Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park stands apart from typical savannah-based parks, towering mountains reaching up to 4,000 meters, lush rainforests, moorlands, and bamboo forests. While traditional game drives allow visitors to spot various wildlife, the park also offers the opportunity to explore its stunning landscapes through scenic hikes and marvel at its numerous waterfalls. Located within the Aberdare Mountain Range, to the east of the Rift Valley and about 100 kilometers north of Nairobi, the park covers 766 square kilometers and was established as a national park in 1950.
Activities in Aberdare National Park
- Hike to waterfalls and take a refreshing shower
- Go on unforgettable day hikes
- Watch plenty of animals at the waterholes near your hotel
- Enjoy picnics in the moorlands
Climate
Kenya experiences a cool season from June to November, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C. Nights can be quite chilly during this period, so carrying a sweater is recommended. The short rainy season occurs from mid-October to November, followed by warmer temperatures reaching up to 30°C between December and April. The long rainy season takes place in April and May, though rainfall is usually concentrated in the afternoons and evenings, with sunny mornings.
Aberdare National Park has a cooler climate due to its mountainous terrain, which ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The area is often misty, so it’s advisable to have suitable clothing for these conditions.
Best time to visit Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is good to visit all year round. Have fun!
Facts about Aberdare National Park.
- 766 square kilometers (296 square miles).
- Established in 1950.
- Beautiful hikes to several waterfalls.
- Mountains, rainforests, and moorlands with many animal sightings.
- Cooler temperatures.
- Queen Elizabeth of England was visiting this park when she heard her father had passed away, and she became queen.
- Place of the notorious Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s.
The Reign & Rebellion
This Park is famously known as the place where Princess Elizabeth learned of her father, King George VI’s passing, marking the beginning of her reign as Queen.
She was staying at the renowned Treetops Hotel, one of two lodges in the park. Both Treetops and The Ark remain open to guests, offering unique wildlife experiences.
Surrounded by waterholes and featuring underground viewing areas, these hotels provide excellent opportunities for animal sightings. A special alarm system notifies guests in their rooms whenever a rare or notable animal is passing by, ensuring they never miss a remarkable moment.
Less glamorous is that the Aberdare Mountain Range is the place where the Mau Mau rebellion took place in the 1950s. European settlers found this place to be perfect for the farming of tea, coffee, wheat, and flowers.
With permission of the colonial government, they took over the countryside but with little regard for the local customs and culture. This created resentment, leading to the rebellion.
The Mau Mau leader knew the forest well and used it as headquarters and hiding place until a considerable manhunt tracked him down in the 1950s.