Aberdare Forest & Highlands Escape
A two-day highland trip to Aberdare National Park with misty forest, moorland, waterfalls and waterhole wildlife viewing.
Starting fromKES 54,000per person
View detailsAberdare · Adventure Tour
Aberdare Forest & Highlands Escape
- Duration2 days / 1 night
- Group size1–12 guests
- DifficultyModerate
- AvailabilityOn request
Overview
Aberdare National Park: forest, moorland and waterfalls
The Aberdare Range rises above Kenya’s central highlands to almost 4,000 metres, and the national park protects a mix of bamboo forest, moorland, rivers and waterfalls. It is cooler, greener and often misty compared with Kenya’s savannah parks, which makes it a good choice for travellers who want a change of pace or a shorter trip from Nairobi. This two-day Aberdare escape is planned around your dates and the lodge that suits you best.
Scenery and waterfalls
The park’s streams drop over cliffs to form waterfalls, including Karuru Falls, one of Kenya’s tallest, and Gura Falls. Access to viewpoints depends on weather and road conditions, and some tracks are suitable only for vehicles with high clearance. Guided walks, where permitted, reveal giant heather, wild flowers and views over the plains below.
Wildlife viewing
Elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bushbuck, colobus monkeys and many forest birds live in the Aberdares, and rarer species such as bongo and leopard exist but are seldom seen. Some highland lodges are built overlooking waterholes and salt licks, so guests can watch animals in the evening and after dark from viewing decks. Treetops, made famous when Princess Elizabeth stayed there in 1952, is part of this tradition.
How the trip works
You leave Nairobi in the morning and drive towards Nyeri through tea and coffee country, with a lunch stop on the way. The afternoon is spent at your lodge or on a guided drive, with evening wildlife viewing. The next day includes a morning viewing session and a scenic drive back to Nairobi. Extensions to Ol Pejeta or Samburu are possible.
Best time to visit
January to March and July to October are drier. Rain and mist are common at altitude in every season, so bring waterproofs and a warm layer.
Good to know
Access rules and lodge arrangements in the Aberdares can change, so the itinerary and price are confirmed with the lodge and your travel dates. The price shown is a guide per adult sharing, and the final quote is issued in writing before payment.
Highlights
- Cool highland forest and moorland
- Waterfalls including Karuru and Gura
- Elephant and buffalo at forest waterholes
- A different pace from the savannah
Itinerary
-
1
Day 1 – Nairobi to the Aberdares
Scenic drive through the highlands, lunch, and an afternoon at the lodge with evening waterhole viewing.
-
2
Day 2 – Morning viewing and return
Sunrise wildlife viewing, breakfast, and the return drive to Nairobi.
What’s included
Included
- Return transfers from Nairobi
- driver-guide
- 1 night full board in a highland lodge
- Aberdare park fees
- guided viewing
- bottled water
Not included
- Flights
- visas
- travel insurance
- drinks
- tips
- specialist hikes
- personal expenses
Practical information
- Departure
- Nairobi, morning
- Pickup
- Nairobi hotels and airports
- Meeting point
- Confirmed after pickup location is provided
- Accommodation
- Highland lodge or forest lodge near Nyeri, matched to your dates and availability
- Best time to go
- January–March and July–October for drier weather
- Recommended age
- Ages 6+
- Cancellation & changes
- Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
- How to book
- Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
- Guide price basis
- Per person sharing, 2-day trip from Nairobi, one night full board in a highland lodge, park fees and transfers. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cold in the Aberdares?
Yes, especially at night and in the early morning. Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Can we visit the waterfalls?
Karuru and Gura Falls are popular stops, subject to weather, road conditions and park rules.
Can children join?
Children of about six and older usually enjoy the trip; some highland lodges have minimum-age rules we can check for you.
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