ABERDARE  NATIONAL PARK/ ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK RESERVE  /ABERDARE SAFARIS, LODGES

Before the arrival of the Europeans in Kenya, the Aberdare range used to be called Nyandarua (the Kikuyu for place of hide) by the local people. The first European  to see it- Thomson renamed it Aberdare after Lord Aberdare, the president of the Royal Geographical society. Thomson Falls town and falls has reverted to their pre-colonial name of Nyuhururu town and falls respectively. The name Thomson Falls today only refers to the lodge overlooking Nyahururu falls.   The Aberdares range are the third highest range of mountains in Kenya, reaching a summit of just over 4000m.

Location: Aberdare National Park is located in Nyeri / Nyandarua District and was created in 1950.   The Park covers an area of 766Km2 and occupy the volcanic range that form the eastern wall of the rift valley. The Aberdares range is dominated by two peaks separated by a saddle of moorlands.  The Northern Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and the southern peak Kinangop (3,906m).  Other significant elevations in the park are Chebuswa( 3364m), Table Mountain(3791), Maratini Hill (3698m) and the Elephant (3590m).  The terrain of the  park is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes with numerous clear streams and waterfalls.

Aberdare National park can be divided into two environments:- the moorland, peaks and high forest of the Kinangop plateau, and the Salient to east where the forest slopes down to the regional capital of Nyeri. Most of the time, the high altitude is misty.

An important water catchment area-Aberdare is an important catchment area for Tana and Ewaso Ngiro rivers.

The park lies10,000 feet above sea level .

Attractions / Activities / What to do in  Aberdare / Aberdares National Park

The following are the main attractions;

Mammals: the Park boast of a large mammal population including Elephant, buffalo, black rhino, bongo antelope, bush pig, giant forest hog, black serval cat, lion, black leopard. Colobus monkeys colonize the canopy.

• Bird watching-Bird watching in Aberdare can be rewarding for patient bird watchers the giant kingfishers

• Dramatic views include the Chania and Karura Falls.

• Two peaks- of Kinangop and Ol donyo Lesitima

• Twin hills, Elephant hills and Table mountains,

• Aberdare Park has the second largest population of black rhinos in Salient and Northern Aberdares.

• Treetops Hotel- Queen Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne at Tree-tops

• The Kimathi Hideout – Kimathi was Kenya’s premier freedom fighter had a hide cave in aberdare.

• Overnight game viewing at the Ark & Treetops-two tree hotels found in this park

• Sensational views of the Rift Valley and the peak of Mt Kenya.

• Trout fishing

• Horse back riding.