Aberdare National Park in Mutubio And Ark Gates, Nyeri: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Mutubio And Ark Gates, Nyeri
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Aberdare National Park is a mountain KWS park about 150 km from Nairobi with forest, moorland and Karuru Falls, Kenya's tallest waterfall. Entry is KSh 800 per adult for East African citizens, paid online. Gates open 6am to 6pm.
What is Aberdare National Park?
Aberdare National Park is a KWS park of about 767 sq km in the Aberdare Range, about 150 km north of Nairobi, covering forest, bamboo and moorland at 2,000 to 4,000 m. It was established in 1950 and is known for its waterfalls, including Karuru Falls, Kenya's tallest at about 273 m, plus Gura and Chania Falls, and for elephants, buffalo and mountain reedbuck. The park headquarters are about 15 km from Nyeri on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road, and the main gates include Mutubio and the Ark.
Walks to the falls need an armed KWS ranger, and roads can be slippery in the rains. Fees follow the KWS conservation tariff and are paid online.
Aberdare National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (3 to 17) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 800 | KES 500,317 |
| Non-resident | KES 70 | KES 40 |
KWS conservation fee schedule (October 2025) for Meru, Kora and Aberdare: East African citizens KSh 800 adult / KSh 500 child; Kenya residents KSh 1,100 / KSh 675; African citizens USD 40 / USD 20; non-residents USD 70 / USD 40. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Vehicle fees and the ranger escort for waterfall walks are extra.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Pay online before you go KWS fees are cashless | Share the ranger fee
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Okay | Short stops and viewpoints; waterfall walks are long | 10–12 years |
Key details
- Address
- Aberdare National Park, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties (park headquarters about 15 km from Nyeri on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road), Nyeri
- Opening hours
- Gates open 6am to 6pm unless you are staying overnight
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
Pay online through KWSPay, show your receipt and ID at the gate, and drive up through the forest to the moorlands or to the waterfall trailheads. An armed KWS ranger must go with you on walks to the falls.
Roads can be slippery and muddy in the rainy season, so use a 4x4 if you can.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
An armed KWS ranger must accompany waterfall walks. Roads can be slippery after rain. All KWS parks are single-use plastic free.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Vehicle fee, armed ranger escort for waterfall walks, camping, lodges
Plan your visit
- How to get there
Reached on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru; the park headquarters are about 15 km from Nyeri on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road. About 150 km from Nairobi.
- By car
- About 150 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic and gate
- Combine with
Baden-Powell Museum (Paxtu)
- What to bring
Rain jacket, sturdy shoes, water, snacks, camera, KWS receipt and ID
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Aberdare National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 800 and resident children (ages 3 to 17) pay KES 500,317. Non-resident adults pay KES 70 and non-resident children pay KES 40. KWS conservation fee schedule (October 2025) for Meru, Kora and Aberdare: East African citizens KSh 800 adult / KSh 500 child; Kenya residents KSh 1,100 / KSh 675; African citizens USD 40 / USD 20; non-residents USD 70 / USD 40. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Vehicle fees and the ranger escort for waterfall walks are extra.
- What are the Aberdare National Park opening hours?
- Gates open 6am to 6pm unless you are staying overnight.
- How do you get to Aberdare National Park?
- About 150 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic and gate. Reached on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru; the park headquarters are about 15 km from Nyeri on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road. About 150 km from Nairobi.
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