalls, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. As you explore, keep an eye out for bush pigs, rare black leopards, and buffaloes—each sighting adds to an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

Nestled north of Nairobi, Aberdare National Park covers the higher slopes of the Aberdare Mountains. The park’s diverse landscapes feature dense forests, deep ravines, and dramatic waterfalls, making each turn a scenic delight. Although spotting the elusive bongo antelope in bamboo forests or the resident lion pride requires patience, sightings of black rhinos, leopards, and lively colobus monkeys are common. The park also boasts rare sightings of melanistic animals, like the mysterious black serval and leopard.

The Waterfalls

Aberdare’s famed waterfalls cascade from mist-covered cliffs into deep ravines below. The Karuru Falls plunge 300 meters with ice-cold, crystal-clear water, while the Gura Falls, on the opposite side of the same gorge, add to the stunning vista. The Chania and Magura waterfalls, especially the latter near Queen’s Cave, are equally captivating. The park also hosts unique formations like the “Dragon Teeth”—volcanic rocks resembling a rugged jawline in the northern moorlands.

Getting There

Aberdare National Park lies approximately 150 km (93 miles) from Nairobi and is easily accessible by road from Nyeri and Naro Moru, or 87 km (54 miles) from Naivasha. Most visitors travel with a tour operator by road, though two airstrips near Aberdare Headquarters in Nyeri and Mweiga make flying an option for those seeking a quicker route.

Aberdare National Park promises an enriching blend of wildlife, nature, and serenity—ideal for travelers seeking adventure, peace, and the untouched beauty of Kenya.