Aberdare National Park
Explore mystical forests, dramatic landscapes, and rare wildlife high in Kenya’s central highlands!
A unique safari experience In the heart of the highlands!
Located in the central highlands of Kenya, Aberdare National Park offers a truly unique safari adventure. Unlike the open savannahs of other parks, Aberdare is known for its dense rainforests, misty bamboo groves, and cascading waterfalls. The park is home to rare wildlife, including the elusive bongo antelope, leopards, elephants, and black rhinos. Aberdare delivers a magical escape into the wild.
Best time to visit
The Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park is during the dry months of January to February and June to September. These periods offer the best wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources and forest trails are easier to navigate. Mornings are often misty and magical, while afternoons reveal dramatic vistas.
The cooler highland climate makes for refreshing game drives and nature walks. If you’re after scenic beauty and rare animal encounters, the dry season offers the most comfortable and rewarding experience.
Activities to do
Aberdare offers a tranquil yet adventurous wildlife experience, rich with forest mystery and mountain charm.
Game Drives
Go in thick forest and rolling moorlands where you can spot elephants, buffalo, leopards, and even the elusive bongo antelope. The terrain is wild and varied, offering a different kind of safari experience.
Bird Watching
Home to over 250 bird species, including rare forest dwellers, Aberdare is a delight for birders. Watch for Hartlaub’s turaco, African goshawk, and sunbirds flitting through the canopy.
Waterfall Visits
Visit the spectacular Karuru and Gura waterfalls, cascading dramatically down the highland cliffs. Perfect for photography and a moment of awe in nature’s grandeur.
Forest Walks
Experience the cool serenity of the forest on foot with a guide. Explore trails rich in flora and fauna, with the scent of moss and wildflowers in the air.
Facts
Mountain and Moorland Wilderness
Aberdare's altitude ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 meters, offering diverse habitats—from lush rainforest to open moorland—unlike any other park in Kenya.
Historic Royal Visit
Princess Elizabeth was staying at Treetops Lodge in Aberdare when she became Queen in 1952—a historic and royal connection to the park.
Home to Rare Species
This park is one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the shy and endangered bongo antelope in the wild.
Waterfalls Galore
Aberdare boasts some of Kenya’s most stunning waterfalls—perfect for explorers and photographers alike.
Cool Highland Climate
Its unique high-altitude location offers a cooler climate, making it an ideal escape from the heat of lower-altitude parks.
Wildlife to see
At Aberdare National Park, discover an enchanting array of wildlife—forest elephants, black rhinos, giant forest hogs, leopards, buffalos, and the rare bongo antelope. Highland birds, colobus monkeys, and elusive cats call this misty forest home. Whether you’re watching a rhino emerge from the bamboo or a leopard in the trees, Aberdare delivers intimate wildlife moments in a lush, fairytale-like setting.
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Our Reviews
Our travellers admire the personalized attention, expert knowledge, and unforgettable experiences that make every journey with Elwama Tours one to behold.
It was my first time travelling to Kenya and going on an African wildlife safari. Elizabeth from Elwama Tours was very responsive, knowledgeable, friendly, easy to communicate with and could answer all the questions I had as a solo traveler. She arranged a two-night safari tour for me in the beautiful Amboseli National Park, including the transportation from Nairobi to the park and back. She was also able to arrange everything to meet my needs, such as travelling by train from Nairobi to Emali instead of by car. Everything was taken care of and went very smoothly thanks to her tips and planning. I strongly recommend working with Elwama Tours for anyone who wishes to travel in Kenya.
Our 5 days holiday in Kenya was just wonderful! We had an amazing safari well organized and planned by Elwama Tours; and our guide Musyoka was absolutely fantastic. During the safari, we saw a wide variety of wildlife including the Big Five and even spotted a leopard in Amboseli, a rarity! Our guide made our experience extra special with knowledgeable insights and tips all done in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend Elwama Tours to anyone who wants to visit Kenya. Their passion and dedication to clients make the adventure even more memorable!
Our private tour guide, Stephen, was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed the safari at Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks and learned a lot about wildlife and more. Stephen is exceptionally knowledgeable about the parks and animals, along with the history and culture of Kenya and can explain things in a very interesting and engaging way. We felt very well taken of and the planning was impeccable. We highly recommend Stephen and Elwama Tours for Kenya safaris!
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Mugumo Gardens 90. James Gichuru, Lavington, Nairobi, Kenya
