An adventure through Kenya`s most legendary camping spots

The Aberdare Mountain ranges soar to peaks of 13,000 feet at the heart of the highlands and dip into deep, V shaped valleys with streams and rivers cascading into spectacular waterfalls, including Kenya's longest fall of approximately 1,000 feet ! Traditional Kikuyu stories states that the Aberdare Mountains are one of the homes of their God, Ngai.

To the east of the ranges are the fertile farming lands of the Kikuyu tribe, which were taken over by englishmen during the colonial period. The area between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya are part of what became known as the White highlands. To the west, the range falls steeply into the Rift Valley and offer superb views of Lake Naivasha and the distant Mau Escarpment.
The steep hillsides are attractive to wildlife. There are various eco-systems within the Aberdare Mountains; the rain forest, which gives way to dense bamboo forests, which itself gives way to moorland as the altitude rises.
The forest is home to elephants, buffalo, giant forest hog and the endangered Black Rhino. The Aberdares are also an excellent area for spotting the elusive leopard and occasional sightings have been made of the Golden Cat. Black and white Colobus and Sykes Monkeys are easily seen, as are waterbuck, reedbuck, duikers, several cats and bushbuck. Melanistic cats appear to be quite common in the high altitudes of the Aberdares and black serval cats are spotted fairly often.
During the rains, the majority of the game spends time in the forest rather than on the moorlands.
As you rise in altitude, through the bamboo belt, it is possible to spot the elusive bongo antelope and the giant forest hog, but viewing in this incredibly dense growth of bamboo is challenging to say the least! However, bird viewing is excellent; keep an eye out for the magnificent crowned eagle as it hunts for one its favourite meals, a Colobus monkey.
Once above 10,000 feet, the bamboo gives way to rolling moorlands, tumbling; crystal clear streams, which are well stocked with trout and varieties of lobelia, groundsel and heather, cover much of the ground. Here eland, lion, elephant and buffalo may be found in addition to the numerous birds, such as the Jackson's francolin, sparrow hawk, African Goshawk, sunbirds and plovers.
The moorland area offers superb scenery, excellent opportunities for high altitude hiking as well as fly fishing, which is encouraged as the trout is not an indigenous species and was introduced to the area.
Far more than simply a wonderful wildlife area, the Aberdares are also a vital water catchment area, the rain forest are feeding most of the local area and the city of Nairobi from its rivers and streams.

The area is also famous as the 1950s headquarters of the Mau Mau Rebellion, with 'General' Kimathi's hideout as a much-visited attraction. Princess Elizabeth became Queen of the United Kingdom while staying in the Aberdares, at the now famous Treetops Lodge, and the National Park is a favourite spot for a resident's weekend getaway with its campsites, self-catering bandas and walking possibilities.

The Aberdare Range National Park is 767 square kilometres and contains the two highest peaks; Lesatima at 13,120 feet and Kinangop at 12,816 feet.  Due to its altitude, the Aberdare Park has a climate closer to that of Europe than of the tropics. Jumpers, sweaters, jackets, thick socks, waterproofs and, during the April/May rains, even thermal underwear may be needed if staying in the moorland areas overnight.
A very different landscape from the wide, open plains of the African savannah, the Aberdares have been described as 'Scotland with lions' and is a well worth a stop on any tour of Kenya.

Included in price:
• Airport transfers in Nairobi.
• Accommodation Full board while Camping
• All transport by road in a Land Cruiser (4x4)
• English speaking guide/driver
• Private cook
• Drinking water
• All game drives
• All park fees
• Flying Doctors evacuation cover within Kenya

Not included:
• Personal expenses, drinks, tip etc.
• Insurance or cancellation insurance
• Both domestic and international flights
• Visa