Here is a list of the best places to visit in Makueni County: Makueni County derives its name from the Akamba word ‘kuweni’ which means ‘to settle.’ This county is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the Nthangu and Kivandini Hills around Wote to the Nzaui Hills in Kalamba and the most prominent mountain in the county, the Chyulu Hills, there’s plenty to explore.
Located between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, Makueni County is perfect for adventure seekers who love to connect with nature. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure, you’ll find plenty of options in Makueni County’s recreational spots.
Best Places To Visit In Makueni County
1. Wote Green Public Park
Wote Green Park offers an atmosphere for recreation. The park also has an amphitheatre, a children’s play area, a podium, a photo shoot zone, eateries, and a tech & innovation hub.
The facility provides guests with a rich history of the Akamba community through profiled icons of some of its legends. Some statues of iconic Kamba legends at Wote Green Park include those of Syokimau, John Samuel Mbiti, and Ndutu wa Kilungu. The park also has free wifi.
2. Sikh Temple, Makindu
This is a good stopover for travellers going from Nairobi to Mombasa. They always have something for the tired to eat for free, as long as they don’t waste food. It was built in 1926 by the Sikhs, who were working on constructing the railway line from the coast (Mombasa) to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda.
3. Makongo Viewpoint
Located on the Wote-Machakos road. A breathtaking meandering road drifts your eyes towards the lush green hills of Mbooni and Kilungu and down the valleys of Makongo. One can Stopover for a meal or drink, take a rest, and photos while enjoying the scenic views.
4. Mbooni Hills
The Mbooni Hills are located west of Kilyungi and southeast of Kikima, near Kikima Dam. With an elevation of 1,932 metres, it is an excellent place for hiking and offers a stunning view of Makueni’s landscapes from the summit. Additionally, the Mbooni Forest covers the hills, providing a haven for various birdlife that can be spotted while birdwatching.
5. Mbui Nzau Hills
The spectacular Mbui Nzau hills are located about 5 kilometres from the Kibwezi junction, along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. Locals claim that a white goat, “Mbui Nzau,” used to appear on top of the hills very early in the morning, just before the arrival of missionaries. It is a perfect hiking destination and sightseeing spot. Standing on the big rocks is also a breathtaking experience. It’s also considered a sacred site where the Akamba used to pray and offer sacrifices.
6. Kenya’s first AIC Missionary Church
The First Ever Africa Inland Mission (AIM) Church in Africa, The precursor of the AIC and resting ground of the Fore Founder, Peter Cameron Scott The Africa Inland Mission (AIM), the precursor of the AIC, was first established at Kalamba by Peter Cameron Scott, a Scottish-American evangelist, in 1895. Today, his remains lie metres away from a church built in 1932. The church, which was built on a rock, is still intact, and when in Kalamba, you can visit both the church and the grounds where former founder Peter Cameron was buried. The grave is part of a cultural centre built by Makueni County to keep AIC’s history alive.
Entrance fee: Citizen| Adult: KES 100, Child (below 16): KES 50
Res of East Africa| Adult: KES 400, Child (below 16): KES 200
Non-Residents | Adult: KES 500, Child (below 16): 250
7. Kilima Kiu Manor
It is a boutique country home nestled in the serene Malili area, on the foot of Kilima Kiu Hill. Kilima Kiu means ‘that hill’ and the destination offers the chance to take nature walks, bird-watching adventures, camping, biking, and hiking during your stay at the manor. The manor was constructed by Sir Frank Joyce, who arrived in Kenya in 1911. Since then, it has changed owners but still maintains its serene environment and luxurious accommodations.
Kilima Kiu Manor features a state-of-the-art restaurant that serves sumptuous meals, a modern swimming pool, and top-notch event facilities.
8. Peterson Camp Ruins
Peterson Camp Ruins are situated in Mtito Andei, off the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. They are also known as ‘Ikulu’, which means State House in Swahili. The house used to serve as a resting place for former President Jomo Kenyatta while travelling to and from the lower parts of the former Eastern Province. Today, it is a historical site that attracts many tourists.
9. Akamba Cultural Centre & Musuem
This is a place to learn about the Kamba tribe and traditions. When visiting the grounds, you can get to see the traditional housing, which you can also book to stay and camp in. It has various relaxing spots with nice gazebos and tree shades. The centre also brews the traditional Kamba alcoholic drink, locally known as kaluvu, which is made of fermented sugarcane. They make it with a traditional grinder, and if you wish to learn how to do so, you can participate in the making of the brew. It is a place where they have reserved the history and culture of the place, and the staff educate and inform guests while they are shown around. For corporations looking for a different venue to meet, part of their garden grounds can be used for team-building retreat sessions.
Entrance fee: Citizen| Adult: KES 500 | Students: KES 200 | Child (below 16): KES 50
Resident of East Africa| Adult: KES 1,500 | Students: KES 600 | Child (below 16): KES 400
Non-Residents | Adult: KES 2,000 | Students: KES 1,500 | Child (below 16): 1,200
10. Kivungoni Springs
Kivungoni Springs is a reservoir found in Muatini village, 3 km off the Kibwezi-Kitui road. The spring is a unique phenomenon in Kibwezi because the area is predominantly semi-arid. Kivungoni Springs and its surrounding area provide a unique opportunity for scenic nature walks, boat rides, and fishing.
11. Campi Ya Kanzi
It is an exquisite eco-tourism lodge situated at the foot of the legendary Chyulu Hills. It offers a combination of 5-star luxury, first-class wilderness adventure and memorable wildlife encounters.
12. Tsavo West National Park
Established in April 1948, the park is popularly known for the man-eating lions that killed hundreds during the construction of the Railway line in the colonial era. It is the second-largest national park in Kenya, covering an area of 9,065 square kilometres.
The park holds up to 50 million gallons of water, that gushes out from the parched lava rocks. Tsavo West is home to the big five and can be accessed through the Mtito Andei gate along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.
13. Chyulu Hills National Park
The park, commonly referred to as the Green Hills of Africa, spans over 741 square kilometres. It boasts picturesque rolling hills that are covered in lush greenery, breathtaking caves and diverse wildlife, including elephants, bushbucks, buffalos, elands, leopards, bush pigs, giraffes, giant forest hogs and over 100 different species of birds. The park provides excellent opportunities for camping, game viewing, bird-watching, mountain climbing and horseback riding.
14. Umani Springs
There are freshwater springs in the middle of the Kibwezi forest, from which you can drink. These springs are surrounded by a small body of water, where you might sometimes see crocodiles and turtles. However, as you walk towards the springs, you may encounter snakes such as rock pythons, monkeys and elephants. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a guide with you at all times for your safety.
15. Mbui Nzau Handicraft Centre
The Handicraft Centre is located in Makindu. When you visit the centre, you can witness the local artisans at work in their workshops, where they create a variety of wooden masks, cutlery, jewellery, carvings, and artefacts that are available for purchase. This is an excellent place to buy souvenirs to take home with you as a memory of your visit to Makueni.
16. Ka Kindui Falls
Ka Kinui Falls is situated on the Ka Kindui River on Kilome Hills, approximately 100 km from Nairobi. The waterfall boasts five different waterfalls and a thrilling hiking path to view all of them. The hike starts with a 15-meter fall, followed by a 10-meter fall, then the ‘Dare Devils’ waterfall, which is a 30-meter vertical fall, followed by two other similar falls. It is an exhilarating experience that you don’t want to miss.
