Visiting Aberdare National Park in Kenya was an adventure that took me deep into the heart of a landscape filled with lush forests and stunning waterfalls. This park is distinctively different from the savannahs that many associate with Africa, offering a cool retreat filled with rich biodiversity.
The moment you enter Aberdare, you're enveloped by its thick forests that seem straight out of a fairy tale. The tall trees and dense undergrowth create a canopy that shelters a myriad of wildlife. I was captivated by the sights and sounds, from the chattering of monkeys overhead to the distant roar of lions. The variety of wildlife here is impressive, including rare sightings of the elusive bongo, leopards, and a healthy population of elephants that roam freely.
One of the most memorable experiences was exploring the park's waterfalls. The Karuru Falls, a magnificent three-tiered waterfall, offers a breathtaking view as it plunges into the abyss below. The mist rising from the waterfall and the surrounding greenery made me feel like I was in another world.
The park also offers a unique range of accommodations, from rustic lodges to luxurious tree hotels, where one can enjoy the unusual experience of watching animals visit the watering holes at night. Staying in a tree hotel and observing wildlife quietly from above was an experience unlike any other, providing both comfort and a thrilling sense of adventure.
Additionally, the park's altitude offers a refreshing climate, which is a pleasant respite from the heat of the plains. Trekking through the moorlands provided panoramic views and encounters with the highland flora and fauna, adding a rugged touch to the lush forest experience.
Aberdare National Park left an indelible mark on me with its enchanting forests, diverse wildlife, and stunning waterfalls. It's a less-traveled path that offers solitude and a deep connection with nature. This park is ideal for those who seek adventure in serene and...
Β Β Β Read moreThe Aberdare National Park is one of the national parks in Kenya and provides a different feel as it is densely forested and the drive is up a mountainous range and very beautiful. My family and I drove in through the Treetops Gate. You need to pay for the temporary card at the KWS office a few hundred metres away from this gate before you go to the gate for admission. The microclimate as you drive up the park changes and gets cooler and on the day we travelled, the clouds grew darker the higher up we drove towards the Chania River and Chania falls and eventually rained while we were at the Falls so we unfortunately did not get to see the falls.. This part of the park is epic and gave me a feel of being in the Jurassic Park. Simply spectacular though the drive up here is quite daunting especially with young kids who would rather be doing something else. Snacks or packed lunch and water is an essential and there are picnic sites where you can stop to eat. There are no toilets up the drive (it mainly bush all the way) but the picnic sites have restrooms.We mainly saw buffaloes, baboons, impalas, a hyena and wild fowl. The rest of the animals were hard to spot and were discouraged though we had the feeling that the animals were somewhere in the bushes watching us. We were so lucky to spot a herd of elephants just before we exited the park. It was such an amazing sight and worthwhile. There are various routes for touring the park and it would be best to have a tour guide who is well versed to help you spot the animals. An off road car is...
Β Β Β Read moreTABLE MOUNTAIN, ABERDARES The Aberdares trails deliver unforgettable experiences, filling you with all kinds of emotions, from awe to anxiety, and the Table Mountain trail is no exception. The 6km trail starts at the Wanjohi Shopping Center, taking you through an initial steep ascent, before easing onto a gentle trek through the moorland. The trail ends at the Table Mountain peak, at an elevation of 3,792m above sea level.
This is a hard hike, which will introduce you to the unpredictable, harsh weather conditions at higher altitudes and deliver a new experience hiking through the various montane vegetation zones, in preparation for the Mt. Kenya climb. Goal: Altitude acclimatization Total distance: 12km
SEVEN PONDS HIKE β MOORLAND RUSH If steep trails excite you, the Seven Ponds hike will exhilarate you. Located conveniently between the notoriously steep Table Mountain and Rurimeria trails, the Seven Ponds trail combines the dramatic steepness of her two siblings. It delivers a breathtaking trek across the golden moorland leading to the seven ponds. The 5.5km trail starts near the Wanjohi Shopping center and ends at an elevation of 3,831m at the seven natural ponds in the northern Nyandarua moorland. SEVEN PONDS HIKE DISTANCE & STATS Distance: 11km Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,048m Duration: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Tough Beginner-friendly: No Child-friendly: Fit hikers...
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