Aberdare National Park
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The Aberdare National Park is located about 90 miles north of Nairobi and stretches over a wide variety of terrains covering altitudes from about 2100 metres to 4300 metres above sea level. It includes the areas of the Aberdare Mountain range of central Kenya and the Aberdare Salient to their east. The mountain range was named by Scot Joseph Thomson who explored the region in 1883 and named it after the President of the Royal Geographical Society. This fascinating part of Kenya is often part of a bigger safari itinerary that includes the Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara.
The mountain ranges and peaks give way to deep valleys with streams and rivers that cascade over magnificent waterfalls. The bamboo and rainforests on the lower slopes support a great diversity of wildlife and the game viewing is very rewarding with sightings of baboon, buffalo, elephant, giant forest hogs, the endangered black rhino, leopard, lion, white Colobus and Sykes monkeys. There have also been sightings of the rare Golden Cat.
The Aberdare National Park is also very well known for its birdlife and the forest walks can be very satisfying for bird lovers. Over 250 species have been recorded including eagles, sunbirds, plovers, African goshawk, sparrow hawk and Jacksons Francolin. Some examples of birds found in the higher moorland are the scarlet tufted Malachite Sunbird, the Mountain or Hill Chat, the Chestnut Wing Starling, the White-nape Raven and the Augur Buzzard.
Aberdare can be explored by vehicle or on foot with excellent trekking trails through the forests and moorlands. The foothills are ideal for exploring on horseback.
