Aberdare National Park

Princess Elizabeth became Queen, at Treetops Lodge in 1952

The Aberdare National Park is a protected area in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya located east of the East African Rift Valley. It covers the higher areas and the Aberdare Salient to the east. The park is located about 100 km north of Nairobi and stretches over a wide variety of terrain at altitudes from 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft).

Established in May 1950, the Aberdare National Park covers an area of 766 square kilometers and forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. The park contains a wide range of landscapes - from 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. Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests are found at lower altitudes.

Aberdare National Park is best known as the site wherein 1952, Princess Elizabeth found out she was Queen after she learned about the death of her father King George VI, whilst staying at the Treetops Hotel. Aberdare National Park was established in 1950 with an aim to conserve and protect the Aberdare Mountains. Since then it has grown to a size of an area of 767 km.

From Nairobi Via Narok Highway or
Nairobi to Nakuru to Naivasha Highway
Main roads around the park are all weather. Game viewing trucks can only be used by four wheel drives during the rainy season.
From Wilson/Kisumu Airports three airstrips serve the Mara:-
1. Keekorok,
2. Olkiombo, and
3. Musiara all of them murramed.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Core Species: The park shelters elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, and baboons (olive & sykes).

Rare & Elusive Animals: Home to the seldom-seen bongo (forest antelope), giant forest hog, African golden cat, blue duiker, serval, and African wild cat.

Black Rhino Population: Contains Kenya’s second-largest population of black rhinos

Salt Holidays

Birds & Avifauna

Over 250–290 bird species have been recorded, including Aberdare cisticola, Jackson’s francolin (both critically endangered or endemic), sunbirds, sparrowhawks, goshawks, eagles, and various warblers and plovers
Water Features & Scenic Views

Spectacular Waterfalls:

Karuru Falls: A three-tier cascade totalling ~273 m, the largest in Kenya.

Gura Falls, Chania Falls, Magura Falls, Queen’s Cave waterfall and others all cascade through lush forest valleys

Water Catchment Importance: The park is a vital source for Kenya’s major rivers—Ewaso Ngiro, Tana, Malewa, and Athi, and plays a crucial role as a watershed supplying Nairobi’s water.

History & Cultural Significance

Established in 1950 to conserve the

Aberdare Mountain catchment and biodiversity

Royal Legacy: Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II while staying at Treetops Lodge in 1952. The lodge is being refurbished to honor Mau Mau freedom fighters and local history, shifting focus from colonial narratives

Conservation & Recent Developments

Elephant Translocation: In 2024, Kenya relocated 50 elephants from overcrowded Mwea Reserve to Aberdare to reduce human-wildlife conflict and support ecosystem management; a second phase follows

Potential Threat: Plans for a new tarmac road through the forested range have raised concerns among conservationists due to impacts on water catchment, flora, fauna, and endangered species such as the mountain bongo