The 2-Day Aberdare National Park Safari is a private road safari from Nairobi. You spend one night at The Ark, a tree lodge above a floodlit waterhole. Along the way, you look for elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos and the rare bongo. You also visit Karuru and Chania Falls in the misty highlands. A professional driver-guide leads the trip in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Safari Overview: What Is the 2-Day Aberdare National Park Safari?
The 2-day Aberdare National Park safari swaps open savannah for cool mountain forest. Just three hours from Nairobi, the Aberdare Range rises into bamboo, moorland and roaring waterfalls. Here, elephants and buffaloes move quietly between the trees. At night, you watch them gather at a floodlit waterhole from your tree lodge. It suits couples, photographers, nature lovers and anyone seeking a quieter safari.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Start and end: Nairobi, with pickup from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Park: Aberdare National Park, central Kenya
- Vehicle: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Guide: Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation: The Ark, Aberdare National Park (1 night)
- Best time: June to September and December to February (drier months)
- Ideal for: Couples, photographers, birders and travellers wanting a short, cool-climate safari
Destinations: Inside Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park (767 km²) protects the high Aberdare Range in central Kenya. Kenya created the park in 1950. The park climbs from about 2,000 m to 4,000 m above sea level. As a result, it holds rainforest, bamboo, moorland and dramatic waterfalls. Elephants, buffaloes, leopards and black rhinos live here. Rarer finds include the giant forest hog.
The area also has a royal story. In 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen while staying at nearby Treetops.
Accommodation: Where Will You Stay on This Safari?
You stay on a full-board basis at one of Kenya's classic tree lodges.
- Night 1: The Ark, Aberdare National Park. Shaped like Noah's Ark, it overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick. Viewing decks line every floor, and a photographic hide sits at the water's edge. An optional buzzer wakes you when special animals arrive.
Rooms at The Ark are compact, so pack a small overnight bag.
Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park
The best time is during the drier months, from June to September and December to February. During these months, forest roads are easier to drive. However, the Aberdares stay cool and misty all year, so pack warm layers.
- June to September: firm roads and good game viewing.
- October to November: short rains and fresh green forest.
- December to February: clear mornings and the best waterfall views.
- March to May: long rains, and some forest roads may close.
Tour Highlights: What Will You See?
- Spend a night at The Ark, watching wildlife at its floodlit waterhole.
- Look for elephants, buffaloes and leopards in thick mountain forest.
- Search for the shy bongo, one of Kenya's rarest antelopes.
- Stand beside Karuru Falls, one of Kenya's highest waterfalls.
- Watch Chania Falls tumble through the forest.
- Spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and colourful highland birds.
- Enjoy cool mountain air and, on clear days, views of Mount Kenya.
