The Aberdare Ranges is located in Western Central Kenya in close
proximity to Mount Kenya. Traditionally the Kikuyu tribe who resided on
the Eastern slopes of the range related this two mountain closely. They
believed that their God “Ngai” had his sleeping hide “ndaruwa” spread
out on top of the mountain and this is where he’d rest after a hard days
work from the top of Mount Kenya. Legend has it that the original name
of the mountain Nyadaruwa derived from the local peoples comparing the
shape of the flat mountain top to that of a cow hide spread out the way
they’d spread their hides to sleep on. The Maasai tribe who resided on
the Eastern side of the mountain had their own name for the range known
as Oldoinyo la Satima. This to date is the name of the highest peak on
the Aberdares standing at 4001m (13,120 ft.).
The Aberdare Range comprises a section of the eastern rim of the Great Rift Valley. It is a heavily forested range, with average elevation ranging from 12,000 to 13,000 feet that supports a sprawling moorland above the forest zone dotted with giant heather, tussock grass, open forest glades and rosewood. Much of the Range is contained within the Aberdare National Park. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes. Animals are easily observed in the park and include; the Black Rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white Colobus monkey and sykes monkey. Rarer sightings include those of lions, the golden cat and the bongo- an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland and spotted and melanistic serval cats can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Visitors can also indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers and camping in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers. This park’s hallmark is it’s dramatic waterfalls which include Chania falls and the giant Karuru falls among others. Hiking in the park or to the summit is uncommon but a very unique experience. It offers one of the best acclimatization opportunities to those intending to climb mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro.
The Aberdare Range comprises a section of the eastern rim of the Great Rift Valley. It is a heavily forested range, with average elevation ranging from 12,000 to 13,000 feet that supports a sprawling moorland above the forest zone dotted with giant heather, tussock grass, open forest glades and rosewood. Much of the Range is contained within the Aberdare National Park. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes. Animals are easily observed in the park and include; the Black Rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white Colobus monkey and sykes monkey. Rarer sightings include those of lions, the golden cat and the bongo- an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland and spotted and melanistic serval cats can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Visitors can also indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers and camping in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers. This park’s hallmark is it’s dramatic waterfalls which include Chania falls and the giant Karuru falls among others. Hiking in the park or to the summit is uncommon but a very unique experience. It offers one of the best acclimatization opportunities to those intending to climb mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro.
2 DAYS ABERDARES TREK
DAY 1: This morning we pick you from your hotel and drive to Aberdares National
Park. the drive takes you through the Kenyan Highlands to the
heart of Kikuyu Land, Nyeri town. This is where the Founder of the Scout
Movement, Baden Powell, spent his last days and his remains are buried there.There will be wildlife viewing in the lower forested zone popularly referred
to as the Salient. Animals to see include the elephant, black rhino,
leopard, baboon, black and white Colobus monkey, sykes monkey etc. The
park is also rich in alpine flora and fauna, and scenic features
including magnificent waterfalls, and over 250 species of birds
including the Jackson's Francolin, sparrow hawk, goshawks, eagles,
sunbirds and plovers. Overnight at Reedbuck Campsite. .
DAY 2: A drive to the Salient makes a good starting
point for a thrilling adventure. Take a guided walk along the Karura and Gura
waterfalls and Queens Caves, with a wide range of game all around it will be a
unique experience. There’s a possibility of encountering Lions, Buffalos and
Elephant. Climb to the top and on
a clear day you can see Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon and even
Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Daiga hills. Later descend to connect with
the vehicle for transfer off the mountain to Nairobi.
the trip can be extended to include more days..please contact us for pricing as it varies with group size.
Why not let us arrange your
excursions for you?
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