Aberdare National Park Wildlife Guide: Elephants, Rhinos, Bongo, Leopards and Forest Animals

The Aberdares rise from the central Kenyan highlands and are shaped by cold, mist and rain, so the animals found here differ from those of the open savannahs. Thick forest, bamboo and open moorland form distinct zones, each with its own wildlife.

Much of the viewing is done from lodges that overlook waterholes and salt licks, which makes the Aberdares a very different kind of wildlife experience. This guide explains what lives where and how to see it.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Zones and Their Animals

Elephants and Buffalo

Elephants live in the forest in large numbers and often appear at lodge waterholes in groups, with calves staying close to their mothers. Buffalo are commonly seen too, sometimes in big herds. Because visibility under the trees is limited, animals often emerge suddenly into clearings, which makes the experience dramatic. See elephant facts and where to see elephants.

Rhinos, Giant Forest Hogs and Other Forest Species

Black rhinos live in the Aberdares and are sometimes visible at night when they visit salt licks. Giant forest hogs, the largest wild pigs in the world, are often seen at the same sites, along with bushbuck, waterbuck and the shy duikers. Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys move through the canopy. For wider rhino conservation, read save the black rhino.

Leopards, Servals and the Elusive Bongo

Leopards are present and occasionally seen from the lodges at night, and the melanistic or black form has been reported in the Aberdares, though it is very rare. Servals hunt in the moorland, and genets and civets are active after dark. The mountain bongo, a large striped forest antelope, is one of Kenya's rarest animals and is extremely hard to see in the wild, so treat any glimpse as exceptional. See African big cats.

Birds and Small Creatures

Birdwatchers can look for sunbirds, francolins, mountain buzzards, Hartlaub's turaco and the colourful sunbirds that feed on the moorland flowers. In the streams, there are trout, and mist-covered hillsides support a rich community of insects and amphibians. See the East Africa birding guide.

Watching Wildlife From a Lodge

Because of the dense vegetation and cold weather, much game viewing happens from comfortable lodges that overlook waterholes, with lights that allow viewing at night. Patience, warm clothing and a good set of binoculars are key. For planning, read the best time to visit, activities and Laikipia and Ol Pejeta for a neighbouring contrast.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team