Aberdare National ParkAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park
Higher, wetter country - plan visits for the drier months for more reliable wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1436 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 4° - 17° | 9° | 41 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| February | Very Good | 4° - 17° | 11° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| March | Good | 5° - 17° | 11° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 6° - 16° | 11° | 195 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 10° | 171 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 8° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| July | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 8° | 89 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| August | Poor | 4° - 13° | 8° | 120 mm | overcast | 77% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 15° | 8° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 5° - 16° | 10° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 15° | 10° | 154 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| December | Good | 4° - 15° | 9° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
How to Get to Aberdare National Park
The park is accessible from the towns of Nyeri and Nanyuki. Roads into the Aberdare highlands branch off the main Nairobi-Nakuru routes; some lodges and gate access points require 4x4 vehicles. Nairobi to Aberdare is roughly a three-hour drive depending on the gate.
Tips for Visiting Aberdare National Park
- The Aberdare Range is highland country; wildlife (elephants, bongo antelope, giant forest hog) can be seen near water holes at dawn and dusk.
- Access national park gates at Nyeri or Nanyuki depending on which sector we wish to visit; consider using a local guide for wildlife walks.
- Rain is frequent; plan flexible itineraries and check road conditions in the rainy season.