The Aberdares are a cool, misty mountain range in central Kenya, where dense montane forest, bamboo and open moorland rise to over 3,900m. The park is known for its spectacular waterfalls, including Karuru and Gura Falls, and for its famous 'tree hotel' lodges, where guests watch elephants, buffalo and other animals visiting a floodlit waterhole through the night. It combines easily with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta and Samburu on a northern Kenya circuit.
Game drives through forest and moorland
Night-time animal viewing from a tree lodge waterhole
Visits to Karuru and Gura waterfalls
Guided forest walks and trout fishing
The drier months (roughly June-September and December-February) offer the easiest roads and clearest views. The park is cool year-round and the higher areas can be wet at any time, so bring warm layers.
By road, around 3-4 hours from Nairobi via Nyeri. The Aberdares are commonly combined with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta or Samburu.
Tree-hotel style lodges overlooking floodlit waterholes are the classic Aberdares stay, with further lodges and cottages around Nyeri and the park's edges.
Nights are cold - pack a warm jacket
Some park roads need a 4x4, especially after rain
Usually combined with Mount Kenya or Samburu
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
