Nyeri is a popular destination for relaxation, business, educational and cultural tourism. It happens to be a giant in food production and a key player in the central tourism circuit. Here are 10 places you should ensure you visit while in Nyeri County.
1. Tafaria Castle and Game Lodge
Have you watched Down Town Abbey? Well, welcome to Nyeri’s small depiction of royal elegance. This beautiful place is a 25-roomed lodge. The remote location is within reach of rich Kenyan wildlife and medieval architectural style. It has themed cottages that offer relaxation, facilitated by the high altitude. It is a secluded, well-manicured garden spot. This new lodge is ideal for those who want the serenity to recharge their batteries. There are enough activities like horse riding, bird watching, swimming, nature walks and fishing to keep one entertained.
2. Giraffe Ark
This is the undiscovered gem in Nyeri County. Built strategically between the famous Aberdare ranges to the South and Mt Kenya to the North, it has a magnificent view of the area. It is a place that screams luxury and class with expensive polished Mazara floors. The Giraffe Ark is an elegant attraction to the Aberdare ranges. Giraffe Ark offers a wide range of sports and recreational activities such as horse riding, mind involving giant outdoor chess, fishing and even kids have an outdoor playground.
3. Treetops
This is probably the most famous place in Nyeri both locally and internationally. It is well renowned globally as being the place where Princess Elizabeth was declared queen at the very tender age of 14 when her father died. It is a lodge, a wooden triple-decker ship benched on the edge of a flood-lit waterhole. Wake up to the sounds and sights of the animals that come to the natural salt lick to get their daily salt supplements. As you walk around, enjoy the company of the friendly baboons that love visitors.
4. Sangare Farm House-Mweiga Vilas
This is a home away from home. This villa consists of three self-contained bedrooms. It is surrounded by greenery all around creating a stunning serene environment. It is a beautiful place that will take your breath away. It is a great place to go on game drives. If you are an indoor kind of person, not to worry, you are in safe hands in Sangare Villas, where you can enjoy cardboard games, take walks around the farm or go jogging.
5. Aberdare National Park
It is located in the range of the same name; Aberdare is a rich botanic paradise of equatorial exuberance and alpine vegetation. Take a nature trail walk so that you can have a first-hand experience. If you want to enjoy more and wake up to this magical haven; book a night or two at the luxurious lodges available at the park. Wake up to the sights and wonders of the bongo, elephant and Columbus monkey. If that is not your kind of thing, there is abundant birdlife around the area, so don’t forget your binoculars. They also have a culinary bush expensive that you should try out. Also, they have horse rides around the park.
6. Solio Ranch
It is a privately owned ranch which is owned by a conservancy. It is a conservancy geared towards rhino conservation. It plays an important role in preserving and breeding black and white rhinos. It is currently home to 120 black and white rhinos. So why visit the place? It is worth your time since you get to appreciate the rhino in their natural environment. You also get to see the diverse population of raptors. You can also take time to take a drive in the indigenous woodland. For a restful night, there are luxurious lodges to pick from.
7. Italian War Memorial Church
Built within the CBD of Nyeri, it is a gigantic structure of bricks that has a stunning architectural design. It is found within a serene area that is handled with great care. The serenity of the shrine is enhanced by a tree-lined drive and manicured lawns. It is not an ordinary church but hosts the remains of 676 Italian soldiers captured and killed during the 2nd world war. The best time to visit is during the month of November when the church commemorates an annual mass on Nov 4th in remembrance of the Italian soldiers.
8. Lord Baden Powell Grave
Nyeri is the burial place for Lord Baden Powell, who was a fighter in the Boer war and founder of the scouting movement. He once wrote that “The nearer to Nyeri the nearer to bliss”. It is romantic that he and his wife were buried close to one another. It also hosts the burial place of the legendary conservationist Jim Corbett.
9. Mau Mau Caves
There are many historical sites to be discovered in Nyeri. Mau Mau caves happen to be one of the historic places you need to visit and it is located in Narumoru forest. There are vast tracts of ranches in this African savannah. Use your imagination to create pictures of the Mau Mau fight against the colonial soldiers. It has a variety of attractions such as the indigenous forest full of the Columbus monkey and a variety of birdlife.
10. Rhino watch sanctuary
It is a natural paradise of untouched euphoria trees in full bloom and home to a variety of birds. It is surrounded by three wildlife reserves, which form a base for a fun safari game drive around the expansive land. It is a place where guests are shown the beauty of wildlife and landscape in a respectful way. The big 5 are all here so make sure you check it out. Also, see other wildlife in their natural and delicate habitat.
There are various places you can stay apart from some of these beautiful places if you are staying in Nyeri for a few days. Check out some great places with their ratings on TripAdvisor.
