Aberdares & Thompson Falls: A Two-Day Trip Review

Planning a quick escape from the city? That is, perhaps you’re thinking about doing something totally different, a bit wild perhaps. A two-day trip to Aberdares, that great mountain range, together with the ever gorgeous Thompson Falls, might just be what the doctor ordered. This review, like your trusted travel buddy, takes you through the highs, any lows, plus all that’s in between of doing just that. Get ready to discover if this little trip is a true gem or something, perhaps, needing just a bit more polish for it to properly shine.

Setting off to the Aberdares: The Drive Up

So, the adventure actually starts way before you even set foot near the Aberdares. Getting there from Nairobi, that’s assuming that’s where you’re starting from, is more or less a three to four-hour drive, relying rather heavily on how the traffic gods are behaving on that specific day. The journey itself, honestly, is fairly decent. You’ll find yourself moving through these little towns, catching glimpses of regular Kenyan life, very normal views that most tourists typically never get to see, as a matter of fact.

That said, the roads aren’t always in tip-top form. There are patches, that’s true, that could possibly test your car’s suspension, especially if you are in something that likes to call itself a small car, very light that sort of thing. I mean, honestly, if you have the choice, something a bit tougher, like an SUV, typically makes for a more pleasant, comfortable, worry-free ride, pretty much like floating on air. Anyway, remember to stock up on snacks and drinks. It is one of those trips where you don’t have many places to stop.

First Stop: The Majestic Thompson Falls

After a somewhat long drive, Thompson Falls, that is to say, a truly impressive sight, it greets you like an old friend, very happy to see you actually. Now, seeing thousands of gallons of water make a massive splash as they descend way down into that ravine is, actually, kind of breathtaking. It is an experience that is kind of up close and personal.

Now, there are quite a few viewpoints from where you can grab some really excellent photos, almost postcard worthy images. For those folks feeling a bit adventurous, I am not sure about this actually, but there is supposedly a path down to the bottom. Just be sure you have proper footwear and check, in advance, if the path is really open because sometimes it’s closed, very dangerous that thing. You may want to think carefully.

Into the Wild: Aberdares National Park

Right, next up? Aberdares National Park. Prepare yourself for, well, quite a contrast in scenery. Once you are through that gate, things get very lush and green, and well, it’s just completely teeming with wildlife. You’re, like, instantly transported into a completely different environment altogether. Keep your eyes open because you might spot elephants, very big ones, buffalos just grazing like no one’s watching, and maybe some elusive leopards. It is true, anyway. If you are very lucky you could just see one. It tends to be better looking for wildlife around dusk and dawn when they are at their most active state, as it were.

Accommodation inside the park, too it’s usually in lodges or certain campsites, can range a little from absolutely luxurious, those five star hotels, or something pretty basic. It’s very important to pick something that matches what you really want and what is okay for your budget too. Honestly, those nights spent in the Aberdares can get pretty cold, so, therefore, warm clothes are an absolute must! Oh, and you really must make use of those blankets which can be unbelievably snug!

What to Do: Activities in the Aberdares

So, you may find that game drives are just a standard offering and they give you that chance to properly explore the park and discover many animals in the area. Try, so, and see if you can get an early morning one to catch any wildlife during its most active hours.

Then there is Treetops Hotel, arguably very famous, where you can spend the night watching animals come to that watering hole right below. You might find this really cool, depending on whether it actually appeals to you or not, very much.

Things to Seriously Think About Before you Go

Booking ahead. You may want to think about this, especially during those peak seasons. Places get booked quickly and nobody likes getting caught out without a room. Pack for All Sorts Of Weather Conditions. Aberdares is sort of known for weather, as unpredictable as anything you have experienced, so you may want to take clothes for any type of scenario – sun, rain and really, really cold moments. Layers are just your very, very best friend here.

When driving yourself, so, be sure your car, that’s if you are using a light one, is really ready for a little off-road work and those roads, if wet, may turn a little slippery, so you may want to consider being safe and use an appropriate four wheel drive, possibly. Always adhere to all park rules and those guidelines which those guides set out for your safety as much as to conserve this nature, too it’s not just for us, as a matter of fact.

Health necessities – You, like your doctor, needs to advise you on all of this but just in case I really have to suggest that you see your doctor before your journey in order that the appropriate malaria preventative methods, inoculations and well being actions may be brought up to date. Make positive to bring any medications that are important and make certain you’ve got some thing to do about movement illness if that is something you may be suffering from.

Final Thoughts: Is this Two-Day Getaway really worth it?

So, should you head on up there to the Aberdares? Very much so. Even with any little bumps or problems that you might experience, Thompson Falls together with Aberdares offer a glimpse into absolutely stunning landscapes together with an experience filled with wildlife that one simply will not forget in any great hurry.

Anyway, it is a great escape that one may easily arrange and which will match whether you want it absolutely budget friendly or something slightly much more lush. Whether it’s those roaring falls, it’s like there’s music or observing an elephant in its own house, very comfortable that kind of thing, this little jaunt will definitely remind anyone of what Africa simply has in the way of natural wonders. Make a booking then. Honestly, you might not regret it.