Aberdare National Park Day Tour: Treetops Lodge, Wildlife & Mt Kenya Views
A full-day trip from Nairobi into Aberdare National Park that pairs game drives with a historic lunch at Treetops Lodge and panoramic views of Mt Kenya. Expect forested ravines, regular elephant sightings and a 9-hour outing with hotel pickup and park fees included.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early
The drive from Nairobi is long (about 3.5 hours each way); an early pickup maximizes wildlife viewing during cooler, active hours.
Binoculars and a zoom lens
Animals are often viewed from hides or open vehicles — 8–12x binoculars and a 200mm+ lens improve sightings and photos.
Dress in layers
Highland weather swings between warm sun and cold mist; a light waterproof layer and insulating mid-layer keep you comfortable.
Respect viewing distances
Keep noise low and stay inside the vehicle or hides unless the guide says otherwise to avoid stressing wildlife.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning hides around the river valleys for close photographic opportunities of game at waterholes
- •Short detour toward the Aberdare high moorland to see distinct afro-alpine vegetation and giant lobelias
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •Colobus monkey
Conservation Note
Aberdare park management balances tourism and anti-poaching efforts; visitors are asked to minimize disturbance, avoid littering and follow guide instructions to protect sensitive habitats.
Treetops Lodge began as a colonial-era game hide and gained global fame when Princess Elizabeth stayed there and became queen; the site sits on historic elephant migratory routes between the Aberdares and Mt Kenya.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Essential for picking out animals in forested ravines and from hides.
Waterproof jacket and mid-layerEssential
Highland weather changes quickly; layers keep you dry and warm during mist or showers.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Useful for brief walks at viewpoints and navigating uneven lodge paths.
Telephoto camera lens (200mm+)
Helps capture wildlife from a respectful distance without disturbing animals.
Common Questions
How long is the tour door-to-door?
Expect about 9 hours total: roughly 3.5 hours each way from Nairobi, plus 3–4 hours in the park for game drives and lunch at Treetops.
Are park fees included?
Yes, national park fees and bottled water are listed as included in the tour price.
Can I be dropped at the airport afterwards?
Airport drop-off is possible but must be requested in advance when booking to allow routing and timing adjustments.
Is this suitable for children or less-mobile guests?
The day is rated physically easy, but children should remain seated in vehicles and guests with mobility limits should advise the operator for suitable pickup and seating arrangements.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Nyeri, Nyeri County
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect long vehicle transfers and short periods of walking at lodge hides.
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