CENTRAL KENYA

Central Kenya is located north of Nairobi, reaching out to Mt Kenya and including important towns such as Thika and Nyeri.

It offers High altitude, refreshing hill walks through bird rich areas or more active hikes into montane forests.Stunning views of rolling hills carpeted with all manner of cultivated vegetation, attest to the deeply ingrained agricultural culture in this region. The diverse ecosystems within the central region mean that the terrain caters for a large variety of crops, coffee, tea, maize, mangoes and even rice fields

Above all there is mighty Mt Kenya, whose slopes are the perfect trekking destination. The mountain’s alpine peak is a challenging technical summit for the experienced mountaineer

Where to visit

Mt Kenya

Africa’s second highest peak is a majestic monolith regarded as the sacred realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people, and home to one of the planet’s rarest sights, Equatorial Snow.For those who wish to savour the mountain air, the glorious views and the peace and tranquillity which emanate from the mountain, there are many hotels around the foothills.Scaling the mountain’s heights is a feat that takes plenty of perseverance. Many visitors have explored the moor lands of the mountain and go hiking around the mountain to enjoy its breathtaking vistas. It is very important that mountain climbers undergo acclimatisation for a few days before proceeding to scale the mountain to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. The best months for climbing are January, February, August and September

Mount Kenya National Reserve. For those who are not content to simply enjoy the view of the mountain from the foot hills, a 5199 metre climb will get you to the top of Mt Kenya. It is the highest mountain in Kenya Wildlife within the forests below the Mt Kenya National Park boundary includes elephant, buffalo, lion, several species of antelope including the rare bongo and the occasional leopard

Abadere ranges best known for being the home of the famous Treetops hotel. It was where on the passing of her father in 1952; Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England.The Aberdares forest is rich in wildlife such as elephant and rhino, warthog, bush pig and giant forest hog, water buck, duiker, suni, dikdik, reedbuck and the shy and very rare bongo. This is also home to masses of dazzling birdlife. The highest point of the range is ol Doinyo satima (the mountain of the young bull in Maa the language of the Maasai), which reaches 3998 metres. The wonders that lay between the Aberdares National Park and the magnificent snow-capped Mt Kenya are still something of a secret, with much that is still undiscovered by tourists.

Nanyuki is the equator town which also serves as a popular base for people climbing Mt. Kenya. The equator splits Kenya into two almost equal parts. To the north it is hot and the area receives little rain and to the south there are three meteorological zones; humid, temperate and tropical. At the equator you will receive a demonstration showing how water drains from a bath in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction North or south of the Equator.

Kiamaina Farm is situated on the slopes of Mount Kenya, and showcases traditional organic farming. In addition to coffee husbandry there is also bee-keeping, poultry, dairy and horticulture and examples of mixed crop management.

Nearby is Karatina Market, the second largest open-air market in Africa. Excursions to cultural centres and fishing trips to River Likii can be arranged from hotels and lodges in the area.

Thomson’s Falls is at the northern foot of the Aberdare range situated at 7,800 feet. Thomson’s fall was discovered in 1883 by Joseph Thomson, a scottish geologist and naturalist. The Ewaso Narok River drops a sheer 243 feet over a ledge of volcanic rock, to create these magnificent falls. Most activities in this area focus around the water falls. A nature trail at the base of the falls and through the gorge is a safe haven for the endangered Colubus monkeys, baboons and small animals. This is a popular location for high altitude training used by Kenya’s renowned international athletes.