Aberdare National Park Kenya: Location, Activities + Images
Lying in the Central Highlands of Kenya is a scenic Aberdare National Park, one of the best places to find the rare black leopards. This park makes up part of the Aberdare Mountain range, an area known for its spectacular landscapes featuring jagged peaks rising at an elevation of 3930m and deep ravines cut through the forested slopes.
Aberdare is Kenya’s spectacular and a treasured destination worth visiting for excellent game viewing, guided walking safaris, trout fishing and picnicking. Its rainforest cover plays a significant role as a main water catchment area and variety of the park’s fauna confine in the streams and rivers for water.
Aberdare National Park was officially declared as Kenya national park in 1950 and is under the management of Kenya Wildlife Services. It is a rich eco-system offering outstanding African safari experiences. The park expands up to 767sq.km featuring distinct habitats where abundant faunal and avifaunal species survive that make it one of the exceptional wildlife destinations in the Magical Kenya.
Wildlife/Animals in Aberdare National Park
Aberdare features abundant wildlife species which make it a preferred wildlife African safari destination. These include leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, elands, golden cats, bongos, baboons, Sykes monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, warthogs, bushbucks, reedbucks, red duikers, suni, and more.
Birds of Aberdare
Over 250 species of birds are present in Aberdare National Park. These include the Jackson’s francolins, Ayre’s hawk eagles, African goshawks, Rufous-breasted sparrow hawks, Hunter’s cisticolas, Montane white eye, Moorland chat, Hartlaub’s turacos, Bar-tailed trogon, African yellow warblers, African goshawk, Bar-tailed trogon, African paradise flycatchers, Abyssinian crimson wing,
Aberdare cisticolas, golden winged sunbird, Bronzy sunbird, Augur buzzard, Montagu’s harriers, Doherty’s bush shrikes, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, white headed wood hoopoes, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, silvery-cheeked hornbill, sharpe’s long claw, tambourine dove, tacazze sunbird, to mention but a few.
Waterfalls
Aberdare features many scenic waterfalls including Karuru falls, located on one of the highest peaks of Kenya. This spectacular fall plunges 273m below offering mesmerizing views of true natural beauty.
In addition, the park also has the stunning Thomson’s falls or Nyahururu waterfalls, Gura waterfalls, Kereita caves and waterfalls, Chain waterfalls, and Magura falls and Queens Cave.
Catchment Areas
Aberdare National Park is with no doubt an important water catchment area. It is a major source of water to scenic rivers such as River Malewa, Ewaso Nyiro, Tana River and Athi River, as well as Lakes like Lake Naivasha.
Mountain Peaks
The scenic mountain peaks worth catching a glimpse on Kenya safaris in Aberdare National Park include Mt. Satima –Oldoinyo Lesatima at an elevation of 4000m. This is found on the Northern edge of Aberdare Mountain range. This is most popular as the Mountain of the Young Bull. It features the popular volcanic cones also referred to the Dragon’s teeth.
The other spectacular peak is Mount Kinangop, Aberdare’s 2nd tallest peak rising up to an altitude of 3906m. This is located on the Southern side of Aberdare range while other peaks comprise of Elephant peak 3590m, Chebuswa peak 3364m, Maratini Hill 3698m, Kipipiri 3349m, and Mount Table 3791m.
The Park Activities
Aberdare National Park has plenty of exciting safari activities worth undertaking on a African safari in Kenya. Each tourist activity guarantees a remarkable memory and visitors can embark on a guided game/wildlife viewing, horseback riding, trout fishing, birding, forest hiking, bush picnicking, explore the scenic waterfalls and caves of Aberdare, etc.
Birding
Aberdare is an important birding spot, home to more than 250 bird species. The check-list of birds to encounter on bird watching include the blue-billed teal, Egyptian goose, Jackson’s francolins, Ayres’ hawk eagles, fulvous whistling duck, Northern shovelers, rufous breasted sparrow hawks, spur-winged goose, Knob-billed ducks, harlequin quail, Hildebrandt’s spur fowl, scaly spur fowl, common quail, Elgon francolin, Mountain Buzzards, Eastern crested guinea fowl, speckled pigeon, red-eyed dove, laughing dove, delegorgue’s pigeon, cuckoos, nightjars, swifts, fluftails, lapwings, sandpipers, storks, cormorants, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, and more.
Game viewing
At Aberdare, expect to enjoy day and night game viewing experiences. The best place to start your wildlife viewing excursion is at the Salient Area. The expected sightings include rhinos, lions, buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, warthogs, serval cats, blue duikers, bongo, African wild cat, spotted hyenas and varied bird species.
Horseback riding
Enjoy a glimpse of wildlife clearly on the back of the horseback. This is a remarkable adventure of its own offering the best romantic experience. To nature lovers, this is a must-do experience and guarantees you lasting memories.
Nature walks
The best location to begin a guided nature walk in Aberdare National Park is at Aberdare Country Club Game Sanctuary. This is a 1300 acre area and boasts of unique floral, faunal and avifaunal species.
When to Visit Aberdare National Park?
While Aberdare is regarded as an all year round wildlife destination, on the other hand, it is best to visit it during the dry months of the year. The dry season at Aberdare runs from June, July, August to September or January to February.
Accommodation options
The available accommodation options in and around Aberdare National Park (ANP) consist of budget, midrange and luxury options. They include Aberdare Country Club, Ark Tree Lodge, Tusk Camp Band, Aberdare Cottages, Fishing Lodge and others.
Getting to Aberdare Park from Nairobi
Aberdare National Park is situated within Central Kenya and getting there involves driving up to 164km from Nairobi city. This is translated to about 2-3 hours’ drive and from Naivasha/Nyahururu, Aberdare is 87km. Access gates include Ruhuruina, Kiandongoro, Treetop, Ark, Mutubio, Shamata, Rhino and Wanderis gates. By air, you set off from Nairobi to Nanyuiki airport about 35 minutes’ flight.