Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

A high-altitude park with dense forests, moorlands, and waterfalls, offering a different safari experience. It's famous for its tree hotels (The Ark and...

Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.320902, 36.934692
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
July to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).

Getting to Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

Nearest airport: Laburra Airport, 3 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 111 km away.

Big Five in Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

3 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, White Rhinoceros, Black Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy occur in March, averaging 18.2°C (up to 24.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 53.4mm. Average humidity: 81.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.2°C (rainfall: 84.5mm)
  • February: 18.1°C (rainfall: 94.4mm)
  • March: 18.2°C (rainfall: 107.0mm)
  • April: 17.3°C (rainfall: 232.3mm)
  • May: 16.9°C (rainfall: 142.3mm)
  • June: 15.6°C (rainfall: 56.6mm)
  • July: 14.9°C (rainfall: 53.4mm)
  • August: 15.2°C (rainfall: 61.2mm)
  • September: 16.3°C (rainfall: 67.3mm)
  • October: 17.3°C (rainfall: 74.4mm)
  • November: 16.7°C (rainfall: 204.5mm)
  • December: 16.8°C (rainfall: 112.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

The best months to visit Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy are February, January, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 17.22°C, rainfall 84.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 70.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.12°C, rainfall 94.4mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 65.6%
  • March: Good, temperature 18.19°C, rainfall 107mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 69.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 17.3°C, rainfall 232.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.85°C, rainfall 142.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 83%
  • June: Good, temperature 15.64°C, rainfall 56.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 14.88°C, rainfall 53.4mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 81.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.22°C, rainfall 61.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.34°C, rainfall 67.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 76.1%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.33°C, rainfall 74.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 16.72°C, rainfall 204.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 16.82°C, rainfall 112.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 76.2%

Wildlife in Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

Home to 94 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 20 waterbirds, 17 birds of prey, 4 big five, 4 big herbivores, 3 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 16.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 77%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 17°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region

Visitor Tips - Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy

We truly appreciate the distinct high-altitude forest environment of Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy, a refreshing contrast to the open plains. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe elusive forest wildlife, such as the bongo and giant forest hog, often from the comfort of a lodge overlooking a floodlit waterhole, which provides a truly intimate viewing experience.

Gate Times

Access to Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy is generally tied to your accommodation bookings, particularly if you are staying at the Country Club itself or using it as a base for The Ark or Treetops. While there aren't strict 'gate times' like a national park, we recommend arriving during daylight hours, typically between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, to ensure smooth check-in and access to activities. Permits are usually arranged by your lodge as part of your stay.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a thoughtful way to show appreciation. For your safari guide, we recommend USD 10-20 per person per day, given directly at the end of your stay. For general lodge staff, a pooled tip of USD 5-10 per person per day is appropriate, usually placed in a central box. While rangers within the conservancy are often covered by your conservancy fees, a small discretionary tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Aberdare Country Club Sanctuary Conservancy FAQs

How does the wildlife viewing experience at Aberdare's tree hotels, like The Ark or Treetops, differ from a traditional game drive?

The tree hotels offer a unique 'armchair safari' where you observe animals from elevated platforms and balconies overlooking floodlit waterholes and salt licks. Unlike game drives, you remain stationary, allowing for prolonged, intimate sightings of nocturnal visitors and shy forest creatures as they come to drink. This provides a more relaxed and immersive viewing opportunity, especially for species like the elusive bongo or giant forest hog.

What unique activities or wildlife encounters can I expect in Aberdare's high-altitude forests and moorlands, beyond the tree hotels?

Beyond the tree hotels, Aberdare offers opportunities for guided forest walks to stunning waterfalls like Karuru Falls, and trout fishing in its clear mountain streams. The diverse high-altitude habitats mean you might spot unique species such as the rare bongo, giant forest hog, or even the melanistic leopard, which are less common in open savannah parks.

Given Aberdare's high-altitude and forest environment, what should I pack to ensure comfort during my stay?

Due to the high altitude, temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evenings and early mornings, so warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Binoculars are highly recommended for optimal wildlife viewing from the tree hotels, and insect repellent is always wise for forest areas.

How does the 'different safari experience' at Aberdare compare to a typical Kenyan savannah safari, and what should I expect regarding game viewing?

Aberdare offers a more intimate, often slower-paced viewing experience focused on forest and mountain wildlife, rather than vast herds on open plains. While you'll see elephants and buffalo, sightings can be more challenging due to dense vegetation, making the tree hotels crucial for guaranteed viewing. It's less about ticking off the 'Big Five' quickly and more about appreciating the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Are there any specific access or booking considerations for staying at Aberdare's famous tree hotels like The Ark or Treetops?

Guests typically check in at a base hotel (Aberdare Country Club for The Ark, Outspan Hotel for Treetops) where they leave their main luggage, taking only an overnight bag to the tree hotel. Access to the tree hotels is usually via a dedicated transfer, and children under a certain age (often 7) may have restrictions due to the elevated nature of the lodges.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Kenya by Lonely Planet - In-depth guide to Kenya - Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the coast. Detailed maps, accommodation reviews, and practical travel advice.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds by Joy Adamson - The true story of raising Elsa the lioness in Kenya and releasing her back to the wild. The book that started safari tourism culture and inspired generations.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann - International bestseller about a Swiss woman who falls in love with a Samburu warrior during a holiday in Kenya. A wild, unforgettable true story of cultural collision. Over 4 million copies sold.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) - The quintessential Africa memoir - a poetic and evocative account of life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. The book that defined the romance of East Africa for generations.
  • I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann - Classic memoir of an Italian woman's life on a Kenyan ranch - turned into a Hollywood film. A beautiful and heartbreaking love letter to East Africa.
  • West with the Night by Beryl Markham - Aviation adventure memoir set in Kenya - Hemingway called it one of the finest books he had ever read. A unique perspective on colonial East Africa.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.