FIELD REPORT

Tourism sites in kirinyaga county

Richard miano

May-July 2021

Submitted by

Richard miano
Student Chuka university
Registration number-DB10/31912\17
tel-0702164834
 objectives of the field research

1. Identifying tourism sites and their location in the county

2. Identifying measures that can be used to develop the potential sites

3. Ways to market the sites

4. Identifying reasons why the site is not yet developed

5. Stakeholders and organisations in tourism

Rice paddies in Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Image Courtesy of Mak5 Resort

INTRODUCTION TO KIRINYAGA COUNTY

 Kirinyaga County is traditionally associated as the rice basket of Kenya and as a
gateway to Mount Kenya National Park. Most of its rice fields unfold behind the beautiful
mountain and enjoy wonderful landscapes. The rice fields have been a photographer’s
delight for ages. In more recent times, the addition of adventure sports along Sagana
River has become a budding epicenter of Kirinyaga County, where adventure-makers
come from far and wide to take in its dares specially of the water rafting exploit that
thrills and throws you in a panic at the same time.

By and large, Kirinyaga County is an agrarian county, which also grows some of the
top-tier coffee in Kenya. Emblematic of Central Kenya, it is an impressively verdant
country and much of its beauty arises from the endless patches of green fields
abounding with produce, its indigenous forests, its wooded hillocks and steep valleys,
which are crossed by big rivers. Within its overall slope are many stream and rivers
which all, lower down, converge into the mighty River Tana, which will eventually drains
into Indian Ocean after traversing almost 600 kms.

Although Kirinyaga County is only half the size of the adjoining Embu County, the two
have kindred similarities.  On the map, both resemble scalene triangles drawn with an
unsteady hand with their apex thrust into Mount Kenya and the imaginary triangles
incline moderately from apex to base. Kirinyaga County can be divided up into three
ecological zones – highland, midland and lowland. The highland region covers the
areas of Ndia, Gichugu and Mount Kenya National Park. The lowland, around Mwea, is
marked by gentle rolling plains, where rice is cutivated. The midland region includes
Ndia, Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central.

Salient Features of Kirinyaga County

 County Number 20
 Area – 1478 km2
 Altitude – 1151 to 5199 ms
 Major Towns – Kerugoya, Sagana, Kianyaga
 Borders – Embu, Muranga, Nyeri

Mount Kenya through the Kamweti Route in Gichugu Constituency

TOURISM SITES IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY

 1. Sagana Getaway Retreat

Sagana Getaway Retreat, the popular resort and conference centre, is set up on a
beautifully-appointed prominence overlooking the verdant countryside dotted with rolling
hills and plains, as far eye can see. It is also a well-sought weekend retreat reveled for
the romantic landscape hidden within the wooded landscape and with access to the
Tana River, which feeds its big dam. Travellers to Sagana Getaway Retreat can enjoy a
variety of suites – deluxe, triple, superior – all with exceptional views, seclusion and
state-of-the-art conveniences. There is a child-friendly play area and a beautiful pool.
This is located at Sagana off Nyeri Road.

2. Camp Malta

This is found along Nairobi-Nanyuki Road next-door to KenGen Tana Power Stations at
Makuyu, and shortly before the Tana River Bridge. There are several camping sites at
delightful spots along Tana River besides various trout fishing launches. There is a
central mess, toilet and shower facilities, and a communal bonfire is lit in the evening.
Additional firewood is available for those wishing to set small fires near their camps.
Those hiring tents need bedding, cooking and eating utensils and drinking water.
There’s no bar, eatery or shop, so campers should come fully supplied. There are a few
raised tented camps secluded by natural hedges. Camp Malta is in excellent
surrounding and on its fringes flows River Tana, where there are many options for
birding and exploration. It is also next-door to Tana Power Station where trippers can
hike up to learn about the eccentricities of hydro-electricity. It has varied facilities for
team building and group bonding activities.

3. Thingira Cultural Village

The multi-cultural Thingira Cultural Village, precisely depicting the traditional
life of communities living around Mount Kenya – Ameru, Aembu, Agikuyu and Akamba,
offers an edifying passage to the cultures of Central Kenya. Trippers to Thingira Cultural
Village get to learn on these cultures in guided walks around the homesteads, through
the traditional dances and traditional cuisine.  Unique to this centre is that trippers also
take part in the fast-disappearing Mwomboko Dance, which is the Agikuyu’s response to
the British fox-trot. Thingira is set on 20-acres bordered by River Tana that offers a
wondrous locus to explore. Then, there’s their African-inspired-design rooms – with a
modern interior. Some of the popular activities at Thingira Cultural Centre include
walking, birding and line fishing. It’s located along A2 Nairobi-Nanyuki Road at Sagana,
near Suntec.

4. Sagana Hotel

Envisioned to be one of the largest and convenient resorts in Kirinyaga County, the 4
star-rated Sagana Hotel at Sagana, with a surface area of 45,000 m2, will assuredly be
one of its most epic hotels.  Set up on 24-acres, on a hillside which offers outstanding
sweeping views, Sagana Hotel will be upon completion a big-wheel spot for Kirinyaga
County and for Central Kenya. Among the highlights at Sagana Hotel are canoeing,
boating, zip-lining over Tana River and the valley, camping, team building ventures,
amazing lawns with a recreational botanical garden, spacious swimming pools,
amphitheater and a modern wellness center.

5. Gatitika Falls
Kirinyaga has two principal lines of communication. The Nairobi-Nanyuki Road which
travels along the southwest quarter and the Embu-Meru Road which travels
northeasterly from the southwest corner to the eastern edge near Embu Town. 87 kms
from Naiorbi by way of the A2 Road you reach Makutano or the B6 Embu-Meru Road
and the easiest route to Gatitika Falls. The B6 Road is one three key road branching off
the A2 Road to interior of Kirinyaga County alongside C73 Sagana-Embu Road and the
C74 Karatina-Kutus-Embu Road. The pretty-as-a-picture Gatitika twin Falls, also locally-
known as Matiki Meri, along Thiba River in Kimbimbi, is an undiscovered gem of a
sparkle. The twin falls at Gatitika are separated by a jumbo bump on the lofty rock
outcrop over which they tumble. The adventure to the falls is no less impressive. This
begins with a tour along the ancient waterway farming canals, through farmlands and
the verdant landscape. The fact that Gatitika Falls are only little-known adds to their
charm too. On arrival, first-time trippers are dumbstruck with awe – equal parts for its
beauty and for the unfathomable fact that their reality is still under wraps. The area
around the falls has a natural clearing with wide lawns to rest and enjoy the sight. For
venture, there are a series of caves around the falls. All in all, Gatitika is lively, catchy
and reposeful. It’s found 24 kms from Makutano.

6. River Nyamindi

Kirinyaga County has six salient rivers – Sagana, Nyamindi, Thiba, Rupingazi, 
Rwamuthambi and Ragati – all draining into the River Tana. The fast-flowing Nyamindi
River is best seen along the Kamweti Route or en-route to the famous ‘God’s Bridge’. It
is, despite its torrent, a favored swimming spot by the locals as well as a growing rafting
exploit. Nyamindi River, flowing in the southern half of Kirinyaga County, is one of two
big rivers feeding River Tana from Mt Kenya, along with River Thiba. River Sagana has
its headwaters in the Aberdare Range.

7. Mwea Rice Plains

Most trippers take in sights of Mwea Rice Plains, either on their way to Embu or on their
way back to Nairobi. For those on their way to Nairobi, approaching it from the hilly and
rugged interior of Kirinyaga, the Mwea Rice Plains, described as ‘the rice basket’,
stands out in parched contrast. Shortly after leaving Mururu Centre along Embu-Nairobi
Road, the first views of it are indelibly pretty. Here, the terrain levels out into a flat sheet
of land. The 60 km2 Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme, which was instituted in 1953 by the
colonial government and handed over to National Board in 1963, is the country’s
biggest rice growing project. It covers the southern region of Kirinyaga County. These
paddies are sown during the rainy season and they are especially worth the visit
between April and June or between November and early December. In recent years, the
Mwea Classic Marathon, run in September, has become a popular way to explore these
plains.

8. God’s Bridge

Also known as the Ndaraca ya Ngai along the Nyamindi River, this site with two unique
areas – its invisible bridge and its underground bridge, is a must-see in Kirinyaga. The
first is a baffling piece of architecture, and the second a dazzling natural formation. On
arrival at the former, the first impression on the tripper is that someone forgot to build its
traffic deck, yet, this is always in anticipation of the chronicles of the denuded bridge.
The folklore that the deck of the bridge was mysteriously swept away by the deluge of
the scurry River Nyamindi many years ago is a hard one to sell considering the overall
craftsmanship on site. The latter is by far the star here. This calls for some nifty
navigation along a narrow path uncomfortably close to the formidable Nyamindi River.
The underground bridge, which is much-liked and notably found within the scenic view
of Mount Kenya, was once a hideout for Mau Mau brigades during the colonial epoch
and the associated struggle for independence. The main cave (ndaraca) is almost 20
ms long. Inside, the cave is marked by saw-tooth jagged rocks over the rushing river.
Formed by a process of cave development in the lime stone beneath the river bed, it is
also gazed with smoggy black and mold-green walls. God’s Bridge or ‘Ndaraca ya Ngai’
is situated near Mururi Centre along Embu-Meru Road.

9. Murinduko Hill Forest

Not far from Njukiri Forest, south of Embu Town along B7 Embu-Kivaa-Kitui Road, lies
the Murinduko Hill. Although much of the 19.4 km2 Murinduko Hill Forest sits in
Kirinyaga County but it is easier approached through Embu Town. During the colonial
area, Murinduko was part of Njukiini Location, an area that stretched as far as Njukiini
and Njukiri Forest. It is one of few isolated hills that terminate the gently rolling
landscape hitherto seen on the approach to Embu from Makutano. Murinduko Village
(1350 ms above sea level) is a non-irrigated area outside Mwea Irrigation Scheme. It is
situated on the slopes of Murinduko Hill and is served by two streams that flow at the
edge of the village. Murinduko Hill Forest, which has the highest representation of larval
habitat types among the forests in Central Kenya, also has a delightfully unique
topographic profile, especially of its cliffs, gorges, and valleys pieced together by the
river action and temporary pools formed within the forest. The local community run
ecotourism tours around the forest to the unique landforms, apiary, and traditional
shrines.

10. Njukiini Forest

Njukiini Forest (in Kirinyaga) and Njukiri Forest (in Embu) form a contiguous forest block
at the eastern base of Mount Kenya. In Embu, Njukiri Community Forest Association
(NCFA), with support from Kenya Forest Service, has been continually involved in tree
planting exercises to replenish the degraded areas. “This was in recognition that the
environment and forest protection is a shared responsibility that all must tirelessly go
after”. Between 2015 and 2017, NCFA planted 150,000+ tree seedlings – 75% exotic
and 25% indigenous tree species with an average survival rate of 75%, while Kangaita
Community Forest Users Association has replenished 55 hectares of Njukiini Forest in
Kirinyaga County.

11. Kijani Camp

The enjoyable and affordable Kijani Camp about 5 kms past Makutano along Nairobi-
Nanyuki Road is a jumping-off place for trippers to Kirinyaga County.  Kijani Camp
offers the options of living in villas or camping in their grounds. From Kijani Camp,
trippers may take part in day trips to Mwea Rice Plains or visit the nearby White Waters,
Savage Wilderness, Rapids Camp, or Napoleon Rafting Camp which are all well-known
for water-rafting and numerous other adrenaline rushing activities. Trippers who fancy
something less dramatic and quiet can tour the close by tea and coffee farms or bike
around the Kijani Camp.

14. Timstep Hotel and Campsite

This is found on the banks of River Tana just off the A2 Nairobi-Nanyuki Road north of
Kijani Camp. In area it is close to 10-acres. Features are well-equipped cottages, picnic
and camping site as well as water sports such as kayaking and river rafting. Camping
equipment is available for hire at a modest fee. This is a very attractive family-oriented
retreat with woodland, large open spaces, roomy grounds and kids play area. It’s
located just 7 kms from the Makutano Junction.

12. Savage Wilderness

Established in 1990 as Kenya’s foremost rafting company, Savage Wilderness is a fun

and adventure-oriented getaway cataloged among the most avouched for spots in
Kirinyaga County and especially loved for its wild and high-adrenaline sports.  Its
biggest trump-card, by far, is the thrilling kayaking circuit that goes over multiple rapids
and a 6-ms waterfall. Then, there’s the zip line, mountain-biking and walking trails, rock
climbing, bungee jumping, achoring range and its splendid campsite. Savage
Wilderness is patronized by an international team of outdoor experts who are adeptly
trained to provide the best safety standards.

13. Rapid Camp

Established in 2006, Rapids Camp provides water rafting, kayaking, mountain, rock and
cliff climbing team building and guided safaris. The “high-adrenaline” Rapid Camp also
taps into some softer and casual activities like, its moonlight walks, sunrise treks and
dining at its falls. For the adrenaline junkies, there is a 40-feet plunge and waterfall
challenge which is combined with moderate drops over the circuit of canyons and steep
gorges curved along Sagana River. It has a grade five rapids challenge course too.
There is also zip-lining, bungee jumping, river boarding and birding. It is located at
Sagana along Nairobi-Nanyuki Road.

14. Green Algae Fish Farm

Green Algae Fish Farm at Sagana (16 kms north of Makutani) is one of the big
producers of ornamental fish in Kenya. It’s also one of best alternative touring site in
Kirinyaga County.  The farm is a beneficiary of the Africa Solidarity Trust Fund to
improve agriculture and food security in Africa. Green Algae Fish Farm raises both
indigenous and exotic species of fish that include goldfish, cod and tilapia, and the
variegated variety at the farm is impressive.  It has roughly one dozen ponds and its
amiable tour guides have a good understanding of what is nurtured in each of its ponds.
It’s found at Sagana along Nairobi-Nanyuki Road.

15. Rwamuthambi Falls

At Sagana, along the Nairobi-Nanyuki Road, 102 kms from Nairobi, there is a choice of
two roads, running westerly to Muranga Town and easterly to Embu Road. If you follow
the latter (Sagana-Kutus-Embu Road) that cuts across Kirinyaga County, you will find
yourself climbing towards Mount Kenya from the low lying flat region around Sagana.
Suddenly you begin to climb steeply, it becomes cooler and greener and the mountain
scenery is one of the spectacular sights in Kenya. 8 kms from Sagana you reach Kagio
Town, and 1.5 kms from here sits a rarely travelled waterfalls at Ruamuthambi. The 15
metres waterfalls, reached by a dirt road through the villages, is rather rewarding and
set about in an undisturbed corner surrounded by farmlands and woodland.
Ruamuthambi River, along which the Ruamuthami Falls occurs, is one of four major
rivers in and around the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in company with Tana, Nyamindi and
Thiba, and their tributaries – Murubara, Kituthe, Kiwe, Nyakungu and Kiruara.

16. Kamuruana Hill

Set about 4 kms from the Chehe Forest Station, in Kangaita, the wooded dome-like
undissected ash cone of Kamuruana Hill is one of the worthy walking trails in Kirinyaga
County. The moderate gradient of Kamuruana Hill makes it rather easy for trippers to
reach its upper limits and enjoy the diversified flora and rich bird life. Kamuruana Forest,
which covers 23.9 hectares, is one of two gazetted forests found in Kirinyaga, together
with the 202.3 hectares Muriinduko Forest. There is a lovely natural clearing at
the summit, with amenities like toilets and water, which is popular for picnics
and birding, and which can be reached by car for those not aiming to hike. From here,
the views are great and trippers can enjoy romantic walks along the trails. This is
located on the southwestern tip of Mount Kenya Forest, 16 kms from Karatina, via
Gikororo-Ndima-Itundu Road.

17. Ragati Conservancy

Found within the Kamweti Forest, on the higher reaches of the Kamweti Route and at
the doorstep of the Ragati River, Ragati Conservancy is an enchanting alpine
wonderland which is rhapsodized as Kenya’s number one fly fishing spot – especially
for trout. Established in liaison with the Kenya Forest Service and covering 5,000-
hectares consisted in essence of afro-montane forest and afro-alpine heath on the
southern slopes of Mount Kenya, at an altitude of 2200 ms to 3000 ms, this off-the-
grid magical pie-in-the-sky is a salubrious and restful hideout. Adventure-makers
to Ragati Conservancy get to enjoy a stay at their wonderful Ndongoro Log Cabin, or at
the Kichachu Tented Camp from where they can explore Mount Kenya National Park
along Kamweti Route, enjoy fly fishing, walking safaris, visiting nearby waterfalls or
engage in some of its noble projects centered on preservation and protection of this
unique ecosystem. The only safe way to get Ragati is by 4X4, through the Ragati Forest
Station – 20 kms from Karatina, off the Karatina University Road just before Karatina
Town.
 18. Thiba Fishing Camp

Within spitting distance of Castle Forest Lodge is Thiba Fishing Camp on River Thiba. It
flows besides the camp; the Kiringa, 1.5 kms away and the Nyamindi and Rupingazi
Rivers. From this camp the fishermen can fish the Thiba which contains Barbus and
other species with the options of walking to Nyamindi or Rupingazi. The camp itself is
comprised of 6 furnished rondavels with two beds, a table and simple chairs. There is a
kitchen for each hut and a washroom with hot water. A caretaker is at hand to give
assistance round the clock. The anglers visiting Thiba Camp are advised to be self-
reliant although limited supplies like firewood and paraffin can be acquired at the camp.
There are a handful of busy shopping centers with ample supplies, all within a 30-
minutes drive from camp.

19. Castle Forest Lodge

The rustic Castle Forest Lodge, a pretty cabin built in 1910 on a natural clearing deep
within the serried forest on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya National Park, is a both
a romantic weekend hermitage and a perfect base to explore the beautiful montane
landscape. Here, it’s all about you and the mountain. Open year round, with the
breathtakingly scenic backdrop of Mount Kenya, its rustic wooden craftsmanship takes
gracefully to its landscape. In 2000, Castle Forest Lodge was fully renovated and
revamped, and increased its accommodation to host up to 30 guests. It has a 100%
eco-friendly policy. The bush-hut mountain cabins, with fireplaces and verandas, are
pretty snug and cozy. Holiday-makers at the lodge may also enjoy fly-fishing, riverine
walks to the falls, swimming and hikes along the Kamweti Route. Castle Forest Lodge
is owned by Government of Kenya, and run by Melia Laa. It is found in Kimunye, off
Kerugoya-Kutus Road.
 20. Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya through the Kamweti Route in Gichugu Constituency

The snowy-peaks of Mount Kenya, situated just south of the equator, are the most
conspicous landmark in Kirinyaga County, one of the five counties whose
border extends to the apex of Mount Kenya. It is locally dubbed as ‘Kirinyaga’, which
loosely translates to “the mountain with white spots”, a name which also pays reverence
to the Mwene Nyaga or God of Kirinyaga, and, forbye, Mount Kenya is weighed-up as
the “holy mountain” by all three tribes living around it (Kikuyu, Embu and Meru). A word
of prudence of necessary here, that although culturally the Akirinyaga, or Kikuyus from
Kirinyaga, are closely related to their neighbours, the discerning traveller should know
their cultures are miles apart. Mount Kenya National Park is a prime attraction to
mountaineers – and not motorists. Nevertheless is it possible to take a vehicle up to
13,000 ft to the far end of the Sirimon Track from Nanyuki. Withal, it is more scenic than
faunal. In Kirinyaga County, the journey up Mount Kenya commences at Castle Forest
Lodge using the Kamweti Route. It takes an average of 5 days to ascend Lenana Peak
(3rd highest peak) on Mount Kenya using the Kamweti Route to Chogoria Route, and 6
days via the Kamweti to Sirimon Route.  Getting to Lenana Peak, which is the most
ascended peak, can be topped by anyone with average fitness.

21. Thiba Dam

The envisioned Shs. 20 billion Grand Thiba Dam is aimed at tranforming and improving
the outmoded irrigation facilities at Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme to enhance its rice
crop production as well as to provide a stable supply of water required by this massive
irrigation scheme. Upon completion, Thiba Dam will double production of rice in the
Mwea Rice Scheme – from the current 80,000 to 160,000 tonnes of paddy annually.
What’s more, a resort city which includes a golf course is under planning in company
with a new proposed route to climb Mount Kenya that is currently being plotted and
which will prune the Kamweti Route by about 11 kilometers. Thiba Dam is located within
Rukenya in Gichugu.

Highlights in Kirinyaga County

Mount Kenya National Park, in the upper region of Kirinyaga County, which boasts of
thick indigenous forests and plenty of wildlife, cottages and scenic landscape, is its most
outstanding natural spectacle. Next to this, is the ramble contiguous natural beauty
seen in most of Kirinyaga County, which is primarily an agricultural driven region. The
main crops include rice, in the lower zones, and tea, in the upper parts of the county.
Coffee is also a major crop grown in the upper and middle zones. Other major crops
grown in a sizable scale include bananas, tomatoes, beans, mangoes, maize, and
assorted horticultural produce.

View of Gatitika Falls. Image Courtesy of MeatAndBae

FACILITIES IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY

Airports
There is one airstrip located in Mwea, which is underutilized.

Roads

The total road network in Kirinyaga County is about 1,109 kms, out of which only 106
kms is bitumenized, 462 kms is gravel, and 540 kms is earth surfaced roads. The
county has an established primary road network with 7 main roads: Makutano-Embu,
Kutus-Karatina Road, Baricho Road, Kiburu Road, Kutus-Sagana Road, Kutus-
Kianyaga Road and the Kabare-Kerugoya-Kimunye Road. 

Stadiums

there is one under construction in mwea town [ngurubani].