"Capping the lush central highlands north of Nairobi are two imposing mountains: snow-capped Mount Kenya, whose 5,199m summit is the second-highest in Africa, and the more westerly Aberdare Range, which reaches a maximum elevation of 3,999m. Both are protected in national parks whose diverse montane flora and fauna, is most easily explored by spending a night or two at one of the exclusive hide-like hotels that overlook waterholes in their forest zones. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMount Kenya and the Aberdares
The hotels of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya offer one of Africa’s most unusual wildlife-viewing experiences. Instead of heading out on game drives to look for wildlife, the idea is that you keep vigil in the hotel, and wait for the animals to come to you.
By day, the main attraction is monkeys and forest birds, though you might also be visited by the occasional herd of thirsty buffalos or elephants. Towards dusk, the clouds often clear to reveal the glistening snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya. Then darkness descends, invoking a white noise of insect chatter punctuated by the banshee wailing of tree hyraxes, and the spotlit waterholes attract a passing parade of more unusual nocturnal creatures: giant forest hog, bushpig, genet, white-tailed mongoose, black rhino, even the occasional leopard or lion.
Both parks offer other activities too. Aberdare is serviced by a rough network of 4×4 roads from where melanistic leopards are often seen. And Mount Kenya is a highly rewarding destination for hikers, and its slopes supporting a similar altitude-related progression of vegetation zones (forest, moorland, barren alpine rocks) to Kilimanjaro.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense rains arrive in March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours. The visibility will be very good during this time of the year, equating to some potentially beautiful views, during those sunnier breaks.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense rains arrive in March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours. The visibility will be very good during this time of the year, equating to some potentially beautiful views, during those sunnier breaks.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
WET SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of heavy and prolonged rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. All in all not an ideal time to visit, although early March can still be good.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
WET SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of heavy and prolonged rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. All in all not an ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
WET SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of heavy and prolonged rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. All in all not an ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Showers can be intense, but they are usually brief. As a drier period, it is more likely to see animals moving to waterholes, certainly the best time of the year in relation to safari activities. The roads and hiking trains also tend to be a little less muddy and slippy.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Showers can be intense, but they are usually brief. As a drier period, it is more likely to see animals moving to waterholes, certainly the best time of the year in relation to safari activities. The roads and hiking trains also tend to be a little less muddy and slippy.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Showers can be intense, but they are usually brief. As a drier period, it is more likely to see animals moving to waterholes, certainly the best time of the year in relation to safari activities. The roads and hiking trains also tend to be a little less muddy and slippy.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Showers can be intense, but they are usually brief. As a drier period, it is more likely to see animals moving to waterholes, certainly the best time of the year in relation to safari activities. The roads and hiking trains also tend to be a little less muddy and slippy.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
WET SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A rather unpredictable time of the year with more frequent and intense showers or thunderstorms. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. Great visibility offering spectacular views of Mt Kenya, during those clearer periods.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
WET SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
A rather unpredictable time of the year with more frequent and intense showers or thunderstorms. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. Great visibility offering spectacular views of Mt Kenya, during those clearer periods.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
DRY SEASON
Please note this climatic information is related to the Aberdares rather than Mt Kenya.
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense rains arrive in March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours. The visibility will be very good during this time of the year, equating to some potentially beautiful views, during those sunnier breaks.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Aberdares has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the altitude (1,952 to 3,894m or 6,404 to 12,776ft) significantly moderate these, giving the region a cool climate. Given the altitude range there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold, so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
This high altitude also means that the area has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Most of Kenya has distinct wet and dry seasons, Mount Kenya and the Aberdares instead have periods of the year when rainfall is simply less likely.
We therefore highly recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing. Also, perhaps a dry bag to hold any digital equipment.
Explore Mount Kenya and the Aberdares Properties
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge
Famous for its role in saving the Kenyan rhino from extinction, the Solio Lodge is a Classic Safari’s owned property that remains a true beacon in Kenya’s conservation efforts. Offering magnificent views and an exclusive ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
