Embark on a truly immersive Aberdare safari experience, complemented by the scenic beauty of Lake Naivasha and the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru. This carefully crafted journey from Nairobi offers an unforgettable blend of highland forests, freshwater lakes, and classic African savannah — all within a short drive from the capital.
Your adventure begins with a stop at Lake Naivasha, a peaceful Rift Valley lake surrounded by lush acacia woodland and teeming with birdlife. A serene boat safari brings you up close to hippos, fish eagles, and other aquatic wildlife, while a guided walk on Crescent Island allows you to roam safely among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes — a unique and personal encounter with nature.
From Naivasha, continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its shimmering alkaline lake that once turned pink with flamingos. Today, Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best destinations for spotting rhinos, lions, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, set against dramatic escarpments and acacia forest. Game drives here offer rich photographic moments and excellent wildlife sightings.
The journey culminates in the cool, misty highlands of the Aberdare Range — a truly distinctive safari environment. Unlike traditional open plains, the Aberdare safari offers a mystical forest setting filled with waterfalls, bamboo groves, and rare wildlife such as the giant forest hog, bongo antelope, and forest elephants. Unique tree lodges like The Ark or Treetops provide an elevated vantage point to observe animals as they visit floodlit waterholes by night, delivering a magical and tranquil safari experience.
This Aberdare safari — enriched with stops at Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru — is ideal for travelers seeking diversity, serenity, and rich wildlife encounters in a compact, scenic circuit from Nairobi.
Aberdare Safari: A Journey Through Kenya’s Hidden Wilderness
An Aberdare safari offers a rare and unforgettable escape into one of Kenya’s most enchanting and lesser-known landscapes. This journey goes beyond the open savannahs and takes you deep into the cool, misty highlands of the Aberdare Range, where dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and mountain moorlands create a mysterious and magical setting.
Your experience begins in Nairobi, transitioning quickly from urban life to the peaceful expanse of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you explore the serene shores of Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake fringed with papyrus and acacia trees. Here, the safari slows into a calm rhythm — with a gentle boat ride across the lake revealing hippos, water birds, and dramatic Rift Valley scenery. A guided walk on Crescent Island adds a unique touch, offering close-up encounters with giraffes, zebras, and gazelles in an open, walkable environment.
Next, the journey leads you to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rich diversity of wildlife and stunning landscapes. Once famed for its flamingo-covered lake, Nakuru now draws travelers for its thriving rhino population, tree-climbing lions, leopards, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Game drives here are packed with excitement and offer incredible photo opportunities against a backdrop of rocky cliffs, acacia forest, and the shimmering alkaline lake.
The highlight of your journey is the Aberdare safari — a truly distinct and immersive experience. Rising into the cool highlands, you enter a world of thick bamboo forests, moss-covered trees, and hidden valleys. Unlike traditional game viewing, the Aberdares offer a more subtle, quiet safari where wildlife often appears as a surprise — a giant forest hog slipping through the undergrowth, a herd of elephants emerging from the mist, or a leopard silently approaching a forest clearing.
The experience becomes even more magical with a stay in tree-top lodges like The Ark or Treetops, where guests watch wildlife from above as it gathers at floodlit waterholes below. As night falls, the forest comes alive with the sound of rustling leaves, distant calls, and the occasional crunch of hooves near the viewing decks — a deeply immersive and reflective moment in nature.
From lakeside serenity to forested mystery, this Aberdare safari offers a rich variety of landscapes, wildlife, and unforgettable moments — all within a short journey from Nairobi. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a different side of Kenya’s natural beauty — one that is quieter, cooler, and full of surprises.