The Aberdare Mountain Ranges
The Aberdare mountain Ranges are
found in Central Kenya. Spanning a length of 160km and the highest peak
reaching 3994m above sea level, the ranges act as a spectacular natural tourist
attraction, besides being a habitat for lots of wildlife, indigenous trees and
other flora, as well as being a prime water catchment area. Several rivers have
the range as their source. They start as small springs, which join up with
others, to make bigger streams and rivers. Here, the water is usually very
clean and absolutely unpolluted. Not even by a particle of soil.
On the western side, the lake
Ol-borosat is found near its foot. The lake habours thousands of birds of
diverse species. Hippos are also found here.
From a distance, the ranges have
quite a lovely and scenic view. The Aberdare National Park is found on the
North Western side of the ranges. The park hosts various animals most notably
elephants. There is an estimated 2000 elephants in the park. They are used to
visitors’ cars and one can view them closely enough. Other wildlife found here include dikdik,
bongo, warthog, waterbuck, suni, bush pig among others. Many species of birds
are also found here.
There are numerous water falls
which provide magnificent an breathtaking views. The slopes of the aberadres
are rich with forest growth most notably bamboo and hardwoods such as camphor,
cedar and podo.
The ranges are ideal for anyone
who likes hill or mountain climbing. The south eastern side has a number of
peaks, staring with the peak despair, buffalo, elephant and satima being the
highest. From these peaks, one is treated to a beautiful view of the grounds
below, and one can spot various towns from here.
There are several luxurious
lodges in the Aberdare, most notably TreeTops, Outspan among others. Treetops
is famous for hosting Elizabeth II when she became Queen of the United Kingdom,
while on vacation to the Aberdares. The Abredares is also famous because it is
where J.A. Hunter killed the Rogue elephant of Aberdare, which is published by
Harper Collins. The bull elephant terrorized villagers and was known not to
attack a village twice, hence difficulty in tracking it. It is also one of the
places one can enjoy a hot air balloon
ride in Kenya. Experience all these and more while on safari Kenya.
WRITER’S BIO
Kamau Mbiyu is a Safari and Travel consultant at Explorer
Kenya Tours & Travel. Kenya Safari
includes; Lodge and camping safari, hotel bookings, luxury tented tours,
wildlife and bird watching, family safaris, mountain climbing and bungee
jumping. Click here http://www.explorerkenya.com for more
information on Safari in Kenya.
