ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdare is a mountain range located in the east of Nairobi creating a 100-km volcanic wall of the Great Rift Valley. This range includes some of the highest peaks in Kenya such as Mt Satima (4.001 m) or Mt Kinangop (3.902 m). Green hills, thick tropical forests, rivers and awesome falls cover its characteristic landscapes where a wide wildlife live permanently.
A lot of visitors come to Aberdare National Park due to its unique beautiful mountain scenery with 767 sq. km. The park offers spectacular hiking routes to behold picturesque waterfalls as well as game drives to spot some rare animals as the black leopard. As this park has a dense forest, enjoying a successful game drive can be a difficult task. It’s 3-hours driving from the capital and can easily be a 1-day safari for those who wish a quick getaway.The climate is cold and wet due to the high altitude (from 2.000m above sea level), therefore, it's highly recommended bring some warm clothes.
​
What to do
Elephant Hill trekking. 7 hours - Difficulty: Moderate. Visitors must pay Aberdares NP fees. More info here.
Dragon's teeth & Mt. Satima trekking. More info here.
Mt. Kipipiri trekking. 8 hours - Difficulty: Moderate. More info here.
Karura Falls, Gura Falls and Chania Falls located in the south of the park. In Chania Falls visitors can swim under the waterfall.
Entrances
West: Matubio West Gate from Naivasha (87km).
North : Shamata Gate and Rhino Gate.
East: Wandare Park Gate, Ark Gate, Treetops Gate.
South: Kiandongoro Gate from Nyeri (15km). This is the shortest route from Nairobi (3 hours - 180 km).
Kipipiri Camp
Although there are public campsites inside the park, nights can be really cold due to the high altitude. For this reason visitors might camp outside the park in lower altitudes. In Kahuruko, on the road of Matubio West Gate guests can find basic toilets, cooking facilities, non-potable water, firewood. There is not power. Bring drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment (torches) if you intend to stay overnight. You must bargain the camping fees (10 USD). More info here.
​
Other accommodation
​
Animals sighted
Elephants (lots), zebras (lots), hyena (one), buffaloes (lots), baboons (lots), water-backs (few) chameleon (one), duiker (one).
Others you may find: Black Serval, Black Leopard, Eastern Bongo, Suni, Bushbuck, Black and White Colobus, Sykes, Vervet Monkey's and more than 250 species of birds.
Entrance fees (24 hours)
Resident Adult 1.030 KESM- Child 515 KES Non Resident Adult 52 USD- Child 26 USD
Car fees: 300 KES.
Please note that only accepts payments with Credit Card, Mpesa and Paypal
​
More info here.
