Aberdare National Park protects the mountain range of the same name. It is one of Kenya’s most unspoiled forest parks. Tree hotels are designed for guests to observe wildlife coming to the waterhole (or salt lick). Wildlife viewing from this elevated position is a remarkably rewarding way to see animals otherwise difficult to spot in the dense vegetation. Aberdare is best appreciated for its tangle of pristine forest and its inhabitants, not so much for the usual safari animals.

Wildlife

Big Five are present. Buffalo and elephant are common, and there is a chance to see black rhino at one of the tree hotel waterholes at night. Lion and leopard tend to stay at higher altitudes in the park and are difficult to spot. Black-and-white colobus monkeys are a real treat, while bushbuck and waterbuck are particularly common.

Best time to visit

Wildlife watching is good in Aberdare year-round. If you don’t intend straying far from a tree hotel, visit in the Wet season (October to May) when low-season rates and vacancies make wildlife viewing from your balcony extra-enjoyable. Otherwise, avoid the heaviest of the park’s rainfall in the Dry season (June to September), when local roads are more navigable.