Aberdares National Park

Aberdares National Park is situated in a unique isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley and runs about 100km north south between Nairobi and Thomsons Falls. There are two main peaks on the range, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000m.

The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes and there are many clear streams and waterfalls. The Aberdares are a water catchment area feeding two of Kenya's most important rivers - the Tana and Athi rivers.

Two different environments define the park: the moorland, peaks and high forest of the Kinangop plateau; and the Salient to the east where the forest slopes down to the regional capital of Nyeri. Much of the park lies above 10,000 feet above sea level generally following the natural tree line. The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls converge to create a park endowed with scenic beauty.

The climate at Aberdares is misty and rainy for much of the year. This forested area gives refuge to herds of Elephant and buffalo. Other species include black rhino, bongo antelope, bush pig, giant forest hog, black serval cat, lion and black leopard. They are hundreds of bird species can be seen including the giant kingfishers. Dramatic views include the Chania and Karura Falls.

Location:
Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya, Nyeri District; Central Province, 766 sq km.

HOW TO GET THERE
Roads
The park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side (160 kms from Nairobi). A road crosses the park to connect with another from Naivasha and North Kinangop on the west.
The main towns from which the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km from Nairobi) Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi) and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi).

Airstrips
Mweiga Airstrip, next to the park headquarters or Nyeri Airstrip which is 12 km from Mweiga headquarters.

Park Roads
The park has 60 km and 396 km of primary and secondary roads respectively. The salient has an adequate road network. The central Aberdares is hardly accessible during the wet season and there are few motorable roads in Northern Aberdares which is also cut off from the central Aberdares. Most of the current road network is not accessible during the wet season.

Park Gates
From Nyeri - Ruhuruini Gate (20 km), Kiandongoro Gate (30 km), Treetops Gate (17 km), Ark Gate (28 km), Wandare Gate (47 km). From Nyahururu - Rhino Gate (48 km), Shamata Gate (45 km), Naivasha, Mutubio Gate (50 km).

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Lesatima peak, Kinangop peak, waterfalls, walks in the moorlands, Twin hills, Elephant hills and Table mountains, Elephants, Second largest population of black rhinos in Salient and Northern Aberdares, Queen Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne at Tree-tops, The Kimathi Hideout, Night viewing of wildlife at the Ark & Treetops.

The Aberdares can be explored by vehicle, or on foot. There are trekking trails throughout the forests, and across the moorlands. A few days spent here is one of Kenya's best forest treks.

The foothills of the Aberdares are ideal for exploring on horseback and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout. The Aberdares are a great place for waterfalls. The series of spectacular falls along the range, and at Nyahururu, Thompson's Falls have became a popular rest stop for travelers.

FACILITIES
Bandas: Fishing Lodge; Ruhuruini (Camp Tusk), Sapper Hut, KWS Hut at Treetops, KWS HQ bungalow.