The Aberdare National Park is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, a fascinating region of Kenya which, according to traditional Kikuyu folklore they are one of the homes of Ngai (God).
From its vital catchments area the Aberdare Rainforest feeds the entire local and Nairobi water supply. Deep ravines cut through the forested inclines, through which hidden trout streams flow and waterfalls cascade down hundreds of feet of rock face.
Mountain ranges and peaks soar to around 12,900ft giving way to deep V-shaped valleys with streams and rivers cascading over spectacular waterfalls. This area is a must for landscape lovers.
Above the forest is a belt of bamboo, a favourite haunt of the Bongo, a rare and elusive forest antelope. At 10,000ft the bamboo gives way to moorlands, home to eland, spotted and melanistic serval cats. This is an ideal place for walking, picnics, camping and trout fishing in the rivers. The moorlands thickets are home of Bush Duiker and the Black Rhino.
In the forest are red Duiker, Suni, Bushbuck, Elephants, Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, Leopard and colobus monkey. Bird life is abundant and varied. Perhaps the most conspicuous group is the sunbirds. Birds of prey are specially interesting and crowned.
There is also a variety of accommodation. Treetops tree-house lodge, campsites, picnic sites, bandas and the Ark, a lodge built in the shape of Noah’s Ark. Night game viewing is provided by the lodges in the Salient area of the Park with excellent sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion and rhino, drawn to the waterholes and saltlicks each evening. |
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