Package Overview
2-Day Aberdare National Park Safari Package: The Ultimate Tree-Top Viewing Experience from Nairobi
The traditional Kenyan safari conjures images of endless, sun-baked savannahs. But what if your adventure could take place in a cool, misty realm of towering forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain-side giants? That’s the unique, exhilarating promise of an Aberdare National Park safari package.
Step into the forested highlands of central Kenya on this 2 Days Aberdares Safari from Nairobi, staying at the iconic Treetops Lodge or The Ark Lodge. Located in the heart of Aberdare National Park, this safari offers a unique blend of wildlife viewing and tranquil highland scenery.
This short escape is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and safari experts seeking a differentiated experience. It is the perfect answer to the question: Is Aberdare worth visiting instead of Maasai Mara? Yes, if you crave an intimate, 24-hour wildlife spectacle where the animals come to you.
The Aberdare Difference: Where Wildlife Comes to You
Aberdare National Park is a breathtaking mountain range with dense forests, misty waterfalls, alpine moorlands, and deep valleys. The park is renowned for:
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Elevated Game Viewing: Enjoy a continuous, 24-hour safari from the safety and comfort of your lodge’s viewing decks.
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Nocturnal Spectacle: Lodges overlook floodlit waterholes, offering a rare chance to observe the nighttime activity of leopards, hyenas, and large elephant herds.
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Forest-Dwelling Giants: Spot unique species adapted to the forest, like the rare, striped Bongo Antelope, the Giant Forest Hog, and the elusive Black Rhino.
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Scenic Highland Beauty: Explore breathtaking waterfalls like Karuru and Gura, earning the park the nickname “Scotland with Lions.”
Learn more at the official KWS Aberdare National Park page, and discover other destinations on our Kenya National Parks list.
2 Days Aberdares Safari Itinerary – Treetops or The Ark Lodge
Day 1: Nairobi to the Aberdares – History and Night Watch
Your safari begins with a pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. Enjoy a scenic drive (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours) through Central Kenya’s lush coffee and tea-growing highlands. This is a great opportunity to stop for photos at the Equator line near Nanyuki.
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Midday Arrival & Check-In Nuance: You will first arrive at the Aberdare Country Club (the base hotel). After a delightful lunch, you will transfer your hand luggage into the lodge-specific vehicle for your onward transfer. Remember: Most large luggage is stored safely here.
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Lodge Selection (Your Cool-Climate Home):
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Treetops Lodge: The historic site where Princess Elizabeth went up the steps and descended the Queen of England in 1952. Its compact, timber decks offer an intimate view of the salt lick.
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The Ark Lodge: Modeled after Noah’s Ark, this multi-deck property overlooks a deeper waterhole. It features a night bell system to discreetly alert you to rare sightings like a leopard or rhino—a must-have feature for keen photographers!
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Afternoon & Evening: Settle in and begin your safari experience. Spend the afternoon watching animals emerge from the thick forest and the evening enjoying dinner as the floodlights turn on, initiating the thrilling nighttime game viewing.
Dinner and Overnight at your selected lodge (Treetops or The Ark Lodge).
Day 2: Morning Wildlife Viewing – Return to Nairobi
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Sunrise Spectacle: Wake up early to the sound of the forest. The hours before and after sunrise are peak activity times. Enjoy a hot drink and watch as forest buffalo, elephants, and sometimes even a Black Rhino come to the waterhole for a final drink before retreating.
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Post-Breakfast Transfer: After a hearty breakfast, transfer back to the Aberdare Country Club to reunite with your main safari vehicle and driver.
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The Final Drive: Begin the return journey to Nairobi. You will arrive back at your hotel or the airport in the afternoon (typically 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM), concluding your extraordinary Aberdare day trip from Nairobi.
Map Route to the Abedare National Park
Want to continue your adventure? Combine this safari with our:
- Transport by 4×4 land cruiser / Toyota van with open roof
- Mineral water
- Unlimited and most rewarding game drives
- All government levies
- All park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals (full board basis) based on option chosen
- Pick and drop from your hotel and airport
- Soft and Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and other gratitude
- Things of personal nature
- Costs incurred while visiting
- Local homesteads
- Masai village
Crucial Traveler Insights: Altitude & Climate
A key difference in the Aberdares is the altitude. The Aberdare Range sits at a high elevation (the lodges are around 7,000 feet), which is why the climate is refreshingly cool and misty.
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Altitude Advice: Nairobi itself is high (5,889 ft). To prevent or minimise Aberdare National Park altitude sickness, we strongly advise staying hydrated (drink more water than usual) and taking it easy on arrival. You will notice the temperature is significantly cooler than other parks, evenings can be chilly!
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Packing Essentials: This is one safari where a fleece or light jacket is essential. Pack layers, a warm hat, and high-SPF sunscreen, as the thinner atmosphere means stronger UV exposure.
Best Time to Visit Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is accessible year-round, but the dry months (January–March and June–October) offer easier access and more consistent game viewing. Due to its high elevation, the park remains cooler than most other regions of Kenya.
Unique Features of the Aberdares Lodges
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Treetops Lodge: A historic tree lodge overlooking a salt lick and waterhole, ideal for quiet wildlife observation.
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The Ark Lodge: Multi-deck structure with viewing galleries, night bell alerts for animal sightings, and a cozy ambiance surrounded by forest.
Both properties offer a distinct experience unlike any other in Kenya.
Book Your 2 Days Aberdares Safari Today
This short safari is perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape into Kenya’s mountainous wilderness. Let Steve and Richard Safaris organize your seamless journey to one of the most iconic forest lodges in Africa.
Browse all our options for safaris from Nairobi and explore more Kenya air and road safaris to create a custom itinerary that suits your needs.
Steve & Richard Safaris
Steve & Richard Safaris is a licensed Kenyan safari operator based in Mombasa. Specializing in safari tours from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Watamu, and Nairobi to Tsavo, Masai Mara, Amboseli, and beyond. KATO-registered · 15+ years · 4.7★ Google.