Kenya Aberdares park facts- Aberdare animals, size, sights, spots, attractions

Aberdare National Park

Created in 1950, this park essentially encloses two different environments: the striking 60 km stretch of moorland, peaks and forest atop the western Kinangop plateau and the eastern outcrop of the dense rainforest known as the salient.

The park has varieties of fauna, flora and scenery not found anywhere else. Elephants and buffalos dominate, but other species including black rhino, spotted hyenas, bongo antelopes, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, black servals and rare black leopard, can also be seen. Look out for the few remaining lions (most were removed from the park to protect the endangered bongo antelopes) from the viewing platform next to the dramatic Chania falls and Karura falls. Gura falls which drops down a full 300 m drop to a thick forest is less accessible.

Hundreds of bird species thrive, including giant king fishers and regal crowned cranes. Viewing wildlife here is not like you find it on the open savannah of Amboseli and Maasai Mara. The dense rainforest of the salient provide excellent cover for the animals, so it’s best to take your time and stay a few nights.

Thanks to rough terrain and minor roads turning in to mud traps during the rain, the KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) restricts entry to all but 4WD vehicles. The park thus rarely features in safari itineraries and is even less visited by independent travelers. However, if you are prepared to hire a vehicle, join the lodge’s tours’, or hoof it on foot, your effort will be rewarded.

Aberdare National Park Information and facts

To enter the park (adult/child; US$30/10,smartcard required)through the treetops or arc gates, ask permission at national park headquarters(Tel 0612055024; Mweiga, p.o.box 22,Nyeri)the headquarters ,between Mweiga and Nyeri on the B5 sells the KWS Smartcard and excellent 1:25,000 maps (Ksh 450).map proceeds go to the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.

Africans are thankfully now allowed to visit the entire park and the road barrier below tusk camp has been removed.

Aberdare National Park Activities, Sports & adventures

Trekking in Mount Aberdare National Park
KWS currently advises against trekking in the salient, as he dense cover does make walking dangerous for visitors, but the high moorland and four main peaks (all 3500m to 4000m) are excellent trekking spots. As is the case on Mt Kenya, heavy rain can arrive at any time, so you must be prepared. Mud and reduced visibility are two good reasons not to trek during the heavy rains (from March to May).

You’ll need advance permission from the warden at park headquarters, who’ll provide an armed ranger (Ksh 1000 per day)to guide you and protect you against inquisitive wildlife.*pg 256

Fishing in Aberdare National Park

Trout fishing is very popular ,especially high up on the moors ,but requires a permit from park headquarters (Ksh 100) kiagondoro fishing lodge makes a good base and the Chania river is great for brown trout ,but watch your back-there are tales of fishers being stalked by lions! Lions or not, best get an armed ranger to escort you.

Other activities that can be carried out in the park include camping. Kindly note that there are lions here and the thick forest bush means you can be extremely close to one without having an idea.

Robert is a tour consultant with landmark safaris in Kenya. Get to know what your experience is like at the Aberdare Kenya mountain Park
http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=buzzle