game viewing away from the crowds
While there's no doubting the allure of the Masai Mara, visitors to Kenya who want less crowded safari destinations should head for the rugged Central Highlands. Africa's second highest peak, the 5200m Mount Kenya looms over much of the region which includes great wildlife destinations such as family-friendly and multi-activity Meru National Park, the private Lewa Downs Conservancy in the foothills of Mt Kenya, the Mount Kenya National Park and the amazing forests of Aberdares National Park. If you're looking for a relaxed Mount Kenya safari, then any one of these parks fits the bill. Recently UNESCO has announced that the Mount Kenya-Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will be added as an extension to Mount Kenya National Park, enhancing the protection of the property as a World Heritage Site.
ABERDARE SAFARI
It might be small in size but Kenya's Aberdare National Park provides a vastly different experience to the country's more famous savannah reserves. Created to protect the Aberdare Mountains of the Central Highlands, it comprises two ecosystems unusual to Kenya: a moorland plateau and a swathe of dense rainforest. The result is that visitors on an Aberdare safari can expect not only unique and spectacular landscapes but will also enjoy good game viewing particularly in the Salient, the eastern forested section.
Although harder to find than on the open plains of the Masai Mara, lion elephants, rhino and buffalo are present in the park as are rare antelope species including the much sought-after bongo - an elusive antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Other forest species such as black and white Columbus monkey, giant forest hog, golden cat and leopard are seen regularly along with around 250 bird species.
The park's top accommodation is set in the game-rich Salient - where the mountain range slopes off to the east. We'd recommend staying at Solio Lodge - overlooking a salt lick and floodlit water hole to deliver the park's best from-your-chair game viewing. If you want, you can even be alerted at night in the event of a special sighting.
Generally viewed as a year-round destination, Aberdare's mountainous setting means that mist and rain may occur at any time. The best time to visit Aberdare for a safari is during the drier months of January and February and between June and September; heavy rain can be expected between March and May.
Situated about 180kms north of Nairobi, the Aberdare National Park is both easily accessible and well-sited. It lies near Kenya's best Rift Valley lakes and can be conveniently included on an itinerary that takes in iconic safari destinations such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli.
With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Resort’s 110 luxuriously appointed hotel rooms and villas, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort & relaxation.
The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers luxury accommodation in Nanyuki, Kenya. A magnificent view to behold, the prestigious main structure reflects the 1950’s colonial architectural design with a luxury country club feel, complemented with independent quaint cottages, including William Holden’s original cottage.
EXPERIENCES AT FAIRMONT MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB
Jabari Safaris is a luxury safari company based in the United States with roots in Africa, offering a wide range of luxury holiday packages — from ready-made itineraries to fully customized experiences.
