List Of Best Places To Visit In Kikuyu Town

In this article, we will discuss the best places to visit in Kikuyu Town. Kikuyu town, which is a municipality in Kiambu County is only 20 minutes from Nairobi CBD and is accessible either through the Southern Bypass or Waiyaki Way. Kikuyu town is breathtaking. It’s also the only town that the Southern bypass passes through, thus connecting Mombasa to Nairobi. The streets are stunning, and the air is clean. 

Kikuyu town is named after its majority ethnic group. In the colonial days, it was known as Fort Smith, and there’s a whole history surrounding that name. Here is a list of the Best Places to Visit in Kikuyu Town

Best Places To Visit In Kikuyu Town

1. Church of the Torch

It is one of the most exquisite places of worship in East Africa. The Church of Torch was the brainchild of Scottish architect Bernard Gaymer. It was built in a neo-gothic style between 1928 and 1933 due to the rapid growth of Christian converts. For a long period, the church had no windows or doors aside from the six controversial stained glass windows that elders in the church termed as having satanic symbolism. It’s said that locals would contribute Ksh 3 to Ksh 10, eventually contributing a whopping Ksh 700,000 to see the church stand. The church was gazetted as a national monument on April 11th, 2008.

Now still standing with little to no renovations, the building sits on well-manicured lawns and competes with modern-day architectural designs just fine. There is a lot to marvel at in this ancient structure. When you visit it, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, when the church was brand new and the faithful began flocking in on chilly Sunday mornings.

2. Nachu Caves

Famously known as Nachu Caves Located in the Gatune Hills. The caves are rocky and slippery. Fun fact: they take the shape of the horn of Africa. Inside these caves are remnants of ash and the names of people scribbled on them. The path to get here shifts from mud, bush, and shrubs to grazing fields as the Ngong Hills come into clear view. This short and sweet adventure requires crawling on fours when descending with a touch of balance. Ngurunga cia Njangiri is translated from Kikuyu, meaning thugs caves.

3. Ondiri Swamp

This wetland, sitting 2,200 metres above sea level, is under rehabilitation by the Friends of Ondiri, a grass-roots community that took it upon themselves to save it from wanton dumping of waste by locals and companies. Their efforts seem to be bearing fruit. If you have time, you can make your way up to the offices and get to know how to reduce your carbon footprint by planting a tree.

4. Goshen Restaurant Retreat

Goshen Restaurant and Retreat Center provides a much-needed escape from the city. It is owned by missionaries who have preserved its original design. The wooden structure is decorated by indigenous timber beams that crisscross each other, while the entire structure is held up by metal rods. One will especially appreciate the color painted on it, as it synchronizes with the environment, enticing feelings of peace and calm. Goshen Restaurant Retreat was previously known as Banguru, as the locals found it difficult to say bungalow. The guest rooms are named after their old occupants, Thomas Watson and John William.

5. 254 Brewing Company

The 254 Brewing Co is a must-visit place in Kikuyu town. It is the newest craft brewery in Kenya and is known for its unfiltered, unpasteurized craft beer. You can easily locate the brewery by searching for “254 Brewing Co” on Google Maps. It is located in Levilla Gardens, Kikuyu, which is just five minutes away from the town centre. By visiting the 254 Brewing Company, you can try out their handcrafted beers in their 254 Tap Room. 

The bartenders at 254 Brewing Co are very welcoming and will introduce themselves as soon as you sit. They will also walk you through the menu and give you recommendations on their signature beers. They have a wide variety of craft beers, including Niaje?, Mura Tatu, Cliff Hanger, Karibrew, Ni How, Sand Trap, Golden Rump, Maxwell House, and the 254 Brewing Co. One must try their newest addition, Maxwell’s House.

If you are a new visitor, you can opt for their flight option, which allows you to sample any five beers for a fixed price of Kshs 650 during regular hours and Kshs 500 during happy hour. During happy hour, all beers are Ksh 200, cocktails are Ksh 700, and flights are Ksh 500. This is especially beneficial for new visitors who want to try different beers before deciding on their favorite. While you wait for your honey-glazed pork ribs and potato wedges to be prepared, you will order one of their signature beers and enjoy the cozy environment.

You also get to enjoy beer-infused foods, gin cocktails, Booch raw kombucha, and free sparkling water.

Taproom Hours

Tuesday-Thursday: 11 am–11 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 11am– 1am

Sunday & Public Holidays: 11 am– 11 pm

6. 902 Street Art Hub

Beautiful space for artists in general. The graffiti and artwork make it stand out. A must-visit when in Kikuyu The street art hub is curated by Wangai and Wanjuhi Advocates, and the pair intend to offer artists a space to do their work and market it. They also offer creative legal advice on intellectual law. They host open mic sessions on Fridays and have art classes too.

7. Leilani Gardens

Leilani Gardens is a hidden gem and an ideal location for your next family picnic, kids’ day out, or birthday party. The Garden is located on the outskirts of Nairobi, in Kikuyu Township. Your children will be awestruck by the expansive, ever-green grounds where they can play soccer, fly a kite, do cartwheels, or simply roll around on the green grass. The best part is the awesome kids’ playground, which includes a jungle gym, trampoline, awesome swings, and tons of toys to keep your little angels entertained.

Advanced booking is recommended. Call 0720 093143 to make reservations. The entry fee is Ksh 200 for both adults and children.

8. Bistro’t Bistro Cafe

It’s a rustic cafe in Kikuyu town that was formerly known as Crave Kitchen. The current management has increased the seating capacity, and there is more outdoor seating (Nice and simple). More menu items, such as mbuzi choma, were added. Many plants have been added, particularly around the outdoor seating area; there are also mini vegetable gardens.

The food is tasty and reasonably priced. The service is quick and friendly. There is no parking; if you must drive, park at the railways or nearby streets for a fee of Ksh 100. It is suitable for children and families. Wheelchair accessibility is available, with a ramp at the front door. You’ll have to either have cash or pay via an M-PESA paybill. You can’t pay by card.

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