National park
National park
Aberdare National Park
Misty highland forest, waterfalls and Treetops.
- Central Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Aug–Sep
- Entry from US$70
Overview
- Highest peak
- Mount Satima
- From Nairobi
- About 150 km
- Headquarters
- 15 km from Nyeri
- Airstrip
- Mweiga
The Aberdare range rises along the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. The park protects thick tropical forest, high moorland, deep ravines, icy streams and waterfalls.
Elephants and buffaloes emerge from the forest at night-viewing lodges such as Treetops, where Princess Elizabeth learned in February 1952 that she had become Queen.
Hikers can climb Mount Satima, the highest peak in the range, and see waterfalls, the Dragon's Teeth rocks and a Mau Mau 'post office' fig tree.
- Waterfalls
High falls drop off the moorland into forested ravines.
- Treetops and The Ark
Lodges overlooking floodlit waterholes.
- Mau Mau history
The Mau Mau 'post office' tree used by independence fighters.
Things to do
- Game drives
Forest and moorland roads.
- Hiking
Mount Satima and moorland trails, with a ranger.
- Trout fishingUS$15 per line
In moorland streams.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Driest January–February and June–September; roads become difficult in the rains.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$70 | KES 1,100 | US$40 | KES 800 |
| Sport fishingper line | US$15 | KES 1,500 | US$15 | KES 1,500 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,100
- Rest of Africa
- US$40
- East African citizen
- KES 800
Children 5–17: KES 500 / KES 675 / US$40 / US$20 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Sport fishingper line
- Foreign non-resident
- US$15
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,500
- Rest of Africa
- US$15
- East African citizen
- KES 1,500
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 3 hours
Via Nyeri; the park headquarters is on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- A 4WD is essential; high roads close in heavy rain.
- Bring warm clothes; it is cold and often misty.
Frequently asked questions
What is Treetops?
A lodge overlooking a waterhole in the Aberdare, where Princess Elizabeth learned in February 1952 that she had become Queen.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
Report a mistake on this pageCombine your trip
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