Aberdare National Park

Highland Forest Sanctuary

A Misty Paradise of Waterfalls, Wildlife and Mountains

Aberdare National Park is one of Kenya’s most idyllic wild regions, nestled in the central highlands just over 150km north of Nairobi. The park is famed for its crisp air, abundant forests and sheer mountain backdrops. It is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, sprawling about 767 square kilometres in Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. It is a vital watershed and home to unique animals and vegetation. The park boasts a blend of dense bamboo forests, vast moorlands, plunging gorges, and tumbling waterfalls, including the famous Karuru Falls and Gura Falls.

All these varied habitats have created a hotbed of biodiversity, where animals and plant life, accustomed to the altitude and myriad conditions, flourish. In a landscape that is easy to visit for ecotourism, wildlife viewing, mountain retreats, and more, it is essential to realise that the park is a true water tower. It is vital to the ecosystem, as it is the source of many rivers and other downstream areas.

The park is also known as a habitat for relatively rare animals, including the bongo, the giant forest hog, the black leopard, the buffalo, and the elephant. Its thick forests and elevated viewing positions from tree lodges overlooking waterholes offer wildlife viewers a rewarding experience.

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Discover the untamed wild

Explore the misty forest and breathtaking highland terrain in Aberdare National Park

Experience

Take part in guided safaris and tours across highland forest ecosystems, waterfalls and nature while gaining valuable knowledge about wildlife conservation.

  • Forest Game Drives
  • Birdwatching experience
  • Photography tour
  • Nature walks tour
  • Waterfalls and trails exploration

Wildlife

Aberdare National Park is home to unique and rare wildlife species.

  • Rare Bongo Antelope Sightings
  • Elephants, Buffaloes and Leopards sightings
  • Highland forest ecosystem exploration
  • Giant Forest Hogs and Colobus Monkeys sighting
  • Great variety of birdlife

Activities

Engage yourself in nature and adventure through exhilarating outdoor activities.

  • Game drives in the forest landscape
  • Waterfall tours in Karuru and Gura Falls
  • Bird watching and wildlife viewing tours
  • Nature walks and hiking tours
  • Overnight stays in Tree lodges for excellent wildlife viewing
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What is the Best time to visit?

Timing your travel to achieve optimal comfort and animal-viewing experiences is key

When planning a safari to Aberdare National Park, your choice of season is crucial for comfort and maximising your experience. The two dry seasons, from June to October and from January to February, offer the best safari conditions. The key advantages of travelling during this time include access to more water sources, resulting in readily visible animals clustered around the watering holes. Easier access to all tracks and forest trails, and good viewing conditions with the skies typically clear and great views of the highland landscapes.

The wet seasons (March to May and November to December) turn the Aberdare National Park into a breathtakingly verdant, almost overwhelming landscape. While certain areas might be inaccessible at this time, this period is ideal for those seeking optimal birding with diverse and plentiful species at every turn. You can even witness full dramatic views of impressive waterfalls, such as Karuru Falls. You also get to enjoy the park’s serene tranquillity, all to yourself.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Home to an incredible variety of species, rich ecosystems and wildlife habitats

A world-renowned Aberdare National Park supports exceptional biodiversity and rare highlands. Here you find cool, dense forest cover, bamboo zones, moorlands, numerous spectacular waterfalls, and excellent opportunities to spot unique wildlife, including rare bongo antelopes, black leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and giant forest hogs, which thrive in its cool, forested environment. 

Aberdare National Park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, attracting a wide variety of species each year. Aberdare National Park is also well endowed with a variety of plant species. Despite misty forests, it offers a serene yet adventurous getaway into nature, with dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Gallery

Witness spectacular landscapes and rare wildlife photography in Aberdare National Park, an idyllic high-altitude safari destination

Things to Do in Aberdare National Park

The features and activities in Aberdare National Park are the following

Highlights

Iconic Activities

Safari Tourism

Explore Africa

Full-Day Nairobi City Tour

Location Kenya

  • 1 Days
  • 08 Country
Starting From $210

Nairobi National Park Day Tour

Location Kenya

  • 1 Days
  • 08 Country
Starting From $210

Half-Day Nairobi City Tour

Location Kenya

  • 1 Days
  • 08 Country
Starting From $160

4 Days Masai Mara And Lake Nakuru National Park Group Joining

Location Kenya

  • 4 Days
  • 3 Nights
  • 08 Country
Starting From $530

6 Days Best Of Kenya In A Group

Location Kenya

  • 6 Days
  • 5 Nights
  • 08 Country
Starting From $1300

3 Days Masai Mara Group Joining Safari

Location Kenya

  • 3 Days
  • 2 Nights
  • 08 Country
Starting From $760
FAQ

Search through our FAQ for more answers

The park is situated in the centre of Kenya, roughly 150km north of Nairobi in the Aberdare Mountain Range.

The Aberdare National Park has cool, misty highland weather, with plentiful rain, mostly from March-May and November-December.

The Aberdare National Park is approximately 767 square km in size.

Among visitors' favourite activities are safari game drives, visits to spectacular waterfalls, game viewing, bird watching and staying in tree hotels.

Hiking and walking are permitted on designated trails through the Aberdare's moorlands and forests.

Testimonials

See What Our Happy Travellers Say

  • star rating  Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team  - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.

    First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more

    avatar thumb Maruska_77
    April 8, 2025

    star rating  Thank you La Pisada  - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more

    avatar thumb Martin O
    February 25, 2025

    star rating  Nairobi National Park Tour  - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more

    avatar thumb Archie O
    February 26, 2025
  • star rating  Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip!  - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more

    avatar thumb Terence M
    February 27, 2025

    star rating  An awesome safari tour with La Pisada !  - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more

    avatar thumb Dina O
    February 24, 2025

    star rating  Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more

    avatar thumb Tris S
    March 8, 2026

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