Aberdares National Reserve: An Overview
Location
Aberdare National Park is located in central Kenya’s Rift Valley, approximately 95 miles from Nairobi, with the nearest town, Nyeri, situated 9 miles away.
Size
Aberdare National Park is approximately 296 square miles in size.
History
Initially established to protect the Aberdare Mountain Range, originally founded by Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson in 1884. The Aberdare National Park was officially established in 1950 and named after Lord Aberdare. Its most famous visitor is Queen Elizabeth II, who found out about her father’s passing while staying in the reserve in 1952.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee to Aberdare National Park is USD 52 per adult per day and USD 26 per child under 12 years old, per day.
Hours of Operation
The gates of the Aberdare National Park are open from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm.
By Road
Visitors will travel 96 miles north from Nairobi via the A104 and Kirima-Murungaru roads. The journey will take approximately three and a half hours.
By Air
Visitors can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki Airstrip and then take a 90-minute transfer to Aberdare National Park.
Weather & Climate
The higher altitude at Aberdare National Park means the climate is generally cooler than other parks in Kenya, with mist known to roll in over the mountain ranges. Average temperatures range between 59 degrees Fahrenheit in the dry, winter months to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the late summer months. The short rains fall between October and the end of March, while the longer rains will arrive in March and continue until mid-May.
Avoiding Crowds
To avoid many vehicles traversing Aberdare National Park and assure accommodation options, visitors should consider visiting the park outside the peak winter months of June to early September.
Value for Money
Accommodation in Aberdare National Park is moderately priced and set in an amazing location with abundant wildlife. Proximity to Nairobi makes it an overall value-for-money safari experience.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Aberdare NationalPark
There have been over 290 species of birds recorded in the Aberdare National Park with the occasional sightings of the rare giant forest hog and the unique Bongo. The park is home to the Big Five so visitors will have a chance to spot their favorites including elephants, buffalo and lions. Plains game such as bushbuck, giraffe and the cute blue duiker can also be seen on a safari in the park.
The Terrain
The terrain of Aberdare National Park consists of the Aberdare mountain range that forms part of the Great Rift Valley, with sheer drops on the western side and gentle, sloping hills along the east. Dramatic waterfalls, forested valleys and moorlands make up the picturesque topography of Aberdare National Park.
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are conducted in enclosed 4×4 safari vehicles, usually lasting around three hours each time. Qualified guides will show guests the beauty and bounty of Aberdare National Park, drives conducted at the ideal time for wildlife spotting.
Guided Walking Safaris
Park rangers will guide guests through the Aberdare National Park on safari walks
Dragon’s Teeth
Rock climbers can visit Dragon’s Teeth, a jagged rock formation located near Aberdare
National Park, which offers spectacular views.
7 Ponds
This is a hiking trail in the Aberdare National Park named after the permanent ponds that have been collected at the summit of the Aberdare Range