Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is a protected area in central Kenya within the Aberdare Range, conserving upland forest, moorland and freshwater habitats. The park covers an area of high-elevation terrain that forms a significant watershed for the region.

Montane forests, waterfalls and highland moorland that provide habitat for elephants, specialised birds and other montane species. The park has remote lodges and viewpoints used for wildlife watching and river valley viewing.

The reserve was established mid-20th century to protect water catchments and biodiversity; over time it has been managed for both conservation and regulated tourism. Notable locations within the park include forested valleys and the historic Treetops area.

Geographically the park sits inland from Kenya’s Rift Valley and central highlands, with the nearest major towns including Nyeri to the east; the landscape is rugged and upland with steep slopes and forested plateaus.

• Ecosystems and hydrology: The park protects montane forest and moorland in the Aberdare Range and is a source of rivers that flow east toward Kenya's central highlands.
• Wildlife: Wildlife includes elephants and a range of montane species; parts of the park are remote and shelter wildlife from the surrounding agricultural lowlands.

What to See #

• Highland plateau and forests: A highland area of moorland and montane forest with waterfalls and glades that provide habitat for large mammals and birds.
• Treetops area: A location historically associated with a treetop camp where Princess Elizabeth stayed in 1952 and where she became Queen on the death of George VI.