Kirinyaga

Country: Kenya

City /Town:  Kirinyaga

Location: Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Area: 1,478.1 km2

Overview: 

Kirinyaga County is located south of Mount Kenya and was in former Central Province in Kenya. The County’s capital is Kerugoya with its largest town as Wanguru or Mwea, the county is best known for rice production from the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, which is watered by the canal from Thiba River. The development of the scheme started in 1954 from Tebere section with about 65 acres in irrigation farming and has since grown to the current gazetted area of 30,050 acres.

The county borders to the east and south Embu County, to the south by a small part of Machakos county, to the southwest by Murang’a County and to the northwest by Nyeri County. Most counties in the Mount Kenya region’s economic activity includes agriculture, aside from rice grown, coffee and tea is also grown but in the cooler areas of the county. The county was ranked the 2nd richest county in Kenya and tourism is a significant economic feature.

The Uniqueness of this County: 

• A haven for nature lovers
• The impressive 350.7 Km² of indigenous forests
• Wide variety of wildlife
• The adventure sports along the Sagana River
• The only ziplining under the bridge in Africa – Sagana

Accommodation Options from the County:

• Nokras Riverine Hotel & Spa (Sagana)
• Rapids Camp
• Jangwani Camp (categories: own camping, Dome tent, Tent Plus, Luxury Units)

Places of interest: 

• Savage Wilderness Whitewater rafting Centre
• Visit to Thingira Cultural Village.
• Overnight at rustic Castle Forest Lodge.
• Visit a number of falls: Gathiri, Mukengeria, Kangere, Gatitika, Thiba and Karumandi, Castle and Rwamuthambi Falls.
• Outdoorsman Cabin located in Kathiri named after Kathiri Falls.
• Visit to Sagana Canyons
• The Castle Lodge, Mt Kenya Forest
• Jangwani Camp
• Tour the Ndaraca ya Ngai (God’s Bridge)
• Hike up Mount Kenya
• Visit Mwea Irrigation Scheme
• Tour into Mwea National Reserve