Welcome to Aberdare National Park, a world suspended between mist and mountain, where ancient forests breathe with life and waterfalls plunge into deep secret valleys.
Located in the central highlands of Kenya, Aberdare is a sanctuary of cool air, thick bamboo forests, red cedar trees, and wildlife that thrives in the shadows of the Aberdare Mountain Range.

Here, the land feels mystical a realm of legends, rare species, and landscapes that shift from dense rainforest to open moorland.
Aberdare is not just seen… it is felt deeply, like stepping into the heart of a living, breathing forest kingdom.

Climate

Aberdare has a cool, moist, highland climate due to its elevation (2,000–4,000 m).

• Temperatures: 7°C – 25°C
• Evenings: Cold, misty, and atmospheric
• Rainfall:
• Long rains: March – May
• Short rains: October – November

Frequent mists and lush vegetation make the park magical but cooler than other Kenyan destinations.

Getting There

By Road

• 3–4 hours from Nairobi
• Accessible through several gates including Kiandongoro, Ark, Wandare, and Treetops Gates

By Air

• Charter flights available to Mweiga Airstrip, close to the park headquarters.

Park Attractions

1. The Aberdare Ranges

A spectacular chain of mountains with dramatic slopes, alpine moorlands, and cloud forests.

2. Waterfalls

Aberdare is famous for its powerful, cinematic waterfalls:

• Karuru Falls (three-tiered, one of Kenya’s tallest)
• Gura Falls (deep, thunderous gorge fall)
• Chania and Magura Falls

These are some of East Africa’s most stunning natural water wonders.

3. Unique Mountain Wildlife

Aberdare is home to rare and highland-specialized species:

• Black rhinos
• Giant forest hogs
• Bongo antelopes (extremely rare)
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Colobus and Sykes monkeys
• Leopards (including the legendary black panther sightings)

Birdlife is exceptional, with over 250 species, including the endangered Aberdare cisticola.

4. The Moorlands

Above the forest, the park opens into vast moorlands scattered with heather, tussock grass, lobelia, and giant groundsel — a surreal alpine world.

5. The Treetops & The Ark Lodges

Historic lodges built on stilts overlooking watering holes.
This is where Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 the place she “went up a princess and came down a queen.”

Accommodation Facilities

Inside & Around the Park

• The Ark Lodge – built like Noah’s Ark over a waterhole
• Treetops Lodge – historic, overlooking salt licks
• Aberdare Country Club – serene haven at the foothills
• Fishing lodges, bandas & campsites for more rustic experiences

All options offer cozy fireplaces, warm hospitality, and views of the misty highlands.

Visit Today

Aberdare National Park is a sanctuary where silence meets adventure, where waterfalls roar with power, and where forests whisper legends from centuries past.
It is a destination for travelers who seek peace, beauty, and the thrill of discovering rare wildlife in one of the most mystical landscapes in Africa.

In Aberdare, every trail carries a story, every waterfall inspires awe, and every misty morning feels like the start of a new chapter.