Fun Fact: A Royal Moment in Aberdare History
Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II became queen while staying in Aberdare National Park?
In 1952, then-Princess Elizabeth was on a royal tour of Kenya and spent a night at the famous Treetops Lodge—an elevated treehouse-style safari lodge deep in the forest. It was there that she received the news of her father, King George VI’s, death.
That night, she ascended to the throne, making Aberdare National Park the place where a princess became a queen. This royal moment is one of the park’s most fascinating historical footnotes.
A Brief History of Aberdare National Park
Nestled in the central highlands of Kenya, Aberdare National Park is a hidden gem that offers a breathtaking mix of rare wildlife, mist-shrouded forests, dramatic waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Often overshadowed by Kenya’s more famous parks like Masai Mara, Aberdare is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, biodiversity, and raw natural beauty.
Established in 1950, Aberdare National Park protects part of the rugged Aberdare Mountain Range, a vital water catchment and biodiversity hotspot in Kenya’s central highlands.
To the Kikuyu people, the mountains are traditionally known as “Nyandarua”, meaning “drying hide”, a reference to the range’s shape, which resembles a stretched animal skin laid out to dry. This name reflects the cultural and geographical relationship between the land and the local communities.
However, during the British colonial era, the range was renamed “Aberdare” by the explorer Joseph Thomson in the 1880s, in honor of Lord Aberdare (Henry Bruce)—a British statesman and then-President of the Royal Geographical Society.
Wildlife in Aberdare: A Sanctuary for Rare and Endangered Species
Unlike the open savannahs of other parks, Aberdare’s dense forests and highland moors provide shelter for some of the most elusive animals in Kenya. Visitors often spot:
- Giant forest hogs
- Leopards
- Black rhinos (critically endangered)
- Bongo antelope – one of Africa’s rarest antelope species
- Elephants, bushbucks, and colobus monkeys
Aberdare is also home to over 250 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Spectacular Landscapes and Natural Attractions
The park’s scenery is as dramatic as its wildlife. Explore diverse landscapes including:
- Bamboo and montane forests
- High-altitude moorlands
- Majestic waterfalls like Karuru Falls (the tallest in Kenya), Gura Falls, and Chania Falls
- Peaks like Ol Donyo Lesatima and Kinangop for stunning hikes
Whether you’re hiking along misty trails or enjoying a drive through the highlands, the scenic views in Aberdare National Park are unforgettable.
Top Activities in Aberdare National Park
Here’s what you can do in this pristine wilderness:
- Guided game drives
- Birdwatching
- Trout fishing in cold mountain streams
- Hiking in Aberdare’s alpine terrain
- Night-time wildlife viewing from elevated lodges
Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park
- Dry Season (January – March, July – October): Best for game viewing and hiking.
- Wet Season (April – June, November – December): Lush scenery, fewer tourists, and better birding opportunities.
Temperatures are cooler due to high altitude, so pack warm layers year-round.
How to Get to Aberdare National Park
Located about 150 km north of Nairobi, Aberdare is accessible via:
- Road: From Nairobi via Nyeri or Nyahururu (approx. 3–4 hours)
- Air: Charter flights to nearby airstrips like Mweiga or Nanyuki
Main park entry gates include Wandare, Treetops, Mutubio, and Kiandongoro.
Where to Stay: Best Lodges and Camps in Aberdare
Aberdare offers both rustic and luxurious safari stays:
- Treetops Lodge – Historic and elevated for wildlife viewing
- The Ark Lodge – Built like Noah’s Ark, overlooking a floodlit waterhole
- Aberdare Country Club – A colonial-style base offering excursions into the park
Plan Your Safari with Gemfinders Safaris – One of Kenya’s Top Tour Companies
For a seamless, customized safari experience, Gemfinders Safaris is your go-to choice. As one of the best travel agencies in Kenya, they specialize in crafting memorable journeys across Aberdare and beyond.
With professional guides, luxury 4×4 vehicles, and tailored itineraries, Gemfinders Safaris ensures you explore Aberdare’s rare species, hidden trails, and scenic spots without stress. They also offer combo packages to other parks like Samburu, Masai Mara, and Amboseli.
Photography Tips for Capturing Aberdare’s Beauty
- Best light: Early morning and late afternoon
- Zoom lens: 200mm+ for wildlife
- Tripod: Ideal for landscapes and waterfalls
- Patience: For capturing rare bird species in the dense forest
Why Aberdare National Park Belongs on Your Bucket List
From rare wildlife to spectacular views, Aberdare National Park is a treasure for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. It’s the perfect blend of serenity, biodiversity, and off-the-beaten-path charm.
For an unforgettable experience, book your journey with Gemfinders Safaris, one of the top-rated safari agencies in Kenya—and discover the magic of the Aberdares.
