This is a list of the best places to visit in Murang’a County. It is interesting to know that the origin of the Agikuyu community (Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga) can be traced back to Murang’a. This is a sacred place for the Agikuyu community.
Gikuyu, his wife Mumbi, and their nine daughters lived in Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga before spreading out in Central Kenya, but this is a story for another day. Murang’a County is a beautiful highland with an amazing landscape and is home to several historically significant tourist attractions.
Best Places To Visit In Murang’a County
1. Mathioya River
Located in the Mathioya constituency, the Mathioya River has some of the most volatile currents that make it perfect for adventurous activities such as swimming, rafting, or kayaking. However, cruising the river can be a challenging task, particularly for beginners. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include an experienced guide in your expeditions to avoid any accidents, which can be quite fatal.
If you are not interested in indulging in any activity, you can still enjoy the view of the river, watch the currents pass by, and marvel at the beauty of the surrounding greenery. The place is serene, and the only sound you can hear is the swirling of the currents. It is an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind while enjoying the tranquillity of the place.
2. Rapids Camp Sagana
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. The 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 is 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, among others. The camp also offers corporate team building, family team building, holiday team building, birthday parties, corporate functions, and end-of-year parties.
3. Kimakia Fishing Grounds
If you find yourself in Muranga, be sure to check out the Kimakia fishing grounds. The locals highly recommend it, as it is the perfect spot to catch some fresh fish straight from the clean waters. The fishing grounds are located in Kimakia Forest, which is a protected conservation area within Aberdare National Park.
This location is well-known throughout Muranga and the entire central region. Fishing rods are available for rent, and you can choose to fish on your own or ask the experienced guards to help you. They have the skills to catch the biggest fish, whether it’s tilapia or Nile perch. You can even have your meal cooked to your liking while enjoying a wide array of accompaniments to choose from.
4. Karia Ka Mbari ya Ngware
The rich history of the Agikuyu tribe extends beyond the Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga Shrine. It is redefined at the Karia Ka Mbare ya Ngware site, which contains various artefacts that showcase the Agikuyu culture. These artefacts range from female ornaments to male traditional garments, each of which has its own significance and purpose.
It is fascinating to learn about the different attire worn on various occasions and how each one represents something different from the other. The Agikuyu elders visit this site regularly to preserve their culture, which is at risk of fading due to the increasing influence of other cultures from around the world. They offer sacrifices to appease their ancestors and make prayers at the site. You will be amazed at how well-preserved the place is, having stood the test of time.
5. Tuthu Catholic Mausoleum
The Tuthu Shrine is located at Our Lady Consolata Catholic Church, Tuthu Parish, which is under the Catholic Diocese of Muranga. The church was established in 1902 by the Consolata missionaries and was the first Catholic church in the area. It is situated in Tuthu town, which is in Kangema Constituency, Muranga County.
Tuthu Catholic Church also houses the mausoleum of Paramount Chief Karuri Gakure, who welcomed the missionaries to Tuthu and assigned them a compound to stay in and to conduct their first Mass, which was under a Mugumo tree.
The Mugumo tree is a sacred tree among the Kikuyus and was a place to offer sacrifices. It is symbolic that the missionaries did their first mass under a sacred tree where other sacrifices had been offered. Today, a modern shrine has been built in the shape of a cut tree trunk that is going to grow into a tree, symbolising faith.
You could either make a stopover at the place for religious purposes, say a prayer, or do it for historical purposes and get acquainted with the history of the place and how it came to be. The church is also very strategically located, so it’s easy to catch a picturesque view of the vast green land of Muranga County.
6. Muchiri’s Resort
Muchiri’s Resort is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a peaceful haven to enjoy a picnic with family and friends or engage in team-building activities. Located a few kilometres off the Gatanga-Ndakaini road, this spacious resort will give you a luxurious experience as soon as you enter.
At Muchiri’s Resort, you can spend quality time with your loved ones, bonding over a quiet meal, while enjoying the tranquil surroundings and the sweet melody of chirping birds. The resort also boasts a nature trail, where you can take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside, forgetting the stresses of everyday life.
Accommodation is not a concern, as camping is allowed on the premises. Just bring along your own sleeping bag and bedding, and you’re all set. You can also rest assured that security is ample.
7. Aberdare Cottages
It is one of the finest destinations in Murang’a County. The luxury cottages are strategically located to give visitors a stunning view of the entire Muranga region.
Not only do they have mountain bikes for hire at a small fee, but you can also engage in some fishing activities. There’s a nature trail where you can go bike racing with a friend, enjoying the crisp air and gazing at the green vegetation.
There’s an artificial dam where you can engage in water activities such as boat riding, rafting and fishing. The fun doesn’t end there, as the chefs here don’t disappoint. The best local cuisines will have you savouring your taste buds. Accommodation is granted as well, and the cottages are something to contend with, offering complete comfort and luxury.
8. The Ndakaini Dam
The dam is owned by Athi Water Services and operated by the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company. The dam’s construction started in 1988, when the Kenyan government compulsorily acquired approximately 1,200 acres of land to create space for the construction of the dam to supply potable water to the residents of Nairobi City and its environs. Ndakaini Dam is located in Gatanga Constituency, Muranga county. It is home to the Ndakaini Half Marathon, which was introduced in 2004 and is held every year to support local talent and upcoming athletes.
9. Sagana Getaway Resort
This is a popular luxury hotel located in Makuyu, Murang’a County. Sagana Getaway Resort offers several accommodation options, including family suites, deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and executive suites that cater to varying budgets. The rooms are well-furnished and provide comfort and luxury.
The resort also features a swimming pool, bar/lounge, conference facilities and an onsite restaurant that serves local and international dishes. If you’re bringing your kids along, the resort has a playground park with swings, slides, and trampolines to keep them entertained and burn off some energy.
10. Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga Shrine
It is a mythical ‘Garden of Eden’ for the Agikuyu community, believed to be the origin and home to Agikuyu ancestors (Gikuyu and Mumbi). It is now a museum managed by the County Government of Muranga in conjunction with the Kenyatta University Anthropology Department.
You can visit the place to learn more about the Kikuyu culture and also have a glimpse of their traditional artefacts. It showcases various traditional artefacts as well as the rich history of the Agikuyu traditions and cultural practices.
11. Stanley’s Haven
Stanley’s Haven; is a holiday resort tucked neatly in the leafy suburbs of Murang’a County in Mukuyu. It is an ideal destination for weekend getaways, swimming adventures, and team-building activities. It also offers an executive and private guesthouse experience.
12. Monkey Bay Resort
It is located along Murang’a Sagana Road, a 20-minute drive from Murang’a Town and about one hour or less from Nairobi. If coming from Sagana, it’s a short distance after the Nokras Riverline.
The resort is located on the shores of the River Mathioya, and sitting on this breezy spot, the sound of water flowing and slapping the shores is everything that aids in connecting with nature. The food (fish and chicken) is prepared the kienyeji and retains the natural finger-licking taste
Monkey Bay is a bonding base. You’ll love the camping pods that allow you to bond and have that adventurous night with loved ones, Enjoy the bonfire at the resort.
Day activities include; cycling, rafting, and hiking on the Gaturi Rocks, and should you need a team-building session, the team is ready and up to that. You can make bookings for all your events on their vast and accommodating grounds and enjoy some amazing scenery.
13. Sagana Canyons
Sagana is a region of Murang’a County known for its stunning natural beauty. You are probably aware that Sagana offers rafting, boat riding, and bungee jumping. What you may not be aware of is that Sagana has some very scenic and amazing gorges that are close to most other tourist attractions.
The breathtaking Sagana Canyons were formed after the 1997 El Niño rains. The cliffs were formed by the constant movement of water between rocks, resulting in perfect art. To get to the Sagana Canyons, take the Rapids Camp turn and drive for about 1.2 kilometres, just past the railway line, until you see the Sagana Canyon on your right.
This is the second canyon you will visit in Kenya, after Hell’s Kitchen, and it does not disappoint. A visit to the canyon can even be done as a day trip from Nairobi and other cities. There is no entrance fee, and there are no crowds. When visiting Sagana, make sure to visit the Sagana Canyon/gorges, which are very Instagrammable.
Accommodation in Muranga: Hotel Nokras, Stanleys Haven, Aberdare Cottages, Goshen Farm Hotel, Fortune Green Hotel, Monkey Bay Resort, Palms Hotel Kenol, Trotters Hotel Kenol, Murang’a Mukawa.
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