Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is located in Nyeri District and was created in 1950. The Park covers an area of 766Km2 and occupies the volcanic range that form the eastern wall of the rift valley. Two peaks dominate the Aberdares range - Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a saddle of alpine moorland. The terrain of the park is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes with numerous clear streams and waterfalls.

Aberdare National Park is located in Nyeri District and was created in 1950. The Park covers an area of 766Km2 and occupies the volcanic range that form the eastern wall of the rift valley. Two peaks dominate the Aberdares range - Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a saddle of alpine moorland. The terrain of the park is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes with numerous clear streams and waterfalls.

Aberdare National park can be divided into two environments:- the moorland, peaks and high forest of the Kinangop plateau, and the Salient to east where the forest slopes down to the regional capital of Nyeri. Most of the time, the high altitude is misty.

An important water catchments area - Aberdare is an important catchment area for Tana and Ewaso Ngiro rivers.

The park lies10,000 feet above sea level .

Attractions in Aberdare / Aberdares National Park
Mammals:
the Park boast of a large mammal population including Elephant, buffalo, black rhino, bongo antelope, bush pig, giant forest hog, black serval cat, lion, black leopard. Colobus monkeys colonize the canopy.

Bird watching: Bird watching in aberdare can be rewarding for patient bird watchers the giant kingfishers

Other Attractons:
- Dramatic views include the Chania and Karura Falls.
- Two peaks: of Kinangop and Ol donyo Lesitima
- Twin hills, Elephant hills and Table mountains,
- Trout fishing
- Horse back riding.
- The cries of hyrax and the distinctive rasping growl of leopard are part of the night unforgettable night sounds. Sleek Genet cats descend from the trees and slip through halls of the lodge, the Occasionally a Rhino or the elusive Bongo antelope appear and visit the waterhole.

The Aberdare can be explored by vehicle, or on foot. Trekking trails exists through out the forest and across the moor lands.

Getting to Aberdares / Aberdare Park
Aberdare National Park can be accessed by road or by Air

Roads
Aberdare National park is 160 kms from Nairobi. Aberdare National Park can be accessed from Nairobi via two main routes:
Nairobi-Nyeri (154Km) - Aberdare
Nairobi-Gilgil-Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi)-Aberdare.

Airstrips
One can easily fly to Aberdare via two airstrips from Nairobi Wilson Airport:-
Mweiga Airstrip, near to the park headquarters
Nyeri Airstrip which is 12 km from Mweiga headquarters.

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