Tourist activities to do in Aberdare National Park: Aberdare National Park is a protected area situated in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya. the park is located in the east of the East African Rift Valley. Aberdare National Park was established in May 1950 and encompasses about 767 square kilometers (296 sq. mi) the park also includes the higher elevations and the Aberdare Salient to the east.
Additionally, the park is located about 100 km north of Nairobi and features a diverse range of terrains, with altitudes varying from 2,000 meters (6,600 ft.) to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft.) above sea level. Its landscape includes deep, V-shaped valleys, intersected with streams, rivers, and waterfalls.
At the lower altitude, visitors can explore Moorland, bamboo forests, and rainforests, all contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. However, there are many activities visitors can enjoy or participate in while in a safari in Aberdare National Park and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;
Game drives.
Game drives are one of the highlights of your Kenya safari in Aberdare National Park. visitors on Kenya safari can embark on a guided safari tour in an open-top vehicle, offering a thrilling chance to encounter the park’s diversity in their natural habitat. The park is home to an impressive array of species including black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, sykes monkeys, African elephants, warthogs, and bushbucks among others. Game drives typically early in the morning game drives and late afternoon. this is the ideal time when this fascinating wildlife is very active
Horse riding.
Horse riding is one of the in the park is a truly exhilarating way to explore the natural beauty of the area. This activity offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the wildlife. Horse riding is managed and operated by the Aberdare Country Club. This rewarding activity is normally done at the foothills of the Aberdare ranges. During your horseback riding tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat as well as the breathtaking views of the scenery. It’s an unforgettable experience that blends adventure with the stunning beauty of nature.
Birding watching.
Lake Aberdare National Park is famously known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an impressive list of over 250 bird species. The park is famous for housing a large variety of endangered bird species such as Aberdare Cisticola. The best time for foot birdwatching is during the months of November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present, this partly coincides with the wet season when many bird species can be seen in breeding plumage as they are nesting. During your birdwatching tours in the park, you will have the chance to spot a variety of bird species beyond the Aberdare Cisticola such as endemic Jackson’s francolin, sparry hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, green pigeon, crowned eagle, moorland francolin, olive ibis, silvery checked hornbill and many more.
Hiking.
Hiking is an exhilarating and adventurous activity within the park. the park is home to numerous mountain peaks which offers thrilling hiking opportunities. One of the famous hikes is the elephant’s hike, which reaches an impressive altitude of 3720 meters above sea level and spans 26 kilometers. Another popular hike is the hike to the summit of the Table Mountains, twin hills as well as across waterfalls, which is achievable. Both hiking and gentle walking offer the perfect way to discover the diverse flora, insects, amphibians, and smaller mammals in the area. This excursion also offers the chance to take in stunning views of the surroundings while interacting with wildlife.
Trout fishing.
Trout fishing is one of the Tourist activities to do in Aberdare National Park and is an exciting experience, best done with the guidance of an exceptional local guide. Trout fishing in the park is carried out on various rivers such as the Guru, Karuru, and China rivers, as well as numerous other fishing spots throughout the park. During trout fishing, you are required to have appropriate fishing gear and a valid fishing license, which can be easily obtained at the park headquarters.
Community visit
Aberdare National Park is surrounded by a vibrant community with predominantly the Kikuyu community who live closest to the park. These people believe that these mountains are among the dwellings of their god (Ngai). The Kikuyu named this area Nyandarua meaning drying hide because of the numerous distinctive folds.
Best time to visit Aberdare National Park.
Aberdare National Park is often regarded as a year-round safari destination. The park offers unique experiences in every season. However, the best time to visit is during the driest months of January and February and from June to September. while the park’s mountainous terrain can bring mist and rain throughout the year. these drier periods typically offer the best opportunities for rewarding game drives during your Kenyan adventure.
Getting to Aberdare National Park
By Road: Aberdare National Park is located approximately 160km north of Nairobi. The journey by car typically takes around 3 hours.
By Air: The closest airstrip to the park is Mweiga Airstrip, situated along the Nyeri – Nyahururu road. Alternatively, you can fly into Nanyuki airstrip, which is about 20 km Northeast of the park.
Where to stay.
Tourists planning to explore the hidden gems of the Aberdare National Park shouldn’t worry about where to sleep or stay. The park has a variety of accommodation options to cater to its visitors while on a Kenyan safari in Aberdare National Park. These accommodation facilities range from luxury, midrange, and budget levels such as Aberdare Cottages, Maverick Camp, Aberdare Fishing Lodge, Fishing Lodge, Rondavels, Ark Lodge Homestay, and many others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about tourist activities to do in Aberdare National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
