Aberdare National Park: What to See and Know
Aberdare National Park is a 767 square kilometre mountain park in central Kenya, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and established in 1950. It rises from about 2,000 metres to about 4,000 metres, so a single park holds mountain forest, bamboo and open moorland, along with wildlife such as elephant, buffalo and giant forest hog.
Quick take:
- The park lies in the Aberdare Range, about 100 km north of Nairobi, with Nyeri the nearest city
- Elevation runs from roughly 2,000 m to 4,000 m, so conditions are cooler than on the plains
- Habitats include moorland, bamboo and forest, with deep valleys, streams and waterfalls
- More than 250 bird species have been recorded, including the Aberdare cisticola, a bird endemic to Kenya
- Our lodge sits near three wildlife reserves, and Aberdare National Park is one of them
What Is Aberdare National Park?
The park protects high ground in the Aberdare Range, a mountain chain of about 160 km on the eastern rim of the Great Rift Valley. The range’s highest peak is Ol Donyo Lesatima, also called Mount Satima, at roughly 4,000 metres. The second highest is Il Kinangop, at around 3,900 metres. Published sources vary slightly on exact heights.
The range also matters for water. Rivers that rise in the Aberdares feed reservoirs that supply Nairobi and the Tana River system, which is one reason the forest is so closely protected.
Aberdare National Park is one of the three wildlife reserves near us, alongside Solio Game Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You can read our own page on Aberdare National Park.
Forest, Bamboo and Moorland
Vegetation changes with altitude. Bamboo forest grows roughly between 2,400 and 3,300 metres, with shrubland and then open moorland higher up. Travel guides describe two broad parts of the park: the high moorlands, with the peaks, and the lower eastern area known as the Salient, where the forest is denser and wildlife is more abundant.
It is a very different landscape from open savannah, and a good reason to see more than one reserve.
What Wildlife Lives in the Aberdares?
Mammals recorded in the park include elephant, buffalo, black rhino, giant forest hog, black-and-white colobus monkeys, bushbuck, waterbuck, leopard, serval and hyena. The bongo, a forest antelope, and the African golden cat are described as rare. Dense forest means animals are often glimpsed rather than seen across open ground, so treat every sighting as a bonus.
“Aberdares NP is close to the property and has a totally different climate from the plains, well worth it for gorgeous scenery… The most amazing thing was the perfect view of Mount Kenya.”
— Andreas, United States, Booking.com
Birds of the Aberdares
More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the park. One of them, the Aberdare cisticola, is a small bird endemic to Kenya and described as endangered. For birdwatchers, the highlands offer a mix of forest and open-country habitats within reach of each other. See our bird watching page for more on birdlife in the area.
Practical Things to Know
- Roads: travel guides describe mostly murram surfaces that can be steep and rocky inside the park, so a vehicle suited to rough tracks is the norm
- Weather: mist and low temperatures are common, so bring warm layers
- Management: the park is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service, so check its current rules, fees and gate information before you go
If you are planning time in the central highlands, you can check availability at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Aberdare National Park?
Aberdare National Park covers 767 square kilometres and rises from about 2,000 metres to about 4,000 metres in the Aberdare Range.
What animals live in Aberdare National Park?
Recorded mammals include elephant, buffalo, black rhino, giant forest hog, black-and-white colobus monkeys, leopard and serval. The bongo and the African golden cat are described as rare.
Who manages Aberdare National Park?
The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the park, which was established in 1950.
Is Aberdare National Park near Rhino Watch Safari Lodge?
Yes. Aberdare National Park is one of three wildlife reserves near us here at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, alongside Solio Game Reserve and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
