Where to stay in Aberdare National Park
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Aberdare National Park guide
Overview
Aberdare National Park covers about 767 km² of the Aberdare Range in central Kenya, about 180 km north of Nairobi. It was established in 1950 and protects high moorland, bamboo forest and montane rainforest, with peaks that rise to almost 4,000 m.
The park is known for its waterfalls, including Karuru and Chania, its trout streams and its cool, misty weather. The moorland is open and wild, with giant heather, lobelias and groundsels. Lower down, thick forest and bamboo surround the salient, the eastern part of the park.
The Aberdares are home to Kenya’s famous tree lodges, built beside floodlit waterholes so guests can watch animals at night. Princess Elizabeth was staying at one of them, Treetops, in 1952 when she became Queen.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Forest mammals
Elephant, buffalo, leopard, bushbuck and giant forest hog live in the forest, along with black rhino. The rare bongo antelope and melanistic (black) leopards and servals have been recorded.
Birds
More than 250 bird species have been recorded, including the Jackson’s francolin, Aberdare cisticola and many sunbirds.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to September and December to February, in the drier months, when the roads are easier.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | Short dry season | Cool, clear mornings. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Very wet. Some roads close. |
| Jun – Sep | Long dry season | The best time for driving and walking. |
| Oct – Nov | Short rains | Wet and misty. |
It can be cold and wet at altitude all year, so pack warm, waterproof clothes.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 3 hours by road. |
By road
From Nairobi, drive north via Nyeri. The main gates are near Nyeri (Ruhuruini and Kiandongoro) and near Naro Moru. A 4×4 is needed, especially in the wet season.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. The Aberdares are one of KWS's wilderness parks.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$70 | US$40 |
| African citizen | US$40 | US$20 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 1,100 | KSh 675 |
| East African citizen | KSh 800 | KSh 500 |
Vehicle fees are extra.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).