From its vital catchment area the Aberdare Rainforest feeds the entire local area and Nairobi water supply. Above the forest is a belt of bamboo a favourite haunt of the Bongo, a rare and elusive forest antelope. Other features are the giant alpine varieties of lobelia, groundsel and heather. It is ideal for walking, picnics, camping and trout fishing in rivers. The moorlands are reminiscent of the European highlands.
Animals abound in the forest.
They include elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog and Kenya's indigenous and endangered Black Rhino. The entire forest is being fenced off to protect farmers from animal raids and create a rhino and forest sanctuary. The Rhino Ark trust organises fund-raising events to build this fence. Rare sightings have also been made of the Golden Cat. Bird-viewing is a big attraction with more than 250 species recorded including Jackson's Francolin, sparrow hawk, African goshawk, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.