About Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park Flora & Fauna
The Aberdare National Park is home to a wide variety of plant life. Over 800 species of plants can be found within the park, including tree ferns, bamboo, and wildflowers. The park is a haven for biodiversity, and its many different habitats support a variety of plant life. The park's forest floor is covered with a dense layer of mosses, ferns, and other trees and shrubs. The park's streams and waterfalls are lined with lush vegetation, and the open grasslands are dotted with acacia trees. Some of the common trees that can be found here include the African Blackwood, cedar and olive, in addition to African daisies.
Aberdare National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including elephants, leopards, rhinos, and giraffes. The park also has a rich birdlife, with over250 species of birds having been recorded, such as vultures, eagles and kites. Other animals present in the park include kongoni, eland, hartebeest, and impala. Aberdare National Park also provides refuge to other unique and endangered species of wildlife, including black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs as well as bushbucks. On rare occasions, you can also catch sightings of the Giant Forest hog, bongo, several cats, golden cats, the African wild cat, African civet cat and the blue duiker in the park.
Aberdare National Park Tour Packages
- Enjoy a safari in three of the best wildlife spots in Kenya
- Head to the Lake Nakuru National Park to witness thousands of flamingos nesting along the shores of this rift valley lake
- Explore the Aberdare National Park to catch sights of rare black rhinos, as well as large mammals like antelopes, gazelles and elephants
- Then head to the Masai Mara, where you can witness the epic Great Migration
- Inclusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Professional Driver/ Guide Services
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Drinking Water
Price: USD 1,121 per person
Also Checkout: Kenya Safari Holiday packages
- Indulge in a 4-day trip to the northern regions of Kenya, from the Samburu Game Reserve
- Explore the scenic beauty of the reserve, while also spotting animals like leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, grevy's zebras and more
- Then, head over to the Aberdare National Park to enjoy a stay in a treehouse
- Look out for animals like black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and elephants here
- Inclusions
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Professional Driver/ Guide Services
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Drinking Water
- Price: USD 795 to USD 1,065 per person
Set out for a journey to the Aberdare Ranges, which are isolated volcanoes and lie between Nairobi and the Thompsons Falls
Indulge in fishing, mountain climbing, bird watching and hiking in the terrains of the mountains
Enjoy a tour of the Solio Sanctuary, and witness the rare black and white rhinos, along with hundreds of other birds and animals here
Inclusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Professional Driver/ Guide Services
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Drinking Water
Price: USD 361 to USD 436 per person
Get a taste of the Aberdares mountains as you enjoy a stay in the famous Ark Lodge, nestled deep within the forests of the park
Enjoy exploring the age-old elephant migratory route between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, to catch sights of elephants and rhinos
Witness unique animal species like warthogs, bush pigs, waterbuck, duikers, reedbuck and bongo during your stay
- Inclusions:
Park entry fee
Activities
Accommodation
Professional driver/ guide services
Transportation
Taxes/ VAT
Airport Transfer
Meals
Drinking Water
- Price: USD 397 to USD 488 per person
Enjoy a short day trip to the Aberdare National Park, located within the picturesque Aberdares Mountains in Kenya
Indulge in a game drive and wildlife safari in the park, and enjoy spotting wildlife species like African Elephant, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena, olive baboon, black and white colobus monkey
Spend some time visiting the offbeat trails where you can catch sights of more elusive animals like sykes monkey, cape buffalo, warthog, common zebra (North Aberdare), bushbuck, reedbuck
Inclusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Professional Driver/ Guide Services
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Drinking Water
Price: USD 220 per person
Take part in a tour of the Aberdare National Park and enjoy a stay in a hotel right in the midst of wilderness
Enjoy spotting different wildlife species from the terrace, including elephants, lions, gazelles, leopards, as well as African buffaloes, that gather at the waterhole located next to your lodge
Then, visit the Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary where you can enjoy game drives, and view elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other birds as well as animals here
Inclusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Professional Driver/ Guide Services
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Airport Transfer
- Meals
- Drinking Water
Price: USD 1,400 to USD 1,560 per person
Things to Do at Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Kenya. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Visitors to the park can go on safari drives, bush walks, and game drives. The park also has a number of lodges and campsites, making it the perfect place to stay for a wildlife safari.
- Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
- Price: USD 200 onwards
Also Read: Things to Do in Kenya
Solio Game Ranch is a privately owned game reserve in Kenya's Aberdare National Park. The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Solio Game Ranch is a popular destination for safari-goers and is known for its efforts to conserve and protect Kenya's wildlife. The ranch is home to the country's largest population of black rhinos, and the reserve has been successful in increasing the population of the endangered species.
- Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
- Price: USD 150 onwards
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kenya
Aberdare National Park is a great place to hike if you're looking for an adventure. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. The park is home to the Aberdare Range, a series of volcanic mountains. The park also has many wildlife species including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and there are several trails to choose from. The most popular trail is the Ngong Hills Trail, which offers stunning views of the park and its wildlife.
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
*Price: *USD 52 onwards
Birdwatching in Aberdare National Park is an incredible experience. The park is home to a variety of different bird species, and the scenery is absolutely breath-taking. The best time to go birdwatching in the park is during the early morning hours, when the birds are most active. You can also go birdwatching during the late afternoon and evening hours, but the bird activity will be much less during these times. When birdwatching in Aberdare National Park, you will likely see a variety of different bird species, including the African fish eagle, the red-necked francolin, the white-faced scops owl, and the black-headed weaver.
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Price: USD 200 onwards
Aberdare National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see chimpanzees in the wild. The park is home to a large population of these amazing animals, and there are several chimpanzee trekking opportunities available. Chimpanzee trekking is a great way to see these animals up close and personal. You'll have the opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, and you may even get the chance to interact with them.
Timings: 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Price: USD 60 onwards
There is nothing like watching the sun set over the Aberdare Mountains, with the colours reflecting off of the water. You can simply head off to the lodges, or other campsites within the mountains, and soak in views of the setting sun, as its rays cover the entire sky in vibrant hues of red, pink and orange, making for a sight to behold. The sunsets in Aberdare National Park are some of the most beautiful in the world. You can even catch the sights of numerous birds and animals as you sit by and relax during the sunset.
Timings: 06:00 p.m. onwards
Lodges and Camps in Aberdare National Park
The Ark Lodge campsite is one of the most popular camping spots in Aberdare National Park. The campsite is situated on the edge of a lake, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The campsite is well-equipped with all the necessary facilities, and is also home to a variety of wildlife.
- Amenities: On-site restaurant, free internet access, bar/ lounge, laundry facilities
- Price: USD 260 onwards
Also Check: Kenya Safari Lodges
The Solio Lodge campsite in Aberdare National Park in Kenya is a great place to stay while on safari. The campsite is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Aberdare Mountains, and it offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The staff at the campsite are very friendly and helpful, and they can provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, in-room spa treatments, dining venues, housekeeping
Price: USD 300 onwards
Set in the heart of the park, the campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also the perfect place to spot wildlife, with a number of different animals often seen grazing in the nearby meadows.
Amenities: dining area, picnic benches, private shower rooms, comfortable tents
Price: USD 100 onwards
Kiguru (K1) campsite is located in Aberdare National Park in central Kenya. The campsite is situated in a forest clearing and offers stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges. There is a variety of wildlife to be seen in the area including elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. K1 campsite is the perfect base for exploring this beautiful national park.
Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents
Price: USD 100 onwards
The Bill Woodley campsite in Aberdare National Park in Kenya is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The campsite is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. The campsite has a range of facilities and activities on offer, making it the perfect place to stay for a few days or longer. There are a number of hiking trails in the area as well.
- Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents
- Price: USD 100 onwards
M1 Campsite in Aberdare National Park is a great place to stay if you want to experience the true wilderness of the park. The campsite is located in a remote area of the park and is only accessible by foot. There are no roads or trails leading to the campsite, so you will need to be prepared for a hike. The campsite is located near a river, so you can expect to see some wildlife while you are staying here.
Amenities: running water, dining areas, toilets, tents
Price: USD 100 onwards
Plan Your Visit to Aberdare National Park
How to Reach
- By Air: You can take a flight, or fly in to the Mweiga Airstrip, which is located on the opposite side from Park Hqs along Nyero – Nyahururu Road near the Sasini Estate Farm, and then take a short drive to the Aberdare National Park.
- By Road: You can also drive to the park. The park is located about two hours north of Nairobi, and there are several routes that can be taken. The most direct route is to take the A2 highway north from Nairobi. However, this route can be quite congested, so it is often faster to take one of the other highways that connect to the A2. Once you reach the town of Aberdare, the park entrance is well-marked.
Best Time to Visit
Aberdare is a diverse and beautiful park that can be enjoyed year-round. The best time to visit Aberdare is during the dry season, from June to September, when the temperatures are lower and the scenery is lush and green.
The weather in Kenya is often hot and dry, so pack clothing that will help you stay cool. Pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Insect repellent will help keep insects away and keep you safe from insect-borne diseases. Pack a pair of binoculars if you have them, and bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights. Additionally, don’t forget to carry light, comfortable clothes, socks, good hiking shoes as well as emergency first-aid kit and plenty of water and dry food during your visit.
Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking
Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails
Watch out for wildlife and avoid getting too close
Pack out all trash and do your part to keep the park clean
Be prepared for changes in weather and pack accordingly
Follow all park rules and regulations.
FAQ's of Aberdare National Park
What activities can we do at Aberdare National Park camps?
Some of the activities that you can enjoy doing at Aberdare National Park camps include game drives, wildlife safaris, bird watching, stargazing, bonfire, horse riding, viewing the sunsets, photography, trekking, etc.
How many days do you need in Aberdare National Park?
Most safaris last for three or four days, but if you want to really make the most of your time in the Aberdare National Park, it is best to stay here for at least a week. This will give you plenty of time to explore the different areas of the park and see all the animals that it has to offer.
What is the best time of year to visit the Aberdare National Park?
The dry season from June to September is the best time of the year to visit the Aberdare National Park. It is during this time when you can see the animals gather around the waterholes. With less rainfall during this time, it is also great to enjoy hiking in the forests and exploring the moorlands at the higher altitudes of the park.
What facilities will I get in Aberdare National Park camps?
At the camps in Aberdare National Park, some of the most common facilities that you can enjoy include running water, free internet access, comfortable rooms or tents, delicious meals and drinking water, bar or lounge facilities, dining areas, activities, etc.
Which are the best places to visit in Aberdare National Park?
Some of the best places to visit in the Aberdare National Park include the Karuru Waterfalls, Solio Game Ranch, the Aberdares Mountains, Chania Waterfalls, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Treetops Lodge, among others.