Aberdare National Park

Land of Majestic Peaks, Moorlands & Intriguing Falls

The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, This beautifully scenic region is much cooler than the savannahs and offers a completely different perspective on the country. Lying above the tree line, the scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist.

The Park is particularly famous for this is the place where Princess Elizabeth found out that she was Queen upon the death of her father at Treetops Lodge. Since then, the game lodge has been popular with tourists on safari to Kenya.

Elephants and buffaloes suddenly making a quick dash in and out of the thick rainforest in the middle of nowhere makes a great thrill of your game viewing experience. One of the best places to see the local denizens is at one of the waterholes by the lodges. The Park has several high mountain peaks, deep ravines with icy mountain streams and many beautiful waterfalls with a moorland plateau. You can explore the park while on game drives and trek up the high peaks and take in the spectacular scenery.

The undulating rise and fall of the misty valleys, hills and mountains of the spectacular Aberdare National Park are a sight to behold. Open moorlands, forests characterize the vast park coupled with a deep lush of clean crisp air that hangs around just perfect for that ‘me’ time, peace and tranquility.

The picturesque mountainous scenery is one of the highlights of a visit to this wonderland.

Attractions & Activities

The Park is renowned for its torrential waterfalls plunging from cloud-shrouded heights to spray-filled ravines. These are; the magnificent Karuru water falls, whose ice cold crystal clear waters drop an impressive 300m, the spectacular Gura water falls which torrent from the opposite side of the same gorge, the sheer drop of the Chania water falls, and the enchanting Magura water falls which cascade across the yawning mouth of the Queen’s Cave.

One surprising picturesque and unique attraction are the Dragon Teeth: a volcanic rock formation assuming the rugged look of a set of teeth sitting on a jaw. The dragon teeth are located in the northern moorlands part of the park, south of the equator. The twin peaks/towers are also a magical sight in the foggy but spectacular landscapes of the Aberdare moorlands. The pair of rocks located near each other are outcrops formed as a result of volcanic formations.

Rare animals include–Black rhino, Black Serval, Black Leopard (seldom seen) and the Eastern Bongo (a huge forest Antelope). Also elephants, buffalos, giraffes, blue and Columbus monkey, leopard, lion, warthog, giant forest hog, bushbuck, red duiker, suni, reedbuck and eland.

Are you the adrenaline filled outdoor adventure lover who’s always on the go, up for some adventure? Get away from routine and sneak in for some clean crisp air as you hike up the Elephant and Satima Hills hiking trails via Shamata for a one day activity with friends, family or with your chama mates. The hiking activity in this part of the Aberdare ranges is gaining popularity with groups as it’s a one day affair that combines well with a road trip.

Aberdare National park is a wilderness adventure park