How to reach Aberdare National Park? Aberdare National Park, located in Central Kenya to the east of the East African Rift Valley, is a safari park that covers an area of more than 767 sq km and stretches across the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges. To the east, it is covered by the Aberdare Salient. Located at 18,29 m above sea level, the park is relatively low in altitude but has been identified as a landscape park. Aberdare national park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can get to Aberdare National Park through air and road transport from Nairobi city.
Aberdare National Park is home to variety of wildlife such as Elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and waterbucks, among others. This amazing park is famous for hosting the largest number of black rhinos, making it the second-largest rhino population in Kenya. Aberdare National Park is also the best birdwatching destination in Kenya, hosting over 250 species of birds including the endangered Aberdare cisticola, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, rare Scarlet-tufted Malachite sunbird, African goshawk, Bronzy sun-bird, Augur buzzard, Bar-tailed trogon, and African yellow warbler among others.
Traveling by road to Aberdare National Park is a delightful experience, offering breathtaking views of the countryside including the majestic Mount Kenya. This is the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. As you journey to your comfortable safari vehicle, you can enjoy panoramic views of rolling landscapes and lush scenery, immersing yourself in the natura; beauty of the region. While road transport is a convenient and efficient way to reach Aberdare, it also provides a richer countryside experience compared to other forms of transport, making the trip not just a means to an end but an integral part of your adventure.
Getting to the park by road
There are several leads to Aberdare National Park. Located approximately 160 kilometers from Nairobi. The most accessible routes are from Nyeri and Naro Moruon on the Eastern side via well-paved roads.
However, the most scenic route to reach the Aberdare National Park is from the Naivasha and Nyahururu. This route covers approximately 87 kilometers through the stunning slopes of moorland vegetation.
Visitors often use the Nyahururu road, which passes through Nyeri town to reach the park’s headquarters, a distance of around 15 kilometers. Here, tourists can load their safari cards. Various Park gates are accessible from these routes, including upon reaching the park headquarters Kiandongoro, gate, Ark Gate, Treetop gate, Wandare gate, and the Ruhuruina gate, with Visitors from Naivasha easily accessing the Mutubio gate.
Getting to Aberdare National Park by air transport means
Aberdare National Park can be accessed via two airstrips: Nanyuki Airstrip and Mweiga Airstrips. Both facilities accommodate scheduled flight and chartered flights. You can also book scheduled or chartered flights from Wilson Airport, which is located in the southern part of Nairobi, to the airstrips at Mweiga and Nanyuki airstrip. Upon arrival, you can connect to the park headquarters by road. The park can be reached using several domestic airlines including as Airkenya, and Safarilink, offer flights to this region. If you prefer, domestic flight arraignment can be made through a reputable Kenya tour operator to facilitate your flight to Aberdare National Park
Packing list for a Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park
When planning a safari in Aberdare National Park, it is essential to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a summary of some of the suggested packing lists:
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors, long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection and to ward off insects, a warm jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, a rain jacket or poncho.
Footwear: comfortable hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes, flip-flops, or sandals for relaxing.
Accessories: Hat or cap for sun protection. Sunglass with UV protection, a lightweight scarf or buff for dust protection.
Camping gear: Sleeping bag, camping mat, and portable cooking equipment. Personal items: Sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries and any personal medications.
Photography gear: Camera with extra batteries, memory cards, and binoculars for wildlife viewing
Aberdare National Park offers visitors a variety of exciting tourist activities. Visitors can embark on guided game drives to spot diverse animals, including elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and waterbucks, among others. Hiking and trekking along numerous scenic trails such as the popular Chanai Falls and Karuru Falls, allows you for breathtaking views and encounters with lush flora. Birdwatching is also another exhilarating activity to do in the park, during your birding safari, you will have the chance to spot colorful birds such as the mysterious Aberdare cisticola, African paradise flycatcher, Ayres’s hawk-eagle, Bar-tailed trogon, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, among many others. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can stay at Treetop Lodges and experience night wildlife viewing. Additionally, fishing in the park’s rovers adds to the adventurous activities available in this stunning natural haven.
