
Tourist attractions found at Aberdare National Park
Tourist attractions found at Aberdare National Park: The Aberdare National Park is a protected area located in the Aberdare ranges in central Kenya. The park is positioned to the east of the eastern rift valley. The park is situated about 100 kilometers north of Nairobi. A stunning expanse of diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft). Established in May 1950, the Aberdare National Park covers approximately 766 square kilometers and forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. This remarkable natural park features a variety of landscapes, including towering mountain peaks that rise to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level, to their deep, V-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls. at lower elevations, one can find moorlands, bamboo forests, and lush rainforests, each contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.
Additionally, Aberdare National Park is famously recognized as the location where Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. The historic moment took place while she was staying at the Treetops Hotel.
Tourist attractions found at Aberdare National Park
Wildlife
The Aberdare National Park is home to a significant population of larger mammals. Notably houses a large population of black rhinos. Additionally, the park is home to several endangered species including rare bongo, giant forest hog, packs of very rare wild dogs, and endemic mole-rate and mole shrew. Other wildlife found here includes lions, spotted hyenas, warthogs, elephants, bushbuck, mount reedbuck, waterbuck, cape buffalo, suni, side-striped jackal, elands, and duiker. Primates such as olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and sykes monkeys among others.
Birds in Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Kenya. The park is home to over 290 species of bird, including the endangered and migratory birds. Some of the birds spotted here include African yellow warbler, African green pigeon, African goshawk, crowned eagle, moorland francolin, olive ibis, silvery checked hornbill, Aberdare cisticola, Jackson’s spurfowl, sparrowhawk, African goshawk, African fish eagle, Sunbirds, plovers, hartlaubs turaco, rare scarlet malachite, African thrush, crowned hornbill, bar-tailed trogon, and golden-winged sunbird among others.
Aberdare Mountains
The Aberdare Mountains, are an isolated volcanic range spanning 160 kilometers. It serves as the easternmost wall of the Great Rift Valley. With an average elevation of 4,001 meters on average (13,130 ft). This majestic range features prominent peaks such as Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999 m) to the north and Kinangop (3,906 m) to the south. These peaks are connected by an extensive saddle of land that rises above 3,000 meters.
The Aberdare Mountains are home to a rich ecosystem including lush rainforest, dense bamboo forests, and moorland. The forested slopes of the east are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Among its inhabitants are magnificent elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, hyenas, and the endangered black rhino and bong.
Waterfalls.
Waterfalls are one of nature’s most stunning attractions in the park, captivating visitors with their scenic beauty and awe-inspiring sounds. Within the park, there are various waterfalls that also attract more tourists. Each cascade offers a unique experience, drawing nature enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture their splendor.
Among these natural wonders, Karuru Falls stands as a jewel of the Aberdare National Park. This breathtaking waterfall is the tallest in Kenya, plunging an impressive 273 meters below the viewing point. The sight of water cascading down such a height leaves you in awe, offering a stunning panorama that is truly unforgettable.

Vegetation.
Aberdare National Park is characterized by its unique vegetation, which includes steep, forested ravines and expansive moorlands. A remarkable variety of over 778 species, subspecies, and varieties of plants can be found within the park. This is due to the park’s altitude and rainfall. Aberdare National Park is also home to dominant tree species such as hardwood trees like camphor, cedar, podo, and hagenia, providing essential habitats for the diverse wildlife that resides in the area. Additionally, the park features open savannah landscapes typical of Kenya.
Cultural heritage
Aberdare National Park is surrounded by communities that hold rich cultural ties to the land. The Kikuyu people, in particular, have a profound connection to the Aberdare ranges. They believed these majestic mountains were one of the homes of Ngai, their supreme god. The belief underscores the sacred nature of the area and highlights the spiritual significance it holds for the Kikuyu.
Originally, the local people named the region Nyandarua, which translates to “drying hide.” This name reflects the unique landscape of the area, characterized by numerous distinctive folds and valleys. Such cultural insights enhance our understanding and appreciation of Aberdare National Park, intertwining nature with rich human history.
