Aberdare National Park is a 311 square mile sanctuary on an isolated volcanic massif which forms part of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. Part of the larger forest reserve, the Aberdares are covered with a dense rainforest and provide spectacular views over the Rift Valley. Bird life is abundant with more than 200 species.

This park essentially encloses the moorland and high forest of the 60km-long Kinangop plateau. Only rarely does this place feature in the itineraries of safari companies and it's even less visited by individual travellers. But if you're willing to brave the inclement weather, this remote and formidably dense forest is well worth the effort. The park offers a variety of fauna, flora and scenery which you won't find elsewhere except, perhaps, on Mt Kenya. There are also the dramatic Gura Falls which drop a full 300m, along with alpine moorland, and the rare chance of seeing a black leopard, elephant, rhino or bongo (rare spiral-horned antelope).