Places to visit in Nyeri County

Places to visit in Nyeri County ; Solio Ranch : It is a privately owned property that was primarily created for rhino conservation. It is among the best Kenyan safari tours especially for Rhino watching and one of the most prosperous private rhino breeding ranches in Kenya. Other animals like buffalo, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, waterbucks, oryx, and warthogs also live on the ranch. You can go on nature hikes and game viewing excursions at the property.

Estimates were made to assess the number of rhinos in the wildlife reserve after records were destroyed by a fire at the ranch in 1990. In 2005, 55 black rhinos were estimated to remain, down from 66 in 1992 due to increased hunting. It is difficult to keep an eye on and track the rhino herds because of how much greenery there is in the park.The process of accurately identifying an individual is exceedingly difficult.

In 2005, a programme for monitoring was started. A photo archive of the rhino population was created, and the wildlife reserve was separated into sections. A photographic database was used to instruct ranchers in animal observation and identification. The location of the animal and the time of day would be recorded. After a year of observation, 5947 sightings were recorded.

Kenya wildlife Service and Conservation Management Department requested assistance from Mr. Courtland Parfet, owner of the Solio cattle ranch, which is located on the Laikipia plateau in central Kenya. A 13,500-acre portion of the ranch had already been fenced off because it was committed to conservation, protecting native animals and allowing them to flourish in the natural without interference from humans or risk. In the Solio Game Reserve, there were plenty of buffalo, zebras, gazelles, and leopards, but no rhinos. The Wildlife and Conservation Management Department, which is now known as the Kenya Wildlife Service, requested Solio to shelter a small number of black rhinos until a permanent home could be found for them. After the first five animals were moved from Kiboko in southeast Kenya, the country’s first rhino sanctuary was established in 1970.

The Solio Game Reserve in Kenya is widely recognised for its richness of Kenya wildlife. Due to the abundance of different species, the reserve is a fantastic location for tourists interested in wildlife and Kenya safaris. Among the many creatures that make Solio Reserve their home are buffalo, zebra, giraffe, oryx, antelope, Thompson’s gazelle, impala, waterbuck, and warthog. Along with lion and cheetah, the park is also one of the greatest places in the nation to see leopards.

Solio Reserve is a fantastic place to go bird watching safaris. The acacia woodland in the midst of the reserve is cut by a river that occasionally changes into a region that resembles a swamp. This location is a refuge for birds. In addition to the more than 300 species of game, the reserve is home to European rollers, flycatchers, and birds of prey such vultures, eagle owls, Montagu’s Harriers, long-crested eagles, and buzzards. Additionally, crowned cranes and the European stork can be seen here every year.

Rhino Watch Camp

It is situated on 30 acres and is close to the rhino sanctuary in Solio. Three wildlife reserves surround it, making it the perfect starting point for kenya safari game drives and breath taking vistas of Mount Kenya. The rhino watch camp also provides luxurious lodging for nature lovers, bush meals, game hikes, and an art gallery with indigenous antiques.

Nyeri museum

The museum is located in a 1924 national historic landmark. Previously, the monument served as a local court, mostly for disputes involving customary law. Visit the museum to learn about the history of the Mau-Mau freedom fighters and the equipment they utilised back then.

Chinga Dam

On your route to Chinga Boys, pass close to Othaya town to find the stunning waterfall. The largest water reservoir in Nyeri County is Chinga Dam. The dam provides options for boat safaris and fishing. You can go there to see the stunning waterfall and partake in boat safari sports in Chinga Dam.

Thunguma museum

In order to conserve, share, and inform people about Kikuyu culture and origin, the museum was established in 1998. The museum houses real creatures like crocodiles, tortoises, and porcupines as well as traditional Kikuyu items.

Italian War Memorial Catholic Church

Italian soldiers who were taken prisoner during World War 2 constructed it. The church has a stunning architectural layout and the names of fallen warriors are inscribed on the walls. Within the complex, there is a shrine and a tomb as well. In November each year, a mass is held in memory of the dead Italian soldiers.

Mau Mau caves

Places to visit in Nyeri County
Mau Mau caves

It is a historic place that was a hideout for freedom fighters during the Mau-Mau insurrection, and it is situated in the Narumoru Forest. Around the caverns are other lovely features like waterfalls and native forests with monkeys and birds. It is a haven for bird watching and trekking.

Chaka Ranch

It is a recreation area and entertainment venue situated in Kiganjo. The building is situated on a large area with lovely scenery and views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare mountain range. The ideal refuge for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts of having Kenya’s largest and most varied collection of quad bikes and buggies. Additionally, it provides opulent camping in tented structures.

Baden Powell museum

It bears Lord Baden Powell’s name, who established the Boy Scout Movement Association. Scouting scarves and other clothing are on display at the museum in an effort to preserve, exhibit, and share the Boy Scout Movement’s history. It is situated within the Outspan hotel complex along the Nyeri-Kamakwa route.

Aberdare National Park

Open moorland and deep forested ravines define the park. Elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, warthogs, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, and olive baboons are just a few of the animals that call it home. It is the ideal location for camping, outdoor walks, bird watching, and viewing wildlife.

Nyeri Old Clock Tower

Consolata Mathari Mission Hospital in Mathari, Nyeri, houses the clock tower. It was constructed by Italians who started local missionary operations. There is a legend of a priest who would change the time just to have the workers put in extra time without realising it. Near the Baden-Powell Information Centre in Nyeri town, there is another clock tower.

Nyeri Hill (“Githuuri”)

Locals refer to Nyeri Hill as “Githuuri” as well. The Kikuyu word “Githuuri” refers to a hill. The Hill, one of the tallest hills in the region, is situated in the Mathari district and is visible from several locations across Nyeri.

The main peaks of Mount Kenya may be seen clearly from the hill’s summit.

In Nyeri County, Mathari is a unique location. When Italian missionaries came in East Africa, it was one of the locations where they chose to dwell. According to legend, the first missionary was given the huge territory by a local chief in exchange for a blanket. Later on, he hired peasants to work on his coffee and tea estates in exchange for housing.

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