Aberdare National Park

The Aberdares national park was gazetted in 1950 to protect one of the most ancient mountain ranges in East Africa - the Aberdares ranges and the immediate ecosystem.

At 3,999 metres, the Aberdares ranges rise in the north to the highest moorland peak knowns as Ol Doinyo Lesatima; and about 40km to the south stands the summit of Kinangop at 3,906metres.

The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others.

The Aberdares features three magnificent three waterfalls, the Chania, Gura and Karura Falls created by Karura and Chania rivers. Viewing of the falls can be done, if accompanied by an armed guide. The Karura Falls has the deepest drop, plunging more than 300 meters, and has two viewing stations on either side.

Getting to the Aberdares by Road

The park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side and it’s 150 Kms from Nairobi. A road crosses the park through the lower slopes up to the Moorlands to connect with another one from Naivasha on the western side. Naivasha is 87 Kms from Nairobi – Park Hqs from where you load your “Safaricard” is 15 Kms from Nyeri, along Nyeri – Nyahururu road.

Getting to Aberdares by Air

The nearest airstrip is the Mweiga Airstrip on the opposite side from Park Hqs along Nyeri – Nyahururu road near Sasini Estate Farm.

PARK GATES AND DISTANCE FROM NYERI TOWN:

* Ark Gate         -      28 Kms

* Treetops Gate        -  17 Kms

* Ruhuruini Gate        -  20 Kms

* Kiandongoro        -  30 Kms

* Wandare Gate        -  47 Kms

* Others are Shamata, Rhino and Mutubio Gates.

Lodges

* The Ark lodge, which is managed by the Aberdare Country Club

* The Treetops lodge, which is managed by Outspan Hotel in Nyeri.

Camping Facilities

*  Public campsites   -  Ruhuruini, Reedbuck

* Special campsites -  Bongo, prince Charles, Nyati, Queen Beatrice, Muringato.

Useful to Carry with you:

* Safe drinking water

* Picnic items

* Camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight

* Binoculars, camera, hat, sunglasses, guide books, and maps.