Located in the Aberdare Mountain Range, Aberdare National Park is only 100 km north of Nairobi and much cooler than Most of the parks that mainly constitutes of the savannah and the grass lands. Mostly famous as the place where Queen Elizabeth came to find out that she was Queen following the passing of her father King George VI in 1952.This was exactly two years after the park was established as the park was established in1950 with the aim of protecting and conserving the Aberdare Mountains.
The park is located between Nyandarua and Nyeri counties, which are located in the central part of Kenya. The region is mainly inhibited by the Agikuyu community who have interesting and catchy history related to the country’s independence and the role they as a community played. The Agikuyu are mainly indulged in Agriculture which is favorable in the region due to the climate that supports agriculture.
Aberdare National Park is home to different species of Wild animals which mainly consists of elephants, leopard. Black rhino, olive baboons. Spotted hyenas, colobus monkeys, serval cat, blue duiker and many others. With over 250 species of birds, Aberdare national park can be considered a great destination for bird watching.
Aberdare National Park is suitable for hiking due to the presence of the Elephant Hill Mountain Trail and a set of small Mountains which include Mount Kinangop, Mount Satima, Mount Kipipiri and the Kinangop Plateau.
Used as a hideout during the colonial period by the freedom fighters, known as the Mau Mau, hence the name of the cave. The cave was mainly the leader’s hideout, General Kimathi being the leader of the Mau Mau.
A historical hotel as it is the place where the queen then known as Princess Elizabeth became the Queen of the British Empire following the death of her Father, thus holding a special place in the Queens History.
you’ll be able to experience the sight of rhinos at a close sight as you visit the rhino sanctuaries such as the solio ranch which take care of rhinos and are involved in the breeding of rhinos to enable an increase in Rhino Population and create a stable environment for their survival in the ecosystem.
The altitude in the Aberdares varies widely – from 1,952 to 3,894m (6,404 to 12,776ft). Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft), so even within the park there are wide climatic variations.
June & July – It is mostly sunny but it can rain at any time. The average afternoon temperature is 15°C/59°F. It is recommended to bring warm and waterproof clothing. August & September – Rain increases slightly in August and temperatures are picking up a little bit in September. Afternoon temperatures reach up to 16°C/61°F.
October & November – ‘Short rains’: The rains usually increase sometime in October. Afternoon temperatures are around 17°C/63°F. December, January & February – There is a period of less rain between the short and long rains. The exact timing is difficult to predict and it will still be wet some days. These are the warmest months with afternoon temperatures up to 18°C/64°F. March, April & May – ‘Long rains’: April is the wettest month. It rains most days, but not always for the whole day. Tracks might become slippery and difficult to navigate. Early mornings are slightly less cold with average temperatures around 5°C/41°F.
