Amboseli National Park
National Park
Central Highlands Wilderness Park B
Aberdare National Park
Majestic Peaks, Moorlands & Intriguing Falls
A cool highland wilderness of montane forest, open moorland, waterfalls, deep ravines and volcanic peaks.
Overview
About Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park offers a distinctly highland safari experience, replacing open savannah with misty forest, moorland, mountain streams and dramatic waterfalls. Wildlife such as elephants and buffalo move through dense vegetation, while scenic viewpoints and hiking routes make the park equally appealing for nature, photography and active trips.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Karuru and other highland waterfalls
Mount Satima hiking country
Dragon’s Teeth rock formations
Moorland and montane forest landscapes
Treetops conservation and royal-history connection
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Hiking and trekking
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Trout-fishing areas where permitted
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Forest antelope
- Primates
- Highland birdlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
KWS homes & cottages
- Satima Fishing Lodge
- Karuru Fishing Lodge
Public campsites
- Reedbuck (Moorlands)
- Ruhuruini Campsite
Special campsites
- P.C. Haji???s Campsite
- Muringato (M1)
- Bongo (M2)
- Nyati (M3)
- Queen Beatrix (M5)
- Kiguru (K1)
- Kifaru (K2)
- Prince Charles (PC)
Private lodges & camps
- Treetops
- The Ark Lodge
- Cedar Retreat
- Rhino Retreat
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
The Aberdare range is strongly associated with Kenya’s conservation history and with Treetops Lodge, where Princess Elizabeth learned of her accession to the British throne in 1952.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Accessible from Nyeri and Naromoru; KWS places the park about 150 km from Nairobi, with roads crossing the lower slopes toward the moorlands.
By air
Mweiga Airstrip is the nearest KWS-listed airstrip.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 800 | KES 500 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,100 | KES 675 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 70 | USD 40 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Aberdare National Park FAQs
What is Aberdare National Park best known for?
Aberdare National Park is especially known for Karuru and other highland waterfalls, Mount Satima hiking country, Dragon’s Teeth rock formations, Moorland and montane forest landscapes. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Aberdare National Park?
Road: Accessible from Nyeri and Naromoru; KWS places the park about 150 km from Nairobi, with roads crossing the lower slopes toward the moorlands. Air: Mweiga Airstrip is the nearest KWS-listed airstrip. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Aberdare National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 800 and non-resident adults from USD 70 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Aberdare National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Keep exploring
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Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.