ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that
forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south
between Nairobi and Thomsons Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin,
but rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima
(3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland
at over 3,000m. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through
the forested eastern and western slopes and there are many clear streams and
waterfalls. The Aberdares are an important water catchment area providing
water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern
drainage basins.
The National Park lies mainly above the tree line running along the 10,000ft
contour with some forest and scrub at lower altitude in the 'salient' area
near Nyeri with the boundary running down to the 7000ft contour.
The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls combine to
create an area of great scenic beauty in the National Park. The park is
surrounded by a predominantly indigenous forest, whose management is under
an MoU between KWS and the Forest Department.
Location:
Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Central Province;
766km2.
Climate:
Mist and rain occur throughout much of the year, with precipitation varying
from around 1000mm yearly on the north western slopes to as much as 3000mm
in the south east. Heavy rainfall occurs through most of the year.
