Adventurous Aberdare National Park 2-Day Safari

Planning a safari that balances adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters? This 2-day tour to Aberdare National Park from Nairobi offers just that. While it’s a short trip, it packs in some of Kenya’s best highland wildlife scenery, unique lodge experiences, and memorable moments like watching animals at a saltlick from your balcony.

We love how this tour combines guided game drives in a proper safari vehicle, the chance to unwind with local tea or coffee at the Aberdare Country Club, and the thrill of overnighting at the famous Ark Tree Lodge—a lodge designed for animal viewing at night. One thing to consider is that the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer slower-paced trips or added flexibility, this might feel a little rushed. Still, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a taste of wilderness with comfort and convenience in one package.

This safari suits travelers who are short on time but want a genuine wildlife experience, especially if they love the idea of staying at a unique lodge with animal viewing right from the balcony. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors to Kenya eager to see elephants, leopards, and more in their natural habitat without the longer commitment of a week-long safari.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: See elephants, leopards, and other species in their natural setting.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Spend a night at the famous Ark Tree Lodge, known for animal sightings from the balcony.
• Scenic Drive: Travel through the central Kenya highlands, enjoying views of tea and coffee plantations.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Includes park fees, meals, transport, and guide services.
• Authentic Experience: Watch animals at the saltlick and waterhole from your lodge balcony.
• Short but Rich: Perfect for a quick getaway with a focus on wildlife and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Nairobi to Aberdare

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Nairobi hotel, where your guide—likely a knowledgeable local with a passion for wildlife—will ensure you’re comfortable and informed. The drive to Aberdare National Park is part of what makes this tour special. As you leave the city behind, the scenery transitions into the lush central Kenya highlands, with rolling hills and the patchwork of tea and coffee plantations that Kenya is famous for. Expect stops along the way, which many reviewers appreciate, to stretch your legs and snap photos of the scenic landscape.

The highlight of this drive is the visit to the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. This spot is more than just a break—it offers views of the forested hills and a chance to enjoy some local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, the tour turns toward the heart of the park, where the real wildlife adventure begins.

Game Drive and Wildlife Viewing

Post-lunch, you’ll gear up for an afternoon game drive. The safari vehicle has a pop-up roof, a feature many travelers praise, making spotting animals easier. Expect to see elephants, often grazing peacefully, and perhaps leopards, which are elusive but sometimes spotted resting in trees or along the water’s edge. The park is known for its varied wildlife, including antelopes, buffalo, and occasionally predators.

The Ark Tree Lodge Experience

The evening is when this tour truly shines. You check into the Ark Tree Lodge, a unique accommodation built to resemble a treehouse with balconies overlooking a saltlick and waterhole. Guests consistently mention the thrill of seeing animals right from their room, especially at night when animals come to feed. Many reviewers note that watching elephants, baboons, and even elusive predators like leopards from the lodge is a highlight.

The lodge’s balconies are well-positioned, and the communal areas give ample opportunities to chat with other travelers about their sightings. The lodge staff are experienced at helping guests identify animals and make the most of their viewing experience. Keep in mind, smoking and flash photography are prohibited to avoid disturbing the animals.

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Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Rising early for breakfast, you’ll head out for a morning game drive—another chance to spot wildlife with the benefit of the cooler morning hours. Reviews mention that early mornings are often the best time for seeing animals active and moving about.

Later, you’ll return for lunch at the lodge, reflecting on the experience before starting the drive back to Nairobi around noon. The return journey offers more scenic views, and some travelers enjoy stopping at local markets or craft shops along the way, depending on timing and your interests.

You’ll arrive back in Nairobi by around 7 PM, leaving you with memorable stories and photographs from your wild Kenya adventure.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package’s inclusions make it a good value for wildlife enthusiasts. Everything from park entrance fees and transport in a proper safari vehicle to meals at the lodge and guiding services is covered. The transport setup, with a vehicle featuring a pop-up roof, ensures you’re well-equipped for game viewing.

Extra costs to keep in mind are personal expenses like souvenirs or drinks outside of the provided bottled water, and alcohol is not included. The tour is designed to be hassle-free, with pickup and drop-off within Nairobi CBD, which adds to its convenience.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for game drives and variable weather, as early mornings and evenings can be cool.
• A camera is essential for capturing wildlife moments.
• Use insect repellent and wear sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.
• Remember, the lodge’s balconies are fantastic for animal sightings, so bring binoculars if you have them.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer highlights that the drive through the highlands is beautiful and appreciated the stops at tea plantations, describing it as a “nice break with a view.” Many reviewers enjoy the unique experience of watching animals at the saltlick from their lodge balconies, saying it felt like being right in the middle of the action.

Some mention that the guide’s knowledge was impressive, helping identify animals and sharing interesting facts, which enhances the overall experience. However, a few note that the schedule is a bit tight, especially on the second day, so if you’re someone who prefers extra time for relaxing or photography, you might find it a little rushed.

Final Thoughts

This Aberdare safari offers a compact but rewarding taste of Kenya’s wilderness, ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience wildlife in a scenic highland setting. The combination of guided game drives, comfortable lodge stay, and scenic drive makes for a memorable trip that feels both authentic and manageable.

The Ark Tree Lodge stands out as a one-of-a-kind place to stay, giving you the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat without leaving your balcony. Plus, the well-organized logistics and inclusive pricing provide peace of mind for first-time safari-goers or those seeking convenience.

This tour is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time visitors to Kenya, or those looking for a quick, immersive nature escape. It’s an experience that balances adventure with comfort, offering genuine wildlife encounters in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The $650 price covers park entrance fees, transportation in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, accommodation at the Ark Tree Lodge, all meals as per the itinerary, bottled water, guide services, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi CBD.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for game drives, a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, hats, and snacks for personal needs. It’s important to be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Are drinks like alcohol included?
No, drinks such as alcohol are not included and should be purchased separately if desired.

Is there any flexibility in the schedule?
The itinerary is quite structured, with a packed schedule on both days. If you prefer a slower pace or more relaxation time, this might be a consideration.

Can I expect to see big cats like leopards?
While leopards are present in the park and sometimes spotted resting, sightings depend on luck and timing. The guides will do their best to find wildlife, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and lodge structure.

In summary, the Adventurous Aberdare National Park 2-Day Safari offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and a unique lodge experience. It delivers excellent value for those short on time but eager to see Kenya’s highland wilderness and animals up close. Whether you’re a first-time safari traveler or looking for a quick escape into nature, this trip promises memorable moments wrapped in comfort and adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: