Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kirinyaga County. Kirinyaga has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, rising from the endless patches of green fields abounding with produce. An impressive 350.7 km2 of indigenous forests, wooded hillocks, steep valleys crossed by big rivers, and a wide variety of wildlife, a haven for nature lovers.
Some of the best tea, coffee, and aromatic rice in the world are grown here. Adventure sports along the Sagana River have become a budding tourist epicentre, attracting adventure lovers from far and wide to take part in its adrenaline-rushing activities ranging from, water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and many more. This, coupled with its warm, friendly, and welcoming people, makes Kirinyaga a great tourist destination, for both local and international tourists.
Best Places To Visit In Kirinyaga County
1. Ndaraca ya Ngai (God’s Bridge)
Located along the Nairobi-Embu highway, the cave has two openings. It also straddles River Nyamindi at Mururi. This is a place that is full of marvels and wonders. It is a natural bride and as locals say, it is only God who could have built it. The bridge is about 15 feet thick, with a rock cluster and shale so tight and intricate that one gets the impression that no human hands or his machines could have welded together. It is one big slab or a giant ore.
When you walk under the bridge, you are amazed by the beautiful rock carvings and the calmness of the river crossing on its way to the Indian Ocean. It is said that one is required not to disturb this beauty and natural phenomenon, as it may bring bad luck and mystery when you pluck the small rocks or stones. The place becomes great when you find resident boys diving in the bone-chilling cold waters and they swim by the flow of the mighty river.
Before the catlike animals took up ownership of the quarters, the caves were a safe hideout for Mau Mau fighters during the struggle for independence. Also, maybe fittingly, the area served as a shrine where elders sought divine intercession when the skies failed to shed rain or an ill wind swept across the land, the blue smoke of the veal of unblemished lamb wafting up, beyond the bridge, and into Ngai’s living room.
It is located in Kirinyaga County, a place called Kathiri. Kathiri is named after Kathiri Falls. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Kerugoya Town and a 2-hour drive from Nairobi. Outdoorman Cabins, commonly referred to as The Kenyan Bali owing to the swing by the waterfall, is a very beautiful privately owned picnic site surrounded by tea plantations, a forest, and waterfalls (gicheru, ìtìrìre, and kathiri falls). This makes it such a cool place to reset and refresh yourself in the cool waterfalls.
There are lots of activities you can do; a short waterfall chase of about 4 kilometres through a tea farm, rustic swings, volleyball, swimming, or even football. You can also hike into the forest and do a bunch of other fun activities like colour splash games and fishing. Cooking around the facility is allowed. So, you can prepare your meals as you enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls and the sound of the birds.
There is also a camping option; glamping. One tent can hold a maximum of two people. The beds in the tents are comfortable and very clean. The camping spots are available next to the waterfall. The sound of the waterfall makes one sleep like a baby. Looking straight from the tents is the sight of the waterfall, a stunning view of Mount Kenya, and the beauty of the forest.
3. The Castle Lodge, Mt Kenya Forest
This is the ideal place for me time and picnic getaway. This breathtaking castle is located deep in the thick forest on the slopes to the south of Mt Kenya. It provides a fabulous view of the valley on one side of the lodge and the snowy peak of the mountain. If you are up for a walk across the forest, the lodge offers trained guides who may let you in on the secrets of the forest.
The lodge is home to about 175 species of birds, so carry your binoculars and get ready to capture some rare and colourful birds. Other activities at the lodge include horseback riding, swimming, trout fishing, and a glance at the great African elephant, among other mammals. another interesting fact about the lodge is the legend that the late Queen Elizabeth and President Jomo Kenyatta visited the lodge while they were still students. The main house was built in 1910 with river stones before it was renovated in 2000 to accommodate at least 30 guests.
4. Sagana Canyons
Canyons form naturally when water breaks through resistant rocks. This particular one is near Lake Sagana and is a breathtaking sight to behold. Hiking expeditions are possible in the area, and once at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the rolling Kiamuti and Kiambicho hills. The Sagana River can also be seen from here. The entire environment is a spectacular combination of nature that will please any nature lover. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. While you’re at it, be cautious because the terrain becomes rough and the cliff has jagged edges; one minor misstep could prove fatal.
Jangwani Camp is a hidden paradise found within the rifts of Murang’a County. The scenery is breathtaking and takes you back to when you first set eyes upon it, endowed with an enormity of attractions and fun-filled, thrilling activities. The entrance of the camp is sheltered by a waterfall that flows gently over the Sagana River on the unique rock formations, bringing one to a place of peace and tranquillity with the surroundings. The feel of cool, fresh air and magnificent views is quite relaxing and refreshing with the onrush of scenery—air, waterfalls, vegetation, and people.
The unique activity to indulge in is camping and picnics around the lake’s grounds, which are popular for holding barbecue parties, team-building activities, outdoor events, bonfires, and private parties. The breathtaking waterfall’s soothing sound is nature’s ultimate lullaby as the water falls into the lake throughout the camp.
6. Savage Wilderness
Savage Wilderness is one of many places to visit for an exhilarating experience. You can tell from the name that your experience will be nothing short of wild. This luxurious location in Sagana town offers a variety of activities at reasonable prices. If you want to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of nature, this is the place to be. You could try rafting, boat riding, kayaking, or even swimming.
Bike through the vast surroundings and enjoy the sensation of being young again. Zip-lining is highly recommended for adrenaline junkies, and you will leave feeling rejuvenated and awakened. If you want to be physically active, go rock climbing or hiking to get an unbeatable view of the breathtaking Kirinyaga and beyond. If you’re lucky, you might come across the annual Tana River Festival, which takes place at Savage Wilderness to celebrate cultural diversity.
7. Mount Kenya
Those who love the adventure of mountain climbing can climb Mt. Kenya through the exploratory Kamweti route, leading them through old elephant pathways through dense rain and bamboo forests. Elephants roam freely around the lodge compound long into the night. Locals have it that the father of the universe created the mountain as a final resting place for people, proving his power to perform miracles, and named it Kiri Nyaga. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Maasai lived on the plateau between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, where they worshipped Nkai, the goddess of rain and good weather.
They named the mountain Ol-Donyo-Eibor, which means “white mountain”. The Meru, who live in the northeastern part of the mountain, believe humans came into being on the mountain. The current name of the mountain is derived from Kiri-Nyaga, the name given by the Kikuyu to the mountain and the country. Later on, this became Ke-e-nya-a and is currently Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, with a height of 5,199 metres, and the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. In the beginning, the mountain is suspected to have been probably more than 6,000 metres high. Powerful eroding by main ice has resulted in a number of peaks, U-shape valleys, and small mountain lakes.
8. Rapid Camp
Rapids Camp is located on Makutano Sagana Road, Riandira, Sagana. Rapids Camp is the ultimate rafting centre and team-building site in Kenya. Its proximity to the city of Nairobi and the Thika Super highway makes it very easy to access. Sagana River and Thangazi Village are close to the camp. The camp enjoys a riverfront of about 450 metres and is the largest waterfall in terms of volume in Kenya.
The entrance to the Camp was very unrevealing of the activities that take place there, but once you walk to a wooden bridge just above the waterfalls, a sudden gush of excitement and energy takes over just at the sound of the water below. The white waters sped between the rocky river bed and rolled sharply on the numerous cliffs along its path, which was amazing.
Rapids Camp Sagana Kenya activities include; whitewater rafting, kayaking, river trekking, bungee jumping, bird watching, sport fishing, rock climbing, stargazing, boating, and waterfall challenges. The camp also offers corporate team building, family team building, holiday team building, birthday parties, corporate functions, and end-of-year parties.
9. Thingira Cultural Village
This village, comprised of clusters of thatched mud huts, was created to provide the cultural experience of Mount Kenya residents to tourists. From the food to the dressing and accommodation, you will experience how people from Mt. Kenya lived before the colonial era. It also offers a game drive to Mwea National Park, nature walks and trailing, boat riding, agro-tours, and bird watching, among many other activities. Some of the delicacies served include mukimo, muthokoi, and fermented porridge, among others.
10. Mwea Irrigation Scheme
The Mwea irrigation scheme was established in 1956 by the colonial government on 30,350 acres in the Mwea constituency of present-day Kirinyaga County. The main rice variety grown in the scheme for commercial purposes is basmati 370, locally known as pishori, which takes up to 99% of the rice grown. The other 1% consists of BW and IR. The scheme sources its irrigation water from the rivers Thiba and Nyamindi. There are 7,022 rice farmers. Many farmers apply the mechanisation method while harvesting their produce.
11. Rwamuthambi Falls
Rwamuthambi is a 15-meter fall with unique rock formations that make it a sight to behold. It has a cave structure under the waterfall, providing a rare opportunity to explore behind the falls.
12. Castle Falls
Located deep inside the Mt. Kenya forest, Castle Falls are the perfect reward for the 3-kilometre excursion into the forest. They are a magnificent sight, flowing with clear water straight from the glaciers of Mt. Kenya
13. Mwea National Reserve
The Mwea National Reserve is located within the Mbeere District, in Kirinyaga County. The savannah ecosystem comprises small hills with bushy vegetation and scattered large trees. Other areas are open grasslands, while large trees with thick undergrowth are found along the main rivers. Trees mainly found within the ecosystem are the different Acacia species and baobab trees. The ecosystem’s main features are the meeting point of rivers Tana and Thiba, Kamburu, and Masinga hydroelectric dams, which harbour a variety of biodiversity.
Major wildlife attractions include the elephants, Rothschild giraffes, common zebras, lesser kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala, vervet monkeys, ardvark, yellow baboons, Grant’s gazelle, dik-dik, cape hare, warthog, black-backed jackal, duiker, sykes monkeys, genet cat, slender mongoose, stripped ground squirrel, dwarf mongoose, crested porcupine, rock hyrax, Tree Hyrax, and tortoise. Hippos and crocodiles are also found in dams and rivers. Different birds and reptile species have been recorded in the reserve.
14. Gathiri Falls
Gathiri is a series of spectacular falls Located off the main road leading to Mt. Kenya forest. They form from the downward flow of the famous river Kiringa.
15. Mukengeria Falls
Located off the Gakoigo-Kabare road, Mukengeria is a beautiful waterfall. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. It has a hard water spring, a rare gem, that you can still find culturally significant “Munyu”.
16. Kangere Falls
Tucked away in the forest is Kangere Falls, a majestic waterfall also forming from the southward flow of the famous river Kiringa. Getting there involves a short off-road drive and a short hike.
17. Gatitika Falls
The little-known Gatitika Falls is an undiscovered gem. The twin falls form in the middle of farmlands with a lush rice field landscape. They are separated by a jumbo bump on the lofty rock outcrop, over which they tumble, making them a breathtaking sight.
18. Thiba Falls
Located in Kutus town, Thiba Falls is a beauty to behold. It is perfect for a quick pit stop on your way across Kirinyaga due to easy access. It is surrounded by a lush garden, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
19. Karumandi Falls
Located deep inside Gichugu are the splendid Karumandi Falls. It’s right by the roadside, making it very easy to access. It is a perfect spot for a picnic, photo shoot, or camping.
