The Aberdare is a mountain range. Being a range, it offers numerous ridges, peaks, valleys and rivers to challenge the peak bagging hikers, professional climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the mountain range is a National Park under the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It is therefore subject to the normal entry requirements and charges. Some parts are under the management of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and are subject to the KFS regulations and requirements.

Aberdares is generally open to walking in the moorland zones, but the rainforest areas have plenty of wildlife and could be dangerous. If contemplating trekking the Aberdares, it is best to enquire at the KWS Park Headquarters in Mweiga regarding any limitations or recommendations, especially regarding armed escort. Established hiking groups and tour operators also may know where to walk and where not to.

The Aberdares’ main attractions to the hiker are the:

Mountain peaks

Satima

Oldoinyo Lesatima, or Satima, is the highest peak at 3999 m asl. It has three main trails. The Wandare gate trail, the Shamata gate trail and the Olborosat trail.

Kinangop

Kinangop at (3906m asl) is the second highest peak. It has two trails: the Njabini gate and the Mutubio gate trail.

Elephant hill

Is the third highest. It has one trail from Njabini.

Kipipiri

Is the 4^th highest peak at 3348m asl

Despair hill

This is the 5^th highest peak and is often tackled as part of the Despair Hill-Elephant Hill-Kinagop Peak trek.

Forests

Three main distinct ecosystems within the Aberdare Mountains change drastically with altitude: the dense rainforest where most of the wildlife is, which gives way to dense bamboo forests, which in turn give way to the beautiful high moorland with sub-alpine vegetation.

Caves:

Popularly referred to as Mau-Mau caves, overhangs are dotted all over the mountain ridge. They serve as shelter to the hiker and honey gatherers and help do away with the need to carry tents.

Waterfalls

The park is home to several spectacular waterfalls, including the

Chania Falls –

Karuru Falls

-With a total height of 273 m. It occurs in three steps of 117 m, 26 m and 130 m.

Zaina

Ragia nos. 18 and 17

Gura Giant Falls at 305 m