Cedar Retreat
No availability at present on Pitchup.com 
/36.51739061213018,-0.0965599297578109,12,0,0/376x277@2x)
- No-frills camping in ancient forest in Kenya’s Aberdare National Park
- Guided forest walks from site; wilderness trekking 15 minutes’ drive
- Simple pitches on the forest floor; shops 20 minutes’ drive
Tucked into pristine forest in Nyandarua County’s Aberdare National Park, Cedar Retreat is a back-to-basics spot where you can camp on mossy ground under ancient cedars. The site edges the park’s northern moorlands, and has a stunning backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and dramatic rock formations.
The vibe here is very much about chilling in nature, with a hidden hint of adventures – perhaps hiking, trekking or mountain biking – to come as you soak up the sound of birdsong and colobus monkeys calling in the trees. Any daily stresses will soon be forgotten, thanks to the crisp Kenyan alpine air, crystal-clear rivers and stunning waterfalls that surround the site, while the game-viewing tree deck overlooking a waterhole is a favourite with guests too – if you get lucky, elephants, buffalo, zebra or antelope may put in an appearance after dark.
As this is nearly wild camping, the list of facilities is short: composting toilets and simple showers. Barbecues are allowed, so stock up on groceries and other provisions at the small essentials shops in Ndaragwa (20 minutes’ drive) before you arrive at the pitches.
Site type
1
20Opens 1 September
Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.- No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
- This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
- No gas barbecues allowed.
- No charcoal barbecues allowed.
- No electric barbecues allowed.
- Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
- There are no bins onsite: all rubbish will need to be taken home with you.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Mon, 1 Sept 2025 to
Pitch types & availability
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Features
No dogs allowed
Campfires allowed
Leisure on site
Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis WatersportsAmenities on site
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed No dogs allowed No pets allowedThemes
Forest Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild campingUtilities
Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearbyType
Small (11-25 pitches)Accessibility
Accessible parking at pitch Level site, no steep slopes Pitch close to accessible bathroomsNearby leisure
Climbing nearby Fishing nearbyLocation
Cedar Retreat
Aberdare National Park
Northern Aberdares
Shamata
Ndaragwa
Kenya
20306
Directions Timezone
Africa/Nairobi +0300 (GMT+03:00)
GPS
0.09656°S
36.51739°E
Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.
Local attractions
Birdwatching your thing? Aberdare National Park is home to around 290 bird species, including hawk eagles, harriers and the rather exotically named golden-winged sunbird. There are endemic birds too – if you’re patient, the bright plumage of the Hartlaub’s turaco is quite a treat to see. When you have bigger wildlife in your sights, you can book game safaris deep into the protected park to see (hopefully) hyenas, rhinos and very rare black leopards.
The northern moorlands offer fine wilderness trekking too, accessed from the Twin Rocks Parking Area (15 minutes’ drive). The craggy Dragon’s Teeth and Twin Peaks rocky outcrops make great day hikes, and if you’re a proficient technical climber, there’s a bolt route set into the sides of the latter.
When that sounds a bit too hardcore, you can take a guided walk through the cedar forest encircling the site; there are tumbling waterfalls with plunge pools at their base for wild swimming adventures, and you’re almost guaranteed to see monkeys moving through the tree canopy.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does Cedar Retreat have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is Cedar Retreat dog friendly? No View all features
- What attractions are near Cedar Retreat? Birdwatching your thing? Aberdare National Park is home to around 290 bird species, including hawk eagles, harriers and the rather exotically named golden-winged sunbird. There are endemic birds too – if you’re … Read more
- When can I check in and check out of Cedar Retreat?
Read moreCamping and touring Arrive: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Depart by: 12 p.m. - How much does it cost to stay at Cedar Retreat? From £47.50 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.