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The site is located on the Central highlands, west of Mount
Kenya; Nyeri District; Central Province; covers 766km2
distance180 Kms drive from Nairobi.
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern
wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south between
Nairobi and Thomsons Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin, but
rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima
(3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a long saddle of alpine
moorland at over 3,000m. The topography is diverse with deep ravines
that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes and there are
many clear streams and waterfalls. The Aberdares are an important
water catchment area providing water to the Tana and Athi rivers and
part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins.
-The National Park lies mainly above the tree line running
along the 10,000ft contour with some forest and scrub at lower
altitude in the 'salient' area near Nyeri with the boundary running
down to the 7000ft contour. The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain,
streams and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic
beauty in the National Park. The park is surrounded by a predominantly
indigenous forest, whose management is under an MoU between KWS and
the Forest Department. |
