Aberdare National Park

Located in the Central Highlands The Aberdare National Park stands at an area of 766 sq km and is part of the Aberdares Mountain Range. The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south between Nairobi and Thompson’s Falls. At an altitude of 7, 000 to 14,000 ft., the soils in this region are red and of volcanic origin, but rich in organic matter.

There are two main peaks, 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 an important water catchment area providing water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins. The climate is misty and rain occurs through out much of the year.

There is a big concentration of the Black Rhino in this park and Elephant. Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, Leopard, the rear Bongo and colobus monkey are amongst the game found here.
It was while in the Aberdares that Queen Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne. There a number two lodges and a number of campsites. The main activities in the park are game viewing, trout fishing and camping.

The National Park is 180 kilometers 3 hours drive from Nairobi and can also be accessed by air on a daily scheduled flight.