Encircled by the wild and beautiful moorlands of the third highest mountain range in Kenya, this atmospheric park offers a mist wreathed realm where elephants roam through lichen hung forests, spectacular waterfalls plunge into churning pools, and trout filled steams cascade through mossy dells. A haven for anglers and lovers of solitude alike, it also offers matchless views of the glittering coronet of Mount Kenya and the sparkling lakes of the Great Rift Valley.

 

The park is also famous for freedom fighters hideouts where we have Mau Mau caves that were being used by field Marshall General Dedan Kimathi and his Mau Mau prior to independence. Believed by the Kikuyu to be the homes of Ngai(God)and originally known as Nyandarua(the drying hide)due to the distinctive folds of its silhouette, the range was re-named in 1884 by the explorer, Joseph Thompson, after Lord Aberdare, the president of the royal geographical society. Dubbed the (White highlands) because of the large number of Europeans who settled there in the 1920sAlso during the 19950s, the dense forest and bamboo thickets witnessed much of the action between the British forces and the Mau Mau freedom fighters. The original Treetops hotel fell under the sport light of the world when the young princess Elizabeth descended its steps as Queen Elizabeth II of England in 1952.

Tourists to Aberdare ecosystems just like in Mt Kenya are mainly climbers, trekkers and game viewers at the national park. The National park can be accessed through road or air-with two air strips at mweiga and Nyeri.It has several gates,5 from Nyeri side-Ruhuruini,Kiandongoro,Treetops,ark and Wandare and 3 gates from Nyahururu side-Rhino,Shamata and Mutubio.

The main attractions in the area include.

Mountain climbing, hiking and walking

You don’t have to be a mountaineer to climb the peaks of the Aberdare, most of which can be conquering with little more than a strenuous high altitude trek. There are also countless panoramic moorland hikes and forest walks. Permission is required from the warden to walk. Hike or climb the park and you must be accompanied by an armed KWS Ranger, whose services can be booked by contracting the Warden, preferably in advance.

Excellent fishing in the cool mountain streams

Both brown and rainbow trout abound in cool mountain streams and provide excellent angling. (A sports fishing license can be obtained at the park gates).

Spectacular waterfalls

The park is renown for its torrential waterfalls plunging from cloud-shrouded heights to spray-filled ravins.They include the magnificent Karuru Falls, Which drop 300m, the impressive Gura falls which torrent from the opposite side of the same gorge, the sheer drop of the chania Falls, and the enchanting Magura Falls which cascade across the yawning mouth of the Queen’s cave.

Herds of elephant against a mountain backdrop

The Park provides a unique habitant for approximately two thousand elephants, which roam the clouded hills and misty glades and provide endless atmospheric viewing opportunities.