Aberdare National Park Day Tour from Nairobi — Wildlife Drives, Treetops & Waterfalls
Spend a full day exchanging Nairobi’s bustle for the cool moors and forested slopes of Aberdare National Park. Expect game drives, riverside hides at Treetops, and close encounters with elephants, colobus monkeys and upland wildlife.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start Early
Pick-up is early; morning light increases wildlife activity and improves roadside viewing conditions.
Layer Up
Temperatures drop sharply in the moorland—bring a warm layer and a windproof shell.
Bring Binoculars
Game drives from vehicles and hides mean distant sightings; binoculars make birding and shy-forest species visible.
Respect Viewing Distances
Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed by your guide and avoid loud noises near watering holes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The quiet river valleys near the Aberdare escarpment for birding at first light
- •Treetops’ raised viewing platforms for extended wildlife watching without leaving the lodge
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •black-and-white colobus monkey
Conservation Note
Aberdare National Park is critical for water catchment and biodiversity; visitors should follow park guidelines to reduce disturbance and support local conservation fees.
Treetops Lodge gained international attention when Princess Elizabeth was at the lodge in 1952 upon learning she had become Queen; the area has long been a colonial and conservation crossroads.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Helps spot birds and distant mammals from vehicles and hides.
Layered ClothingEssential
Moorland temperatures change quickly—pack a fleece and a waterproof shell.
Sturdy Walking ShoesEssential
For short nature walks and uneven lodge paths.
Camera with Telephoto
Capture wildlife and landscapes from a distance without disturbing animals.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and when does it return to Nairobi?
The tour runs about 10 hours total; pick-up in the early morning and return to Nairobi in the late afternoon or early evening.
Are park entrance fees included?
Yes — entrance fees are listed as included in the tour price.
Is the trip suitable for children or infants?
Infants must sit on laps; the tour is generally family-friendly but expect long drives and limited child-specific facilities.
What wildlife might I see on a day trip?
Common sightings include elephants, buffalo, olive baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys and a variety of birds; rarer species like bongo or leopard are possible but not guaranteed.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10 hours
Location
Nyeri, Nyeri County
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Low; suitable for most fitness levels as the trip is vehicle-based with short walks
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