Aberdare National Park – Forest Wildlife, Waterfalls & Luxury Lodges

Aberdare National Park is a mountainous, forested sanctuary in central Kenya, famous for its waterfalls, rare wildlife like bongos, and tree-top lodges. Ideal for luxury safaris, hiking, and forest photography, Aberdare offers a cool, high-altitude escape from the savannah.

Aberdare National Park, nestled in the central highlands of Kenya, is a lush, mountainous sanctuary offering a unique safari experience far from the usual savannah plains. Known for its misty montane forests, thundering waterfalls like Karuru and Gura, and rare forest species, Aberdare is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. The park is home to elephants, buffalos, leopards, hyenas, bushbucks, and the elusive bongo antelope, one of Africa’s rarest forest antelopes. Visitors can also spot black rhinos at secure sanctuary zones. Aberdare is especially renowned for its tree-top lodges, like The Ark and Treetops Lodge, where guests can watch wildlife at floodlit waterholes from the comfort of their rooms. Safari experiences include game drives, forest hikes, bird watching, and visits to scenic highland waterfalls. The cool climate and dense vegetation make it an ideal retreat year-round, especially during the dry seasons from January to March and July to October. Just 180 km from Nairobi, Aberdare can be easily combined with a visit to Mount Kenya National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, or Samburu National Reserve for a full northern Kenya circuit. At Top Cream Tours, we offer expertly guided Aberdare safaris tailored to your style — whether you’re seeking luxury lodge stays, romantic escapes, or family-friendly forest adventures. Start planning your escape to the Aberdare Mountains with Top Cream Tours today. For conservation and official park details, visit the Kenya Wildlife Service page.