Aberdare National Park Kenya , Big Five watching & Tours
Aberdare National Park is a protected area in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya located east of the East African Rift Valley. When it comes to self drive Safaris in Kenya , few travelers select to explore the park and its less crowded compared to Masai Mara game reserve or Amboseli National Park that receive 1000s of visitors on either guided Kenya Safari or private guided tour to Kenya. It covers the higher areas and the Aberdare Salient to the east. The national park lies mainly above the tree line. The scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist.
Aberdare National Park is located about 150km (93 miles) east of Nairobi, and is easily accessible from Nyeri and Naro Moru. The Park is 87 km (54 miles) from Lake Naivasha which is recommended as a wind up on Kenya self drive Tour .
Car Rental to Explore Aberdare National Park?
If you are planning to self drive tour to Kenya with 4×4 Africa, don’t miss to stop at Aberdare National Park in your open Safari landcruiser or jeep with Camping gears. We advise you to drive to the Aberdares on paved roads all the way from Nairobi. When it comes to best long term car rental in Kenya , contact us to secure the most reliable 4×4 Jeep for your self drive Safari.
- Walking Safaris
- Wildlife Watching
- Big five watching
- Nature walk
Safari activities in Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park was established in 1950 and its managed by Kenya wildlife society located about 100 km north of Nairobi and stretches over a wide variety of terrain at elevations from 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) to 4,000 metres (13,000 ft).
The park contains a wide range of landscapes – from mountain peaks that rise to 4,000 metres above sea level, to their deep, v-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Moorland, bamboo forests and rain forests are found at lower elevations. Aberdare national park is one the most visited safari destinations to travelers who prefer to do outdoors and wildlife activities. The park is exceptionally one of the most admirable catchment areas in the country of Kenya providing water to River Tana and Athi which are part of central Rift valley and Northern drainage basin. The location favors a lot of things to do while on Self drive Safari in Kenya with experts in Car rental business ! Check out on things to do in Kenya
Game drive in Aberdare
Aberdare national park is a home to number of wild animal species which can be adventured on game drive activity. Game drive can be done in three sessions that is Morning game drive which starts at 6:30am to 10:30 am this is the best time to see animal’s active looking for food and some going back from their hide out, Evening game drive begins at 2pm to 6pm time to see animals under the tree resting, huge number of species can be seen on water banks linking for water and Night game which starts at 6:30 to 7:30pm best time to see nocturnal animals like bush babies, leopards, lions hunting. On your game drive along you can be able sight see variety of mammal species such as African elephants, cape buffaloes, mountain reedbuck, eland, wild dogs, leopards, and side stripped jackals among others. See the big five animals
Birding in Kenya is among the key Safari activities enjoyed by travelers that visit Aberdare National Park.This sounds like an impressive experience done on beautiful landscape teeming with variety of animals. Horseback riding can be carried out by the guide to Savannah grass land and end up with perfect adventure most especially to nature lover.
Birding in Aberdare
Sun dower in Aberdare
During the Wildlife watching experience in Aberdare National Park you can spare time to enjoy the sun downer in the magical Kenya even when your on self drive Trip. This is absolutely interesting time a visitor to enjoy your cocktail in the wilderness while getting attracted to panoramic view of the Aberdare Ranges, Mount Kenya and the stunning hills around. This gives you a beautiful view on your African safari.
Primate Trekking in Kenya is not popular but its among the available Safari experiences to enjoy on Kenya Safari. Taking the extension to enjoy the Chimpanzee trekking at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki which take 1 to 2 hours’ drive to reach there. This activity can be done in morning or afternoon time as you get a great time to spend with these apes and have a chance to learn about their social behaviors. See more about Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee Watching
Toute Fishing
This can be done on various rivers such as the Guru, Karuru, and Chaina rivers, as well as numerous other fishing spots throughout the park. You can also do cave fishing where you get to also see lots of wildlife. Brown and rainbow trout are the most common fish in the park.
Where to stay?
Aberdare National Park has developed a number of safari lodges and campsites that offer excellent services in Aberdare National Park. These range from luxury accommodation to mid-range as well as budget options. These facilities include The Ark Lodge, Green Hill Hotel, Dove Nest Lodge, Aberdare country club, Ole Itiko Cottages, Rhino Watch safari Lodge, Mutara Camp, Ranges View Lodge, Kika Lodge, Treetops.
When to go to Aberdare National Park?
Kenya being a destination that is considered as a year-round safari destination in East Africa , Aberdare National Park is mountainous and can experience mist and rain throughout the year. The drier months of January and February and from June to September are usually the best times to visit with the most rewarding game viewing.
How to access Aberdare National park?
Aberdare National Park Kenya, is only 99 miles (160km) from Nairobi. The best route runs from the towns of Naivasha and Nyahururu. However, a smooth tarmac road from Naro Moru and Nyeri towns is on the eastern side. Gates are located at Treetops, Ark, Ruhuruina, Wandare, and Kiandongoro if you come from Nyeri. If you approach the park from Nyahururu, you should use the Shamata or Rhino Gate. Mutubio gate is perfect for visitors coming from Naivasha.
All Kenyan parks accept payment by credit cards.