Unveiling Kiambu County's Hidden Gems
Kiambu County was formerly part of Kenya's Central Province. Its major town is Thika Town, and its capital is Kiambu. Following Nairobi County in terms of population, Kiambu County comes in second. Kiambu County has a population of 2,417,735 and borders Nairobi and Kajiado Counties to the south, Machakos to the east, Murang'a to the north and north-east, Nyandarua to the north-west, and Nakuru to the west.
Nairobi's steady northward expansion has resulted in 40% of the county being rural and 60% being urban. The county's dominant tribe is the Kikuyu. Because of its large population, which is reasonably educated and urban, Kiambu is also one of Kenya's political and economic powerhouses. Only Nairobi has more universities than this county.
Kiambu County is made up of 12 sub counties, namely: Githunguri, Kiambaa, Lari, Limuru, Kabete, Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Juja, Kikuyu, Thika Town, Ruiru, and Kiambu Town. In Kiambu County, you will find romantic places, hiking places, fun places, picnic sites, and the best restaurants, including garden restaurants.
What is a treasure? Anything of exceptional value, significance, or worth, whether tangible or intangible, can be referred to as a treasure. It is frequently connected to uncommon or valuable items like gems, gold, or relics, but it can also refer to intangibles like wisdom, meaningful experiences, or meaningful relationships. Treasures come in many different forms, from tangible richness uncovered from the soil to the abundance of cultural legacy passed down through the ages. In the end, a treasure is an object that is greatly prized, sought after, and valued for its intrinsic worth.
Let’s get a look at some of the hidden gems in Kiambu County:
PARADISE LOST
Situated in Kenya's Kiambu town, 14 kilometers from Nairobi, and roughly ten minutes by car from the city center, This immaculately kept park is a haven away from the bustle of Nairobi. You may go zip-lining and quad-biking, visit a cave and waterfall, take a boat or horseback ride, have a picnic by the lake, camp overnight, and explore the park's surroundings. There's also a restaurant to stop at for lunch and a playground for the kids to enjoy. The park requires payment for entrance, and many activities require a ticket. Additionally, tours that cover every highlight of the park are offered.
The caves offer a unique and adventurous environment for exploration due to the following factors:
- Natural Beauty: Discovering these natural marvels increases one's sense of astonishment and admiration for the splendor of paradise-lost environments.
- Mystery and exploration: There's always a sense of mystery about caves, with undiscovered passageways and secret rooms just waiting to be found in paradise-lost caves.
- Challenge: Getting around in caves can be difficult on the body and mind. The sense of adventure is increased by overcoming these obstacles.
- Feeling of Discovery: Every cave expedition has the potential to reveal new things, such as undiscovered geological formations, ancient artifacts, or a chamber that has never been explored before. The thrill of exploring new territories in paradise-lost caves intensifies the feeling of adventure.
- History and Culture: Throughout history, caves have been utilized as hiding places, ritual locations, and shelters. As a result, many caves have cultural or historical value. Investigating these caverns can shed light on historical societies' customs and ways of life for the Kiambu people.
- Adrenaline Rush: Unlike any other outdoor adventure activity, some people get an adrenaline rush from the darkness, cramped quarters, and unknown components of caverns.
KARURA FOREST
As one of the world's largest gazetted forests completely within urban limits, the Karura Forest Reserve is an urban upland forest located outside of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Covering an area of approximately 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres), it is a prime example of how individual philanthropy and country-based corporate social responsibility can work together to secure and protect a nation's natural resources. The forest is also where Professor Wangari Mathai (late leader of the Green Belt Movement and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate) carried out a much-publicized campaign to save the forest from developers who tried to grab large portions of the north of the central section of the forest. The forest became a symbol of the fight against land grabbing in Kenya.
Some of the historical sites and areas of special interest in Karura Forest are:
- A 15-meter waterfall
- Archaeological sites (recently excavated, artifacts being analyzed)
- An old chimney incinerator was used by the Central Bank for the burning of decommissioned currency up until the mid-1990s.
- An abandoned stone quarry pond is now called Lily Lake.
- Caves, which are considered sacred by many and steeped in Kenyan history (they were formerly used by the Mau-Mau freedom fighters as hideouts during the struggle for independence)
- Patches of bamboo
- Marshlands that attract bird life, including winter migrants from Europe and Asia
- Serene groves of secondary and primary indigenous trees.
The gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is an entry fee required.
How to get to Karura Forest using public or private means
By public means:
Gate A (Main Gate): Matatu (from Nairobi city center to the Belgian Embassy on Limuru Road). Numbers 11B, 106, 107, or 116 (southbound only). There is an excellent digital Matatu map of Nairobi.
Gate C (shark gate): Matatu (from Nariboi city center to Kiambu via Kiambu Road). Numbers 100, 120, 121, 116.
By private means:
Gate A-Main entry off Limuru Road across from the Belgian Embassy (road access to KFEET. Center and FKF Forest Office)
Gate B, closed to the public; service gate only; Gate C. Also known as ‘Sharks Gate’ after the nyama choma (roast meat) establishment outside the forest across the Kiambu Road. Great for biking and dog-walking along designated paths.
Gate D-Pedestrian entrance at the end of the ICRAF access lane
Gate E: pedestrian entrance to the Sigiria section of the forest off Limuru Road (parking at Gate A)
Gate F-Main Sigiria entrance is at the end of Thigiri Lane off Thigiri Ridge Road. Parking inside the gate.
Join the Friends of Karura Forest and the Kenya Forest Service for a stroll through the forest and contribute to its preservation for future generations.
KEREITA FOREST ZIP LINING
In Kiambu County, Kenya, lies a village called Kereita. Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO) are responsible for the upkeep of the forest located in Kereita Village, a few kilometers from Kimende Town. The forest is part of the Aberdare ecosystem that borders the Kenyan Aberdares Mountain range to the south. As a part of Aberdares National Park, the Kereita forest is home to the stunning Gatamaiyu River, caverns, wildlife, and a 60-foot-tall waterfall. Elephants, leopards, and Colubus monkeys can be found in the forest and its environs.
Experience East Africa's longest zip line tour and go on an amazing ride into the heart of the forest. This trip promises an amazing experience, spanning 2.2 kilometers across six thrilling lines. Encounter the splendor of the forest through breathtaking hikes in between each heart-pounding ride. Your blood pumps adrenaline, making you feel ecstatic and wanting more as you soar through the canopy. Our exciting zip line trip offers an experience unlike any other in the area, allowing you to discover the ideal balance between action and natural beauty.
To access and take advantage of the zip line at Kereita Forest, there are admission fees. Adults must pay Ksh 200 to enter the woodland; minors and students under the age of eighteen must pay Ksh 50. For two lines, zip-lining costs Kshs 1,800, and for six lines, Kshs 2,800.
How do I get to Kereita?
If you intend to take public transportation, board a matatu that departs from Nairobi toward Naivasha and get off at Kimende. A Boda ride to Kereita from Kimende costs roughly Ksh 300. There are matatus in Limuru that go to Kimende.Welcome to Kereita Forest Zipline, take in the breathtaking scenery while experiencing the thrill of a lifetime. There's nothing better for adventure enthusiasts than East Africa's longest zipline tour, stretching 2.2 kilometers and providing heart pounding thrills through the forest canopy. Everyone can have an amazing experience at Kereita, from the exhilaration of taking off to the peace and quiet of leisurely walks through the forest. Don't miss the thrill, visit Kereita Forest Zipline now to experience its charm!
THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY VIEW POINT
The famous Rift Valley escarpment in Kenya may be
seen as one travels toward Kijabe and Kimende. Awe-inspiring views of the magnificence of nature
stretch out before you as you stand atop the magnificent cliffs of the Great
Rift Valley. You get a sense of amazement as you stand at the edge and look
down at the enormous chasm. With deep canyons and sheer escarpments defining
the landscape, the rough terrain, sculpted by ancient geological forces,
reveals layers of rich hues and textures. Dispersed jewel-like reflections of
sunshine glisten from the distant sparkling lakes dotting the valley bottom.
You are humbled and inspired by the Great Rift Valley's ageless wonder as you
are reminded of the utmost strength and beauty of the natural world from this
advantageous viewpoint.
ALL SEASON COFFEE AND TEA
Kiambu is also well-known for its horticulture
goods, which include coffee and tea, which significantly boost Kenya's foreign
revenue.
COFFEE
Despite pressure from real estate and other competing agricultural enterprises, Kiambu continues to be Kenya's coffee-producing county with an annual production volume of approximately 9.8 million metric tons, out of an estimated 45 million metric tons produced nationwide.
Kiambu
County's coffee plantations decorate the county's environment with a
kaleidoscope of vivid colors and lush foliage. Kiambu being one of the coffee
producing counties in Kenya, is known for its undulating hills and well-groomed
coffee bushes, with glossy leaves that glitter in the sun. The air is filled
with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, inviting visitors to explore the
intricacies of coffee cultivation and processing. Coffee farms are surrounded
by fertile valleys and mist-covered mountains, creating a gorgeous scene that
satisfies the senses and uplifts the spirit. Coffee is more than just a
commodity in Kiambu County, it's a source of pride, culture, and scenic beauty
that enhances the area's character and landscape in ways that are as ageless as
the beverage itself.
TEA
Kiambu is renowned across the world for its verdant
tea plantations that cover the rolling hillsides, providing both local people
and tourists with a magnificent view. In 1965, kambaa tea was first cultivated
in the region. Following this, the area saw a rise in planting, which made it
easier to build the Kambaa Tea Factory (KTDA). H.E., the late Daniel Arap Moi, opened
the factory in 1974. KTDA manages 71 tea factories. The factories that own KTDA
are owned by the farmers. The Group Chief Executive Officer of KTDA is Wilson
Muthaura.
In Kiambu, growing tea is a way of life rather than just a business. This area is perfect for growing tea of the highest caliber due to its pleasant environment, rich soils, and advantageous elevation. Kiambu has developed into one of Kenya’s top tea-producing districts. Its history dates back to the colonial era, when British immigrants brought tea cultivation to the country.
In addition to being important drivers of the local economy, Kiambu County's tea estates now support the local infrastructure and create jobs for the people. Kiambu's society is firmly ingrained with the heritage of tea planting, thanks to the support of smallholder farmers who are commonly grouped into cooperatives. These farmers are the backbone of the tea industry. Through guided tours of tea estates, visitors to Kiambu enjoy the rare chance to fully immerse themselves in the process of growing tea. From picking the delicate tea leaves to processing and packing the finished product, these excursions provide insights into every aspect of the tea-making process. As they learn about sustainable agricultural methods and the social effects that the tea industry has on nearby communities, visitors can see firsthand the painstaking attention to detail and level of skill needed to create Kenya’s famous tea.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Kenya's rich history and customs can be observed at
a number of cultural heritage sites located in Kiambu County. One may explore
the rich diversity of Kenyan culture and history by seeing anything from lively
marketplaces to traditional communities and ancient ruins and archaeological
sites.
Heritage sites within Kiambu County:
- Jomo
Kenyatta's college residence, the founder.
- Residence
of Mbiyu Koinange College.
- First Teachers College Girls Dormitory, Kiriri.
- Fourteen falls
- Chania falls
- Kame
Nkuruma Tree, MAU Gallows (Kiingeero).
- The
Kabak Mutesa Tree.
- Teachers
College First.
- Future
Museum, among other things
- Church
of the Torch
- Mensa,
Watson Scott Memorial
- Ngecha
Art Centre
- Paradise
Lost Sanctuary
- Mau
caves
- Banana
Hill Art Gallery
- Ondiri
Swamp
- Fort
Smith
- Old
Italian Church
- Italian
Prisoners of War pillars
- Mugumo
Gardens
- Manguo
Swamp
- Mwanya
wa Ruhuho
- Aramati
Thingira Center
- Ngegu
Cow Horns Community Program, among others.
In summary, Kiambu County perfectly embodies the
harmonic fusion of outstanding agriculture, rich cultural history, and scenic
beauty. Regardless of your interests tea connoisseurship, the outdoors, or
culture Kiambu provides an enlightening mosaic of encounters that will linger
in your memory. Come discover Kiambu County's colorful landscapes and
tea-scented hills, where there is beauty and amazement around every corner.
