Aberdare & Meru National Park

Mysterious Kenyan mountain forests, moorland and waterfalls!

Aberdare & Meru National Park

The Aberdare National Park north of Nairobi probably hides Kenya's last great secrets. In the lichen-covered primeval forests, bamboo forests and raised bogs, there are even said to be black panthers - alongside the Big Five, which roam the lower altitudes here. Well-hidden, they enjoy the dense cover that the deep green forest provides for their habitat.

Cars have little chance of crossing the evergreen forests, but that is just fine for hikers here. This makes it all the more awe-inspiring to stand before the thundering waterfalls, which seem to cut a swathe through mountain forest, bamboo thickets and alpine moorland - not least the three-tiered Karuru Falls, which plunge over 300 m, provide a magnificent backdrop for hikers and trekkers who want to be active on the move instead of sitting in a safari vehicle.

 

How to get there

Both, Aberdare and Meru National Park are well connected by road from Nairobi. Alternatively you can reach both parks by airplane.

At viewpoints in the Abderdare, look for the "twins" or "dragon's teeth" - the striking, free-standing lava vents that are further evidence of the volcanic character of the region. They can be seen clearly from the summit of Ol Doinyo Lesatima, the highest point in the national park, which can be reached in a day hike of just 400 meters in altitude and seven kilometers. The green forests are also ideal for a nature walk with a park ranger.

Some animals can be reliably spotted. These include the forest elephant, black rhino, spotted hyena, olive baboon, black and white colobus monkey, Cape buffalo, warthog, zebra, bushbuck, black and white colobus monkey, white-throated monkey, Cape buffalo and reedbuck. Only if you are very lucky will you see the rare animals: giant forest hog, golden cat, African wild cat, serval, civet cat, bongo and blue duiker.

Our best itineraries for your safari in Aberdare & Meru

Basic

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park

    8:30 AM pick up from Nairobi drive to Aberdare National Park. Enjoying game drive en route to your lodge for lunch. Second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay inside the park.

    Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Nairobi

    6:00 AM early morning game before breakfast. After breakfast drive with game drive en-route to exit the park and drive back to Nairobi in time for lunch.

  • Depending on the season and how many guests share a 4x4. The 1.5 days safari to Aberdare with overnight stay is between 450€ to 750€ per person sharing.

Intermediate

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park

    8:30 AM pick up from Nairobi drive to Aberdare National Park. Enjoying game drive en route to your lodge for lunch. Second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay inside the park.

    Day 2: Aberdare National Park

    6:30 AM Breakfast followed by morning game drive before lunch. Lunch at the lodge. After lunch another afternoon game drive. Dinner & overnight stay in the park.

    Day 3: Aberdare National Park to Nairobi

    6:00 AM early morning game before breakfast. After breakfast drive with game drive en-route to exit the park and drive back to Nairobi in time for lunch.

  • Depending on the season and how many guests share a 4x4. The 2.5 days safari to Aberdare with overnight stay is between 830€ to 1320€ per person sharing.

Advanced

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park

    8:30 AM pick up from Nairobi drive to Aberdare National Park. Enjoying game drive en route to your lodge for lunch. Second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay inside the park.

    Day 2: Aberdare to Meru National Park

    6:00 AM early morning game drive followed by breakfast. After breakfast drive to Meru National Park with game drive en-route. Arrival at the lodge in time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy afternoon game drive in Meru National Park. Dinner & overnight stay in the park.

    Day 3: Meru National Park

    6:30 AM Breakfast followed by morning game drive before lunch. Lunch at the lodge. After lunch another afternoon game drive. Dinner & overnight stay in the park.

    Day 3: Meru National Park to Nairobi

    6:00 AM early morning game before breakfast. After breakfast drive with game drive en-route to exit the park and drive back to Nairobi in time for lunch.

  • Depending on the season and how many guests share a 4x4. The 3.5 days safari to Aberdare & Meru with overnight stay is between 1170€ to 1800€ per person sharing.