The Abaderes National Park is located 160 Km north from Nairobi. The scenery in this region is spectacular and impressive as is the range of wildlife. The Park is part of the Aberdares Mountain Range which forms the steep eastern edge of the Rift Valley and has an altitude of 7,000 to 14,000 ft. Some of the Game in this park include; elephants, lions, rhinos, black leopards and the beautiful but elusive bongo antelope. However, because the park is densely forested, heavy rainfall occurs throughout the year. The Aberdares also has three falls, the Chania, Gura and Karura Falls created by Karura and Chania rivers. Viewing of the falls can be done, if accompanied by an armed guide. The Karura Falls has the deepest drop, plunging more than 300 meters, and has two viewing stations on either side.
There are various bird groups in the park. Perhaps the most conspicuous group is the sunbirds. Four species may be seen - Tacazze sunbird, brilliant metallic violet and bronze with a black belly; Golden-winged sunbird, scintillating coppery-bronze with golden yellow edged wings and tail; the emerald green Malachite Sunbird, and the tiny double collared Sunbird with metallic green upperparts and throat and scarlet chest band.
The park is known for thick vegetation, characterized by wooded hills and mountains making it easy for one to get lost. The mountain air on the other hand is fresh and clean and the Aberdare rainforest is a water catchment area for the whole of Nairobi.
To the east of Aberdares are well-known above ground safari lodges, The Ark and Treetop. These lodges are one of the main attractions of the Aberdares because they are built above the ground adjacent to floodlit waterholes with salt licks. This place hosts plenty of wild life at night near the water hole. The Aberdares became famous in 1950 when Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England and she came for a safari in the Aberdares.