ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK

Location:

The Aberdares is a range of mountains to the west of Mount Kenya in the Central Highlands region, running through in a north - south direction between Nairobi and Nyahururu (Thomson's Falls). The National Park, established in 1950, encompasses an area of around 715 km2 and is one of the Kenya's only virgin forest reserves, situated 10 km northwest of Nyeri town, and approximately 165 km from Nairobi. It is located in the Central Province of Kenya.

Attractions:

The Aberdares are the third highest massif in the country, with dramatic peaks, deep valleys, enormous spectacular waterfalls cascading down the rock face, volcanic outcrops of bizarre proportions and undulating moorlands. The Aberdares come to a peak at about 4'000 m and the middle and upper reaches are densely forested with thickets of bamboo, giant heath and tussock grass. The Kikuyu call these mountains Nyanadarua (meaning drying hide) and they were the home to guerrilla fighters during the struggle for independence. Nowadays, the mountains are home to bongos (elusive forest antelope), buffalos, elephants, giant forest hogs, red duikers and Syke's and colobus monkeys.

The rare, handsome bongo is most likely to be spotted near the Ark, which is sited close to a swampy glade, waterhole and salt - lick, or up in bamboo zone. Dawn and the following hour is the optimum time to see these elusive forest antelopes. At about 3'500 m, where the landscape opens up, you may see lions, leopards, serval cats and even bushbucks. Wildlife is comparatively scarce, but the views in the park are spectacular. Particularly good walks include trekking up the three peaks, Satima (3'998 m), Kinangop (3'906 m) and Kipipiri (3'348 m).

Trout fishing is very popular, especially high up in the moors. A fishing licence is required, obtainable from the Park's headquarters. There are a number of waterfalls in the park including the Chania Falls and the Karuru Falls that have a total drop of 273 m in three steps. The more remote and inaccessible Gura Giant Falls, have a higher single drop of over 300 m.

How to get there:

The nearest bases are at Naivasha or Nyeri. From Naivasha, follow the signs along the upland road until you reach Ndunyu Njeru. From here, the road only continues to the park, there are no services (food, petrol e.t.c.) from this point onwards. You can also access the Park through Nyeri, which takes almost three hours. This includes passing through Thika town.