Natural Landmarks in Nyeri County
Aberdare National Park: Cathedral of Solace
The Aberdare National Park comprises all the Aberdare mountain range above the 10,000 ft contour as well as some sections of the lower forest slopes. The park was gazetted in May 1950 becoming Kenya 5th national park after Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks and the epic Mount Kenya National Park. As it goes, Aberdare range was named in 1884 by Joseph Thomson, after Lord Delamare, then president of Royal Geographical Society.
The Aberdare Park is within the larger 1,030 km2 Aberdare Forest Reserve found around Aberdare Ranges. The Aberdare Range alongside the Kikuyu Escarpment runs 120 kms northwards from Nairobi and is about 40 kms at its widest. The altitude of Aberdare Range varies from 2,000 ms on eastern forest boundary to 4,001 meters at the peak of Ol donyo Lesatima towards the north edge.
To a large extent, game parks in Kenya are prospered by the ‘big five’ species: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo. The pre-eminence on this small group of highly ‘charismatic’ species originated in the days of big game hunting, when they were considered especially dangerous. The Aberdare National Parks, often romanticized as “the valley of beauty,” holds extra charm which is reinforced by its deep historic past with the British Monarch and settlers.
“Princess Elizabeth ascended to her tree bedroom a princess and descended the next morning a queen, for it was here that she learned of the death of her father, King George VI, and became Queen Elizabeth II of the UK. In 2002, the year marked the 60th commemoration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward visited Treetops Hotel to commemorate ocassion as her representative. “Its links to the royal family have had a multiplier effect on tourism in Kenya.”
Aberdare National Park is a wildly beautiful landscape and has had its share of Hollywood fame. Gura Waterfall, the most precipitous falls in Kenya, and the scenically splendid Karuru Falls, which fall in three steps, were portrayed in the Oscar-winning film Out of Africa. The Aberdares was also used in the filming of Gorillas in the Mist and also famously in the antics and debauchery of the “Happy Valley” set of the 1920s featured in the novel White Mischief by James Fox.
What the Aderdare National Park lacks in size, in comparison to most national parks in Kenya, is repaid with easily accessible sites, well maintained roads navigable throughout the year, and one of only few safari experience in the highland region of Kenya. There’s lots to choose from even for a day outing to the park; picnics at the loved Queen’s picnic site near Gura Falls, the Mau Mau Caves, fishing trips to KWS Fishing Lodge or walking excursions to Karuru Falls.
The scenic road from Nyeri to Aberdare National Park also adds to the beauty of park and is worth a mention. At best, this rarely busy road divides the area into two antipodes ecological zones with the precision of surgeon. To the north are the relatively flat Southern Laikipian grassland plains; to the south the land climbs steadily to a verdant wooded plateaux dissected by small rivers flowing perennially from the high Aberdares. It is a universal welcome to the outstanding Aberdare Park.
The park is open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, year-round. It does however require a good watch for weather during the rainy season especially by day trippers hiking or walking to its many sites.
All hikers are required to report to gate offices prior to embarking on their trips for; information, best practices, formal debrief and, if necessary, get the company of the experienced park rangers.
Gates to Aberdare National Park
Mutubio West Gate near Nyeri Kiandogoro Gate in Mweiga, Ruhuruini Gate, Ark Gate, Mweiga Gate, Wanderi’s Gate, Rhino Gate and the Shamata Gate.
Flora in Aberdare National Park
Is predominantly forest and moorland. Aberdare has varied unique floral interest, bearing many sub-alpine plants no common in the tropics. It has lovely bamboo forests.
Fauna in Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park hosts varied widlife most notably its buffalo, elephants, rhinos, bongos, giant hogs bushbucks, wild dogs, lions, leopards, Harvey’s duikers, baboons, colobus & sykes monkey, genet cats and warthog
Unique Features at Aberdare National Park
The area beneath and around its anchor lodges – Treetops and The Ark – have waterholes and are floddlit at night, and over the years animals have become used to the light. There are many viewing decks and vantage points for their visitors
Lodges at Aberdare National Park
The park contains the famous Treetops Lodge and Ark Hotel, both these lodges offer excellent facilities to watch widlife
Campsites
Reedbuck, Honi, Shamata, Bill Woodley, P.C Haji’s, Muringato, Bongo, Nyati, Beatrix, Kiguru, and Prince Charles
Park Entry Fees
- Citizen – Adult 300, Child 315 Kes.
- Resident – Adut 1039 Child 515 Kes
- Non Resident – Adult 52, Child 26 US
Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.
Index of Natural Landmarks Around Kenya
Baringo County - Paka Volcano, Metkei Ridge, Tugen (Kamasia) Hills, Silale Crater, Bomet County - Motigo Hill, Bungoma County - Kabuchai Hills, Luucho Hills, Busia County - Samia Hills, Namenya Hill, Namenya Hill, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Escarpment, Mektei Ridge, Cherangani Hills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Mumoni Hill, Garissa County - Merti Plain, Homa Bay County - Asego & Kasarua Hills, Ruri Hills, Gembe Hills, The Gwassi Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Merti Plateau, Nyambene Range, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Suswa, Ol Doinyo Orok, Chyulu Hills, Kericho County - Tinderet Mountain, Kiambu County - Kijabe Hills, Kilifi County - Marafa Gorge, Kisumu County - Kajulu Hills, Kitui County - Yatta Plateau, Laikipia County - Laikipia Plateau, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mandera County - Dandu Hills, Marsabit County - Mount Nyiru, Nabuyatom Cone, Mount Kulal, Mount Marsabit, Hurri Hills, Sololo Escarpment, Mount Forore, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mount Kenya, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru Mountains, Menengai Crater, Nandi County - Nandi Hills, Nyando Escarpment, Kamulat Hill, Nandi Scarp, Narok County - Nguruman, Loita Hills, Siria Ridge, Nyamira County - Kibugat Hill, Emanga Hills, Kiabonyoru Hill, Nkoora Hill, Nyandarua County - Aberdare Range, Mount Kipipiri, Samburu County - Scared Mount Ololokwe, Ndoto Mountain Range, Mathews Range, Mount Nyiru, Samburu Hills, Loroghi Plateau, Siaya County - Got Ramogi, Taita Taveta County - Taita (Range) Hills, Mount Sagalla, Ngulia Hills, Mount Kasigau, Tharaka Nithi County - Kijegge Range, Turkana County - Mogila Hills, Loima Hills, Vihiga County - Bunyore Hills, Maragoli Hills, Wajir County - Mansa Guda Range, Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Mount Murpus, Koh Hill, Sekerr Range
