Beginners Guide To Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park, located in central Kenya, is a stunning conservation area that forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. Established in 1950, the park spans an area of around 766 square kilometers, featuring an array of landscapes, including misty peaks, lush forests, and deep ravines. The Aberdares are known for their high altitudes, with the highest point reaching over 4,000 meters. This variety of terrain creates a habitat that supports diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.

The park is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, and the rare bongo antelope. Bird enthusiasts will also find over 250 bird species, including eagles, sunbirds, and hawks. Waterfalls, such as the iconic Karuru Falls, add to the park’s natural beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Visitors to Aberdare National Park can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, game drives, and birdwatching. The park also offers a rich historical aspect, being famously connected to the Mau Mau Uprising and providing a sanctuary where Queen Elizabeth II was staying when she learned of her father’s passing in 1952.

The park’s cool climate, high-altitude forests, and abundant wildlife make it a unique destination for those seeking a different Kenyan safari experience. Its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere offer a refreshing escape from the savannahs and plains typical of other Kenyan parks.

Aberdare National Park is a wildlife haven, home to a wide array of species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems, which range from montane forests to bamboo groves and moorlands. The park’s high-altitude environment, combined with its varied terrain, supports both large mammals and smaller species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The unique conditions within the park provide habitats for species not commonly found in other Kenyan parks, creating an exceptional wildlife experience.

All You Need To Know About Aberdare National Park

Due to the park’s terrain and thick vegetation, Aberdare National Park provides a more intimate and challenging wildlife viewing experience compared to other open savannah parks in Kenya. The forested nature of the park often makes animals harder to spot, but it also gives a sense of adventure as visitors track and observe animals in their natural habitat. Night game drives, offered by several lodges, provide a rare opportunity to see the park’s nocturnal species, including leopards, bushbabies, and aardvarks.

Aberdare National Park is a wildlife treasure trove, boasting a variety of large and small mammals, primates, and birds. Its unique high-altitude forests, combined with its secluded environment, offer visitors a distinctive and memorable wildlife experience. Whether tracking the elusive bongo or watching elephants disappear into the misty forests, Aberdare provides a truly special and different kind of safari.

Elephants are one of the most prominent species in Aberdare National Park, with large herds roaming the dense forests and open moorlands. These elephants are known for being more elusive due to the thick vegetation, which makes sightings a bit more challenging compared to other parks like Amboseli or Tsavo. However, their presence is significant, and visitors can often see signs of their activity, such as broken branches and elephant paths.

The Cape buffalo, another common large mammal in the park, is typically found grazing in the park’s lower altitude grasslands and swampy areas. These animals often move in herds, and their imposing size and protective nature make them a key feature of the park’s fauna.

One of the most sought-after and rare species in Aberdare National Park is the bongo antelope, a shy and elusive forest-dwelling antelope. Bongos are most often found in the park’s thick forests and are seldom seen due to their preference for dense cover and their rarity. These animals are considered endangered, making sightings a special experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Leopards are another top predator in the park, although they are notoriously difficult to spot. These solitary and elusive animals can often be found hunting in the forests, particularly in areas with a high population of smaller prey. The park also has populations of spotted hyenas and the occasional lion, although lion sightings are rare due to the park’s altitude and forest cover, which are less favorable for the species compared to other habitats.

The park is home to several primate species, including the black-and-white colobus monkey and the Syke’s monkey. These monkeys are commonly seen in the park’s forested areas, where they can be observed leaping from tree to tree or foraging for food. The colobus monkey, with its striking black and white fur, is particularly notable for its beauty and grace as it moves through the treetops.

Giant forest hogs, the largest wild pigs in the world, also inhabit Aberdare’s forests. These animals, although elusive, are fascinating to observe due to their size and behavior. They are often spotted in the early mornings or late evenings as they forage in the forest underbrush.

Other small mammals that can be found in the park include bushbucks, reedbucks, and duikers, which are often seen grazing in the forest cleari

Aberdare National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 250 bird species recorded in the park. Raptors such as the African crowned eagle, which preys on monkeys and other small mammals, are commonly seen soaring high above the park’s ridges. Other notable Aberdare National Park is home to an impressive array of bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. Some of the notable birds found in the park include the Aberdare cisticola (endemic), Abyssinian crimsonwing, African goshawk, African green pigeon, African paradise flycatcher, African yellow warbler, and Augur buzzard. Raptors such as Ayres’s hawk-eagle, Crowned eagle, and the Montagu’s harrier are also present. The park is rich in sunbirds, with species like the Bronzy sunbird, Golden-winged sunbird, and the rare Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird.

Other striking species include the Bar-tailed trogon, Doherty’s bush-shrike, Hartlaub’s turaco, and Hunter’s cisticola. Ground birds like Jackson’s francolin (near-endemic), Moorland francolin, and Montane white-eye are often spotted in the higher altitudes. Additional species include the Mountain buzzard, Moustached green tinkerbird, Narina trogon, Olive ibis, Rufous-chested sparrowhawk, and Sharpe’s longclaw (near-endemic). The park also features species like the Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Tacazze sunbird, Tambourine dove, White-headed wood-hoopoe, and the Moorland chat, providing a vibrant and diverse birdwatching experience.

The park’s mix of forest, moorland, and wetland habitats allows for a diverse range of bird species, from waterfowl to forest dwellers. Birdwatching in the park is particularly rewarding due to the variety of species and the peaceful, often mist-shrouded environments in which they live. 

The best time for bird watching in Aberdare National Park

The best time for bird watching in Aberdare National Park is from November to April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa visit the area. This period overlaps with the wet season (October to May), during which many birds display their vibrant breeding plumage. However, the park’s resident forest and moorland species can be observed all year round. For those looking to combine bird watching with forest hikes, the drier months from June to September and December to February provide excellent conditions.

The best time to visit Aberdare National Park is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is more favorable for activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching, as the trails are less muddy and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable exploration, particularly in the higher altitudes of the park.

However, for bird enthusiasts, the period from November to April offers an excellent opportunity to witness migratory bird species from Europe and North Africa, as well as local species in their breeding plumage. While this overlaps with the rainy season, it provides a unique birdwatching experience.

Climate of Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park’s altitude ranges significantly, from 1,952m to 3,894m (6,404ft to 12,776ft), leading to considerable climatic variation across the park. As elevation increases, temperatures drop by approximately 6.5°C per 1,000m (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The climate is generally cool and misty, with substantial rainfall throughout the year, especially in the southeastern areas where it can reach up to 3,000mm (118in) annually. Due to its proximity to the equator, temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. Visitors should pack warm, waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in the park’s cool, rainy conditions.

Aberdare National Park has several regulations in place to ensure the safety of visitors, protect the wildlife, and preserve the environment. Some important rules include:

  1. Respect for Wildlife: Visitors must maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing them. Feeding or attempting to interact with wildlife is strictly prohibited.
  2. Stay on Designated Routes: To protect the park’s delicate ecosystem, all vehicles must stay on designated roads and tracks. Off-road driving is not allowed.
  3. No Littering: All visitors are required to dispose of their waste properly. Littering in the park is not tolerated, and visitors should carry their trash out with them.
  4. Camping Restrictions: Camping is only allowed in designated areas. Campfires should only be lit in marked sites and must be fully extinguished before leaving the area.
  5. Noise Control: The park is a tranquil environment, so noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife and other visitors.
  6. Night Game Drives: Night game drives are permitted but must be conducted with a licensed guide or driver. Special arrangements should be made in advance with the park management.
  7. Permits and Entrance Fees: Visitors must obtain the necessary permits and pay entrance fees before accessing the park. Special permits may be required for activities like camping or night game drives.
  8. Prohibition of Firearms: Firearms and other weapons are not allowed inside the park to ensure the safety of wildlife and other visitors.
  9. Wildlife Viewing Guidelines: The park discourages visitors from making sudden movements or loud noises while viewing animals to ensure a non-intrusive experience.

No Picking of Plants: Aberdare National Park has a rich ecosystem of plants and trees, and visitors are prohibited from picking or damaging any vegetation.

In general, Kenya’s parks and reserves, including Aberdare National Park, are considered safe for visitors. Crime within well-managed parks like Aberdare is very uncommon. However, it’s important to practice standard safety measures when passing through towns or urban areas between parks. Staying aware of your surroundings and following basic safety guidelines can help ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey. For travelers joining organized tours, potential risks are typically mitigated by professional guides who are knowledgeable about local safety concerns. It is always advisable to check government travel advisories for the latest information on visiting Aberdare and Kenya as a whole.

Vaccination and Health

Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory, and additional vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Kenya. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. While the high altitude of the Aberdare region eliminates the risk of malaria, it is advisable to take antimalarial medication if you plan to visit other areas in the country where malaria is prevalent.