How to travel from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park?
Traveling from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park is one of the most traveled journeys by people interested in seeing the beauty of the highlands in Kenya, the wildlife, and lush vegetation. The Aberdare National Park is is located approximately 140–160 kilometers (about 2.5–3 hours) north of Nairobi, and visitors can either drive through the Kenyan highlands on scenic routes or fly in, should they want to save some time. The following are the principal means of transport between Nairobi and Aberdare National Park:
By Road:
Private Car:
A private car is the most convenient and flexible means of accessing Aberdare National Park. It is a 3 to 4-hour drive, which also depends on traffic and road conditions. You will drive out of Nairobi on the A2 highway northwards to Nyeri. The journey becomes increasingly picturesque as you pass through towns like Karatina, with views of the central highlands and tea plantations
The main access points from Nyeri are Ark Gate and Treetops Gate, both reachable via good tarmac roads, though a 4x4 is recommended for exploring deeper into the park. The roads are mostly tarmacked, but some sections near the park may be rough. It is advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle and move to more distant corners of the park.
Public Transport:
On a low budget, one can use the traveling facilities provided, buses or matatus (shared minibuses), to reach Nyeri from Nairobi. The buses leave the central bus terminals in Nairobi, like Nairobi Bus Station. Driving from Nairobi to Aberdare National Park typically takes 3–4 hours depending on which gate you are using and the traffic conditions. The entrance to the park can be reached by local taxi or a 4x4 hired in Nyeri.
Major scenic areas that you will come across as you proceed will include Chania Falls, and Karuru Falls. These beautiful waterfalls are part of the beauty of the park and you have a beautiful view throughout the way.
Once you get to Nyeri take the signs towards the Aberdare national park. Oljodu Gate is the main entrance to the park and a visitor can reach the park using well paved roads although the roads around the park might be rough too. It is recommendable that a 4x4 vehicle be taken especially when exploring the inner parts of the park.
By Air:
The most common option is flying to Nanyuki Airstrip from Nairobi Wilson Airport (about 45 minutes), then driving about an hour to the park gates. Mweiga Airstrip, located near Ark Gate, also serves Aberdare but has fewer scheduled flights. Nanyuki is the point where it is possible to rent a car to visit the Aberdare National Park, which is about a 45-minute drive away.
There are a few airlines that fly into Nanyuki on a regular basis, including SafariLink and AirKenya. Flying offers a stunning aerial view of the Kenyan highlands and is a quicker, more scenic way to travel
By Safari Tour:
In case you are in favor of the guided experience, there are a lot of tour operators in Nairobi that may take you to Aberdare National Park as part of the safari tour. These safari packages often include transport, game drives, meals, and even accommodation. A safari tour is the best choice in case one does not feel like planning their own tour. It allows you to take advantage of having the services of well-informed guides who know the secrets of the park and can guide them through the history and the animals that are there, and get the benefit of it all.
Tips for the Journey:
- Vehicle condition: If traveling by road, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition, particularly in case you are traveling off the main roads. On the rougher terrain of the park, a 4x4 vehicle will be highly advisable.
- Weather: Aberdares are usually cooler than Nairobi, advised to carry warm clothing with you, especially in the evenings.
- Snacks and Water: Carrying water and snacks is are good idea for the trip, especially if you are traveling by public transport or driving on remote roads.
- Weak Signal: Mobile signal may be weak in some parts, so consider carrying an offline map or navigation system.
As soon as you get to Aberdare National Park, you'll be greeted by misty forests, beautiful streams, and a wide variety of wild animals, such as buffalo, elephants, and a variety of birds. Whether you are traveling by road, air, or safari tour, your trip to Aberdare will be a trip of its own kind, setting you on the doorstep of a beautiful and peaceful national park in Kenya.
NEED HELP 24/7
United States 
United Kingdom 
