Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park, located in the Central Highlands west of Mount Kenya, was created in 1950. It was originally known as Nyandarua (the drying hide) due to the distinctive folds of its silhouette but the range was later re-named in the year 1884 by the explorer, Joseph Thomspson after Lord Aberdare,  who was the President of the Royal Geographical Society.  The original Treetops Hotel fell under the spotlight after the then young Princess Elizabeth descended it as The Queen of England in 1952.

The Aberdare National Park has an abundance of flora and fauna and it was initially created to protect forests of the Aberdare Mountains.  According to Kenya Wildlife Service, they describe the park as €œ..Enriched by the wild animals and beautiful moorlands of the third highest mountain range in Kenya.”  The Aberdares has gained its reputation from the rarer species found within its locale.  The species include the black rhino, the bongo antelopes, giant forest hogs and the black leopards.

There are plenty of elephants, Leopards, Lion, blue and colobus Monkey, elephant, warthog, black rhino, giant forest hog, bush buck,  buffalo, red duiker, suni, several reedbuck, eland and the rare bongo antelope.  There have been a recorded number of 250 species.

Popular activities here include trekking and trout fishing but fishing would require a license which can be purchased from the KWS office.  One is also required to seek permission to walk, climb and hike as well as being in the company of an armed KWS ranger

Aberdare National Park Features

1. Karuru Falls – Karuru Falls is located in Nyeri and has a drop of about 270 metres
2. Chania Falls –  Lookout points for both Karuru Falls and Chania Falls offer an absolutely breathtaking view.
3. Gura Falls – Much more difficult to get to and has a magnificent drop of about 600 metres.
4. Caves – The park features a historical component the Mau Mau Caves.  These caves were used by the Mau Mau freedom fighters and field Marshall General Dedan Kimathi as hide-outs prior to independence

Climate

The area experiences heavy rainfall between March – June and September -December

Did You Know?

Nairobi depends entirely on the Aberdare for its source of water which is the country’s largest mountain ranges and has 5 rivers flowing through it.

Aberdare National Park is part of the National Parks in Kenya under The Kenya Wildlife Service management.

N.B Entry to this park requires a Safari Card only.