Aberdare National Park

Nestled in the central highlands of Kenya, Aberdare National Park is a hidden gem renowned for its lush forests, mist-shrouded hills, and cascading waterfalls. Located about 160 km (100 miles) from Nairobi, the park spans an altitude of 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500–13,000 ft), offering a refreshing cool climate and breathtaking scenery. The Aberdares are famous for their diverse landscapes from open moorlands and bamboo forests to deep valleys and spectacular waterfalls like Karuru and Gura Falls. Wildlife thrives here, including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, and the rare bongo antelope, a shy forest dweller found only in a few places in Africa. Birdwatchers can spot over 250 species, such as the Aberdare cisticola and crowned eagle. Accommodation in the park is a unique experience, with iconic tree lodges like The Ark and Treetops Lodge, where visitors can watch wildlife gather at floodlit waterholes right from the comfort of their balcony.