The Aberdares are a cool, misty mountain range north of Nairobi, rising to more than 4,000 metres, with bamboo forest, moorland, waterfalls and some of Kenya's most unusual wildlife viewing. Elephants, buffalo, black rhino and giant forest hog come to waterholes below the famous tree-house lodges, where you watch from a warm room or deck at night.
The forest is home to leopard, bongo and many monkeys, and the high moorland has rare plants and wide views. Two spectacular waterfalls, Gura and Karuru, drop hundreds of metres, and the roads climb through lush forest to the park gates.
It is a unique place for an overnight stay, usually on the way between Nairobi and Laikipia or Mount Kenya.
The Aberdares are best known for elephant, buffalo, black rhino and giant forest hog that come to waterholes at night. Leopard, spotted hyena, bushbuck, waterbuck, eland and Sykes’ monkey live in the forest, and the rare bongo antelope lives in the bamboo, though it is seldom seen. Lions do not occur in the park, so the high-altitude walks are relatively safe.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Dense mountain forest, bamboo, heather-covered moorland and deep valleys fall away from the central ridge. Waterfalls drop hundreds of metres, and the clear days give views of Mount Kenya.
Activities here
The Aberdares are cool and often misty, with daytime temperatures of 15°C to 20°C and cold nights, sometimes close to freezing at the top. The rainy seasons are April to May and November, and the mountain can be wet at any time.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 | 7 | 60 |
| Feb | 20 | 8 | 70 |
| Mar | 20 | 9 | 120 |
| Apr | 18 | 10 | 260 |
| May | 17 | 9 | 200 |
| Jun | 16 | 7 | 60 |
| Jul | 15 | 6 | 50 |
| Aug | 16 | 7 | 70 |
| Sep | 17 | 7 | 60 |
| Oct | 18 | 8 | 110 |
| Nov | 17 | 9 | 190 |
| Dec | 18 | 8 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
January to March and June to September are the driest months, with clearer skies and views of Mount Kenya from the moorland. Nights are cold, so a warm jacket matters.
The rains from April to May make the tracks slippery, and mist often covers the forest. The park is lush and quiet, but some roads can close for short periods.
January to March and June to September are the best months, with the clearest weather. Wildlife comes to the waterholes all year, so a night at one of the viewing lodges is rewarding in any month.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb
The park is about 160 kilometres from Nairobi, a drive of three to four hours to Nyeri or Mweiga. Treetops and The Ark have their own transfer arrangements from the gate, and we plan the timing so you arrive for the afternoon.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The air is thin and the weather changes quickly, so pack warm layers and rain gear. The altitude rarely troubles visitors on the lower parts of the park. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
The Aberdares are best for a single night at a waterhole lodge, on the way to Laikipia or Samburu.
Safaris from
US$1,203 per person
Plan your time in Aberdare
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