Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2013-14

http://www.fly-sax.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

03 FOREWORDMajestic scenery and royal connections

05 DESTINATION MAP

07 PARKS FACT FILE

12 TRAVELLER’S INFORMATION

16 FALLS OF ABERDAREEscape to the sights and sounds of tranquillity

18 ROYAL DESTINATIONIn Diamond Jubilee year, there’s nowhere more romantic to stay

23 LAKESWho says you can’t go fishing on a mountain?

24 NANYUKI BY NIGHTCome in out of the cold – the music’s lovely

26 SECRETS OF MOUNT KENYAFascinating legacy of Kenya’s secret wars

30 GOLFTeeing off at the equator

31 BADEN-POWELL AND NYERI

FEATURES

33 SCC 34 CTDLT

34 TROPIC AIR 35 LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM

36 WHITE RHINO HOTEL 37 KONGONI CAMP

38 KTDC 39 SAFARI AIR EXPRESS

40 KTB 41 FALCON HEIGHTS

41 LADY LORI 42 BATIAN HOTEL

42 HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER 43 MOUNT KENYA TRUST

MEMBER INFORMATION

44 MEMBER INDEX 45 MEMBER LISTINGS

MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF:

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION

2nd floor, 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 (KENYA) LTDSuite A5, 1st f loor, Ojijo Plaza20 Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, ParklandsPO Box 2022, Village Market 00621Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 (0)20 374 1934Fax: +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

© 2012 Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd

http://www.kongonicamp.com

T here is a mindset we are trying to move

away from here at Mount Kenya Tourism

Circuit Association that tourism is all

about wild animals, because it’s not, fortunately.

Take the Aberdare National Park, for instance –

an area of beautiful landscape and topography

covering 766 sq km. And, yes, there you will find

some of the Big Five, such as leopard, elephant

and lion; but in addition this area has some of the

best waterfalls in the region. In this issue, we shine

a spotlight on the waterfalls of the Aberdares and

other falls scattered across the Mount Kenya region.

We have fashioned this issue towards romantics,

lovers and honeymooners. We have combed

most of Mount Kenya for couples who are looking

for romantic getaways. And we have suggested

romantic wooden cabins where lovers can spend

quality time doing nothing but fish for trout, swim

in the clear, fresh rivers and basically enjoy the

serenity of nature. Try out Rutundu cabins up near

Lake Alice and experience the true wonder of

the wild. There is a rich relationship that royalty

has had with the region over time and we have

highlighted some of them in this issue.

Apart from being a tourist destination, the region

also offers some options for investments. For

instance, the Secret Valley in Nanyuki, with its

strategic location before Mount Kenya, is an

attractive place where wild animals occasionally

come to drink. This area once had a lodge that burnt

down, but it’s still a rich area begging for some

investment and creativity. And there are countless

areas like this scattered all over Mount Kenya.

Recommended

For those who may find themselves in Nanyuki

and want to go out for a drink and a good time, the

question normally is, where to go? In this issue

we have recommended our top five spots that will

ensure you have great fun. Check them out.

The turnaround in perception is what we here

at Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association are

struggling with. And once we change the direction

of thought towards this region then we will know

we are on the right track towards achieving full

utilisation of the resources the region has to

offer. The Mount Kenya region is indeed a duo

hemisphere destination.

So please, enjoy the issue and recommend it to

someone who is looking to please a loved one.

Happy reading.

Simon WachiraCEO, Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association


http://www.whiterhinohotel.com

MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 5MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION 5

http://www.thesafariandconservationcompany.com

Lodges: The Ark, Treetops, Fishing Lodge, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp, Sapper

Hut, KWS hut at Treetops and KWS HQ bungalow.

Campsites: Reedbuck, Ruhuruini, Wandare and Shamata.


and Twin Hills, moorland, Karuru Falls, Chania

Waterfalls, Magura Falls and Queen’s Cave, Karimu

Circuit and Sapper Hut Falls, Kimathi Post Office

and the Salient. Treetops Lodge and The Ark are

legendary attractions.

Activities: Mountain hikes and climbing, nature

walks in the moorland, game viewing and night

game viewing at Treetops and The Ark, trout fishing,

birdwatching, camping, picnics and parties.

Wildlife: The park is home to large mammals such

as elephant, buffalo and black rhino. Endangered

species include the rare mountain bongo, giant forest

hog, wild dog, endemic mole rat and mole shrew,

leopard, endemic bird species, reptiles and insects.

Access: The park is readily accessible on

tarmacked roads from Nyeri to Nyahururu on the

eastern side (160 km from Nairobi) A road crosses

the park to connect with another from Naivasha and

North Kinagop in the west. Main towns from which

the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km

from Nairobi), Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi)

and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi).

Airstrips: Mweiga is next to the park headquarters.

Nyeri is 12 km from Mweiga.

Park gates: Kiadongoro Gate is accessed via the

Nyeri-Tetu road; Ruhuruini Gate accessed via the

Nyeri-Ihururu road; Treetops Gate via the Nyeri-

Njengu road; Ark Gate via the Mweiga-Amboni

road; Wadare Gate via the Mweiga-Endarasha road;

Shamata Gate via the Nyahururu-Shamata road;

Mutumbio Gate via the Naivasha-Kinagop-Geta road.

T he Aberdares are an isolated range of

volcanic mountains forming the eastern

wall of the Rift Valley, running north-

south for around 100 km between Nairobi and

Thomson’s Falls.

There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999

metres) and Kinangop (3,609 metres), separated by a

long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000 metres.

The topography is diverse, with deep ravines cutting

through the forested eastern and western slopes.

There are many clear streams and waterfalls. The

mountain is an important water catchment, supplying

the Tana and Athi rivers and part of the Central Rift

and Northern drainage basins.

Location: Central Highlands west of Mount Kenya.

Surrounded by Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri and

Nyandarua counties.

Distance: 160 km from Nairobi to the park

headquarters.

Size: 767 sq km.

Climate: Mist and rainfall throughout much of the

year, with annual precipitation varying from about

1,000 mm on the north-west slopes to as much as

3,000 mm in the south-east.

Major attractions: Ol Donyo Lesatima Peak,

Kinagop Peak, Elephant Hill, Table Mountains

http://www.laikipiatourism.com

M ount Kenya is an impressive extinct

volcano dominating the landscape of

the Kenya highlands. The mountain

has three main peaks: Batian (5,200 metres),

Nelion (5188 metres) and Lenana (4,985 metres).

Its slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub

and moorland, giving way on the high central

peaks to rock, ice and snow.

Mount Kenya is an important water catchment area,

supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro

systems. The park contains a variety of habitats

including higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorland,

glaciers, tarns and glacial moraines.

The park was declared a Unesco World Heritage

site in 1997 and is also a biosphere reserve. It

covers 715 sq km and includes the peak, consisting

of all ground above 3,200 metres, with two small

salients extending lower to 2,450 metres along the

Sirimon and Naru Moru tracks. Surrounding the

park is the 2,095 sq km Mount Kenya reserve.

Location: Mount Kenya lies about 140 km north-north

east of Nairobi with its northern flanks across the equator.

Distance from Nairobi: 175 km.

Size: 2,800 sq km.

Climate: Climate, f lora and fauna on Mount Kenya

vary with altitude.

Major attractions: Pristine wilderness, lakes,

tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological

variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered

species of animals. Unique montane and alpine

vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

Wildlife: Giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed

mongoose, elephant, black rhino, suni, black-fronted

duiker, mole rat and over 130 species of birds.

Access: The park can be reached via the Nanyuki-

Isiolo road via Sirimon track or the Nyeri-Nanyuki

road near Naru Moru. The park is also accessible

via Chogoria on the Embu Meru road, about 200

km north of Nairobi.

Airstrips: Closest commercial airstrip to the park

is at Nanyuki.

Activities: Mountain climbing, rock climbing,

mountain biking, snow marathon, birdwatching,

nature walks, wildlife viewing, camping, cave

exploration and primate tracking.


Lodges: Serena Mountain Lodge. Various lodges offer accommodation in

the region.

KWS catering accommodation: Batian Guest House and Sirimon Bandas.

There are also various bunkhouses and climbing huts on the climbing route.

1010

M eru is a savanna grassland national

park, 35 km east of Maua town in

the north-eastern lowland of the

Nyambeni Hills. It is a complex of protected areas

along the Tana River that includes the adjacent

Bisanadi and Mwingi national reserves, Kora

National Park and Rahole National Reserve. The

wetter national reserve sector is hilly, with rich

volcanic soils. The land f lattens towards the east,

where grey alluvial volcanic soils appear.

The area is crossed by many permanent streams,

draining from the Nyambenes and f lowing in parallel

between tongues of lava south-east towards the

Tana River. In addition to the many streams that

cross it, the park is bounded by three big rivers: the

Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and the

Rojaweru to the east. There are several prominent

inselbergs, notably Mughwango and Leopard Rock.

A section of the park has been designated a

wilderness area with no roads. The park is part of the

domain made famous by the writings of Joy Adamson.

Location: East-north-east of Mount Kenya in Meru

district of the Eastern Province.

Distance from Nairobi: 348 km.

Size: 870 sq km.

Climate: The parks are in a semi-arid zone with

irregular rainfall. Wet seasons are April to June and

November and December. Rainfall is 635 to 766

mm in the west and 305 to 356 mm in the east.

Major attractions: Former home of Joy and George

Adamson and Elsa the lioness; views of Mount

Kenya, Tana River and Adamson’s Falls.

Wildlife: Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, bush pig,

cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor

reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder, cobra,

buffalo, gerenuk and over 300 recorded spices of birds.

Access: Access from Nairobi (348 km) is via

Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather

roads. Access to the park from Maua to Murera

Gate (35 km) and 348 km from Nairobi. The other

access is via Embu to Ura Gate (120 km) 290 km

from Nairobi (inaccessible at moment).

Airstrips: Main airstrip at Kina, Mulika next to

Meru Mulika lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Activities: Wildlife viewing, camping.

Lodges: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard Rock Lodge.

KWS self-catering accommodation: Murera Nandas, Kinna Bandas.

Special campsites: Kampi Baridi, Kitanga, Makutano, Rojoweru, Mugung,

Ken Mare and Kanjoo.

Public campsite: Bwatherongi.

There are no lodges, tented camps or self-catering accommodation options

in the Mwea reserve. Masinga Lodge is located at Masinga Dam outside

the reserve. Various camping facilities can be found outside the reserve.

Wildlife: Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile,

hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard,

grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck,

waterbuck, olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, serval

cat, spotted hyena, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig,

impala and hartebeest. Rare animals include striped

ground squirrel, genet, black-backed jackal and

yellow baboon.

Birds: Over 200 species of birds. Mwea is

renowned for its water birds and waders. It is

the only protected area in which the globally

threatened and Kenya endemic Hinde’s babbler is

known to occur. Two other rare species are Pel’s

fishing owl and the white-backed night heron.

Access: From Nairobi via Thika-Matuu-Masinda

Dam (160 km). 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.

Airstrip: Masinga airstrip near Masinga Lodge.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Activities: Game viewing, birdwatching, boat

rides, canoeing, kayaking at Kamburu Dam and

nature walks.

T he reserve was gazetted in 1976 and

covers an area north-west of Kamburu

Dam at the conf luence of the Tana and

Thimba rivers. Two islands within Kamburu

Dam, built in 1976, are in the protected area. The

southern boundary is the Tana River, the eastern

boundary is the Thimba River and the northern

boundary is an electric fence that stops animals

from invading Makima settlement.

The earliest human settlement in Makima dates from

1914, although wildlife conservation intervention did

not commence until 1972. Today, the Mwea National

Reserve is co-managed by Kenya Wildlife Service

and Mbeere County Council.

The Mwea National Reserve Trust was founded in

1991 with the aim of soliciting funds to develop the

reserve. Various projects have been funded through

donations including a boat and outboard engine,

energy-saving jikos and translocation of zebras.

Location: Mbeere District, Eastern Province.

Distance from Nairobi: 160 km north-east of Nairobi.

Size: 42 sq km.

Climate: Semi-arid with annual rainfall of 510

to 760 mm.

Major attractions: Game viewing; boat rides at

Kamburu Dam; Hippo Point, realm of rare birds;

walking circuit.


12

T his town is located in the scenic valley

between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare

range of mountains with perfect views of

the snow-covered peaks of Mount Kenya and the

plains of Laikipia. The valley is surrounded by hills

and evergreen ranges with rivers and streams

f lowing from the mountain to the plains below.

Established by the British in 1907 in the early days

of colonisation, Nyeri has many historical ties. It

is the epicentre of Kenya’s decolonisation through

the Mau Mau struggle for independence led by

Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi. There are displays of

the British colonial presence in Kenya, the Second

World War and the genesis of the worldwide

Scouting Movement started by Lord Baden-Powell,

who lived in the town with his wife and whose

remains are both buried there.

Down the years, Nyeri has retained its scenic

beauty and a serene, homely atmosphere. It is

surrounded by three game parks of international

reputation – Aberdare, Mount Kenya National Parks,

and the Solio game reserve and rhino sanctuary.

‘Must see’ attractions:

1. Paxtu Museum

2. Italian Memorial Church

3. Native Court (Ruringu)

4. Treetops Lodge

5. Karuru, Chania, Magura and Zaina falls

6. Kimathi Post Office/Mau Mau Caves

7. Coffee and tea farms.

1. Outspan Hotel2. Greenhills Hotel3. Batian Grand Hotel4. Banana Leaf Hotel5. Ivory Resort6. Mountain Lodge7. Treetops Lodge8. Mpeta Guest House9. Annbell Guest House10. Aberdare Country Club11. Ark Lodge12. Tusk Camp13. Fishing Lodge14. Solio Lodge15. Rhino Watch

16. White Rhino Hotel17. Westwood Hotel 18. Eland Safari Hotel19. Imperial Hotel20. Ibis Hotel21. Mountain Palace22. Tickle Hotel23. Central Hotel24. Paresia Hotel25. Maru A, B, C Hotels26. Bells Inn Hotel27. Safari Paradise Guest house28. Regency Guest House29. Green Edge Guest house30. Serene Guest House

Nyeri has a wide choice of hotels, lodges and camps to suit every visitor, ranging from a five-star hotel to guest houses and hostels.

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T he cosmopolitan town of Nanyuki lies on

the north-western slopes of Mount Kenya

along the A2 Nairobi Moyale via Isiolo

Great North Road. The Kenya-Uganda railway

from Nairobi to the north ends here. The town is

right on the equator on the slopes of Mount Kenya

with a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks

and the plains of Laikipia. Its strategic location

and spectacular views prompted the British

settlers during the early days of colonisation to

build a town. Many remnants and descendants of

these early settler families still live on the ranches

around the town.

Today, the town is a multicultural market centre

serving farms, ranches, game parks and wildlife

conservancies. It is also a base for adventurers

looking to climb Mount Kenya. Owing to its

location on the equator surrounded by Laikipia

high country and with picturesque Mount Kenya

as a backdrop, Nanyuki is a destination for both

domestic and international visitors who find it

ideal for getaway excursions and retreats from the

stressful daily routine of the city.

Where to stay:

Nanyuki has a wide choice of hotels, lodges and

camps to suit every visitor, ranging from five-star

to non-star-rated accommodation.

1. Mount Kenya Safari Club

2. Sportsman’s Arms Hotel

3. Naru Moru River Lodge

4. Old House

5. Sweetwaters Tented Camp

6. Mount Kenya Leisure Lodge

7. Kirimara Spring Hotel

8. Falcon Heights Hotel

9. Kongoni Camp

10. Polini Camp

11. Equatorial Hotel

12. Mount Kenya Paradise Hotel

13. Joskaki Hotel

14. Ibis Hotel

15. Batian Guest Hotel

16. Bantu Mountain Rock

17. Serenkang

18. Solio Gardens

19. Royal Cottages

20. Comfort Hotel

21. Nanyuki Sports Club

22. Lion’s Court Hotel

23. Triple N Resort Hotel

24. Summer Garden Cottages.


Must-see attractions Must-do list1. Mount Kenya National Park Mountain climbing and hiking2. Ol Pejeta Conservancy Game drives 3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Nature walks and birdwatching4. Ngare Ndare Forest Horse riding and biking5. Nanyuki and Liki rivers River f ishing6. The equator Primate tracking7. Lily Pond Arts Centre Picnic and camping8. Mau Mau Caves Camel riding9. Mackinders and Teleki Valley

1414

S urrounded by a rich and fertile farmland,

Meru is located in the eastern highlands

of Kenya overlooking the Nyambene Hills

and the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kenya. The

town lies strategically on the north-eastern slopes of

Mount Kenya. The Kathita River, f lowing from Mount

Kenya, passes through the town.

The equator is about fi ve miles south of the town.

Meru is the traditional home of the Ameru people

with a rich cultural heritage spanning hundreds of

years. This fast-growing urban centre is a hub for

traditional foods and the hospitality of the Ameru

people. Located on the edge of the forest, the

town is close to Mount Kenya National Park, Meru

National Park and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

1. Three Steers Hotel2. Meru Incredible Hotel3. West Wind Hotel4. Transit Motel Chogoria5. Royal Prince Hotel6. Maua Basin Hotel7. Meru County Hotel8. Blue Towers Hotel 9. White Star Hotel 10. Meru Safari Hotel

11. Brown Rock Hotel12. Milimani Hotel13. Pig & Whistle14. Rhino River Camp15. Rhino River Lodge16. Meru Mulika lodge17. Ikweta Safari Camp18. Kinna Guest House19. Bwatherongi Bandas 20. Murera Bandas

In response to a growing number of visitors, Meru Town has many hotels lodges and camps. Classes range from five-star to starless accommodation.

A cosmopolitan culture has developed in Meru

owing to its diversity of ethnic communities and a

free fl ow of visitors.

Must-see attractions

1. Meru National Museum

2. Njuri Ncheke Court

3. Gakoromone open-air market

4. Nkunga Sacred Lake

5. Rukunga’s private museum

6. King Muhuru

7. Mount Kenya National Park

8. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

9. Meru National Park

10. Murera Cultural Centre

15

The town has a fast-growing hospitality industry with a diverse array of hotels lodges and other accommodation.

1. The Izaak Walton Inn2. Masinga Dam Resort3. Kwetu lodge4. Gerish Hotels5. New Thuci Lodge6. Maina Highway Hotel7. Valley View Hotel8. Baraka Guest House9. Philadelphia Retreat10. Hotel Chakaka Sagana

MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION

Embu town lies about 120 km (75 miles)

north-east of Nairobi. Located on the

south-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the

town has a population of 41,092. Embu plays host

to adventures on Mount Kenya and to the north.

Many expeditions set out from Embu each year

to scale the slopes. From Embu, visitors can go

water rafting on the mighty Tana River or canoeing

at the Seven Forks Dam. This is an ideal base for

trout fishing on the many steams that f low from

Mount Kenya. From Embu there are spectacular

views of Mbere Plains. The nightlife in Embu is

accompanied by African drumbeats with a

rhythm of real fun.

Must-see attractions Must-do list1. Karue Hill Birdwatching2. Ena River Picnics3. Thenge Njeru Waterfalls Nature walks4. Njukiri Forest Bungee jumping5. Seven Forks Canoeing 6. Kigari Church Bells Camping7. Bridge of God Rock climbing8. Mau Mau Caves River f ishing

Aberdare National Park, 100 km north

of Nairobi, could be described as the

stepchild of Kenya’s national parks.

Although not as glorious as, say, Amboseli or the

Masai Mara, Aberdare remains one of the richest

parks in terms of topography.

Covering an area of 767 sq km, the Aberdare

mountain ranges consist of deep ravines that wedge

through its forested eastern and western slopes.

The park was established in 1950 and it contains

a rich animal population that includes black rhino,

leopard, baboon, black-and-white colobus monkey

and Sykes’ monkey. A bonus for visitors is the

park’s many clear freshwater rivers, ideal for

trout fishing, and there are also opportunities for

camping on the sprawling moorlands.

Then there are the waterfalls of Aberdare.

Karuru Waterfall

This is one of the highest waterfalls in the region

and probably the most awe-inspiring. Karuru

plunges in three stages. The first consists of a 383

ft fall, followed by a second fall of 84 ft and finally

a staggering 427 ft fall. This unique formation is

magnificent, to say the least.

A viewing platform offers great opportunities for

photography and there is a series of amazing trails

with viewing points leading up to the waterfall.

Chania Falls

Chania is a boisterous, almost furious, waterfall.

The water moves rapidly as it churns down a short

fall. It is not uncommon to find rafters paddling

through this stretch and enjoying the adrenalin

rush; or naked children, screaming gleefully, as

they jump off cliffs into the churning brown waters.

Chania Falls, to all intents and purposes, is a tamed

waterfall and man’s friend.

Magura Falls

In 1952 the present Queen Elizabeth lunched here

at Magura Falls. She sat on a wooden structure

overlooking the falls and enjoyed a fish delicacy

prepared by Eric Sherbrooke Walker, the man who

built the hotel Outspan. Apart from a fresh coat of

paint, the structure has not been tampered with.

Magura Fall, like most falls of its size and width,

is loud. It is also unique, however, because of the

cave under the falls. Visitors can walk through here

provided they are wearing the right shoes. It is an

ideal place for picnics.

Sapper Hut

It has to be said that getting to Sapper Hut is tricky.

The road that leads there – the Karimu circuit that

goes from the airstrip to Kiandongoro gate – is a

treacherous path that swallows four-wheel drives

when it rains. Perhaps it should be this way; perhaps

this is what safari is all about. The good thing is that,

when you finally get to Sapper Hut, you will be glad

you trudged through hell to get there.

Sapper Hut is a modest two-roomed cabin house

facing a nameless waterfall. It is removed from

human interference; a place of quiet and calm

where the only sound you will hear is the water.

The hut accommodates only two people. Cooking

equipment is provided and you can cook your

own meals. The best activity here, apart from trout

fishing, is skinny-dipping by the waterfall – that is,

if you can stand the cold water.


On the death of her father, King George

VI, on 6 February 1952, the young

Princess Elizabeth became Queen

while on holiday at this lodge. Do you need any

more convincing, in the year of the Queen’s

Diamond Jubilee, that Treetops is a special place?

Lovers often visit places to make memories, but

at Treetops the memories are already there. All

lovers do is go there to be a part of them and to

develop their own.

Treetops is quaint and in its quaintness evokes

a sense of raw romanticism. This is an old lodge

dating from the 1930s. It was built during a

tumultuous time of colonisation and it burned down

during the ensuing colonial upheaval. The history

is undeniably rich and lovers f lock there because

of this – but also because it’s in the middle of

nowhere in the heart of Aberdare National Park.

18

The original Treetops was built by Major Eric

George Sherbrooke Walker, who had come to

Kenya from Ethiopia. He settled in Nyeri and built

Treetops in 1932. Treetops began with only three

rooms and bunk beds. Now it is a luxury lodge,

complete with fine dining, where lovers can enjoy

excellent meals by candlelight.

Romantic

The showy at heart might impress their dates

with their Wikipedia-informed knowledge of

animals such as hyena and buffalo that come to the

watering hole near the hotel to drink. But the truly

romantic will show his date what the year 1951

might have smelt like. He will walk his date to the

library, where a simple old bookshelf, running the

breadth of the room, contains hard-cover guest

books, marked according to the years from 1951 to

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MOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATIONMOUNT KENYA: A DUO HEMISPHERE DESTINATION

2012. He will then reach for the 1951 book, with its

rustic-looking leather cover.

When he opens the guest book, he and his date

immediately notice the uniformity of the guests’

handwriting and the fact that they always wrote in

blue ink with fountain pens. Back in 1951 they wrote

immaculately, as if they knew that many years later,

people would marvel over their calligraphy.

Now, he asks his date to close her eyes and then

bring the book to her nose. They smell the pine-

woody smell of 1951. “Smell that?” he whispers

in her ear. “That’s 1951.” It smells untouched and

uninitiated – the smell of lost time.

If that doesn’t impress his date, if that doesn’t stay

with her for a long time, then he will have to stick to

memorising Wikipedia.

Rutundu Log Cabins

Prince William knew what he was doing when he

took the lovely Catherine to the end of the world to

propose to her. Reports indicate that he proposed

to her at Rutundu Log Cabins near Lake Rutundu,

overlooking the north-east face of Mount Kenya.

You won’t get a better place to go down on your

knees because up there nature conspires to make

every man a winner.


Rutundu Log Cabins is breathtakingly gorgeous. It

is a cosy, rustic private property characterised by

open log fires and fresh air. Rutundu has only two

log cabins, so that privacy is guaranteed. There is

a sitting and dining room, a veranda, a kitchen and

en-suite bathrooms.

Given the cold climate of Mount Kenya, the cabins

were built along the principles of the Alaska log

cabin using large cedar logs, interspaced with

moss to keep it warm. Take the lady fishing. Or for

a long walk. Or just sit by the roaring log fire and

rub her feet as she pretends to read a book.

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Endemic to Kenya, the mountain bongo

(Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci) is one of

two recognised subspecies of the bongo

in Africa. The other subspecies is the lowland

bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros).

Bongo conservations

Fencing: Since 1988, Rhino Ark has supported

conservation of the Aberdare ecosystem through

fund-raising for construction and maintenance

of fencing around the Aberdare National Park

and surrounding forest reserves. The fence

serves as a deterrent to would-be poachers and

logging gangs, while keeping wildlife away from

neighbouring farmland. It has provided a safer

environment for wildlife. The Aberdares are

home to most of the remaining mountain bongo

population.

Surveillance: The Bongo Surveillance Unit is

a group of experienced trackers from local

communities supporting conservation. They

conduct regular patrols, collect evidence of bongo

presence, report on illegal activity and remove

snares and traps. Through their efforts, a clearer

picture is emerging of the range and population

size of bongo.

Reintroduction: In the 1960s and 1970s wild bongo

from Kenya were exported to zoos in the USA. In

2004 a project was initiated to introduce descendents

of the exported bongo to Kenya. Male and female

bongo have been repatriated to Mount Kenya under

this project, which aims to establish a self-sustaining

population in the bongos’ native habitat.

Bongo education and awareness: Community

awareness and education programmes for schools

are organised through the Bongo Wildlife Club.

Conservation status: The mountain bongo is an

endangered species, found only in Kenya. Fewer

than 200 are believed to survive in the wild. Their

known distribution is restricted to parts of the

Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests; east of the Rift

Valley; and small, especially vulnerable, groups in

the Mau and Emburu forests, west of the Rift Valley.

The human population has increased considerably

in the past decade in the areas surrounding the

Aberdare Forest. This human increase has brought

a greater demand for meat, regardless of the

source. In recent years, poaching, together with

illegal logging activities, have been a real threat to

the bongo.

Bongo are susceptible to diseases such as

rinderpest and various predators have taken

their toll. But certainly, the most serious of these

predators are people living near the forest.


Physical characteristics: Bright chestnut colour with old males almost black; 12 to 14 vertical stripes; large and broad ears; spiral lyre-shaped horns (male and female).

Swahili name: Bongo.

Scientific name: Tragelaphus euryceros isaaci

Size: Height (standing) 1 to 3 metres; length (nose to tail) 1.8 to 2.4 metres;

Weight 240 to 400 kg (male) and 200 to 250 kg (female).

Lifespan: 19½ years recorded in captivity.

Habitat: Rain forest and dense undergrowth.

Diet: Herbivorous browser.

Gestation: About nine months.

Predators: Humans, spotted hyenas, leopards.

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Kenya is blessed with some beautiful

lakes. Its diverse countryside provides

an array of lakes that are not only scenic

but offer excellent opportunities for fishing. These

range from the cool highland trout streams of the

Aberdare Mountains and the mountain tarns of

Mount Kenya to Lake Turkana in the north. To the

west there is also Lake Victoria, where Nile perch

offer excellent sport fishing.

Mount Kenya itself has small beautiful lakes that

add to the grandeur of the area. High-altitude

fishing is possible at over 11,000 ft in the ‘blue

tarns’, characterised by glacial water and a rich

school of gigantic trout. Some of the best trout

fishing happens in these waters, where you are

likely to net rainbow trout, introduced to Kenya

from Scotland.

Unique

Lake Rutundu is situated on the northern slopes of

Mount Kenya, 10,200 ft above the forest line. It is

surrounded by alpine moorland, a home for unique

birdlife and vegetation. This is a most stunning

mountain tarn with crystal-clear water. You won’t

get much fishing done from the shores, but if you

take a rowing boat (available) and row further

inside, you will increase your chances of catching

something big. Since the lake is quite deep,

catching a big trout is a possibility. The wonderful

scenery makes this lake a true fisherman’s haven.

Lake Alice is a different kettle of fish. Situated slightly

higher up the mountain, inside the national park, this

is undeniably one of the best places in Kenya for trout

fishing. It has an amazing topography and the silence

here is broken only by the sound of fish eagles and

mountain hyrax. The waters are so clear that you can

actually see the fish swimming about.


24

Nanyuki is deceptive at night. At 10 pm

this town on the equator settles into

an eerie quiet. There is an occasional

boda boda zipping down the street, chasing a

fare, or the odd truck trumpeting up the road

towards Isiolo. An outrageously cold breeze blows

into the town from the icecaps of Mount Kenya.

It’s a ghost town. But Nanyuki at night is a rough

diamond, waiting to be turned into an adventure.

Your voyage of discovery should begin at Old

House Bar and restaurant off the Nairobi-Nanyuki

highway. This old-style colonial farmhouse is built

at the edge of the Nanyuki River in a setting of

open pergolas that assures privacy. It gets nippy

at night because of its proximity to the river.

There is a pool table. The music here is beautiful.

They play old Congolese music like Pepe Kale,

Madilu System and the great Franco Makiadi. Most

customers order their whisky or other spirits by

the bottle and it’s not uncommon to see others with

thermos f lasks of tea in front of them. Laughter will

occasionally fill the air, yes, but what mostly fills

the air is nostalgia.

Shiny dresses

Before your beer freezes over in your glass, slip

some money into the glass containing your bill

and slip out. Drive to Sherlock’s Den, just above

Nakumatt supermarket. This is a bar you can never

quite predict. Some days it will be spilling over

with patrons and on others you will feel as if you’re

drinking in a cave in Tora Bora. If you go there on

a good night – Fridays usually are – you will find

a youngish crowd, no doubt drawn by the more

conventional modern sound. Chris Brown will be

holding court, and so will Beenie Man. Beers are

fairly priced but the price of spirits might force

you to break into a bank. You might see British

servicemen from the barracks doing body shots,

cheered on by frail girls in small shiny dresses.

So, yes, it can get boisterous and loud at times, but

This is loud and packed like a sardine truck. Old

air conditioners spit cold air above the club. The

music is excellent, with modern hits. Everywhere

is a dance f loor. You walk past revellers standing

all over, clinging to their drinks as they sway to the

music. It’s great fun. It’s electric. Just don’t leave

your drink unattended – not to say that it’s likely to

be spiked, but why take the chance?

War stories

The night, as all great nights should, will end in

Kongoni Camp, a traditional lodge popular with

patrons looking for that old quaint feel of huts and

basic accommodation. With its fantastic two-storey

wooden bar and restaurant, this is the home of the

local Nanyuki mzungus. You will find lots of British

soldiers there, enjoying a night on the tiles as they

swig beers and trade war stories. They are loud

and they drink like lads, but they won’t bother you

if you don’t bother them. Fights are uncommon

because civility reigns, somehow. The pricing

is not easy on the pocket, but it’s well worth the

fun. Dancing, as you would expect of this group,

is atrocious and hilarious, but somehow nobody

minds, or even notices. Neither should you.


before it gets to that point because you can head

down the staircase, zipping up your jacket against

the cold, and hightail it out of there.

Stop by the bar at the Falcon Heights Hotel, a five-

star boutique property, opened less than a year

ago. Falcon Heights has gained a reputation as

an alternative luxury venue for those looking for

high-end accommodation in Nanyuki other than the

conventional big hotels. There is a pool bar and

on most weekends they will be roasting meat on

the spit. The bar is simple, the music is hip and the

patrons are upper-middle-class Nairobians who

are staying over or passing through town. Because

of the cold weather, patrons will sit around fires

and bond. The cold brings night revellers together

because when you’re forced to share a fire with a

total stranger over drinks, at some point you will

feel obliged to say more than: “ If this cold isn’t

about global warming, I don’t know what is.”

Drinking dens

Nanyuki by night is a bit like quicksand: you stay in

one place for too long and you won’t leave. So jump

in a cab and tell the cabbie: “Take me to a place

with the loudest music, loud enough to warm my

frozen bones,” and he will head towards the most

famous joint in Nanyuki, the Sportsman Arms. This

famous establishment has been there since God

was a boy. It’s synonymous with Nanyuki town. To

put it graphically, if Nanyuki were a picture, the

Sportsman’s Arms would be its frame. There are a

few drinking dens here, but the cabbie will point

you towards the club.

The history of the Mount Kenya region

is bound up with the struggle for

independence. It is a place of war secrets

and untold tales, with places of interest that few

outsiders know of and insiders often dismiss as

normal. Yet these locations are an important part

of the history of the region and its people. Below

are a few:

Kimathi Post Office, Nyeri

This is not your conventional post office with

postboxes and postmen. This is a post office

without a key, a secret post office, if you will.

Over 60 years ago, when the Mau Mau fighters

were combating the British, they adopted ways of

passing on messages between themselves. The

mugumo tree, an important tree for the Kikuyu,

was often used to hide messages for different

squadrons of the Mau Mau soldiers. The messages

were left between the thick curling trunks of the

huge tree, away from the reach of the British.

One of these trees can be found in the Aberdare

National Park. It is well over 100 years old, the

wardens believe, and represents a significant

chapter in the struggle for Kenyan independence.

Bells of Embu

In the compound of ACK Emmanuel Church in

Kigari, a bell hangs. Weighing about 200 kg, this

bell was a gift from the Church Missionary Society

in Canada, who shipped it to Mombasa in about

1910. From Mombasa it was taken by rail to Thika,

where nine strong men carried it on their shoulders

to Embu. The 190 km journey took over a month.

The first missionary in that church, John Comely,

received the bell on behalf of his f lock and it was

hoisted up a tree. Years later, Comely fell gravely

ill and was taken to King George’s Hospital (now

Kenyatta National Hospital) in Nairobi. Legend has

it that, on the day Comely died, the bell started

ringing on its own. Without prompting, it rang nine

times as birds f luttered around his house and, it is

said, outside his hospital window. This inexplicable

event is still the talk of Embu. Although the tree

from which the bell originally hung has since fallen,

the legend remains alive.

Secret Valley, Nanyuki

To get here, you have to drive to up the forestry

office and then many kilometres deep into the

indigenous forest. You need a sturdy vehicle for

this journey, and warm clothing, because Secret

Valley overlooks Mount Kenya.

Once upon a time this valley was home to Forest

Lodge, which burned down. This is a beautiful

valley with a calm watering swamp where wild

animals congregate to drink. On a clear day, the

view of Mount Kenya is clear and unobstructed.

And it is silent – that loud silence.


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The beauty of this area inspired the making of the

film ‘White Mischief’ which tells the story of a white

millionaire coming to Kenya with his wife to find the

British expatriates living a disreputable life, with

drugs, wife swapping, horse racing, etc. Someone

is murdered – but who fired the fatal shot? Well,

like the valley, that’s a secret.

Embu Tunnel, Embu

This actually looks like a cave at first glance; or

rather, it starts as a cave but turns into a tunnel

because it opens up on the other side of the

mountain. The 3 km long Embu Tunnel lies next

to Thege Njeru Waterfall and was used by the

Mau Mau when evading the British soldiers. It is a

monument to the struggle for independence.

St Phillip Church, Naro Moru

In 1952 Princess Elizabeth attended a service at

this church. The next day she was proclaimed

Queen of England after the death of her father, King

George VI. Recently, to mark the Queen’s Diamond

Jubilee, CNN filmed the proceedings from this

church and broadcast it to the world.

The first stone of this church was laid by Major G.

Baynes in 1949. Over time, the brick church has

retained its different-era feel of wooden pews, a

wooden lectern and antique features such as a

British coat of arms, a gift from the Queen.

Italian Memorial Church, Nyeri

Built in 1952, this church represents Italian

martyrdom of a sort. Located about 5 km from

Nyeri town, the church is special because it is

the burial place of 676 Italian soldiers who were

captured by the British in Ethiopia and transferred

to Kenya as prisoners of war. Many of them died of

malaria and tuberculosis in the war camps.

There is a marble tomb of Prince Amedeo Savoia-

Aosta, the Duke of Aosta, a distinguished soldier

who was appointed commander-in-chief of the

Italian forces by Benito Mussolini.

In a separate structure there are several vaults

containing the remains of African soldiers, mostly

from Somaliland, who fought alongside the Italians.

Every year, on 4 November, a mass is held at the

church to commemorate the soldiers’ dedication

to their country. This service is attended by Italian

families, friends and government officials in Kenya.

The Italian and Kenyan f lags are hoisted at the

entrance and the interior walls of the church are

decorated with green, white and red ribbons.


30

At Mount Kenya Safari Club you can drive

off from any tee and land your ball in a

millionaire’s backyard.

It’s only a par three, nine-hole course, but Mount

Kenya Safari Club attracts golfers from all over

the world to this meticulously tended setting with

its rich royal history and, of course, the enigmatic

Mount Kenya.

The course has recently been renovated to meet

international standards and there has been a

growing level of interest from corporates, with

business people making their way to Mount Kenya

Safari Club for a round or two. The picturesque

landscape lends a serene atmosphere to the

course and provides an ideal backdrop. The

weather is perfect, never too hot or cold.

This exclusive rich man’s retreat opened in 1959

and Sir Winston Churchill is believed to have been

one of its founding members. Celebrities and royal

family members are known to be among its current

members. The club is set in 37 hectares of pristine

gardens and the area teems with wildlife. There are

over 65 species of birds including marabou storks

and peacocks. When you cross into the Mount

Kenya Game Ranch you will find eland, zebra,

Cape buffalo and other animals.

Both on its fairways and its greens, the well

maintained golf course is carpeted by indigenous

Kikuyu grass, which holds the ball well and offers a

good – albeit slow – putting surface.

Probably most memorable hole on the course is

the third, which promises every golfer the longest

drive of his life. While the hole measures only 174

yards, the tee is halfway round the world from the

green. To put it more succinctly, the tee is situated

in the southern hemisphere while the green is

in the northern hemisphere because the fairway

straddles the equator.

The most difficult hole is the 144-yard sixth, where

a high and straight drive is required in order to

avoid the two large bushy trees located between

the green and the tee. After the game, you can sit

on the patio of your suite and watch the snowcaps

of Mount Kenya. This can ease the pain of a poor

round and a few lost balls.


One of the little known facts about Nyeri

is that the town’s St Peter’s cemetery is

the final resting place of Lord Robert

Baden-Powell of Gilwell – the founder in 1908 of

the worldwide Scouting Movement. Today, Scouts

are thought to number between 25 and 45 million.

Aside from his famed association with the Scouting

Movement, Baden-Powell was a man of many

talents; excelling at fishing and polo while enjoying

big-game hunting. He was also an accomplished

watercolourist and sculptor and took a keen

interest in cine-photography.

Soldier

Despite his dalliances with the arts, Baden-Powell

was ostensibly a soldier at heart; rising to the

position of Inspector General of Cavalry in the

British Army. The Scouting Movement’s roots and

activities are firmly embedded in the bushcraft that

Baden-Powell learned as a soldier during his time

in southern Africa.

Lord Baden-Powell first visited Kenya in 1906 and

was immediately smitten by the area around Mount

Kenya. So many years later and his work more

or less done, Baden-Powell and his wife Olave

decided the to live full-time in Nyeri. They rented

a modest one-room cottage in the grounds of the

Outspan Hotel close to the centre of Nyeri. Baden-

Powell named his humble dwelling Paxtu.

It was Baden-Powell’s second property named

Pax (Latin for ‘peace’) as the great man had also

lived in a property with same name in the UK, so it

became known as Pax Two or Paxtu.

Baden-Powell, who had earlier recuperated at Outspan

after an illness, bought a share of Walker’s hotel

business to pay for his cottage. Baden-Powell once

remarked that “closer to Nyeri, closer to bliss”. Sadly,

his final years in Nyeri were short-lived. On 8 January

1941, aged 83, the founder of the Scouting Movement

died and was later buried in St Peter’s Cemetery.

His gravestone bears a circle with a dot in the

centre which is the trail sign for ‘going home’

or ‘I have gone home’. Otherwise, the headstone

just states: ‘Robert Baden-Powell, Chief Scout

of the World’ surmounted by the Boy Scout and

Girl Guide Badges. It summed up the man who

led a simple life and wanted for little in the way of

material possessions.

When his widow Olave died 36 years later in 1977 in

the UK, her ashes were flown to Kenya and interred

next to her beloved husband.

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The Safari & Conservation Company (SCC)

is a portfolio of lodges and unique safari

experiences in Kenya with a significant

presence in and around Mount Kenya – a prime

location with a diversity of environments ideal for

exploration and adventure.

SCC offers its guests a chance to experience all

the thrills and wonder of the mighty mountain.

Guests can choose from a range of activities that

includes tailor-made riding safaris with Riding

Wild; helicopter and f ly-fishing excursions with

Tropic Air; and luxury accommodation at Borana

Lodge, Laragai House and the charming Rutundu

Log Cabins.

Borana Lodge and Laragai House are perfect

bases for an African adventure on Mount Kenya,

whether hiking, riding or f lying to the summit.

Both lodges offer unparalleled panoramic views

of the mountain with its white-tipped peaks and

undulating foothills. Here, guests can enjoy some

luxury before their epic mountain quest, encounter

fascinating wildlife and revel in the astounding

beauty of the area.

Escape on foot, on horseback or by helicopter to

the rustic-chic cabins of Rutundu, on the edge of

Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-east face of

Mount Kenya. Located off the beaten track, the

cabins are surrounded by pure wilderness, a

paradise for hikers and fishermen, with heather

forests and glacial streams teeming with brown

and rainbow trout.

Tailor-made

Guests can enjoy their own tailor-made safari

experience of the mountain with Riding Wild

or Tropic Air. Ride across Borana Ranch and

neighbouring ranches and journey through the

rugged Laikipia Plains, lush fig and cedar forests

and the moorlands of Mount Kenya with Riding

Wild. Or take to the sky and soar above the

scenery in a Tropic Air helicopter, witnessing a

view fit for the gods.

Embark on the ultimate adventure safari and

become part of the exquisite landscape and

wildlife with the Safari & Conservation Company.


THE SAFARI & CONSERVATION COMPANY

34

Catering & Tourism Development Levy

Trustees (CTDLT) is established

pursuant to the provisions of the Hotels

and Restaurants Act, Cap 494, Laws of Kenya.

Vision

To be a lead source of funding for the sustainable

development of the tourism industry.

Tropic Air, located at the foot of Mount

Kenya, is a leading air charter company

with 20 years of f lying experience. Its

base, Nanyuki Airfield, is a busy hub linking

Samburu and other northern destinations with

Nairobi, the Masai Mara and Meru.

Tropic Air operates a fleet of Cessna aircraft and

employs a team of experienced and knowledgeable

pilots. In addition to charters, its services include

aerial filming and photography, geo-survey, medical

The mandate of the organisation includes:-

• To collect, control and administer the training

and tourism development levy fund.

• To establish, equip and control such establishments

for the training of persons for employment in the

hotels and restaurants as the Minister may approve.

• To establish and develop national standards for

testing the skills required by the tourism industry.

• To make such payments out of the Fund as may

be necessary to enable the Kenya Tourist Board

promote Kenya as a tourist destination both

locally and internationally.

Mission

To effectively collect levy, establish and fund training

institutions, facilitate destination, marketing and develop

standards for testing skills in the tourism industry.

evacuations and support for conservation initiatives.

A decade ago, Tropic Air launched its helicopter

division, pioneering heli-safaris throughout the region.

Its tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular

mountains, valleys, forests and deserts with a focus on

‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’

destinations. The company operates Eurocopter AS 350

B3 helicopters, chosen for their superior performance

in hot and high altitude environments, and for their

flexibility to work on a wide range of tasks in the East

African environment.

Tropic Air is committed to supporting the Mount Kenya

National Park, providing mountain rescue support.

Its pilots are familiar with the mountain terrain,

experienced in high altitude flying and trained in

first aid. Every year Tropic Air, together with the park

rangers, carries out a mountain clean-up operation to

help conserve the natural environment.

CTDLT

TROPIC AIR

Laikipia is one of the world’s most exciting

wilderness safari and wildlife tourism

destinations. Lying on the threshold of

Kenya’s wild northern rangelands, it stretches

from Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift

Valley and is larger than all of Kenya’s national

parks and reserves except Tsavo.

After Tsavo, Laikipia is Kenya’s most extensive

wildlife haven. All of the Big Five mammals can be

found here. It is a sanctuary for over 80 species

of mammal including black rhino, elephant, lion,

leopard, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe,

aardwolf and wild dog. Laikipia is also renowned

for the richness of its birdlife.

Night game drives, guided nature walks, bike tours,

horse-riding and camel treks – all prohibited in most

parks – are just some of the exhilarating activities.

In addition, visitors have privileged access to the

cultures and customs of the region’s Mukogodo,

Maasai, Samburu, Pokot and other peoples.

Large areas have been set aside by local

communities for conservation and ecotourism

developments. Tourism investments have been

structured as jointly owned ventures, in the form of

lodges or tented camps, between private investors

and the local land-owning communities. These

ventures include Il Ngwesi Lodge, Tassia, Koija

Star Beds and The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille.

There is a diverse range of facilities including

small lodges, tented camps, ranch houses,

community lodges and resorts/hotels. Based in

natural wildlife areas, they focus on wilderness-

based tourism. There are over 40 places to stay in

the wider Laikipia area, many of which have won

tourism awards.

The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) is a member

based environmental conservation organisation.

LWF promotes the region’s tourism internationally

to help generate benefits from wildlife and to

develop the local economy. It supports the sector

in many different ways, with special attention to

community owned tourism enterprises.

For more information on Laikipia’s tourism, visit

www.laikipiatourism.com

For more information on conservation in Laikipia,

visit www.laikipia.org


LAIKIPIA WILDLIFE FORUM

36

There are many reasons why the White

Rhino Hotel is special. First, there is the

Aberdare National Park, not far from the

hotel. This is an old volcanic mountain range with

short peaks owing to long erosion. For a modest

outlay, guests can go and experience the beauty

of this park with its waterfalls, campsites and game

viewing opportunities. Weather permitting, they

will have an opportunity to see Mount Kenya and

the Great Rift Valley.

The rugged terrain of Aberdare, with its deep

ravines cutting through the forest and its clear-

water streams, make this national park a ‘must

visit’ location. Be sure to visit the Karuru Falls with

their spectacular drop of 272 metres. If you can,

go fishing in those clear waters, where you may be

lucky enough to catch a rainbow trout.

The park is also home to endangered species that

include the rare bongo as well as giant forest hog,

wild dog, black rhino, leopard, reptiles and birds,

so be sure to carry your binoculars.

Location

The White Rhino Hotel is an important fixture in

Nyeri. It is located right in the town centre, yet has

its own distinct identity.

Accommodation consists of 11 tastefully furnished

rooms, all en-suite with private balconies. The

rooms feature a classic blend of rustic charm with

a twist of modernity. All come with digital satellite

TV. The rates are friendly, so if you are in town on

business and need a comfortable place that does

not compromise on quality, this is it. Five twin

rooms and six double rooms are available, while

90 more rooms are being built and will open soon.

WHITE RHINO HOTEL

Kongoni Camp Restaurant is a piece of

paradise set in a forest glade with Mount

Kenya as an iconic backdrop. Guests can

enjoy a tranquil natural environment surrounded

by cedars and cypress trees.

The resort is situated off the Timau Road

just outside Nanyuki town and offers quality

accommodation in an informal atmosphere as well

as a grill, pizzeria, bar and coffee shop.

Kongoni and its staff pride themselves on being

good hosts and offering guests a high quality of

service. All the buildings work in harmony with the

landscape. The restaurant is housed in a traditional

double-storey cedar farm-style building and offers

a warm and rustic dining experience surrounded

by contemporary decor with a gigantic fireplace

out on the porch. A display of classic ‘retro’ art,

featuring showbiz personalities, adds to the special

ambience. A spacious fully stocked bar is available

with DSTV and Wi-Fi. A fine selection of wines

from around the world can be purchased from the

restaurant and natural organic products from the

coffee shop.

Guests can relax in sofas and armchairs round

a huge open fireplace on the porch, or sit in the

shaded garden and enjoy the bright sunny days

and clean crisp air of Nanyuki.

Kongoni Camp Restaurant is an ideal spot for mountain

enthusiasts on a weekend getaway or looking to tour

Laikipia. Nature walks, horse riding and camel riding

can all be arranged. Its close proximity to Sirimon

Park base, the gate to Mount Kenya, makes Kongoni

Camp ideal for trekking. There are also excellent

opportunities for birdwatching, with up to 75 species

within the grounds.

Guests can choose to camp or stay in one of

the rustic double rooms. Kongoni has various

accommodation options including five thatched

double-bed rondavels, a rustic self-contained 17-

bed double-storey cabin and the option of a natural

campsite surrounded by a forest landscape teeming

with birdlife and offering views of Mount Kenya.


KONGONI CAMP

38

Africa is the new frontier for tourism and

development. The potential for growth is

huge for both investors and stakeholders

and there is no better time than now to invest in

the continent.

While opportunities for tourism development

abound, the conference also addressed the

challenges that face Tourism Development in

Kenya and in Africa as a whole.

The two-day conference was hosted by the

Kenya Tourism Development Corporation

(KTDC) in partnership with Bench Events. It

attracted government leaders and officials,

financiers, entrepreneurs, architects, lawyers and

transactional advisers.

The Corporation’s managing director, Marianne

Jordan said the conference showcased to potential

investors different locations with tourism potential

and the distances between them hoping that they

would consider investing in Kenya.

About KTDC

KTDC is a Development Finance Institution

(DFI) with a mandate to facilitate and provide

development financing for long-term investments

in Kenya’s tourism sector.

Vision 2030 acknowledges the vital role played

by tourism, stating that ‘Kenya aims to be among

the top 10 long-haul tourist destinations globally’.

Achieving this involves addressing constraints

facing the sector and implementing strategic

projects to improve the quality and breadth of

Kenya’s tourist offerings at the coast, in game

parks, in the conference sector, and in niche

products such as culture and ecotourism.

Major projects now being fronted for funding by

the KTDC under the Public Private Partnership

(PPP) include a world-class convention centre in

Mombasa and development of a marina at Shimoni.

These and other projects are aimed at reducing

poverty, creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange

earnings and increasing GDP. This conference has

been a catalyst for the realisation of these projects.

About AHIF

AHIF was a platform that brought together both local

and global players in the tourism and hotel industry

to share their expertise and who discussed best

practices for hotel development. The forum also

looked at how to conduct business across the whole

continent and how to assess the potential risks and

rewards of what is a hugely varied product base.

KTDC

Safari Air Express (SA X) is a proudly Kenyan-

owned airline operating f rom both Jomo

Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and

Wilson Airpor t. SA X is small enough to offer its

customers a personal service, but large enough to

accommodate all kinds of requests and requirements.

Aircraft

The SA X f leet comprises one 80-seat Douglas

DC-9 aircraft, one 68-seat Fokker F28, one 19-seat

Beechcraf t B1900 and two Cessna C208 Caravans

seating 10 and 12 passengers respectively.

All of the company’s aircraft are available for

private charter.

Diverse

SAX operates from both Wilson Airport and JKIA and

caters for a diverse and dynamic market. Its flights from

Wilson Airport serve the domestic and international

tourism market and are performed using B1900 and

C208 aircraft. The airline’s safari circuit operates to

Amboseli, Masai Mara, Ukunda (Diani), Kilimanjaro,

Vipingo, Nanyuki, Lamu, Meru and Malindi airports.

SAX operates from a bright, happy and recently

refurbished departure lounge alongside its own

40s café in Langata House at Wilson Airport.

Its f lights from JKIA are performed using DC-9

and F28 aircraft and operate to regional airports in

East Africa. These f lights operate from Unit 3. The

airline’s international f lights check in and depart

from the international terminal at Unit 1.

SAX foresees an exciting future in Kenya.


SAFARI AIR EXPRESS

40

Kenya is a destination of diversity: from

safari, finest beaches on the Indian Ocean,

entire spectrum of luxury hotels, tented

camps, our breath taking landscapes, all wrapped

in the warmth of the Kenyan people. The Kenya

Tourist Board (KTB) was voted Africa’s leading

Tourism Board 2012 in the Africa category during

19th World Travel Awards nomination ceremony

held in September in the UK .

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

eastern coast, Kenya is the most accessible country

in the region. With some 90 international f lights

arriving and departing Nairobi every week, visitors

can be enjoying dinner and observing elephants and

other wildlife within a few hours of leaving the office.

Kenya offers a world of attractions and opportunities

for the discerning visitor – more than any other

destination. Visitors can expect to find stunning

landscapes, a diversity of culture and myths, sandy

beaches, a range of adventure sport activities and,

above all, the chance to observe rare wildlife.

Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, is the only city

in the world with a national park attached to it. The

city’s famous hotels and restaurants offer the perfect

start to a memorable vacation. But it is on the plains,

beneath the majestic snow-capped mountains, that

you will find Kenya’s most memorable entertainment

– the great annual migration of some 2 million

wildebeest, half a million zebra and thousands of

gazelle in search of pastures new.

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

catering for only a couple of customers.

Wherever you go in Kenya, you are delivered right to

the heart of the action.

KENYA TOURIST BOARD

One of the best and more experienced

operators of specialist helicopter

services is Lady Lori, which provides

a comprehensive range of air transport and

support services in East and Central Africa. These

range from scenic f lights and helicopter safari

adventures to highly technical surveying and

logistical support for the oil and gas industries and

from airport and city shuttle services to external

load and fire suppression.

In March 2012, when fires raged out of control on

Mount Kenya, the pilots of Lady Lori played a key

part in tackling the crisis.

Award-winning

Lady Lori operates a f leet of modern, well appointed

helicopters, with cabins in mint condition. The

helicopters are maintained by the company’s award-

winning in-house engineering team. Every detail of

each f light is meticulously scrutinised by this team.

The company also operates a hot air balloon service

in the Masai Mara and provides a tailor-made travel

concierge service throughout East and Central Africa.


LADY LORI

Falcon Heights is a small, luxury, boutique

hotel, less than a year old, situated in

Nanyuki town. Accommodation consists of

16 luxury rooms and an executive two-bedroom

cottage. The rooms have all the trappings of an

upmarket hotel, with LCD f lat-screen televisions,

Wi-Fi, hairdryer and shaving unit and plush

lounge chairs as well as complimentary tea and

coffee services.

In addition, the hotel has a conference facility that is

able to host up to 50 guests indoor and outdoors.

There is a swimming pool and a separate baby pool

where children can play. At night, the chefs bring out

a grill and serve dinner by the poolside. The choice

includes meats, salads and Continental cuisine.

Intimate

Falcon Heights is an alternative destination for those

looking for something small, intimate and uncomplicated.

FALCON HEIGHTS

4242

Batian Grand Hotel and Mpeta Guest House

offer visitors a choice of accommodation

in Nyeri with ready to access to local

services and amenities.

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

fine features, including Mount Kenya National Park,

the Aberdare Ranges, the Mau Mau Caves and the

grave of Lord Baden-Powell. The two-star hotel

offers warm hospitality 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 restaurant, a coffee shop,

a residents’ bar and a sports pub, all offering

excellent cuisine and service.

Mpeta Guest House

Mpeta Guest House offers comfortable self-catering

apartments for both families and business travellers.

Located within easy reach of the central business

district of Nyeri, the apartments are located in the lush

green suburb with fine views of Mount Kenya and

the surrounding farmlands. The smartly designed

apartments consist of one- and two-bedroom units

with a modern kitchenette, large living room and

terrace. Each apartment has wireless internet, DSTV,

intercom and personal safes.

BATIAN GRAND HOTEL & MPETA GUEST HOUSE

42

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, certified by the

Kenya Bureau of Standards Diamond Mark of Quality.

Natural

The Highlands range also includes still natural

and fruit flavoured cordials and ready-to-drinks

in orange, pineapple, tropical, lemon, strawberry

and blackcurrant flavours. In addition, sugar-free

Highlands Light Drinks, developed for health conscious

individuals and suitable for diabetics, are available.

The company operates 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 official supplier of water for

the Safaricom 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.

HIGHLANDS MINERAL WATER CO LTD

MOUNT KENYA TRUST

Mount Kenya is recognised as a World

Heritage Site and Biospehere Reserve.

The Mount Kenya Trust has been working for 12 years

in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, the

Kenya Forest Service, local communities and other

non-profit organisations to help conserve Mount

Kenya. The Trust works with

Government agencies, provides

employment and community

education, saves wildlife and

sensitizes the public about habitat

destruction.

The Trust is wholly reliant on donations

from individuals, local companies

and the international community.

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http://www.landmarine.com

http://www.mountkenyatrust.org

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AFRICANA CURIO SHOPLocation: SaganaAddress: PO Box 1890, SaganaTel: 061 72556; 0722-881991 Email: [email protected] located on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, this is a one-stop shop for all African curios and gifts.

BANANA LEAF HOTELLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 2081, Nyeri Tel: 061-2031655 Email: [email protected]: www.bananaleafhotel.comBanana Leaf, on the main Nairobi-Nyeri highway, is a tranquil town hotel offering a blend of comfort and luxury.

HOTELS

BBanana Leaf Hotel 44

Batian Guest House 45

Batian Grand Hotel 45

Blue Hills Resort 45

GGerish Hotels 45

Greenhills Hotel 45

HHotel Incredible 45

Hotel Three Steers 45

IImperial Hotel 46

Ivory Resort Hotel Ltd 46

Izaak Walton Inn 46

KKwetu Lodge 46

MMark 5 Resort 46

Masinga Dam Resort 46

Maua Basin Hotel 46

Mount Kenya Safari Club 46

Mpeta Guest House 47

NNaru Moru River Lodge 47

New Thuchi Lodge 47

OOld House 47

RRoyal Prince Hotel 47

SSerena Mountain Lodge 47

Sportsman's Arms Hotel 48

Sweetwaters Tented Camp 48

TThomson's Falls Lodge 48

Transit Motel 48

Treetops Lodge 48

VValleyview Prime Lodge 48

WWestwind Hotel 48

White Rhino Hotel 48

TOUR OPERATORS AND SERVICES

AAfricana Curio Shop 44

BBongo Asili 45

EEmbu Tourism Development Organisation 45

KKenya School of Adventure and Leadership 46

L Lorian Safaris 46

NNyeri Youth Mount Kenya Climbing Club 47

S Sagana Total Station 47

Slopes Mineral Water 48

UUniq Shop 48

RESTAURANTS

RRaybells Restaurant 47

For further information regarding membership, existing members and their services contact:


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

www.mount-kenya.org


BATIAN GUEST HOUSELocation: NanyukiAddress: PO Box 1391-10400Tel: 0718-635577Email: [email protected] in Nanyuki, on the main highway from Nairobi, this standard hotel is the town’s newest landmark.

BLUE HILLS RESORTLocation: SaganaAddress: PO Box 41-00520 NairobiTell: 0722-581497A country hotel located on the banks of Tana river, on Nairobi-Sagana highway with a perfect view of the meandering waters of Tana.

BONGO ASILILocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 873-10100Tel: 0700-391203Email: [email protected]: www.bongoasili.comAs an international tour operator, Bongo Asili is familiar with the local terrain and offers top-of-the-range services.

GERISH HOTELSLocation: EmbuAddress: PO Box 1760-60100, EmbuTel: 06830440/0202056649Email: [email protected] Hotels is a budget hotel 2 km from the central business district of Embu town. Along with its convenient urban location, the hotel has the ambience of a rural setting.

HOTEL INCREDIBLELocation: Meru Address: PO Box 2020-60200, MeruTel: 0722-885511/064-30227Email: [email protected]: www.hotelincredible.comLocated on Kirukuri Road in Meru, this town hotel is a magnet for business travellers and a popular venue for domestic and foreign visitors.

BATIAN GRAND HOTELLocation: Nyeri Address: PO Box 12100-10109Tel: 061-2030743/020-3535266Email: [email protected]: www.batianhotel.co.keLocated in the heart of Nyeri town, overlooking the stadium, this luxury hotel offers great views of the peaks of Mount Kenya and the plains of Laikipia.

EMBU TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONLocation: EmbuAddress: PO Box 1760 EmbuCell: 0716376356/0725603231Email: [email protected] is a community-based organisation that brings community members together with the aim of facilitating the growth of tourism in Embu.

GREENHILLS HOTELLocation: Nyeri Address: PO Box 313-10100, NyeriTel: 061-2030604Email: [email protected]: www.greenhills.co.keLocated in the suburbs of Nyeri, this three-star town hotel is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and enjoys stunning views of Mount Kenya.

HOTEL THREE STEERSLocation: MeruAddress: PO Box 21113-00505, MeruTel: 0728-588005/0724-398935Email: [email protected]: www.nairobipacifichotels.comThis cosy and luxurious town hotel on the Meru-Isiolo road offers a wide variety of cuisine and accommodation to meet the demands of business travellers and domestic and international visitors.

MEMBER INDEX

46

IMPERIAL HOTELLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 2606-10140, NyeriTel: 0722853724Email: [email protected]

This town hotel in the heart of Nyeri offers luxury accommodation and is an ideal place for business.

IZAAK WALTON INNLocation: Embu Address: PO Box 1, EmbuTel: 068-31128/9, 31237Email: [email protected]: www.izaakwaltoninn.co.keThe style of this historical masterpiece combines a f lavour of bygone days with a touch of the future. The hotel is located 2 km from the town centre in the serene outskirts of Embu.

KWETU LODGELocation: EmbuAddress: 1241-60100, EmbuTel: 068-30692This lodge in the heart of Embu town is ideal for business travellers or those looking for a quiet place to relax.,

MARK 5 RESORTLocation: EmbuAddress: PO Box 65-60121, EmbuTel: 0705-585857Email: [email protected]: www.mak5fresh.comA gateway to Mount Kenya and stopover on the main highway from Nairobi to Sagana equipped with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

MAUA BASIN HOTELLocation: MauaAddress: PO Box 452, MauaTel: 0617-21519Email: [email protected] its tranquil setting, affordable accommodation and excellent customer services, the Maua Basin Hotel prides itself on creating an atmosphere that is both relaxing and comfortable.

IVORY RESORT HOTEL LTDLocation: Nyeri Address: PO Box 959, NyeriTel: 0722-929013Email: [email protected] on the Nyeri-Nairobi highway at Skuta, this town hotel is set in a lush green environment of coffee and tea plantations.

KENYA SCHOOL OF ADVENTURE AND LEADERSHIPLocation: MeruAddress: PO Box 4055-00506Tel: 020-237626Email: [email protected]: www.kesal.co.keEstablished in 1990, the Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL) offers a unique and high-impact range of experiential-based training solutions.

LORIAN SAFARISLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 2669-10140, NyeriTel: 0720-957881Email: [email protected] lovers of adventure, Lorian Safaris can provide skilled experts familiar with the local terrain and equipped to provide insightful community integration.

MASINGA DAM RESORTLocation: EmbuAddress: PO Box 47309-00100, EmbuTel: 020-2096288Email: [email protected]: [email protected] next to Masinga Dam in the Mwea National Reserve, this resort enjoys spectacular golden sunrises and sunsets all year round.

MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUBLocation: NanyukiAddress: PO Box 35-10400, NanyukiTel: 062-2030000 Web: www.fairmont.comA five-star club located on the slopes of Mount Kenya in the serene Mount Kenya Game Ranch.

MEMBER INDEX


MPETA GUEST HOUSELocation: Nyeri Address: PO Box 12100-10109, NyeriTel: 061-2030743/ 020-3535266Email: [email protected]: www.batianhotel.co.keMpeta is a cosy and luxurious furnished apartment located on the Nyeri-Nanyuki highway with spectacular views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains.

NEW THUCHI LODGELocation: MeruAddress: PO Box 7-60100, MeruTel: 020-2074549Email: [email protected] Thuchi Lodge is situated on the banks of the Thuchi River on the Nairobi-Meru highway on the eastern side of Mount Kenya.

OLD HOUSELocation: Nanyuki Address: PO Box 340, NanyukiTel: 062 31556/ 020-3526007Email: [email protected] standard town hotel on the banks of Nanyuki River in the serene suburbs of Nanyuki.

RAYBELLS RESTAURANTLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 1363-10100, NyeriTel: 020 2370035Email: [email protected] with both local people and international visitors, Raybells is a modern family restaurant in the heart of Nyeri specialising in Continental and African cuisine.

SAGANA TOTAL STATIONLocation: SaganaAddress: PO Box 317, SaganaTel: 020-2033985/ 020-2737100Email: [email protected] ideal halfway gas station on the Nairobi Highway at Sagana town with a convenience store, restaurant and rest rooms.

NARU MORU RIVER LODGELocation: Naru MoruAddress: PO Box 18-10105, Naru Moru Tel: 062-31047/ 062-31048Email: [email protected]: www.naromoruriverlodge.comThis country lodge on the banks of Naru Moru River is an ideal base for climbing Mount Kenya, with splendid views of the snowcapped peaks.

NYERI YOUTH MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING CLUBLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 2669, NeriTel: 0721-119708Email: [email protected] is a club of experienced and skilled young tour guides and porters serving mountain climbers and hikers on Mount Kenya.

OUTSPANLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 24, NyeriTel: 061-2032424Email: [email protected]: www.aberdarehotel.comLocated on Baden-Powell Road in Nyeri, the Outspan is a country hotel surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and lawns.

ROYAL PRINCE HOTELLocation: MeruAddress: PO Box 964-10200, MeruTel: 064-30115/0722-508417/0701685455Email: [email protected]: www.royalprincehotel.comLocated in the heart of Meru, the Royal Prince Hotel is a magnet for local and international tourists visiting this busy eastern town.

SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGELocation: Naro Moru Address: PO Box 123, KiganjoTel: 0711-109637/ 0711-109638Email: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.serenahotels.comA forest lodge in the pristine tropical forest of Mount Kenya. The lodge faces a watering hole frequented by big forest game.

MEMBER INDEX

48

MEMBER LISTINGS

SLOPES MINERAL WATERLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 1290-10300, NyeriTel: 0723-878932Email: [email protected] the tourism industry in the Mount Kenya region, this bottled water company offers crystal-clear mineral waters.

SWEETWATERS TENTED CAMPLocation: NanyukiAddress: PO Box 763, NanyukiTel: 062-32430/062-32409Web: www.serenahotels.comA tented camp situated in Ol Pejeta Conservancy facing an animal waterhole with scenic views of Mount Kenya.

TRANSIT MOTELLocation: Chogoria MeruAddress: PO Box 190-60401 ChogoriaTel: 0733-573494Email: [email protected]: www.transitmotelchogoria.comOffering a perfect base for climbing Mount Kenya, this motel has a rural location at the base of one of the three main routes to the summits of the mountain.

UNIQ SHOPLocation: KaratinaAddress: PO Box 412-10100, Karatina Tel: 061-72 343 Email: [email protected] Shop is a specialist in African designs and artefacts located on the main highway from Nairobi to Nyeri.

WESTWIND HOTELLocation: MeruAddress: PO Box 730-60200, MeruTel: 064-31980Email: [email protected]: www.westwindhotelmeru.comThis town hotel on the Meru-Maua road at Makutano is a favourite destination for visitors to the mountain region, offering superb African cuisine.

SPORTSMAN’S ARMS HOTELLocation: NanyukiAddress: PO Box 3, NanyukiTel: 062-2032348/7Email: [email protected]: www.sportemansarms.comA three-star hotel in the heart of Nanyuki town overlooking the snowcaps of Mount Kenya.

THOMSON’S FALLS LODGELocation: NyahururuAddress: PO Box 38 ,NyahururuTel: 065-2022006/065-2032176Email: [email protected]: www.thomsonsfallslodge.comSituated at the world-famous Thomson’s Falls, this Swiss chalet-style lodge is set in lush lawns shaded by African olive and cedar trees.

TREETOPSLocation: NyeriAddress: PO Box 24, NyeriTel: 061-2032424Email: [email protected]: www.aberdarehotel.comA five-star forest lodge located strategically overlooking a legendary waterhole visited by wild animals. The queen of England ascended to the throne while on holiday at this lodge and has revisited the lodge while on her visit to Kenya.

VALLEYVIEW PRIME LODGELocation: EmbuAddress: PO Box 563, EmbuTel: 0721-813867 Email: [email protected] for business guests, this town hotel in the heart of Embu offers luxury accommodation and mouth-watering African cuisine.

WHITE RHINO HOTELLocation: Nyeri Address: PO Box 3011-10140, NyeriTel: 020-202609198 /0726-967315/ 0736-046784Email: [email protected]: www.whiterhinohotel.comLocated on the main highway from Nairobi, this newly refurbished hotel is the jewel of Nyeri town and a favourite spot for entertainment.

http://www.magicalkenya.com/tembea


2nd f loor West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way, PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri

Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170 • Email: [email protected]

www.mount-kenya.org

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION GUIDE 2013-14

is the official publication of:


2nd f loor West Wing, Central Plaza, Kimathi Way, PO Box 2669-10140, Nyeri

Tel: +254 (0)20 232 6170 • Email: [email protected]

www.mount-kenya.org

MOUNT KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ASSOCIATION GUIDE 2013-14

is the official publication of:

Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association Guide 2013-14

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