Aberdares National Park

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

Aberdares National Park at a Glance

Location
Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.417117, 36.717560
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
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 Aberdares National Park

Nearest airport: Mweiga Airport, 24 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 103 km away.

Big Five in Aberdares National Park

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

Weather & Climate in Aberdares National Park

The warmest temperatures in Aberdares National Park occur in March, averaging 10.2°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 8.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 65.4mm. Average humidity: 75.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 9.5°C (rainfall: 78.5mm)
  • February: 10.1°C (rainfall: 65.4mm)
  • March: 10.2°C (rainfall: 88.4mm)
  • April: 10.1°C (rainfall: 202.4mm)
  • May: 10.0°C (rainfall: 202.2mm)
  • June: 9.0°C (rainfall: 102.5mm)
  • July: 8.6°C (rainfall: 178.9mm)
  • August: 8.6°C (rainfall: 175.2mm)
  • September: 9.1°C (rainfall: 185.9mm)
  • October: 9.4°C (rainfall: 179.0mm)
  • November: 9.3°C (rainfall: 135.7mm)
  • December: 9.3°C (rainfall: 70.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Aberdares National Park

The best months to visit Aberdares National Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 9.46°C, rainfall 78.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 10.09°C, rainfall 65.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 75%
  • March: Good, temperature 10.22°C, rainfall 88.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 10.12°C, rainfall 202.4mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • May: Poor, temperature 10.02°C, rainfall 202.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • June: Poor, temperature 9.01°C, rainfall 102.5mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • July: Poor, temperature 8.59°C, rainfall 178.9mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 89.8%
  • August: Poor, temperature 8.62°C, rainfall 175.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 88.3%
  • September: Poor, temperature 9.14°C, rainfall 185.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature 9.41°C, rainfall 179mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 86.3%
  • November: Poor, temperature 9.32°C, rainfall 135.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 88%
  • December: Good, temperature 9.32°C, rainfall 70.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 83.1%

Wildlife in Aberdares National Park

Home to 87 recorded species including 39 iconic birds, 17 waterbirds, 15 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 3 big five, 3 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Aberdares National Park

Based on average temperature of 9.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • 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 Aberdares National Park

11 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region

Visitor Tips - Aberdares National Park

Aberdares National Park offers a completely different safari experience, a cool, misty forest realm where we seek out elusive species like the bongo and the rare black leopard. The unique tree hotels, where we watch wildlife come to floodlit waterholes, feel luxurious and timeless, providing an intimate connection to this magical, high-altitude wilderness.

Gate Times

Aberdares National Park gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. We strongly recommend pre-booking your park entry via the KWS online portal or a KWS smart card, especially if you are not staying at one of the iconic tree lodges like The Ark or Treetops, where access is often coordinated by the lodge itself. Always confirm specific timings with your accommodation or tour operator, as seasonal variations can occur.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we recommend budgeting around $15-25 per person per day, given their expertise and dedication. For general lodge staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we suggest $5-10 per person per day. If you have porters or specific staff members who went above and beyond, a direct tip of $2-5 is appropriate. Always tip in local currency or USD, and discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Aberdares National Park FAQs

What makes the wildlife viewing experience at Aberdares' tree hotels, like The Ark or Treetops, so unique?

Unlike traditional game drives, Aberdares' tree hotels offer nocturnal wildlife viewing from elevated lodges overlooking floodlit waterholes and salt licks. This provides an intimate, comfortable opportunity to observe animals like elephants, buffalo, and even elusive leopards as they emerge after dark, directly from your room or common viewing decks.

What should I pack for a safari in Aberdares National Park, considering its high-altitude and forest environment?

Due to its high altitude, Aberdares can get quite chilly, especially in the evenings and early mornings, so pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Daytime temperatures are milder, but the weather can change quickly, making versatile clothing essential for exploring.

Beyond the common plains game, what specific or elusive wildlife can visitors hope to spot in Aberdares National Park's unique habitats?

Aberdares is renowned for its 'Big Five' sightings, particularly elephants and buffalo at the waterholes, but also offers chances to see elusive black leopards and giant forest hogs. Its dense forests and moorlands are also home to unique species like the bongo, a rare forest antelope, and various primate species.

When is the optimal time to visit Aberdares National Park to best experience its unique high-altitude landscapes and wildlife?

The dry seasons, from January to February and June to October, are generally best for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and the vegetation is less dense. However, the wet seasons offer lush scenery and fewer crowds, providing a different, often misty and atmospheric, experience of its waterfalls and moorlands.

Are there activities available in Aberdares National Park beyond the famous tree hotel wildlife viewing?

Yes, Aberdares offers scenic drives through its diverse landscapes, including bamboo forests and open moorlands, leading to stunning waterfalls like Karuru Falls and Chania Falls. Guided forest walks and trout fishing in its clear mountain streams are also popular activities for those seeking to explore the park's unique environment more actively.

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.