Self Drive Aberdare Kenya: Car Rental Prices, Camping & Wildlife Guide

A self-drive safari through Aberdare National Park is probably one of Kenyas most scenic and adventurous road trips. For those travelling to Kenya and looking for a taste of mountain forests, waterfalls, wildlife and a cooler climate away from the crowds in the savannah parks then this self-drive is a good choice. Located about 150-180 kilometers outside of Nairobi its a perfect fit for self-drivers with a 4×4 to rent in Kenya for a quick safari, a rooftop tent camping trip or just a weekend wildlife adventure. Unlike places like Masai Mara or Amboseli, Aberdare has dense bamboo forests, mist-rolling hills, deep ravines, waterfalls and mountain tracks that make it a completely different kind of safari experience.

For people trying to figure out the best Kenya self-drive spots, Aberdare stands out because it really gives you a mix of wildlife viewing and forest adventures. You can drive through some fantastic mountain roads, spot elephants and buffalos popping out of the forest, check out Karuru Falls, go trout fishing in the Guru River and stay at places like The Ark or Treetops.

Over the last few years self-drive tourism in Kenya has been growing all the time – especially among people hiring 4x4s like the Toyota Prado TX, Hilux or Land Cruiser 76, Suzuki Jimnys or even one of those cool camping vans with rooftop tents for independent safaris. Aberdare has become really popular because its just a few hours from Nairobi but still gives you that real wilderness feeling.

Why Aberdare is Perfect for Rooftop Tent Camping Safaris

Car Rentals 4×4 people reckon its one of the most under-rated self-drive destinations. Its compact size & varied terrain (you can have the whole lot in a day trip from Nairobi) makes it perfect for adventurous types looking for a good mix of game drives, hiking, fishing and just generally enjoying some peaceful time in the wilderness with a rooftop tent in the back. Aberdare’s winding roads and high-altitude views really give you a safari experience thats worlds away from the open plains of the Maasai Mara or Samburu.

Planning Your Self-Drive Adventure in Aberdare National Park

Planning a camping trip to Kenya, a romantic weekend getaway or a family road trip to see the wildlife? This guide covers everything you need to know about self-driving in Aberdare National Park – so you can plan that adventure of yours.

4×4 Car rentals for self driving to Samburu National Park

Car Rentals 4×4 offers you the most affordable 4×4 vehicles for hire for self drive in Samburu National Park in Kenya from Coasters,vans to saloon cars for budget travellers..

How to Access Aberdare National Park when self driving in Kenya

• From Nairobi to Aberdare National Park, Kenya you take onto the Nairobi – Nakuru highway, a circuit  in perfect condition. Then, you can stop over the rift valley scenic view and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the vistas before continuing with your journey through towns like Magumu. Also, witness the daily lifestyles of the local people like the timber vendors and the verdant green on the sideways makes the road trip when self driving to Aberdare from Naitobi more scenic.  Although, it’s a winding route but the journey is very interesting and as you reach the Mutubio gate, the path is partly a dirt road and bumpy but the driving time takes approximately 3-4 hours.
• The other self drive route to Aberdare is from Naivasha, but this time you use the Thika Superhighway through towns of  Limuru, Njabani. Then,you can access Aberdare park through towns Nyeri gate on the Eastern part of the park. Additionally, the route is also well maintained until you reach the park whereby it is partly the earth tracks and murram roads.

Recommended Accommodation Options in Aberdare for self drivers in Kenya

The Ark lodge.

Surrounded by the green emerald is the Ark lodge that is accessible through the Nyeri gate of the Aberdare national park. This lodge’s grounds are habitats to endemic species like the bogo antelope and also elephants, the bush pig, rhinos are seen wandering around the Lodge’s premises. Hence, one can have an up-close view of wildlife during their self drive holiday in Aberdare since it is also near a salt lake where these animals gather.

The Lodge is built in the shape of an ark with a bridge connecting to the main access of this accommodation and the rooms are kept neat with a bathroom and toilet shower. Lastly, each room has a buzzer switch to notify the visitors if the animals are at the salty waterhole and the estimated prices is $150 per night.

The tree tops lodge

The tree tops lodge is one of the few lodges in Africa that has hosted members of the loyal family including Queen Elizabeth the second and her husband.  So, this is why they have a special suite named after her. Also, the building seats on stilts and it is surrounded by the tree and this is where the name comes from.

Additionally, the elevation of the tree tops lodge in Aberdare National Park gives one a phenomenal view of the animals like the buffaloes, elephants and zebras at the waterholes viewed from the bar area. The lodge also has a restaurant on the second  level where mouth watering meals are prepared  whereby all rooms are en-suite with glass windows offering great views at an estimated price of about$230.

Aberdare country club.

This accommodation is near Nyeri town and is in proximity to the Aberdare national park. Also, it is built in a cottage setting offering a serene atmosphere with well maintained gardens and terraces where birds like the peacock and wildlife like the monkeys can be seen roaming freely. A buffet meal with local and intercontinental food cuisines is also provided at the restaurant. Aberdare Country Club rooms come with a cozy king sized bed, a seating area set up next to the fire place, an ensuite bathroom and toilet and the glass windows offering the views of the spring green and the estimated price per night is $100.

Rhino watch safari lodge.

For those who would have had a tiresome journey while self-driving in Kenya and would love to stay in Merida town, which is on the outskirts of Aberdare National Park. This accommodation has a dining and exquisite bar area that has an open view of the astounding lush green, the rooms give an unfiltered vibe of the wild as they have unobstructed view of the wilderness. Lastly, it has great amenities like the jacuzzi are provided on top of the ensuite bathroom and toilet with prices per night being about $120.

In Conclusion

Self drive Aberdare offers a refreshing, scenic alternative to Kenya’s classic savannah safaris. For most travelers, I recommend a Toyota Land Cruiser or Hilux car rental in Kenya with rooftop tent during the dry season. Combine your self drive in Aberdare with a night at The Ark or Treetops for the best mix of adventure and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Drive in Aberdare National Park