Kenya
8-Day Northern Kenya: Samburu, Ol Pejeta & Lewa
Away from the crowds: the Samburu Special Five, rhino conservation in Ol Pejeta and Lewa, and a night at an Aberdare tree lodge.
Price on request
Nyandarua and Nyeri counties, central highlands
Aberdare National Park
Misty forests, waterfalls and the famous tree lodges
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Nyandarua and Nyeri counties, central highlands
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Overview
The Aberdares (Nyandarua range) are a world of cloud forest, bamboo, moorland and waterfalls — a striking change from Kenya’s savannahs. The park is known for its “tree hotels”, lodges built above floodlit waterholes where elephant and buffalo come to drink through the night.
It was at a tree lodge here in 1952 that Princess Elizabeth learned she had become Queen.
- Tree lodges over waterholes
- Karuru and Chania waterfalls
- Rare mountain bongo
- Moorland hiking
What you'll see
Elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, colobus monkeys and, if you are very lucky, the rare mountain bongo. Waterfalls such as Karuru and Chania plunge from the moorland.
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant (Big Five)
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- Leopard (Big Five)
- Mountain bongo
- Colobus monkey
- Black rhino (Big Five)
- Spotted hyena
Things to do
- 01
Night at a tree lodge
Watch animals at the floodlit waterhole from viewing decks.
- 02
Waterfall visits
Short walks to Karuru, Chania and Gura falls.
- 03
Moorland hiking
Guided hikes on the high moorland (see Hiking).
- 04
Trout fishing
Fly fishing in the cold mountain streams (permit required).
Hiking
The Aberdare moorland offers some of Kenya’s finest hiking away from the crowds. Ol Donyo Lesatima (about 4,000 m) and Kinangop are the range’s highest peaks; both are full-day climbs from moorland roadheads.
All hikes inside the park must be accompanied by an armed Kenya Wildlife Service ranger because of the elephants and buffalo. We arrange rangers, permits and transport.
- Ol Donyo Lesatima summit: full day, moderate–challenging
- Kinangop summit: full day, challenging
- Waterfall walks: 1–3 hours, easy
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Possible
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
The driest months are January–February and June–September. The Aberdares are cool and often misty; bring warm layers.
Getting there
About 3 hours north of Nairobi to Nyeri, then up into the park. Often combined with Ol Pejeta or Samburu.
Where to stay
Luxury
Country lodges at the foot of the range with gardens and fireplaces.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
The famous tree lodges overlooking waterholes inside the park.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Park cottages and campsites in the moorland.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Gallery
Journeys that visit Aberdare National Park
- 8 days
