Located 160kms from Nairobi, the Aberdare are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south between Nairobi and Thomson’s 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 Aberdare provide water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins.
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.