A perfect composition of undulating hills, lush forest, unique mammals, and magnificent moorland define what Aberdare National park is; one of the famous national parks in the Republic of Kenya in the continent of Africa. Flora and Fauna, breathtaking landscape, primates, ridges, and captivating waterfalls among others, make each moment at the park unforgettable. The park’s climate is breathtaking, very conducive both day and night, except when the rains arrive with a strong coldness that calls for warm clothing.
Aberdare national park is situated about 100km north of Nairobi city; one of Kenya’s top cities; sprawling through approximately 766sqkm of land and about 4,000metres above sea level. Most of its land is occupied by the Aberdare mountain range, and V-shaped valleys, overlapped by waterfalls, bamboo forests, rivers, and moorlands among others.
In 1950, a vacant space by the names; Aberdare game reserve was gazetted and given a national park status, with the primary reason of protecting Aberdare mountains, its occupants namely; mammals, birds, plants, and the entire ecosystem. Though smaller than the rest of the other parks, Aberdare national park prides on a diversity of wildlife species such as the rare black rhinos, its volcanic ranges that run from Ol Donyo Lesatima to the summit of Kinangop, but not forgetting the scenic rising moorlands at 9,842 feet. The park’s fertile volcanic soils enable the plants and vegetation to thrive in all seasons.
There is no age limit of accessing the park because everyone needs to make history and explore. You can have your game drive, bird watching experience, guided nature walk, summer or winter break, photography; camping, research, honeymoon, and nature walk among others, for one to more days. It might be as an individual, group, or family among others.
What to see across the park include; Kereita waterfall and cave, Lake ol Bolossat, the graveyard of the famous scout; Lord Baden Powel Grave, Solio Ranch, Solio Game reserve, Thomson’s Falls, sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary, Kikuyu village, and the variety of wildlife species.
Access the park by either using a road or the air. On-road, you will run on tarmac and Maram from your departure point, through Naro Moru on the eastern wing, to the lower slopes of the moorland. If not from Nairobi that is approximately 150kms, then access the park through Naivasha. . The park Headquarters is approximately kilometers from Nyeri town, at the endways of Nyeri-Nyahururu road.
On air, you can chatter a plane from Jomo Kenyatta international airport in Nairobi, to the Mweiga airstrip located a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Nanyuki and Mweiga are the two airstrips serving the park.
Aberdare National Park entrance fees.
To access the park for your wildlife safari or any other activity, a charge is attached, to a tourist, company, vehicle, plane, and tour guide. Park entrance fees last for Just 24 hours, with an option of extending if the stay gets more exciting, or when what has brought you has not been accomplished. However, there is also an option for the annual entrance fee, as indicated by the Kenya wildlife service 2020-2021 conservation tariff.
Daily park fees; Adults at 1,030 KSHs, Children and students at 515Kshs for residents, Non-residents, and foreigners pay 52Usd for Adults while 26 Usd for children and students.
Vehicles with less than six persons pay 300Ksh, 6-12 pax pay 1,030ksh, 13-24 pay 2,585ksh, 25-44 pax pay 4,050ksh, and more than 45 pax are charged 5,000ksh. These fees are reserved by the park authority on arrival, or through the tour operators, and directed to the conservation efforts, payment of the park rangers, and contribution to the wellbeing of the communities living by the communities. The mode of pays can be through the MPESA, Direct deposits to Kenya Wildlife Bank Accounts at any of the gates in the park and the VISA. Physical cash is also accepted.
Note; the park entrance fee is independent of any other fee, such as for activities, accommodation, and transportation among others. One thing to note is through paying for park entrance, conservation efforts are boasted, and the park made a better place to relax, adventure, and make memories. You may find other charges at the Kenya Wildlife service 2020-2021 conservation tariffs online.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PARK.
Animals in the park.
Aberdare national park, with its forest cover and wide space, offers asylum to a wide range of animal species; both prey and predators, of all sizes, colors, and ages. Some of those to mention include; the giant forest hog, warthogs, lions, Cape buffaloes, the African civet cats, leopards, the blue duiker, the golden cat, bush backs, spotted hyenas, spotted hyenas, African wild cats, and the black Rhinos among others, primates such as the olive baboon, white Columbus monkeys, and many.
During the game drives, picnic experience, nature walk, birding among others is when one encounters the different not residents in their territories hunting, resting, or grazing. If not a full-day game viewing, then you can spend approximately 3-4 hours game drive, traversing the wilderness since these animals are not enclosed in one specific place. However be informed that no matter how far the animals are, avoid over speeding unless permitted because that can endanger other park inhabitants.
Landscape.
At Aberdare national park, only the layout of the landscape takes up visitors’ attention and time. Side by side lye a line of rolling hills marked by green vegetation and unique plant species. Visitors tend to get more of this while on a photo moment, guided nature walks, and game drives among others.
Water makes it even more unique are the water bodies at the boundaries which give it the most magnificent outlook. You need to visit for a personal experience.
Birds in the park.
Research indicates a presence of over 250 rare bird species in the park; asylum seekers, endemic and non-endemic, thus a reason giving you a perfect destination for spotting your favorite bird species, and learning their unique characteristics. Some of the most notable ones include among others; eagles, Jackson’s Francolin, plovers, sparrow hawks, sunbirds, goshawks, Aberdare cisticola, the endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw, Hindi’s Babbler, Abbott’s starling, orange ground thrush, the red-chested owlet, and the long-tailed cuckoo among others.
Birding watching is best done in the morning when they have just risen or in the afternoon hours as they rest or quench their thirst. Nonetheless, experts are at the park to lead you through the designated trails, offering asylum to a variety of bird species known and unknown to you.
Cultural diversity around the park.
Cultural enthusiasts can find their experiences enhanced after exploring the park, in the surrounding communities. The local natives entertain visitors through dance, local village tours, stories, and drama among others. One of those cultures you will not want to miss is that of the Kikuyu people, and the Maasai warriors; famous herdsmen in the region, with an unbroken bond of cattle. Rise into the occasion as the first voice releases the first native words or song among others.
It is also important that while you are with these locals, you fully appreciate their culture, engage in the activities where need be, interact freely, and support them through funding their activities or purchasing souvenirs.
ACCOMMODATION IN AND AROUND THE PARK.
If you want to experience the park exclusively, and even spend a night or more. The available accommodations range from Luxury, mid-range to Budget hotels, treetop lodges, ark-like facilities, and campsites among others, though the campsites tend to be a season, or offered on order, with most of the services provided by you such as food, and bedding.
The notable lodge facilities include among others; Fishing lodge Aberdare, Reedbuck campsite, shamata campsite, PC Hajis campsite, Honi Campsite, Bill Woodley campsite, and Muringato. It is recommendable that once you intend to lodge at the park, book for accommodation at least three and so months in advance because, in high seasons, the demand beats the available space.
BEST TIME OF VISITING ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK.
Though the climatic condition of Kenya is one of the best in the continent of Africa, it is wise to pick its most suitable months for a safari to the park. Aberdare national is hilly, with a large chunk of land occupied by forest covers which greatly influence the weather patterns. However, we recommend the months of June to October and December to February because the park is relatively dry, allowing for many activities with no interruptions.
However, Budget travelers, can pick the months of March to May and then November because of the discount offers in both the park and tourist facilities.
Even though the dry seasons aren’t the best, they come with the advantage of having countless chances of spotting the mammals producing, capturing the beautiful green pastures, enjoying less congested parks and also enjoying the beautiful green scenery rolling across the Park.
Aberdare national park is all about adventure, uniqueness, and surprises. As the name; the park is a hidden treasure, which makes tourists also make return visits, and perfectly celebrate their lives. The park offers value for many, with each direction having one or more attractions be encountered. Book for your safari today and enjoy each moment.
