Aberdare National Park, Kenya

Created in 1950, this park in the Central Highlands encloses two different environments: the Kinangop Plateau in the south, a 60km stretch of moorland, peaks and forest; and the Salient, an outcrop of dense rainforest to the east. As on Mount Kenya, rain can be expected at any time.

The park has a variety of fauna flora and scenery that you’ll seldom find elsewhere. Due to the dense forest vegetation, you will need to do some searching for the wildlife, but there are also many purpose built game viewing lodges. Elephants and buffaloes are the dominant animals, but rarer species can be found, including black rhinos, bongo antelopes, black servals and the elusive black leopard. Hundreds of bird species can be also be seen. The viewing platforms next to the dramatic Chania Falls and Karura Falls are popular; Gura Falls, which drops 300m into thick forest, is more difficult to get to.For the past few years the Rhino Ark organization has been constructing an electric fence around the park perimeter. Once finished, the 278 km barrier will keep animals within the park and stop local villagers encroaching on the forest.

Photos of Aberdare National Park