Aberdare
The Aberdare National Park was established in 1950 with the aim of protecting the slopes and moorland of the Aberdare mountains. It is situated about 160 km North of Nairobi and covers about 766 kmq. Its landscape consists of high moorland, hills, peaks, indigenous forest, ravines, streams and waterfalls.
For its high altitude between 1800 m and 4000 m, the area is rainy and misty. The rich red volcanic soil provides excellent growing conditions for the indigenous forest. Both the forests, the rugged mountains, and the beautiful peaks lies in stark contrast.
Among the curiosity of this park is the presence of the giant variety of pines, upto 6 metres in height, as well as lobelia, senecio, elicriso and heather. Another feature of the park is the presence of the second largest population of black Rhino (endangered species). Other animals in the park include; lions, elephants, leopards, bongo antelopes, baboons, buffaloes, black and white colobus monkeys, skykes monkeys, zebras, impalas among others. There are over 250 species of birds in the park; hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, plovers among others. Even though Aberdare is close to the equator, the altitude governs the climate. Its cooler than the lower plains and the coastal areas, it is misty and rainy all the year around. Apart from the richness of flora and fauna, Aberdare offers alot of activities and tourists attractions, such as Trout fishing in the cold Guru karuru and Chania river. Take time to admire the Lesatima and Kinangop peaks or just have a walk through the moorland and visit the magnificent waterfalls, or climb the Twin hills, Elephant hills or Table mountains. Don’t miss the nocturnal animal viewing if you are lodging in Treetops lodge, a tree-house lodge accessed via a gangway rising to treetop level, or Ark lodge, designed in the shape of Noah’s ark and considered to be one of the bestsafari lodges. Both lodges are above ground level, overlooking floodlit watering holes and salt licks. There is a bell in every room that usually rings to alert the presence of unusual animal that arrive at the watering hole. Infact it was while vacationing at Treetops lodge that the princess Elizabeth of Great Britain heard the news of her father’s death, and thus becoming Queen. Book in time if you wish to pass unforgettable night in one of these two lodges.
