Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2011

A DUO HEMISPHERE

DESTINATION

http://www.kws.go.ke

CONTENTS03 FOREWORD05 LOCATION MOUNT KENYA06 MOUNT KENYA08 ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK10 MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE11 MERU NATIONAL PARK13 OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY15 SWEETWATERS CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY17 MOUNTAIN CLIMBING18 GAME DRIVES19 THE ENDANGERED BONGO20 LORD BADEN-POWELL21 COFFEE TASTING22 RAFTING ON THE TANA RIVER23 SEVEN FORKS DAM23 NATURE WALKS 24 MAU MAU CAVE25 SOLIO GAME RESERVE26 KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE (KWS)27 HOTEL THREE STEERS28 KENYA TOURIST BOARD (KTB)29 NARU MORU RIVER LODGE HOTEL29 KONGONI CAMP30 ABERDARE SAFARI HOTELS 30 HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER CO LTD31 BATIAN GRAND HOTEL31 LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM31 OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY32 IZAAK WALTON INN

LISTINGS33 MEMBERS INDEX34 HOTELS42 TOUR OPERATORS & SERVICES44 RESTAURANTS

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IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF:

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION

2nd fl oor, West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170Email: [email protected]

www.mount-kenya.org

PUBLISHED BY:

LAND & MARINE PUBLICATIONS LTD1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way,Severalls Business Park, ColchesterEssex, CO4 9RA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958Email: [email protected]

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication.

No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

Photographs courtesy: Simon Wachira, Job Weru, Joseph Kanyi, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Solio, Ol Pejeta, and Kenya Tourist Board

ISSN 2045-6476

© 2010 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

land&MARINE

FOREWORD

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FOREWORD

A DUAL HEMISPHERE

DESTINATION

This inaugural edition of the Mount Kenya Tourism Guide is a maiden

account of the hidden treasures of Kenya’s central safari circuit. The product is a milestone achievement of Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Asso-ciation to tell the world what actress Stefanie Powers described as “the mountain’s brooding presence … a spirit ancient and impassive, indifferent to all human concerns yet charged with unvoiced secrets” the hidden treasures of a “dual hemisphere destination”.

Perhaps the words of Vivienne de Wat-teville, in her 1927 book ‘Out in the Blue’, are a true description of the Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit: “The mountain trembled in the lilac mist, the cloudlets drifting in front of them like a fl ock of birds … I could only think over and over again: but isn’t it beautiful.”

This circuit is the jewel in the crown of a Kenya safari. With gleaming snow-white

peaks straddling the equator, the coun-try’s highest mountain is in a picturesque and majestic landscape listed as a World Heritage Site. It is a rich biodiversity and an outstanding example of eco-logical processes with a wide variety of fl ora and fauna. To complete the mosaic pattern, the region is resplendent with other pristine landscapes, private game conservancies and national parks of inter-national reputation. There is an abun-dance of activities ranging from vigorous adventure mountain hiking and climbing, mountain biking, water rafting, kayaking, camping, nature walks and game drives to a quiet ecological study, a honeymoon in the wild, or just a moment to relax and rewind in the equatorial sun.

Diversity

There is a diversity of natural and man-made attractions that include a variety of local cultures; a rich history of Kenya’s independence struggle; the historical links with Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement; spectacular waterfalls; meandering rivers; the Seven

Forks hydroelectric power dams; thrilling natural caves; endemic and endangered rare species of animals, birds and plants, only replicating the art of creation. In the poetic words of Monty Brown: “Some things are better seen than described”.

Gratitude

On behalf of the Association let me ap-preciate with gratitude the contribution of all individuals and organisations that have made this publication possible and without whom the tales therein would not have been shared. A special mention goes to the Executive Committee of the management board: Mr Simon Kathata, Chairman; Mr Charles Karuga, Secretary; and Mr Arthur Muchiri, Treasurer.

To all who read this, a warm welcome to the theatre of perfect art, with the unsurpassed traditional hospitality of the mountain people.

Simon WachiraCEOMount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association

KTBADVERT

http://www.magicalkenya.com

LOCATION MOUNT KENYA

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FACT FILE• Mount Kenya has three main peaks, Nelion, Batian and Lenana, plus four secondary peaks. The three main peaks are encircled by glaciers

• Batian, the highest peak, is 17,058 ft above sea level

• The equator crosses Mount Kenya on its northern slopes at 11,500 ft and 17 km from the highest peak

• The mountain has a broad cone shape

• There are two rainy seasons here, March-June and October-November

Map kindly supplied by Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO)

Mount Kenya, with its gleaming snow-white peaks, is the jewel in

the crown of the central Kenya circuit. Straddling the equator, 180 km north of Nairobi, this massif soars to a height of 17,058 ft, making it the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro.

These peaks are the centrepiece of a majestic landscape that is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

With its rich biodiver-sity, Mount Kenya is an outstanding example of ecological processes. It has three rugged peaks at the summit and four secondary peaks sitting on U-shaped glacial val-leys. There are also 12 remnant glaciers that feed 32 moorland tarns.

The area contains an al-pine desert and moorland

ATTRACTIONS• Sacred shrines and groves

• Historical caves

• Meandering rivers with spectacular waterfalls

• Springs and beautiful tarns fi lled with trout

• Ravines, gorges and rugged valleys

• Ancient animal salt licks

• Huge ancient indigenous trees covered with moss and wild fl owers.

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MOUNT KENYA

FAMOUS MASSIF IS

A FINE JEWEL IN A

MAJESTIC SETTING

between 11,000 and 15,000 ft contours covered with giant tussock grass, water-fi lled lobelia and groundsels that are endemic to its bogs and marshes.

Below are eight types of natural forest and a variety of wildlife and bird species. The wide range in altitude and rainfall contributes to the diverse pattern of fl ora and fauna.

Thanks to its lo-cation, its snow-covered peaks and its impres-sive landscape, Mount Kenya has been attract-ing tourists since the mid 19th century. Today, the park receives between 14,000 and 20,000 visitors a year of whom 60 per cent are international.

WILDLIFEMount Kenya has six species of large mammals of international conservation interest – elephant, black rhino, leopard, giant forest hog, bongo and black-fronted duiker.

Others include ungulates such as bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, red and grey duiker and Cape buffalo and small animals like tree hyrax, rock hyrax (endemic to Mount Kenya) and white-tailed mongoose. Local primates are the black-and-white colobus monkey, olive baboon and Sykes’ monkey.

BIRDLIFEThe area contains over 130 bird species including malachite sunbird, cliff-chat, Verreaux’s eagle, Augur buzzard, Lammergeyer eagle and Mackinder’s eagle.

Mountain climbing, hill walking, hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, primate tracking, sport fi shing, team building, camping, picnicking, research and education, cycling, collecting medicinal herbs, photography and fi lm making, bungee jumping and religious rituals.

CLIMBING ROUTESThe main routes are through Naro Moru Gate, Sirimon Gate and Chogoria Gate.

ACTIVITIES

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Mount Kenya is the country’s main ‘water tower’ with over a dozen rivers fl owing from its alpine lakes and forest streams. About 70 per cent of Kenya’s hydroelectric power is generated here. It also contributes to the domestic water supply as well as irrigation projects and fi sh farming.

It is also a source of livelihood for farm-ers; and it supplies fuel wood, charcoal, wood products and medicinal plants as well as raw materials for industrial construction and domestic products.

The mountain’s cultural and religious value is immense. Its many caves and giant plants are revered as sacred sites by the communities around it.

Road access

Mount Kenya is 180 km north of Nairobi by way

of the Thika-Makutano road. From Makutano junction there is a choice of the eastern route via the Embu-Meru road or the western route via the Nanyuki-Isiolo road.

Air access

Via the airstrip in Nanyuki.

Encircled by the wild and beautiful moorlands of the third-highest moun-

tain range in Kenya, this atmospheric park is a mist-clad realm where elephants roam through lichen-hung forests, spectacular waterfalls plunge into churning pools and trout-fi lled streams cascade through mossy dells. A haven for anglers, walkers and lovers of solitude alike, it also offers matchless views of the glittering coronet of Mount Kenya and the sparkling lakes of the Great Rift Valley.

Enduring legacy of Kimathi ‘post office’

The park is also famous for the Mau Mau Caves, which were used as hideouts by Dedan Kimathi and his Mau Mau fi ghters prior to independence; and the Kimathi ‘post offi ce’, where agents used to drop messages for Mau Mau led by Kimathi in the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests.

A window on history

Believed by the Kikuyu to be one of the homes of Ngai (God) and originally known as Nyandarua (‘the drying hide’) owing to the distinctive folds of its silhou-ette, the range was renamed in 1884 by the explorer, Joseph Johnson, after Lord Aberdare, the president of the Royal Geographical Society.

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

MAJESTIC PEAKS,

MOORLANDS AND FALLS

Known as the White Highlands because of the many Europeans who settled there in the 1920s, the area also achieved noto-riety through the decadent antics of the ‘Happy Valley’ set of the Wanjohi Valley.

In the 1950s the dense forests and bamboo thickets witnessed much of the action between British forces and Mau Mau. The original Treetops hotel came under the world spotlight when the young Princess Elizabeth descended its steps as Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.

Herds of elephants

The park provides a unique habitat for some 2,000 elephants, which roam the clouded hills and misty glades and provides endless atmospheric viewing opportunities.

Spectacular waterfalls

The park is renowned for its torrential waterfalls, plunging from cloud-covered heights to spray-fi lled ravines. They in-clude the magnifi cent Karuru Falls, which drop 300 metres, the impressive Gura Falls, which plunge from the opposite side of the same gorge, the sheer drop of the Chania Falls and the enchanting Magura Falls, which cascade across the yawning mouth of the Queen’s Cave.

FACT FILEAltitude: 1,829-4,001 metres above sea level

Area: 767 sq km

Location: Central highlands west of Mount Kenya

Distance from Nairobi: 180 km

Gazetted: May 1950

Climate: Cool and cloudy with frequent heavy rain in March-June and September-December

Vegetation: Rich alpine and sub-alpine fl ora giving way to bamboo and montane forests

Wildlife: Includes; blue and colobus monkey, leopard, lion, elephant, warthog, black rhino, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, red duiker, suni, serval, reedbuck, eland and the rare bongo

Birds: The prolifi c bird life features 250 recorded species

Fishing: The streams are well stocked with brown and rainbow trout

Roads: The Park can often become inaccessible for 2x4 vehicles after rain and 4x4 vehicles are recommended

Open: Daily 06.00-19.00

Note: No entry is allowed on foot, and visitors will not be allowed into the Park after 1815 hours.

Current entry charges: Obtained via KWS

‘Safaricard’: Entry is by SafariCard only. SafariCards may be loaded (but not obtained) at the Mweiga Park HQ.

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LODGES

The Ark, a unique day and night game-viewing lodge modelled on Noah’s Ark.Contact: Fairmont Hotels,

PO Box 58581-00100, Nairobi

Tel: (Nairobi) +254 (0)20 221 6940, 250900. Fax: +254 (0)20 250 200, 253 075

Tel: (Nyeri) +254 (0)61 55 620, 55 017Fax: +254 (0)61 55 224 E-mail: [email protected]

The Aberdare Country Club, access point for the Ark and an elegant country house hotel offering luxury accommodation and extension facilities.Contact: PO Box 449, Nyeri. Tel: (Nairobi) +254 (0)20 221 6940, 250 900

Fax: +254 (0)20 250 200, 253 075,Tel: (Nyeri) +254 (0)61 55 620, 55 017

Fax: +254 (0)61 55 224

E-mail: [email protected]

Treetops, the world famous tree-house lodge. The Outspan Hotel, the access point for Treetops and a luxurious colonial-style hotel offering extension facilities.Contact: Aberdare Safari Hotels, PO Box 14815(00800), Nairobi.

Tel: +254 (0)20 445 2095-9Fax: +254 (0)20 445 2102

E-mail: [email protected]

CONTACTTel: (Nairobi) +254 (0)20 600 800, 602 345Fax: +254 (0)20 607 024Email: [email protected]

The Warden: PO Box 22, Nyeri, Central ProvinceTel: (Nyeri) +254 (20) 204 6271Email: [email protected]

Mountain climbing, hiking and walkingYou don’t have to be a mountaineer to climb the peaks of the Aberdares, most of which can be conquered with little more than a strenuous high-altitude trek. There are also countless panoramic moorland hikes and forest walks. Permission is required from the warden to walk, hike or climb in the park and visitors must be accompanied by an armed KWS ranger, whose services can be booked by contacting the warden, preferably in advance.

Excellent fi shing in the cool mountain streams

Both brown and rainbow trout abound in the cool mountain streams and provide excellent angling. (A sports fi shing licence can be obtained at the park gates.)

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

WHERE TO STAYSELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Kiandongoro Fishing Lodge comprises two large stone-built, three-bedroom cottages each offering: fully equipped kitchen (with gas stove and crockery), furnished sitting and dining area with log fi re, veranda, two double bedrooms (en-suite with double bed and single bed) and a single bedroom. There is a caretaker and bedding, towels, kerosene lamps and hot water are provided. Reservations may be through the warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi.

Supper Hut (west of the Fishing Lodge), a basic wooden cabin offering: one bedroom (two beds and mattresses only), sitting and dining area, log burning stove, veranda, pit latrine and wash hut. Visitors are supposed to carry their cooking equipment. Reservations may be through the Warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi.

Tusk Camp, a forest camp offering: four sleeping cabins (two single beds each), ‘mess’ cabin with log fi re and veranda, kitchen with optional wood-burning stove.

gas stove, cooking utensils and crockery are available) beddings, towels and bathroom. A caretaker is on hand and kerosene lamps are provided. Reservations may be through the Warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi.

CAMPINGReedbuck – offering communal mess hut, pit latrine and shower.

Ruthuruini – pit latrine.

Wandaris – no facilities.

Shamata – no facilities.

A selection of ‘special’ campsites (no facilities) is available and these must be booked in advance on an exclusive uses basis (reservations may be through the Warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi).

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WHERE TO STAYLODGESThere are no lodges, tented camps or self-catering options in Mwea Reserve. The closest lodge accommodation is Masinga Lodge, at Masinga Dam, outside the reserve.

CAMPINGThere are three campsites. Central Road: facilities include water, latrines and washroom. Kamburu: water facilities only. Hippo Point: facilities include water and latrines. (Note: swimming is not permitted at Hippo Point because of crocodiles.)

MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE

Largely undeveloped and rarely visited, Mwea Reserve rewards

those in search of peace, tranquillity and the undisturbed observation of wildlife. Centred on the Kamburu Reservoir, it consists largely of gently rolling acacia-commiphora bush land which thickens into dense bush and scattered trees, in-cluding baobabs, along the water’s edge.

Kamburu Reservoir

The 500-hectare Kamburu Reservoir was built to store the combined waters of the Tana and Thiba rivers and features two small islands. There is a healthy population of hippo.

Game watching

Mwea excels in wildlife watching. The reserve also has a walking circuit (but visitors must be escorted by a KWS ranger).

Realm of rare unseen birds

Mwea offers a vibrant birdlife, especially birds of prey. Owing to its proximity to the Mwea Rice Growing Scheme, it also attracts large numbers of waterbirds and waders.

The only protected area in which the threatened and Kenya-endemic Hinde’s babbler is known to occur, the reserve also shelters two other rare species: Pel’s fi shing owl and the white-backed night heron. A trail-blazer in elephant translocation, Mwea provides an ideal habitat for these animals – so much so that its elephant numbers were too large for its relatively small size. This has been resolved by regularly translocating elephant to other areas. This began in 1995 when a family group and a single bull were successfully moved to Tsavo East National Park.

FACT FILEAltitude: 950 to 1,150 metres above sea level

Area: 42 sq km

Location: Mbeere District, Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 160 km north-east

Gazetted: January 1976

Climate: Semi-arid with an annual rainfall of 510 to 760 mm

Vegetation: Gently rolling woodland, thick bush and scattered trees.

Wildlife: Includes elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, impala and hartebeest.

Birds: Over 200 species recorded. Mwea is renowned for its waterbirds.

Roads: 4x4 vehicles required all year round.

WHERE TO STAY

When to go: The reserve is accessible all year round, but 4x4 vehicles are required.

What to take: Drinking water, picnic items and (if you intend to stay overnight) camping equipment. Also useful are binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and guidebooks.

HOW TO GET THERE

By road: From Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). Note: this route is surfaced until Masinga Dam Bridge. A further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Access is also possible via Embu-Machanga. Note: this road is surfaced from Embu to Machanga only.

By air: Masinga airstrip near Masinga Lodge.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION

MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE

AN UNDISCOVERED

OASIS OF TRANQUILLITY

CONTACTTel: +254 (0)164 20 613

The Warden: PO Box 11, MauaCell: +254 (0)733 662 439

www.kws.go.ke

Meru’s sister park, the adjoining Kora National Park, is famous as the former home of naturalist George Adamson. A vast area of acacia bush land from whose alluvial plains raise stark granite kopjes and low hills, it is bordered to the south-east by the Mwitamisyi River, which supports an abundance of lizards, snakes and crocodiles.

There are no lodges, tented camps or self-catering accommodation options in Kora National Park.

For information on campsites in the park, please contact the Warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi.

KORA NATIONAL PARK

WHERE TO STAY

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LODGES

Elsa’s KopjeTel: (Nairobi) +254 (0)20 604 053/4, Cell: +254 (0)733 333 887; 722 509 387 Email: [email protected]

Leopard Rock LodgeTel (Nairobi): +254 (0)20 600 031/6; 862 527Email: [email protected]

SELF-CATERING

Murera BandasKWS HQ, Nairobi, Meru ParkTel: +254 (0)20 210 9508 Email: [email protected]

Murera Guest House Tel: +254 (0)20 210 9508 Email: [email protected]

Students’ Hostels Email: [email protected]: +254 (0)20 210 9508

Bwatherongo (Kina) Bandas KWS HQ, Nairobi. Tel: +254 (0)20 210 [email protected]

MERU NATIONAL PARK

COMPLETE WILDERNESS

Few places offer a more genuine wil-derness ambience than the remote

and rugged Meru and Kora National Parks. Little visited, utterly unspoilt and the most geographically diverse parks in Kenya, they are the favourites of safari professionals and wildlife experts alike. Brilliantly painted on a magnifi -cent scale, these sister parks feature luxuriant jungle, coursing rivers, verdant

swamp, khaki grasslands, gaunt termite cathedrals and an ever-evolving dance between clouds and sky.

A classic savanna landscape

A fi ne example of the classic savannah landscape, Meru’s character is defi ned by the rivers that form its perimeters: the mighty Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and the Rojeweru to the east. The park is also scored by 14 perma-nent streams which drain off the nearby Nyambeni Hills.

The Northern Plains

One of the most rewarding areas for wildlife viewing, the Northern Plains are home to elephant, lion and cheetah. Both species of zebra, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, impala, beisa oryx, hartebeest and reticulated giraffes can also be seen.

The Southern Plains

The dense woodlands shelter gerenuk, com-mon eland, Kirk’s dik-dik and the warthog. They also make an ideal habitat for one of the park’s highlights, the lesser kudu.

FACT FILEArea: 870 sq km

Distance from Nairobi: 348 km

Climate: Semi-arid with irregular rainfalls. Wet seasons are April-June and November-December.

Wildlife: Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, bush pig, waterbuck, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder and cobra.

Roads: All-weather roads.

CAMPINGPublic campsite: 22 km from Murera Gate, this site lies in a stretch of open ground beside a wooden stream. Lavatories and showers are provided.

Special campsites: Various ‘special’ campsites are seasonally located along the rivers. These sites must be booked in advance on an exclusive use.

http://www.highlandske.com

http://www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a not-for-profi t wildlife conservancy located

west of Nanyuki, between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

Colonial times

In colonial times, the Laikipia Plateau was used extensively for cattle ranching. In those days, landowners attached little value to wildlife.

John and Jane Kenyon took over the man-agement of Ol Pejeta in 1949 when it was owned by Lord Delamere and spent the next 15 years developing the ranch. John Kenyon was joined by Marcus Wickham-Boynton, a school friend and business partner of Lord Delamere. Together they organised the 57,000-acre ranch into a successful beef producing company and expanded the farm to about 90,000 acres.

Since the Kenyons retired, the ranch has been owned by various entrepreneurs.

In 2004 it was purchased by Fauna & Flora International, a UK-based conser-vation organisation. The Sweetwaters Game Reserve has now been extended to encompass the whole ranch area to

OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

A VITAL HAVEN FOR

BLACK RHINO AND

OTHER KEY SPECIEScreate the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Its aim is to generate profi t from wildlife tourism and complementary activities, including cattle, for reinvest-ment into community development in the local area.

Local community

In addition to black rhino, the conserv-ancy is a haven for great apes and contains many other animals including the Big Five. It also operates a successful cattle programme that is integrated with the local wildlife.

The conservancy aims to assist the local community in areas like health, education, water, roads, provision of agriculture and livestock exten-sion services and the development of community-based conservation tourism ventures.

All animals are free to come and go by way of specially constructed ‘game corridors’ that only restrict the movement of rhinos. This involves putting knee-high posts in the ground, close together, so that rhinos cannot move out of the conservancy. This helps to protect them from poachers.

FACT FILEArea: 90,000 acres (360 sq km) in the Laikipia District of central Kenya.

Convenience: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the nearest safari venues to Nairobi.

Birds: Over 300 bird species in the conservancy.

Accommodation: Five places to stay within the boundary: Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta House, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Porini Rhino Camp and Kicheche Laikipia Camp.

There is also a research facility where groups or individuals can stay while studying the fl ora and fauna.

Gates: Entry fees (per day) as of July 2009: Overseas visitors (day trippers): adult $55, child (three to 12 years old) $28. Overseas visitors (overnight stays): adult $47, child $24. Non-citizen Kenya residents (day trippers): adult $26 or KES 2,000, child $13 or KES 1,000. Non-citizen Kenya residents (overnight stays): adult $24 or KES 1,800, child $12 or KES 900. East African citizens (day trippers and overnight stays): adult KES 600, child KES 300.

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http://www.kongonicamp.com

http://www.naromoruriverlodge.com

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is incorporated within

the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and is the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered and remarkably intelli-gent species can be seen.

All the chimpanzees at the Sweetwa-ters Sanctuary have been rescued from traumatic situations and require special care. At the sanctuary they are carefully nursed back to health so they can enjoy the rest of their days in the safety of a vast natural enclosure, where visitors have a unique op-portunity to observe them.

Specialist care

Because the chimpanzees at Sweetwaters can never be reintroduced to the wild, they need continuous support and specialist care. It costs the sanc-tuary about $4,000 a year to take care of just one chimpanzee and for this reason it relies heavily on donations and the work of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

FOR VISITORS TO SEE

RESCUED CHIMPANZEES

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opened in 1993 in a negotiated agree-ment between the Ol Pejeta Conserv-ancy, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta ConservancyVisitors to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy have free access to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is open daily from 9 am to 10.30 am and from 3 pm to 4.30 pm.


15

the Jane Goodall Institute. The facility was initially set up to receive and provide a lifelong refuge for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from west and central Africa. Initially, three orphans were brought to the sanctuary from a facility in Bujumbura, Burundi, in 1993. These ani-mals had to be evacuated when civil war broke out in Burundi. This was followed in 1995 by nine adult chimpanzees and then by a further 10 in 1996.

Over the past decade the sanctuary has accepted more chimpanzees rescued from traumatic situations, bringing the total number to 43.

SWEETWATERS

CHIMPANZEE

SANCTUARY

http://www.laikipiatourism.com

http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org

http://www.batianhotel.com

The diverse landscape, rocky slopes and snow-capped peaks of Mount

Kenya have always attracted hikers and adventurers.

These climbs are not for the faint-heart-ed, however. Throughout their ascent to the summit, climbers must deal with the challenges of rough terrain, ice-covered slopes and near-vertical drops.

Natural landscape

This harsh natural landscape is comple-mented by small tarns, alpine meadows and exotic high-altitude vegetation as well as the boundless views that make this trek one of the most beautiful moun-tain expeditions in East Africa.

The mountain has three main peaks: Batian, Nelion and Lenana. The lowest and most accessible, Lenana, is suitable for most climbers; but only experienced technical climbers should attempt the other two peaks.

The initial ascent begins with gently sloping cultivated farmland. This is fol-lowed by a lush rainforest that is home to elephant, buffalo and monkey. Trekkers

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

AIMING FOR THE SUMMIT

are then guided through a fascinat-ing bamboo-growing area. This is a good time to take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

Mountaineers then begin the ascent of the massif, testing their climbing skills on a topography of hard rock similar to granite. Eagles soar above as the trekkers are guided towards the 16,355 ft summit of Point Lenana.

Guide

It is advisable to use a professional guide, with proper knowledge of the tracks, to accompany trekkers. Depending on the chosen route, the weather conditions and the climbers’ personal fi tness, the climb usually takes two to three days in total.

the tracks, to accompany trekkers. Depending on the chosen route, the weather conditions and the climbers’ personal fi tness, the climb usually takes two to three

WHAT TO BRING:Headlamp, walking pole(s), sleeping bag, gaiters, water purifi cation kit, warm clothing and, above all, comfortable, waterproof and supportive hiking boots.

WHEN TO GO:Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round. The highest rainfall occurs between late March and mid May. Main routes are likely to be more crowded at this time.

MAIN CLIMBING ROUTES:• Naro Moru Route: The most popular and fastest route to Point Lenana, but not as scenic as the other two. This route is often crowded.

• Chogoria Route: The most scenic and interesting of the three main routes.

• Sirimon Route: Although the least used of the three main routes, it offers the most gradual ascent and best acclimatisation options.

Note: There are four other, lesser-known routes up Point Lenana: the Burguret Route, Timau Route, Meru Route and Kamweti Route.


17

It’s still something of a secret, but away from its popular national parks

and reserves there is a game viewing experience in the Mount Kenya region that is a little more exclusive than those in other regions, as well as being less crowded and in many ways even bet-ter. All this, with the spectacular back-drop of the nation’s highest mountain.

Kenya has an international reputation for its excellent wildlife. However, game parks vary considerably depending on the landscape, topography, resident species and how they are organised. In general, the best parks are the ones with vast open spaces where animals are easy to

GAME DRIVES

FIRST-RATE SAFARIS

IN A MEMORABLE AND

EXCLUSIVE SETTING

track and spot. This is certainly true in Mount Kenya, which has Meru National Park, Mwea National Reserve and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

All-terrain

Unlike elsewhere in Kenya, game drive vehicles tend to be four-wheel drive; spe-cially adapted for off-road driving and to deal with the harsh terrain and uneven roads; and are either totally open-sided or have large open-roof hatches.

As a rule, game drives commence early in the morning, when ani-mals are especially active, and in

the late afternoon, avoiding the heat of the day, when the predators begin to stir. These drives typically last three to four hours, with a mid-point break for tea or coffee or a sundowner.

Most national parks and reserves offer night drives, allowing visitors to view certain nocturnal animals including aardvark, bat-eared fox, porcupine, bushbaby, bushbuck,

WHAT TO BRING- Binoculars

- Camera

- Hat

- Light comfortable clothing (khakis and natural colours)

- Bottled water

18

mongoose, genet and various nocturnal birds. Night drives last about two hours. During these adventures, trackers use powerful spotlights to search for activity.

The area around Mount Kenya is the only place in the world in which

to view the wild eastern or moun-tain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) – a shy and mostly nocturnal forest-dwelling antelope. There is also a western or lowland bongo, which is found elsewhere.

Eastern or mountain bongos can live at altitudes of up to 4,000 metres and are ideally suited to the harsh climatic condi-tions found in the Aberdares.

Vibrant

Bongos are characterised by a striking and vibrant reddish-brown coat, black

and white markings, white-yellow stripes and long spiralled horns. Indeed, the bongo is the only type of antelope of its particular subspe-cies where both sexes have horns. In addition to the deep chestnut colour of their coats, bongos have bright white side stripes to help hide them from their enemies. Bongos also have a rather complex social structure.

The eastern or moun-tain bongo is found in the wild only in one remote area close to Mount Kenya and is now classifi ed as ‘critically endangered’ – underlined by the fact that there are now more animals in captiv-ity than in the wild.

19

UNIQUE ANTELOPE IS A SPECIAL DRAW FOR NATURALISTS

The outlook for the endangered bongo is improving, however. In 2006 the As-sociation of Zoos & Aquariums’ Bongo Restoration to Mount Kenya Project was added to the list of the Top Ten Wildlife Conservation Success Stories of the year. And today, the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the UNDP’s Global Environ-ment Facility (GEF) is supporting the conservation of the antelope in both the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

Solitary

Bongos seldom gather in large groups. Males tend to be solitary, while females and their young live in small groups of six to eight. Their preferred habitat is so dense and diffi cult to operate in that few visitors observed the species until the 1960s.

Although mostly nocturnal, bongos are occasionally active in the daytime, so visitors can occasionally glimpse this rare and reclusive creature. Bongos are both timid and easily frightened. After a scare, a bongo will move away at speed, so a slow and cautious approach is required when viewing.

and vibrant reddish-brown coat, black

THE ENDANGERED BONGO

Nyeri’s unique and star attraction is that it was the fi nal home and

resting place of Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell, founder of the worldwide Scout Movement.

Lord Baden-Powell had fi rst visited Kenya in 1906 and immediately fell in love with the area around Mount Kenya, describ-ing his visit with the words: ‘Wonderful views over the plains to the bold snow peak of Mount Kenya.’

WHERE FOUNDER

OF SCOUTING SPENT

HIS FINAL YEARS

But it was not until October 1939 that Baden-Powell and his wife Olave moved from the UK in order to live full-time in Nyeri. They took a small cottage, which Baden-Powell named Paxtu, in the grounds of Outspan hotel. It was Baden-Powell’s second property named Pax (Latin for ‘peace’) and so became known as ‘Pax Two’ or Paxtu.

Private secretary

Outspan, along with the more famous Treetops, was owned by Major Eric Sher-

brooke Walker,

20

who was Baden-Powell’s fi rst private secretary and one of the fi rst two Scout inspectors.

Baden-Powell, who had earlier recu-perated at Outspan, bought a share of Walker’s hotel business to pay for his cottage. But far from being a grand coun-try home, Paxtu was a modest one-room house (now a Scouting museum).

Blissful

Baden-Powell once remarked that ‘closer to Nyeri, closer to bliss’. His blissful life in Nyeri was short lived, however. On 8 January 1941, aged 83, the founder of the Scouting movement died and was buried in St Peter’s Cemetery, Nyeri. His simple gravestone bears a circle with a dot in

the centre which is the trail sign for ‘going home’ or ‘I have gone home’.

When his widow Olave died many years later in 1977, her ashes were fl own to Kenya and interred next to her husband. The Kenya gov-ernment has since declared Baden-Powell’s grave in Nyeri a national monument and today, along with Paxtu, it is a must-see for visitors to the Mount Kenya region.

LORD BADEN-POWELL

There are good reasons why Kenya coffee is so many people’s wake-up

beverage of choice as well as a favour-ite evening drink. Throughout Kenya, the top hotels, smartest offi ces and fi nest restaurants are proud to serve locally grown coffee to their apprecia-tive clients and guests.

Kenya coffee is often described as having a fl oral aroma and a wine-like aftertaste and is known around the world for its unique and spectacular fl avour.

COFFEE TASTING

ADDING A FLAVOUR OF

QUALITY TO YOUR STAY

IN KENYAFrom plant to cup, Kenya coffee is per-fectly nurtured and produced. The Kenyan tradition of post-harvest coffee handling is considered one of the most effective in the world. The tree that produces Kenyan coffee beans is called Robusta and is re-stricted to humid altitudes of about 4,000 ft above sea level, fl ourishing best in rich and deep volcanic soils. These conditions are amply fulfi lled on the broad, gentle slopes of Mount Kenya.

The ripe berries are handpicked twice a year. The main picking season runs from October to the end of the year, while the

second and smaller harvest is from June to July or early August. Upon harvest, the beans are graded and separated according to size, shape and weight. Size matters because it is directly proportional to the fl avour and aroma released. Larger-sized beans have better quality.

21

When visiting the plantations, coffee lovers will be fascinated to witness the production process from ripe berries to dry coffee beans. Visitors will have an opportunity to taste and purchase Kenya coffee and to learn more about its history and production.

Light roasts

Grown at high attitude on Mount Kenya, these lightly roasted beans produce a smooth, mild-fl avoured coffee with the ability to tame even the grumpiest of Monday morning risers.

Medium roasts

Full-bodied and satisfying, medium roasted blends are ideal for mid-morning catch-ups with friends. These coffee beans have medium acidity and produce a well balanced taste.

Dark roasts

Dark roasted blends are for those who like strong, bold-tasting coffee. Rich, with low acidity, these beans produce the per-fect after-dinner cup or mid-afternoon shot of espresso.

Visitors can get their adrenalin pumping on Kenya’s largest river.

This action-packed adventure is a magnet for thrill-seekers worldwide who come to experience the challeng-ing waters of the Tana River.

Rigorous safety standards are maintained and rafters are provided with training,

RAFTING ON THE

TANA RIVER

THRILLS AND SPILLS OF THE

WHITE WATER

CHALLENGE

life jackets and helmets before setting out on this scenic but challenging fi ve-hour voyage.

The fi rst 3 km section of river gives rafters time to practise their paddle skills and perfect their rafting tech-niques through a series of easy Class II and Class III white water rapids.

After the initial ‘warm-up’ rapids there is a stretch of open water where rafters will have a chance to catch their breath, cool off in the river or relax on the raft before the real fun begins.

Challenging

The most challenging part of the course is a succession of three large Class IV and Class V rapids where the rushing water bends and drops, thrashing the raft about as guests attempt to battle the fast-fl owing white water. With nicknames like Captain’s Folly, Can of Worms (named because of its succession of four 90-de-gree bends) and Sphincter Flexor, these rapids are far from easy but great fun for lovers of adventure.

22

TANA RIVER PRIMATE RESERVECovering 13 sq km of protected forest, Tana River Primate Reserve is home to one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates, the red colobus monkey, as well as the rare crested mangabey monkey. Normally, both these primates are confi ned to West Africa; but within Kenya they can be found exclusively in the Tana Reserve. These fascinating creatures share the reserve with six other species of non-human primates, all of which are under continued threat from the rapid expansion of agricultural development in this area.

The experience comes to a pleasant conclusion back at base camp with a well-earned barbecue lunch accompanied by beers or soft drinks.

Just 95 km from Nairobi, this fun-fi lled experience is an increasingly popular team-building exercise for corporate development.

TANA RIVERFACT FILELength: 1,014 km

Source: Slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains

Mouth: Tana Delta, Indian Ocean (Formosa Bay)

Forming a signifi cant landmark on the lower Tana River at Kindaruma

is the imposing structure of the Seven Forks Dam, the country’s main source of hydroelectric power.

Hydroelectricity is the most widely used form of renewable energy. It is relatively environmentally friendly because it pro-duces no direct waste and has a consider-

Those who prefer a more intimate look at the local fl ora and fauna will

appreciate the beauty and serenity of a nature walk.

Brightly coloured fl owers, smaller and shyer animals and rare birds are often missed or scared off by safari vehicles. A nature walk allows time for the visitor to truly observe and explore this fragile and diverse ecosystem.

Gentle

Venturing out on foot is a gentle and eco-friendly way of viewing wildlife and is also less strenuous than mountain climbing or hiking.

SEVEN FORKS DAM

NATURE WALKS

TAKE A WALK ON

THE WILD SIDE…

ably lower output of emissions than some other forms of energy generation.

Work began on this hydroelectric project in 1965 and was completed in June 1968. The cost of building the dam is estimated at £6.5 million.

Masinga Reservoir

Served by the Masinga Reservoir, the dam is of the rock-fi lled gravity type. There is a power station alongside.

Visitors to the Mount Kenya region are advised to use a professional guide in order to gain more knowledge about the natural environment. Most organ-ised walks commence in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler; however, it is still recommended that walkers bring sun cream and plenty of water and wear a hat.

Natural walks are not the same as the walking safaris undertaken in major game parks. The focus is on observing the local fl ora and fauna rather than seeking particular animals.

On its completion, the dam was visited by Lord Howick of Glendale, at that time chairman of the Commonwealth Devel-opment Corporation. The offi cial opening ceremony on 7 June 1968 was attended by President Jomo Kenyatta.

The Seven Forks Dam continues to be Kenya’s main source of hydroelectric power.

WHAT TO BRING:Comfortable lightweight clothes

A pair of comfortable closed-in shoes

Binoculars

Plenty of bottled water

SEVEN FORKS DAM

ably lower output of emissions than some On its completion, the dam was visited

KEY SOURCE OF

RENEWABLE POWER

FOR KENYA

23

The Nairobi river Mau Mau Cave is in the foothills of Mount Kenya, in

the Narumoru forest block of Mount Kenya forest reserve. The cave is 19.5 km from Munyu junction on Nairobi-Nanyuki road, which is 11 km from Kiganjo Police College junction. It is 200 metres right of Narumoru forest station towards Nairobi River. The river is 200 metres down the steep valley.

From Munyu junction, visitors encounter vast tracts of ranches in this savannah range land. As one gets to the fi rst shop-ping centre, one experiences a rapid change in both altitude and livelihoods. The landscape changes to small-scale subsistence farming with a mixture of horticulture.

The roadside vegetation is characterised by a thick undergrowth of green plants, indicating fertile soil. The forest reserve is a mixture of plantation and native forests occasionally interrupted by green-carpeted grass openings. The location of these caves is spectacular. They are easy to miss without a guide, being mostly concealed by undergrowth and local trees including olive, oak and cedar.

History

The cave was discovered in 1953 by Mau Mau fi ghters opposed to British colonial rule. This was during the State of Emergency declared in 1952. Later, British soldiers extracted the location of

NAIROBI RIVER

MAU MAU CAVE

the hideout from Mau Mau captives. This led to an aerial bombing of the cave, which missed the target and struck 200 metres away. The explosion partly destroyed the opening of the smaller cave, while the main cave remained intact. The signs of this can still be seen.

National monument

The Mau Mau left the hideout after that incident. Many years after independence, in 2003, the cave was declared a national monument by the National Museums of Kenya.

The caves were formed millions of years ago through the volcanic eruption of Mount Kenya. The sediment rocks were formed by cooling lava.

These caves have a signifi cant place in the history of Kenya, and in particular the struggle for independence. Besides serv-ing as a hideout, it was from here caves the fi ghters drew up and carried out their war plans. The caves served as a workshop for home-made rifl es and other military equipment and for storage of stolen ammunition and food.

24

British soldiers extracted the location of food.

• The indigenous forest is a habitat for primates, especially colobus monkeys

• There is a variety of birds in the forests around the caves

• Narumoru forest consists of natural vegetation, with a canopy of indigenous trees such as olive oak, cedar, wild fruits and wild fl owers

• Nairobi River is 200 metres down the steep valley where the cave is located

• The cave is clear evidence of volcanic activity long ago as well as a testimony to the local struggle for independence from colonial rule.

ATTRACTIONS

FACT FILEDistance: 19.5 km from Munyu junction to the forest.

Climate: Cool

Location: Narumoru forest in the foothills of Mount Kenya.

Gazetted: 2003

Access by road: Passable murram road from Munyu junction to Narumoru forest.

Vegetation: From Munyu junction, visitors encounter vast tracts of farms in this savannah range land. The reserve is a mixture of plantation and indigenous forests, occasionally interrupted by green carpeted grass openings.

Birds: Variety of birds in the forest.

Light: Bring torch

Open: All year round

25

Nestling between the Aberdare Mountain Range and Mount

Kenya, the Solio Game Reserve is a true jewel not to be missed while visit-ing northern Kenya.

Established in 1970, the reserve is home to 74 black rhino and 155 white rhino, which live in harmony with other wildlife including buffalo, giraffe, zebra and other game species such as eland, oryx, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, warthog and waterbuck. Big cats in the reserve include lion, leopard and cheetah. There

is also an abundance of birdlife scattered among permanent waterholes and the acacia-lined Moyo River, which crosses the reserve.

Refuge

Internationally recognised as Kenya’s most successful private rhino breeding area, Solio Game Reserve has translo-cated more than 100 black and 60 white rhinos to other parts of Kenya and six to Uganda. The main purpose of the reserve is to provide a refuge for wildlife that would otherwise be deprived of suitable habitat. In this way, it makes a key contribution to wildlife conservation in Kenya.

The Carr-Hartley family has a long-standing relationship with Solio. The conservancy was originally stocked with rhino and other wild animals by Mikey Carr-Hartley’s family to create the reserve which protects the endan-gered black rhino.

The geographical position of Solio makes it the perfect destination en route to the Northern Circuit. There is a choice of exciting activities that include walking, trout fi shing in the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, helicopter fl ights and horse riding. The reserve is accessible both by vehicle and aeroplane. Charter fl ights can access the Solio Private Airfi eld and there are regular scheduled fl ights to Nanyuki, a 20-minute road transfer from Solio. By road, the journey takes about three hours from Nairobi.

A 45,000 acre ranch within the reserve, Solio Ranch, is being developed by Tamimi Kenya Ltd, which has built a small luxury lodge using local materials and consisting of six opulent individual cottages, opened in mid 2010. Tamimi was also due to take over the tourism manage-ment of Solio Game Reserve in 2010.

is also an abundance of birdlife scattered

RHINOS OF THE SOLIO

GAME RESERVE

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conserves and manages Kenya’s

wildlife for the Kenyan people and the world. It is a state corporation established by Act of Parliament with a mandate to conserve and manage wildlife in Kenya and to enforce related laws and regulations.

KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE (KWS)

TAKING GOOD CARE

OF KENYA’S NATURAL

RESOURCESThe challenges facing wildlife and biodi-versity conservation in Kenya are many and varied. They include climate change, habitat degradation and loss, forest de-pletion, tourism market volatility, human wildlife confl ict brought on by population growth and changing land use habits of communities that coexist with wildlife as well as wildlife crime.

Conservation

KWS makes an effort to engage with other interest groups and to jointly un-dertake conservation and management of wildlife resources outside protected areas. The aim is to conserve, pro-tect and manage these resources in a sustainable way. The community wildlife programme of KWS, in collaboration with others, encourages biodiversity conservation by communities living on land essential to wildlife, such as wildlife

26

corridors and dispersal lands outside parks and reserves.

The premise is that if people benefi t from wildlife and other natural resources, then they will

take care of those resources.

National parks

KWS manages about eight per cent of the total land mass of the country, embracing 22 national parks, 28 national reserves and fi ve national sanctuaries. Also under KWS management are four marine national parks and six marine national reserves at the coast. In addition, KWS manages 125 fi eld stations outside protected areas.

In addition to wildlife habitats, the parks and stations feature offi ce and residen-tial blocks, training institutes, workshop areas, research centres, bandas, hotels, shops and restaurants, boreholes, road networks, airstrips and related plants and equipment.

Tourism is the second-largest sector of Kenya’s economy. Wildlife managed by KWS forms the backbone of Kenya’s tourism industry, since most visitors come above all to view the wildlife.

Hotel Three Steers is a fi rst-class hotel under the management of

the Nairobi Pacifi c Hotel. Based along the Meru-Isiolo Road, the property is just 2 km from Meru Town and 200

metres from Maua Junction to-wards Isiolo/Nanyuki, opposite the Nyambene coffee mills.

Luxurious

The luxurious self contained ac-commodation, consists of standard

rooms, superior singles, superior twins and Deluxe rooms. All rooms are equipped with satel-lite televisions with up to eight channels. Guests can also con-nect to the world with unlimited internet provided.

HOTEL THREE STEERS

REFURBISHED HOTEL

IS IDEAL CENTRE FOR

LOOKING ROUND MERU

The hotel also offers conference facilities, with projectors and all other conference needs available.

The choice of meals is as wide as per-sonal taste. The hotel offers world class Mediterranean, European, oriental and African cuisines.

Hotel Three Steers also offers outside catering services and provides top of the line services for weddings, seminars, workshops, family gatherings and funeral arrangements.

27

28

Kenya is the original home of the safari and the ultimate destination

for a world-class holiday.

Sitting astride the equator, halfway down Africa’s east coast, Kenya is the most accessible country in the region. With some 90 international fl ights arriving and departing Nairobi every week, visitors can be enjoying dinner and observing elephants and other wildlife within a few hours of leaving the offi ce.

Kenya offers a world of attractions and opportunities for the discerning visitor – more than any other destination. Visitors can expect to fi nd stunning landscapes, a diversity of culture and myths, sandy

KENYA TOURIST BOARD (KTB)

MAGICAL KENYA,

WHERE THE SUN NEVER

SETS ON ADVENTURE

beaches, a range of adventure sport activities and, above all, the chance to observe rare wildlife.

Nairobi

Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, is the only city in the world with a national park attached to it. The city’s many hotels and restaurants offer the perfect start to a memorable vacation.

But it is on the plains, beneath the majes-tic snow-capped mountains, that you will fi nd Kenya’s most memorable entertain-ment – the great annual migration of some 2 million wildebeest, half a million zebra and thousands of gazelle in search of pastures new.

Beaches

After the wonders of a wildlife safari, Kenya’s beaches offer the ultimate in relaxation. With 480 km of beaches – 50 per cent of them sheltered by unspoilt coral reef – Kenya is the ideal destination for adventure and sports tourism.

Kenya’s wild assets are accompanied by the warmest of welcomes. Visitors can experience the vibrancy of Kenya’s 42 cultures and become part of an extended national family. Home stays can also be arranged.

In the Northern Laikipia area, ranches covering hundreds of thousands of acres offer private game viewing with eco-friendly private community lodges cater-ing for only a couple of customers.

Wherever you go in Kenya, you are deliv-ered right to the heart of the action.

2929

Naro Moru River Lodge Hotel is the ideal base for climbing Mount Kenya, offering expertise in

organising all kinds of climbing safaris and trekking programmes. Its mountain centre provides climbing equipment for hire; highly experienced guides and porters; and transport to the starting point at the Met. Station.

Tropical gardens

Situated on the equator between Nyeri and Nanyuki, at an altitude of 6,505 ft, the lodge is set in beautiful tropical gardens alongside the Naro Moru River, which is well stocked with brown and rainbow trout. There is an exceptional variety of birdlife.

Its scented gardens, spacious rooms, delicious food and ready access to the great outdoors make Naro Moru a perfect lodge for families and couples, honeymoons,

With its beautiful mountain views, Kongoni Camp is a hub for trekkers climbing the Siri-

mon and Burguret routes as well as an ideal stopover for visitors en route to and from game parks in the Laikipia region.

This recently opened camp is less than 2 km from Nanyuki Town, north-west of Mount Kenya.

Excellent cuisine

The camp has a reputation for excellent cuisine, ranging from delicious grills, vegetarian dishes and pizzas made in a traditional Italian-style wood-fi red oven to home-made breads and cakes all delicately prepared using fresh local ingredients.

Set in a picturesque shrub landscape, surrounded by cedar trees, the bar and restaurant are housed in a log-cabin-style building with an open porch and a huge fi replace. The decor is contemporary and tasteful.

conferences and outdoor challenges.

The lodge offers a unique range of accommoda-tion. There are 19 deluxe cottages, furnished in pine, with two double beds, bathroom and toilet and sitting room; 12 standard cottages with double and single beds and separate bathroom and toilet; and 12 self-service cottages of varying sizes for family holidays.

The restaurant and bar complex is built round a heated deck-level swimming pool with wonderful views of Mount Kenya. Other facilities include a sauna; a squash court; and two tennis courts.

Accommodation is in fi ve traditional hut-style fully self-contained cottages and a rustic 17-bed double-storey cabin. There is also ample space for camping, fully serviced with showers, lighting and security. Guests can either bring their own camping equipment and materials or have them provided by the camp.

The camp is a spectacular venue for all kinds of vacation experiences including romantic getaways, weddings, individual retreats, family parties, corporate trips and school trips.

NARO MORU RIVER LODGE HOTEL

KONGONI CAMP

NARO MORU RIVER LODGE HOTEL

KONGONI CAMP

CLIMBING BASE OFFERS

RANGE OF FACILITIES

IDEAL BASE CAMP

30

Guests will enjoy the experience of a lifetime when they choose to stay at properties man-

aged by Aberdare Safari Hotels. Two of these are near neighbours in the Mount Kenya circuit: Treetops, famously associated with the British Royal Family, and the beautiful Outspan, which enchanted Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement. The other property, Shimba, has a unique location in a coastal rainforest.

Treetops

The legendary Treetops, where Princess Elizabeth awoke one morning as Queen of England, was built in 1932 in Aberdare National Park. The 50-room lodge is constructed on stilts and has four decks and a rooftop viewing platform. There are two waterholes for close-up game viewing. Treetops is engaged in a tree-planting

One of the pioneers of Kenya’s soft drinks industry, Kenya Highlands Mineral Water Co

Ltd was established in 1954 in Nyeri. As a world-class organisation with products conforming to Kenyan and international standards, it has been providing high quality soft drinks for over half a century

Highlands offers bottled drinking water, certifi ed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards Diamond Mark of Quality.

Highlands range

The Highlands range also includes still natural and fruit fl avoured cordials and ready-to-drinks in orange, pineapple, tropical, lemon, strawberry and blackcurrant fl avours. In addition, sugar-free Highlands Light Drinks, developed for health conscious individuals and suitable for diabetics, are available.

initiative, Return the Bush, in con-junction with Kenya Wildlife Service.

Outspan

Built in 1926, Outspan is set in beautiful gardens with views of Mount Kenya. The 45 rooms are spacious and airy. Guests can visit Paxtu cottage, where Lord Baden-Powell and his wife lived. Other activities include game drives in Aberdare Nation-al Park, nature walks and Kikuyu cultural performances.

The company oper-ates through distributors countrywide and in the East African region.

Highlands is committed to giving something back to the community through corporate social responsibility projects.

Highlands is the offi cial supplier of water for the Safari-com Lewa Marathon and the Rhino Charge, supporting wildlife conservation. It also supports the East African Wildlife Society, East African Environmental Network and other conservation projects. Other events in which Highlands is proud to be involved include rally sport, the Diabetes Walk and Operation Smile.

Highlands is continuing to expand its market share in Kenya and East Africa.

ABERDARE SAFARI HOTELS

HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER CO LTD

ABERDARE SAFARI HOTELS

HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER CO LTD

A CHOICE OF GREAT

EXPERIENCES

THE HALLMARK OF

EXCELLENCE

31

Batian Grand Hotel and Mpete Guest House offer visitors a choice of accommodation in Nyeri with

ready to access to local services and amenities.

Batian Grand Hotel

Batian Grand Hotel, located in the heart of Nyeri town, is a favourite stopover for travellers on their way to the Mount Kenya highlands with its many fi ne features, including Mount Kenya National Park, the Aberdare Ranges, the Mau Mau Caves and the grave of Lord Baden-Powell. This two-star hotel offers warm hospital-ity in a friendly and tranquil environment. It is also an excellent venue for seminars, conferences, parties and other functions. The hotel has a 70-seat dining room, a coffee shop, a residents’ bar and a sports bar, all offering excellent cuisine and service.

Mpeta Guest House Mpeta Guest House offers comfortable self-catering apartments for both families and busi-ness travellers. Located within easy reach of the central business district of Nyeri, the property is in a lush green suburb with fi ne views of Mount Kenya and the surround-ing farmlands. The smartly designed apartments consist of one- and two-bedroom units with a modern kitchen-ette, large living room and terrace. Each apartment has wireless internet, TV, intercom and secure parking.

BATIAN GRAND HOTEL

31

Laikipia is widely recognised as Kenya’s premier safari destination, with ideals and practices that

are at the forefront of conservation tourism. The combination of abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery provides the basis for Laikipia’s high quality tourism.

A wilderness and wildlife haven, Laikipia is located north-west of Mount Kenya, stretching from the Great Rift Valley in the west to the magnifi cent escarpments which descend into the semi-deserts of Northern Kenya.

Laikipia hosts a diversity of large mammals, including signifi cant populations of predators and the ‘Big Five’ as well as the highest populations of endangered species in the country.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a not-for-profi t wild-life conservancy in the Laikipia district of Kenya. It

is the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees.

Its aims are to conserve wildlife, to provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism and complementary enterprises for reinvest-ment in conservation and community development. It works closely with the government and to international standards.

The conservancy derives its revenue from wildlife tourism and a fully integrated livestock produc-tion system. Any surplus internally generated revenue is used, with donor funds, to support a commu-nity outreach programme and for conservation beyond its boundaries.

LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

BATIAN GRAND HOTEL

LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

TWO IDEAL BASES FOR

VISITORS TO NYERI

LAIKIPIA…KENYA’S

HIGH COUNTRYA MODEL FOR

MODERN WILDLIFE

CONSERVATION

© C

aro

Thou

less

32

Izaak Walton Inn is one of Kenya’s most exciting destinations – a unique place of relaxation on the

slopes of Mount Kenya.

Traditional

Originally built in the 1930s in traditional rondavels, the inn was named after the English fi sherman Izaak Walton, whose famous book, ‘The Compleat Angler’, was published in 1653. The Mugo family has developed the property into a world-class conference venue.

Accommodation consists of standard rooms and superior suites. Guests can opt for a king-sized bed or twin beds.

IZAAK WALTON INN

AN EXCITING

VENUE

http://www.landmarine.com

http://www.izaakwaltoninn.co.ke

33

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT

MEMBERS INDEX

BANANA LEAF HOTEL 34BATIAN GRAND HOTEL 34GREEN HILLS HOTEL 35GERISH HOTELS 35 HOTEL INCREDIBLE 35HOTEL STARBUCKS 35IVORY RESORT HOTEL 36IZAAK WALTON INN 36KIRIMARA SPRINGS HOTEL 36KWETU LODGE 36MAINA HIGHWAY HOTEL 37MASINGA DAM RESORT 37MAUA BASIN HOTEL 37MERU SAFARI HOTEL 37MT KENYA LEISURE LODGE 38NARO MORU RIVER LODGE 38NEW THUCHI LODGE 38OLD HOUSE NANYUKI 38OUTSPAN/TREETOPS 39PHILADELPHIA RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTRE 39ROYAL PRINCE HOTEL LTD 40THE SPORTSMAN’S ARMS HOTEL 40SWEETWATERS TENTED CAMP 41THOMSON’S FALLS LODGE 41THREE STEERS HOTEL 41TRANSIT MOTEL 41

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK 42EMBU TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (ETDO) 42GEF/SGP KENYA COMPACT INITIATIVE 42LORIAN ECO-FOCUS SAFARI 42MERU NATIONAL PARK CONSERVERS & CULTURAL DANCERS 43MOUNT KENYA SCHOOL OF ADVENTURE & LEADERSHIP (KESAL) 43NYERI YOUTH MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING CLUB 43SAGANA TOTAL SERVICE STATION 43SLOPES SPRING DRINKING WATER 44THUNGUMA MUSEUM 44

MORGAN RESTAURANT 44RAYBELLS RESTAURANT & GARDENS 44

HOTELS

RESTAURANTS

TOUR OPERATORS

& SERVICES

MOUNT KENYA

HOTELS

34

BANANA LEAF HOTEL PO Box 2081-10100, Nyeri Kenya

Email: [email protected]

BATIAN GRAND HOTEL

Gakere Road, NyeriTelephone: +254 (0)612 030 743


Banana Leaf Hotel is a medium-sized prop-erty located along Nyeri-Karatina highway next to the National Oil Petrol Station.

The hotel offers a wide range of foods and drinks – guests can choose from the à la carte menu or table d’hôte cuisine.

Banana Leaf is a hot spot for entertain-ment in the region, featuring theme nights, every fi rst weekend of the month, among other popular events.

This is the perfect venue for group lunches, parties, conferences and team-building. The staff at Banana Leaf are well trained to cater for both large and small-scale occasions.

The hotel offers excellent accommodation with wall to wall carpet, hot showers and TV with DSTV. Rooms rates also include a fresh, sumptuous breakfast.

The hotel restaurant serves fresh cuts of pork, chicken and mbuzi choma.

Ideal for those looking for budget boarding with a good atmosphere, the Batian Grand Hotel provides centrally located accommodation in Nyeri – at affordable rates.

The building itself is a large modern block with a central courtyard. Some of the guest rooms look inward to the courtyard while others face-outward and, on a clear day, have views to Mount Kenya. All rooms are well appointed and have all necessary facilities. Both single and double rooms are available.

The hotel has a popular coffee shop and restaurant serving snacks and meals throughout the day. The well-known Zebra Pub is located within the hotel and attracts both hotel guests and locals.

Batian Grand Hotel is ideally positioned for those wishing to visit the fi nal resting place of Lord Baden-Powell in St Peter’s Cemetery, just a stone’s throw from the hotel.

Secure parking is available to all hotel guests.

PO Box 2081-10100, Nyeri Kenya

Ideal for those looking for budget boarding with

35

GREEN HILLS HOTEL

PO Box 313-10100, Nyeri

Tel: +254 (0)61 203 0604; 203 0709; 203 0710

Fax: +254 61 203 2199


www.greenhills.co.ke

HOTEL INCREDIBLEPO Box 2020-60200, Meru Tel: +254 (0)20 24 161 6139Cell: +254 (0)724 551 799; 722 885 511

Fax: +254 (0)64 30107Email: [email protected]

GERISH HOTELS

PO Box 1760-060100, Embu

Tel: +254 (0)68 30 440

Cell: +254 (0)72 129 6231; 71 637 6356


HOTEL STARBUCKS

PO Box 1299, Karatina

Tel: +254 (0)617 2829

Cell: +254 (0)720 341 266

Email: [email protected],

[email protected]

Green Hills is three-star hotel founded in 1979. The property is set in quiet and secluded area with stunning views of Mount Kenya and surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens.

The hotel boasts nine conference halls – ranging in size depending on different requirements – from small meeting rooms to large halls with the capacity of up to 700 delegates.

In total there are 112 guest rooms all with private bathroom, telephone and DSTV. All rooms have been specially designed to ensure ultimate comfort and relaxation. Internet services are also available.

The charming restaurant offers varied menus serving international and local cuisine. There is a buffet service for breakfast and lunch, with an à la carte dinner menu in the evenings.

Green Hills also has an underground soundproof discotheque, a large swimming pool, a spacious play area for children and a luxury lifestyle spa providing an extensive range of treatments.

Located on Kirukuri Road off Tom Mboya Street in Meru town, Hotel Incredible offers fi ne accommodation for international and local guests.

The hotel restaurant serves an impressive selection of African, Asian and Chinese cuisine to suit every taste.

In terms of accommodation there is a choice of spacious executive cottages, well equipped guest houses or basic guest rooms. All the accommodation has been designed to help guests relax and unwind.

A large proportion of the hotel’s clientele are stopping over on their way to the many attractions found in this area. These include: Meru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lewa Down, Mount Kenya National Park and Lake Nkunga.

Hotel Incredible is a great venue for conferences and seminars. The impressive conference hall can accommodate up to 100 delegates.

Gerish Hotels is a budget hotel situated 2 km from the central business develop-ment area of Embu town and 130 km from Nairobi. The property offers rural setting ambience in an urban proximity.

The hotel accommodation has capacity for 46 guests.

Best known for fresh, delicious chicken and mbuzi choma – sourced from the famous Ishiara plains, the hotel restaurant is popular with both guests and locals.

At the weekends the hotel entertainment consists live bands and comedians – a chance for guests to interact with the locals and relax with a cooling beverage.

For more cultural entertainment, the property works closely with the Embu Tourism Development Association enabling visitors to tour the historical sites.

Located in the heart of lush green coffee and tea farms of the central highlands, Hotel Starbucks is in Karatina on the Nairobi-Nanyuki highway. The hotel is a landmark in this busy market town.

Overlooking the highway, the terrace bar and coffee shop is charming hang for travel-lers and guests.

The cosy accommodation is designed with traditional African theme and provides an atmosphere that is prefect for relaxation.

Distinctively rich, the diverse cuisine served at the restaurant is made from the freshest fruits and vegetable.

The property also offers modern conferences facilities for corporate clientele.


Located in the heart of lush green coffee and

MOUNT KENYA

HOTELS

36

IVORY RESORT HOTEL


Cell: +254 (0)722 929 013

KIRIMARA SPRINGS HOTELPO Box 1051-10400, Nanyuki

Tel: +254 (0)62 32 568Cell: +254 (0)726 370 191Email: [email protected]

www.kirimaraspringshotel.com

IZAAK WALTON INN

PO Box 1, Embu

Tel: +254 (0)161 20 128


KWETU LODGEPO Box 1241, EmbuTel: +254 (0)68 30 692

Fax: +254 (0)68 31 178

Cell: +254 (0)721 326 0423; 722 891 679


Ivory Resort Hotel is situated on the Nyeri-Nairobi Highway in Skuta, next to Caltex service station. The hotel is just 4 km from Nyeri town, in a lush green environment of coffee and tea plantations.

The resort offers warm hospitality and has a friendly and tranquil ambience. A favourite stopover for visitors to various attractions in the region such as the Aberdare Ranges and Lord Baden-Powell’s grave, at Ivory Resort Hotel guests will fi nd attentive service and friendly staff.

The restaurant serves all types of cuisine for both in-house and outside catering.

Other facilities include conferencing and secure parking.

Located in Nanyuki town centre and with majestic views of Mount Kenya, Kirimara Springs Hotel is a haven of rest and relaxation.

Modern business facilities, including high-speed wireless internet throughout and four separate conference venues make Kirimara Springs Hotel popular with business tour-ists. The largest of the conference halls is the Banana Leaf Hall, with a capacity of 150 delegates. The Nelion and Batian halls can each accommodate approximately 40 guests and the open-air and aptly named Backyard Hall can hold 70 people. All halls are fi tted with presentation equipment.

All guest rooms also have internet connection as well as showers, TV, work desk and mosquito nets.

Food served at the restaurant is reasonably priced and guests have the option of either indoor or outdoor dining.

In the evening, the hotel bar is a popular meeting place, serving a wide selection of beers, wine, spirits, soft drinks and tea or coffee. The bar area also has scenic views of Mount Kenya.

Originally a farmhouse building, the Izaak Walton Inn has architectural features from bygone days. The hotel is situated in the serene outskirts of Embu. It is 2 km from the town centre on Kenyatta Avenue along Embu-Meru Road and a two-hour drive from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Steeped in history, the inn was constructed in 1930s and received its fi rst paying clients in 1942. The inn was named later after Izaak Walton, the 17th-century English fi sherman and author of ‘The Compleat Angler’, one of the most reprinted books ever.

‘In the beginning was Izaak Walton Inn…it is still,’ reads the caption on each of the sepia pictures which hang in the simple lounge of the inn. The pictures show Embu people in their rich traditional attire.

The inn was fi rst constructed in traditional rondavels, which now contain the guest accommodation.

Kwetu Lodge is an ideal place for busi-ness travellers or those looking to relax.

Located in Embu town along Nairobi-Meru Highway, the property is 500 metres from Rupinganci River Bridge.

All the rooms are equipped with DSTV.

Those looking to explore this area will fi nd the hotel’s car hire service a convenient and affordable option.


37

MAINA HIGHWAY HOTEL

PO Box 354-60100, Embu

Tel: +254 (0)683 1789

Cell: +254 (0)722 827 700; 722 831 226


www.mainahighwayhotel.com

MAUA BASIN HOTELOld Maua-Meru Rd, PO Box 452-60600, Maua

Tel: +254 (0)642 1519Email: [email protected];

[email protected]

www.hotelmauabasin.com

MASINGA DAM RESORT

c/o Tana & Athi River Development Authority, Embu


This smart seven-storey landmark property is located in the heart of Embu, just off Kenyatta Highway.

Opening in 2009, the hotel is relatively new, however has quickly established a reputation for quality service and warm hospitality. Clientele consists of both leisure and business travellers attracted by the numerous recreational and conference facilities available.

The property currently has 95 rooms. Singles, twins and executive suites are available depending on preference.

In terms of meetings and seminars, the hotel has three impressive conference halls – two of which have the capacity for over 100 guests each. The halls are fi tted with the latest public address systems, LCD projectors, comfortable seats and tables.

Secure parking is available for all hotel guests.

With a tranquil setting, affordable accom-modation and excellent customer service, Maua Basin Hotel prides itself on creating an atmosphere that is both relaxing and comfortable, with attention to the smallest detail.

Located north of Meru and 320 km from of Nairobi, the hotel is set in leafy gardens at the foot of the Nyambene Hills and overlooking Meru National Park.

Single, double rooms and suites are all available – complete with cable televi-sion, hot showers and large comfortable beds. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the hotel restaurant. The talented chef provides a wide and tasty choice of cuisine, including many popular local African dishes, for example, deli-cious nyama choma (roasted meat).

Ensuring convenience for all guests, Maua Basin Hotel offers a range of facili-ties; a children’s park, laundry service, a saloon, gift shop, library and internet connectivity. The hotel has also recently introduced superb conference services, ideal for meetings, incentives and conferences.

“

Masinga Dam Resort (MDR) is located next to the Masinga Reservoir. The reservoir was developed and commissioned in 1981 by TARDA as a multipurpose, manmade lake for storing water to power generate the dams downstream.

The environment at the resort offers a cool temperature due to the huge expanse of water nearby. Accommodation is in tents with 140 beds in total. Each tent can sleep between two and four people. Further accommodation consists off 11 spacious executive rooms and 23 standard rooms. There are also two tented conference facilities for larger events.

Guests can relax by the swimming pool while enjoy landscape views of the Masinga Dam. Throughout the day the large restaurant and bar area serves a variety of food, from buffet breakfasts to sumptuous dinners. Those looking for a safari experience can visit the Mwea National Game Reserve, just a few kilometres from the resort.

The resort has conference facilities for up to 100 people, ideal for meetings, seminars and training programmes.

“

MERU SAFARI HOTEL

PO Box 2323-60200, Meru

Tel: +254 (0)64 30 511

Cell: +254 (0)725 259 852

Fax: +254 (0)64 30 511


Meru Safari Hotel is conveniently located within the heart of Meru town with secure and spacious parking.

The hotel offers friendly hospitality in a tranquil environment – ideal for visitors on safari to various attractions in the east of the region and to Meru National Park.

Accommodation consists of twin, single and deluxe rooms, all tastefully furnished to provide the best relaxation.

The Safari Terrace on the second fl oor gives visitors a panoramic aerial view of Meru town.

The three conference rooms can accommodate up to 500 and are equipped with modern facilities.

The business centre is open every day for all internet and secretarial services. Dining options range from à la carte to table d’hôte to lavish buffets.

MOUNT KENYA

HOTELS

38

NEW THUCHI LODGEPO BOX 7-60100, EmbuTel: +254 (0)20 207 4549 Cell: +254 (0)734 465 625Email: [email protected]

MT KENYA LEISURE LODGE

PO Box 382-10105, Naro Moru

Tel: +254 (0)20 204 5798

Fax: +254 (0)20 203 2523

Cell: +254 (0)728 978 634; 736 349 788


www.mtkenyaleisurelodge.com

OLD HOUSE NANYUKI

PO Box 340-10400, Nanyuki

Tel: +254 (0)623 1556, 61 230 9999

Cell: +254 (0)722 697 868

Fax: +254 (0)62 31 556


New Thuchi Lodge is situated along the banks of Thuci River on the Nairobi-Meru highway on the eastern side of Mount Kenya.

With 18 tastefully furnished cottages, with either two or four bedrooms each, the lodge offers superb full board and self-catered accommodation.

Cuisine at the lodge aims to satisfy every diet and palate, the chef is happy to accommodate wherever necessary.

In terms of facilities and services the lodge offers conferencing, a bar, recreational and team building activities, swimming pool and a squash court.

Staff at New Thuchi Lodge are professional, well trained and friendly.

Set in the foothills of Mount Kenya, on well manicured mature lawns, Mount Kenya Leisure Lodge offers high quality services to discerning guests who wish to sample true Kenyan culture and hospitality in a modern setting, away from the usual tourist package programmes. A beautiful retreat Mount Kenya Leisure Lodge is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Accommodation at the lodge consists of 16 rooms, categorised under super-deluxe and standard rooms. In addition, neatly tucked away, are four semi-detached private rooms, each tastefully furnished in smoothing colour schemes and with an individual fi replace.

Entertainment facilities range from quiz nights to cultural and historical excur-sions. There is even the opportunity for guests to catch their own dinner at the Leisure Lodge Fishing Club.

Business visitors will be impressed by the extensive conference and meeting facili-ties on offer. For overseas visitors, airport pick-up and drop-off comes as standard.

Old House Nanyuki is a premier coun-tryside hotel located on the banks of the Nanyuki River, only 3 km from Nanyuki and 200 metres from Nanyuki-Nairobi highway.

The property is an old-style colonial farmhouse and has a long river frontage, built on the gentle lower slopes of Mount Kenya there is a consistent serene and relaxing atmosphere.

Accommodation is in stylish and cosy twin and double rooms, all with pleasant views of the countryside.

The hotel offers many facilities including conferencing and seminars, expansive grounds for wedding receptions, nature walks, camping and outside catering.

NARO MORU RIVER LODGEPO Box 18-10105, Naro Moru

Tel: +254 (0)62 310 47/8

Cell: +254 (0)724 082 754; (0)737 102 955


www.naromoruriverlodge.com

The Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge, set in the foothills of Mount Kenya, is a luxury base for climbers. The Lodge stands on the Equator between Nyeri and Nanyuki at an altitude of 1,982 metres. Set in beautiful tropical gardens, it offers excellent trout fi shing and is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Full board or self-service accommodation is available, with 12 standard, 10 superior and 12 deluxe rooms. In addition, there are seven cottages, fi ve country homes, bunk houses and a campsite. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, two tennis courts, a squash court, a sauna, conference rooms, horse riding and a nature trail.

Both of the two restaurants offer a delicious range of traditional and Continental cuisine. The Kirinyaga Restaurant provides casual dining and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and for more formal dining the Nelion Restaurant has an à la carte menu from 11 am to 6 pm and serves dinner between 7.30 and 9.30 pm.

39

OUTSPAN/TREETOPS

c/o Aberdare Safaris, PO Box 14815-00800, Nairobi

Tel +254 (0)20 445 2095/9; 445 2103/4

Fax +254 (0)20 445 2102

Cell: +254 722 207 761


www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

PHILADELPHIA RETREAT

& CONFERENCE CENTRE

PO Box 607-60100, Embu

Tel: +254 (0)20 238 1627

Cell: +254 (0)71 743 0842


www.philadelphiaretreatcentre.com

Located 160 km from Nairobi and 2 km from Nyeri, Outspan offers accommodation in deluxe chania and garden cottages as well as standard rooms in a 45-acre setting with beautiful surroundings.

Outspan is a traditional country hotel with strong historical roots and is where Lord Baden-Powell spent the last three years of his life. Popular with business and confer-ence visitors, there are three purpose-built conference rooms each with 30 to 50 delegates capacity. These make an ideal venue for an out-of-Nairobi meeting. The property is the base hotel for clients check in at Outspan and then proceed to Treetops.

Also steeped in history and part of Aberdare Safaris is the world-famous Treetops. Located in the heart of a salient area in the Aberdare National Park, overlooking two water holes and with views of Mount Kenya, Treetops began in 1932 as a humble two-room dwelling. In 1952 Treetops gained overnight renown as the place where Princess Elizabeth was staying when she learned of the death of her father, King George VI. Since then, for many, no visit to Kenya would be complete without sampling the Treetops experience.

Philadelphia Retreat & Conference Centre is situated in Kirinyaga District on the main Nairobi Embu highway 130 km north of Nairobi. The resort is situated in a serene lush green area surrounded by attractive coffee and tea plantations. On a clear day the view of Mount Kenya is spectacular.

Neatly and superbly done in Kikuyu ‘thingira’ style architecture, the centre offers excellent accommodation in a quiet environment for rest and relaxa-tion. Conferences, group retreats and team building activities can organised on request. The centre offers diverse cuisines to suit all cultures, yet specialises in popular African dishes.

The property is conveniently located only 10 km from Embu. Trips to the Seven Folk Dams and Mwea National Reserve, as well as the climb up Mount Kenya, can all be arranged through the hotel staff.

MOUNT KENYA

HOTELS

40

ROYAL PRINCE HOTEL LTDPO Box 961-60200, Meru Tel: +254 (0)64 30 115Email: [email protected]

THE SPORTSMAN’S ARMS HOTELPO Box 3, Nanyuki Tel: +254 (0)62 323 48/7; 31 448

Cell: +254 (0)73 494 4077; 72 4336 499

Fax: +254 (0)62 31826


www.sportsmansarmshotels.com

Since opening its doors in 2000, Royal Prince Hotel has attracted a wide range of local and international tourists.

The hotel is located at Makutano, Meru along Meru-Maua road and offers 20 charming guest rooms, all with associ-ated facilities.

Owing to the success of Royal Prince Hotel, the management has since opened another property in the heart of Meru town fronting both Njuricheke Street and Tom Mboya Street.

This new property have 50 ultra-modern rooms and offers conference facilities, spacious and lavish dining, a modern bar with DSTV and a daily resident DJ.

The Sportsman’s Arms Hotel is a three-star hotel located in Nanyuki, strategically positioned to border eastern and central province. An ideal getaway for local, international tourists and business travellers, the property is a two-hour journey by road from Nairobi or a 35-minute fl ight from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Nanyuki airstrip, which is only a fi ve-minute drive from the hotel.

The architecture and interior decor encom-passes a mixture of traditional style with modern features. All guest rooms face Mount Kenya and are fully self-contained. Increas-ingly popular with business travellers, The Sportsman’s Arms Hotel has excellent facilities for conferences, seminars, team building and meetings. The property has successfully hosted many large and small scale events for a range of clients.

Guests holidaying at the hotel will be impressed with the quality and the selec-tion of leisure activities available. There is a fully equipped gym, sauna room, steam bath, large swimming pool (half Olympic size), squash courts, a disco, shop and internet services.

41

SWEETWATERS TENTED CAMPc/o Serena Hotels, PO Box 48690, Nairobi

Tel: +254 (0)623 1970Fax: +254 (0)623 1965 Email: [email protected]

www.serenahotels.com

THOMSON’S FALLS LODGE

NyahururuTel: +254 (0)652 2006; 652 2552

Cell: +254 (0)722 613 864


Clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve, Sweetwaters Tented Camp is in a class of its own.

Accommodation is provided in 39 luxuriously appointed tents. Each tent has a thatched roof, an en-suite bathroom and its own veranda with views over the waterhole.

The central Rhino Restaurant is housed in the former manager’s house of this once colonial farm, and offers both regional and international cuisine. Also within the house is the Khashoggi Bar and lounge, which centres on a blazing log fi re. The Waterhole Bar, built in the style of a game-viewing hide, overlooks the waterhole and offers unrivalled wildlife viewing.

Ol Pejeta House is a beautiful private house set within the calm of the sanctuary, an 8 km drive from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. Accommodation comprises two luxury suites with ‘larger-than-life’ king size beds, large balcony with excellent views of the game-teeming plains and, on a clear day, glimpses of Mount Kenya.

Situated at the world famous Thomson’s Falls at the base of the Aberdare Ranges, Thomson’s Falls Lodge was built in the 1930s by British settlers and stands at 2,360 metres above sea level. The original Swiss chalet-style cottages are still part of the property, which is set in 10 acres of lush lawns, shaded with African olive and cedar trees.

In 1883, Scottish geologist and naturalist Joseph Thomson was the fi rst European to see the 72 metre high falls. Visitors can take a stroll along the nature trail at the base of the falls and through the gorge, which is a haven for the endangered colobus monkeys, baboons and small animals. The area is also home to many colourful birds that provide good photographic opportunities.

A popular overnight stop for travellers moving between Samburu and the Great Rift Valley, Thomson’s Falls Lodge has 32 single, double and triple rooms, on bed and breakfast, half board or full board basis.

All rooms have open log fi replaces and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms also have private verandas. In addition, the lodge has a beautiful campsite that offers accommodation to overland travellers.


Accommodation is provided in 39 luxuriously

THREE STEERS HOTEL

PO Box 21113-00505, Meru

Tel: +254 (0)64 30467

Cell: +254 (0)72 438 9935; 72 858 8005, 71 146 3266

Email: threesteers@nairobipacifi chotels.com;

kithinji@nairobipacifi chotels.com

TRANSIT MOTEL

PO Box 190-064, Chogoria

Tel: +254 (0)642 2096; 22 362

Cell: +254 (0)721 973 133; 725 609 151


www.transitmotelchogoria.com

Three Steers Hotel is a fi rst class hotel under management of Nairobi Pacifi c Hotel.

The property is located opposite Nyambene Coffee Mills, along Meru-Isiolo Road, 2 km from Meru town and 200 metres from Maua junction towards Isiolo.

The hotel has recently been renovated and refurbished with new facilities.

The perfect base for climbing Mount Kenya, the Transit Motel is located in rural Meru at the base of one of three designated routes to climb the mountain.

The area and the motel grounds are lush with vegetation and there are pleasant views from all guest rooms. Mount Kenya is also clearly visible in all its majestic beauty from the roof terrace.

Cocktails or a cool beer can be enjoyed in the bar and lounge area, and a variety of culinary delights can be sampled in the restaurant. All food is locally sourced for guaranteed freshness.

Guest rooms have balconies, hot showers and comfortable beds. Those looking for more basic facilities can opt to pitch their tent at the campsite. The site can accommodate 20 tents with a maximum capacity of 80 guests.

The motel has two large halls which can be adapted to accommodate confer-ences, weddings, parties or seminars.

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

PO Box 22, Nyeri

Tel: +254 (0)550 24 121; 24 124


www.kws.go.ke

GEF/SGP MT KENYA COMPACT INITIATIVEMt Kenya COMPACT Initiative, Nanyuki

Tel: +254 (0)62 31 297Email: [email protected]

www.gefsgp-undp.or.ke

EMBU TOURISM DEVELOP-MENT ORGANISATION (ETDO)PO Box 1760, EmbuEmail: [email protected]: +254 (0)20 244 4599

The Aberdares is an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the Rift Valley.

The Aberdare National Park is home to most of the larger mammals, The park has endangered species including the rare bongo, giant forest hog, packs of the very rare wild dogs and the endemic mole rat and mole shrew.

In addition to game drives, there are loads of activities to keep visitors entertained, for example; camping, hiking, walking safaris, night drives and trout fi shing.

The park is also full of unique attractions, including Lesatima Peak, Kinangop Peak, waterfalls, Mau Mau Caves, the Kimathi Hideout, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills and Table Mountains.

Mist and heavy rainfall occurs throughout much of the year, with precipitations varying from 1,000 mm yearly on the north-western slopes to as much as 3,000 mm in the south-east.

Community Manage-ment of Protected Areas Conservation (COMPACT) is an exclusive, two-pronged initiative that addresses environmental concerns and meets the needs of local communities simultaneously. COMPACT offers fi nancial and technical assistance directly to community-based initiatives that serve to improve livelihoods, while addressing the threats, which jeopardise ecological integrity in important protected areas.

The project in Kenya is focused on the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. It is implemented under the general framework and grant-making mechanism of the Global Environmental Facility/Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP). Important operational support is also provided by the United Nations Foundation (UNF). The project has partnered with 60 commu-nity groups in implementation of conservation projects and will continue to offer similar support in the forthcoming GEF Phase V covering 2011-2014.

Embu Tourism Development Organisa-tion (ETDO) is a community based organisation which brings together local community members Interested in tourism, and stakeholders with the aim of facilitating growth in the tourism trade.

Most members are rural based peas-ants living near potential or established tourism attractions and sites.

ETDO arranges fi eld trips to various water sites, picnics to Mount Kenya, Mau Mau Caves, adventure trips, ecotourism, agritourism, cultural activities and traditional food banquets.


www.gefsgp-undp.or.ke

tourism, and stakeholders with the aim of

42

MOUNT KENYA

TOUR OPERATORS & SERVICES

LORIAN ECO-FOCUS SAFARI

2nd Floor, West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way, Nyeri


Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170

Cell: +254 (0)720 957 881


Kenya’s highlands are endowed with virgin pristine and majestic landscapes and ecosystems that are gradually threatened by encroachment and degradation. To restore and sustain the integrity of these scenic sites demands a collective effort of both nature loving visitors and ecologi-cally friendly operators.

Lorian Eco-Focus Safaris conducts nature wild walks, game and bird-watching safaris and conservation warrior projects for the ecologically conscious tourists and students.

This family venture, with its skilled guides and nature interpreters, facilitates an authentic understanding of the diversity and symbiotic relationship between humans and nature giving the visitor the true taste of the wild. The fi rm also organises corporate bonding and team building retreats to rejuvenate and stimulate the busy executives and managers of highly competitive and growing organisations. It places gap year students in conservation oriented holidays that ensure real engagement with people, nature and culture.


43

MERU NATIONAL PARK

CONSERVERS & CULTURAL

DANCERSPO Box 46 Maua, Meru

Cell:+254 (0)724 317 200; 732 225 231


SAGANA TOTAL SERVICE

STATIONPO Box 317, SaganaTel: +254 (0)20 203 3985

Cell: +254 (0)720 490 274


An ‘eco museum’ is a ‘museum without walls’ where nature and culture are explained from where they happen.

Located at Maua in Meru, the Meru National Park Conservers and Cultural Dancers offer a fantastic internal view of nature, as well as the interesting cultural history found in this area.

This ‘eco museum’ contains social sights such as Muthungutha (a sacred forest), the Nyambene Hills Forest where seeds like millet and honey are kept for religious reasons, the Bgaya Forest where colonial fi ghter Marshal Mwariama used to hide himself, the Gaaru Houses, ‘Gikumbu’ (a sacred tree), Kathiti Catchment area and Igombe in Mutuati area.

Sagana Total Service Station is a petro-leum gas station located along Nairobi-Nyeri Highway at Sagana town.

The station is an ideal stopover for travellers visiting the mountain region.

It’s a convenient break offering washrooms, cold drinks, snacks and vehicle service as visitors ascend the mountain region.

Located in Nyeri town and registered under the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Development, Nyeri Youth Mount Kenya Climbing Club consists of young experi-enced mountaineers and porters whose main mission is to guide and train both foreign and domestic tourists in mountain climbing, game drives and nature trails.

The main clientele is drawn from schools, family members, environmentalists and those undertaking tourism related courses.

The group’s biggest achievement to date is guiding the group that installed the Kenya Constitution on 27 September 2010 at Point Lenana.

MOUNT KENYA SCHOOL OF ADVENTURE & LEADERSHIP (KESAL)c/o 13th Floor, North Wing, Bruce House, Standard Street

Base Camp, PO Box 280, Kibirichia, Meru

PO Box 4055-00506, NairobiTel/Fax: +254 (0)20 237 2626


www.kesalexperientialtraining.com

Established in 1990, Mount Kenya School of Adventure & Leadership (KESAL) offers a unique and high impact experiential-based training solutions. KESAL is the only training centre of its kind in Kenya and is constantly establishing itself as the training institution of choice, both by the govern-ment and within the private sector.

In part, their success is due to precise attention to detail, quality work and years of industry experience. In addition, KESAL prides itself on a strong client focus and long-term relationships. The experienced trainers work closely with clients to capture their dreams, aspirations and defi ne the focus and direction of the training.

The technical training team is constantly researching the latest developments in the fi eld of experiential-based training to meet the ever changing training needs of clients.

www.kesalexperientialtraining.com

NYERI YOUTH MOUNT

KENYA CLIMBING CLUB

PO Box 1166-10100 Nyeri

Cell: +254 (0)721 119 708


MOUNT KENYA

TOUR OPERATORS & SERVICES

44

RESTAURANTSRESTAURANTS

MORGAN RESTAURANT

PO Box 2196, Meru

Tel: +254 (0)725 439 837


RAYBELLS RESTAURANT

& GARDENSPO Box 1363-10100, Nyeri

Cell: +254 (0)722 790 060; 722 794 555

Tel: +254 (0)20 237 0035

Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

www.raybellsnyeri.com

Morgan Restaurant is located in the heart of Meru along the main Meru-Nairobi Highway. It is open around the clock, offering hot and cold snacks, African dishes and an à la carte menu. Visitors to this moun-tain region can enjoy the novelty of drinking tea and coffee in the very area where they are grown. Crispy salads and refreshments are served in the main room, which is perfectly designed for relaxation. With three well-furnished fl oors and experienced staff, the restaurant is an ideal place for families eating out and for busy executives on a trip to Meru.

A modern family restaurant in the heart of Nyeri specialising in continental and African cuisine, Raybells Restaurant & Garden is increasingly popular with both locals and international visitors.

The restaurant has traditionally been a stopover for visitors to the region’s attractions such as Aberdare National Park, Solio and Ol Pejeta Conservancies.

The restaurant offers custom-made packed meals for travellers as well as private/outside catering and delivery services. In addition to the restaurant, a tastefully landscaped garden with spectacular views of snow-capped Mount Kenya and the endless Aberdare mountain ranges is available for those searching for a perfect venue for weddings, cocktails, launches and other special occasions.

Located only 2 km from the town along the Nyeri-Ihururu Road, the gardens are conveniently and easily accessible.

SLOPES SPRING DRINKING WATER PO Box 1290-10300, Kerugoya

Cell: +254 (0)723 878 932; 733 226677


THUNGUMA MUSEUM


Cell: +254 (0)725 253 919; 722 794 558


Slopes Spring Drinking Water is bottled at source at Kingori Springs of the eastern slopes of the Aberdare ranges. It is fi ltered using cartilage fi ltration and ultra-violet treatment. The company have maintained the pleasurable taste of pure natural spring drinking water.

The reason for starting this business was based on challenge of getting clean water in Kenya. The idea was created out of need to ensure safe water was made available to their target market which is mainly tourism industry. The uniqueness of the product is the source of water which is from a naturally occurring spa and thus the water is crystal clear.

The water has undergone a chemical and pathogenic analysis done by Kenya’s Ministry of Water & Irrigation and the Kenya Bureau of Standards and awarded the Quality Trading Market. It has also been certifi ed and found to have met Kenyan and World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

The product will be sold directly to key Tourist Hotels and Camp Sites.

The Thunguma Museum was founded in 1998 and today exhibits a wide collection of cultural material, dating back to 1700 AD when the Kenyan history is traced. The museum is a centre of reference in development of standards for good tourism practice and attracts a wide range of international visitors.

The museum is just 3 km from Nyeri town and lies in the undulating hills and valleys between the scenic snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the overlapping ridges of Aberdare ranges.

Registered under the companies Act Cap 486 – the museum makes no capital gain and is purely for research and tourism purposes.


http://www.ttfkenya.org

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION

2nd floor West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170


www.mount-kenya.org

With support from:

is the official publication of:

A DUO HEMISPHERE

DESTINATION

Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2011

Documents

Transcript of Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2011