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With its lush vegetation and snowy caps, this region is very different from the rest of the country. Here, you can explore the Mount Kenya glaciers, alpine landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Mount Kenya and the Aberdares are both protected within a national park that supports all the Big Five alongside more localised forest specialists such as Sykes monkey, black and white colobus, Harvey’s red duiker, mountain antelope, and giant forest hog.
Must-Visit Areas at Mount Kenya and the Aberdares
Enjoy an uncrowded mountain hike and explore forests to spot wildlife, including elephants and buffaloes:
Mount Kenya National Park: Second Highest Mountain in Africa
Though not as popular as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is still a fantastic place for hikers. This adventure will take you through bamboo forests and high-altitude moorlands before arriving at the alpine peaks.
Travellers can go on a multi-day hike to Point Lenana, the third-highest summit of the mountain, which is accessible without specialist climbing equipment. However, you’ll need equipment and a high level of skill to tackle the higher peaks. As it’s one of the lesser-visited areas, you can hike Mount Kenya without many crowds.
Aberdare National Park: Stunning Forests and Waterfalls
While technically a Big Five destination, sightings of rhinos, lions, and leopards are rare. If you’re lucky, you may spot a melanistic (all-black) leopard. However, elephants and buffaloes are common. During game drives here, you can travel through dense forests and see incredible waterfalls. The forests support wild populations of the rare mountain bongo antelope.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Mount Kenya and the Aberdares?
January to February and June to September, the dry months, are the best times to visit for both clear trekking conditions and excellent wildlife viewing while on your Kenya safari. When there is less rain, animals gather around the remaining waterholes, which makes spotting them easier.
Wildlife Found at Mount Kenya and the Aberdares
Elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, and rare species like the bongo can be found here. Lions, leopards, and black rhinos are rare but may still be seen. Sykes monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Harvey’s red duiker, mountain antelopes, and giant forest hogs are also present.
How to Get to Mount Kenya and the Aberdares
Nanyuki Airport is the airport that serves the Mount Kenya region. It’s a two- to three-hour road transfer from the airstrip to Aberdare National Park.
