Cool, montane forests of Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, home to bongo antelope, elephants, and the iconic "tree hotels" Treetops and The Ark. A different-altitude safari add-on.
High, cool and forested
The Aberdare Range and Mt Kenya National Park form a cool montane wilderness in central Kenya, a contrasting addition to the dry savannah parks. Altitudes climb from 2,100 m up to 5,199 m at Mt Kenya's Batian peak.
The forest here harbours bongo antelope, the giant forest hog, black-and-white colobus monkeys, elephants and the elusive bongo. Cool nights, fireplaces in lodges and a different rhythm of safari.
Tree hotels
Two famous lodges sit on stilts above forest waterholes:
- Treetops, where Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne (became Queen Elizabeth II) on the night her father died in 1952
- The Ark, built like Noah's vessel, with multiple viewing decks overlooking a floodlit waterhole
You'll watch elephants and rhinos drink while you sleep, buzzers in your room alert you to rare sightings.
Mt Kenya climbs
For active travellers, Mt Kenya offers a 3–5 day trekking peak, the Naro Moru, Sirimon or scenic Chogoria routes lead to Point Lenana (4,985 m), achievable without technical climbing.
Park fees (2026)
USD 52 / adult / day (Aberdares & Mt Kenya non-residents)
