Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is a forest reserve in central Kenya that stretches from about 2,400 to 4,000 meters in elevation, combining woodland, moorland, and mountain terrain. The park features deep valleys and volcanic formations across its varied landscape.

The park was established in 1950 to protect the natural forest and mountain areas from overuse and preserve the region's animal life. This decision marked an important moment in Kenya's efforts to create protected areas.

Local communities living around the park have maintained hunting and gathering traditions that were common before the area became protected. Today visitors can observe how these people participate in conservation through guiding services and small tourism activities.

Visitors can enter the park through several gates and stay at lodges inside the boundaries to watch wildlife. An experienced ranger is necessary to spot animals and move safely through the terrain.

The park is home to roughly 250 bird species, including the rare Abdim's stork, and supports a large elephant population. These animal communities rely on the high forest areas and mountain ridges as important refuges.