| Created in 1950, this park essentially encloses two | | | | headquarters ,between Mweiga and Nyeri on the B5 |
| different environments: the striking 60 km stretch of | | | | sells the KWS Smartcard and excellent 1:25,000 maps |
| moorland, peaks and forest atop the western | | | | (Ksh 450).map proceeds go to the Rhino Ark |
| Kinangop plateau and the eastern outcrop of the | | | | Charitable Trust. |
| dense rainforest known as the salient. | | | | Africans are thankfully now allowed to visit the entire |
| The park has varieties of fauna, flora and scenery | | | | park and the road barrier below tusk camp has been |
| not found anywhere else. Elephants and buffalos | | | | removed. |
| dominate, but other species including black rhino, | | | | Aberdare National Park Activities, Sports & |
| spotted hyenas, bongo antelopes, bush pigs, giant | | | | adventures |
| forest hogs, black servals and rare black leopard, can | | | | Trekking in Mount Aberdare National Park |
| also be seen. Look out for the few remaining lions | | | | KWS currently advises against trekking in the salient, |
| (most were removed from the park to protect the | | | | as he dense cover does make walking dangerous for |
| endangered bongo antelopes) from the viewing | | | | visitors, but the high moorland and four main peaks |
| platform next to the dramatic Chania falls and Karura | | | | (all 3500m to 4000m) are excellent trekking spots. As |
| falls. Gura falls which drops down a full 300 m drop to | | | | is the case on Mt Kenya, heavy rain can arrive at any |
| a thick forest is less accessible. | | | | time, so you must be prepared. Mud and reduced |
| Hundreds of bird species thrive, including giant king | | | | visibility are two good reasons not to trek during the |
| fishers and regal crowned cranes. Viewing wildlife | | | | heavy rains (from March to May). |
| here is not like you find it on the open savannah of | | | | You'll need advance permission from the warden at |
| Amboseli and Maasai Mara. The dense rainforest of | | | | park headquarters, who'll provide an armed ranger |
| the salient provide excellent cover for the animals, so | | | | (Ksh 1000 per day)to guide you and protect you |
| it's best to take your time and stay a few nights. | | | | against inquisitive wildlife.*pg 256 |
| Thanks to rough terrain and minor roads turning in to | | | | Fishing in Aberdare National Park |
| mud traps during the rain, the KWS (Kenya Wildlife | | | | Trout fishing is very popular ,especially high up on the |
| Service) restricts entry to all but 4WD vehicles. The | | | | moors ,but requires a permit from park headquarters |
| park thus rarely features in safari itineraries and is | | | | (Ksh 100) kiagondoro fishing lodge makes a good |
| even less visited by independent travelers. However, | | | | base and the Chania river is great for brown trout |
| if you are prepared to hire a vehicle, join the lodge's | | | | ,but watch your back-there are tales of fishers being |
| tours', or hoof it on foot, your effort will be | | | | stalked by lions! Lions or not, best get an armed |
| rewarded. | | | | ranger to escort you. |
| Aberdare National Park Information and facts | | | | Other activities that can be carried out in the park |
| To enter the park (adult/child; US$30/10,smartcard | | | | include camping. Kindly note that there are lions here |
| required)through the treetops or arc gates, ask | | | | and the thick forest bush means you can be |
| permission at national park headquarters(Tel | | | | extremely close to one without having an idea. |
| 0612055024; Mweiga, p.o.box 22,Nyeri)the | | | | |