Did you know that river-related outdoor activities are among the outstanding hidden tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County? Naicef gives you an ultimate guide to things to do in Kirinyaga, places to visit, camping sites in Sagana, and hotels in Kirinyaga.
For a curated tour to Kirinyaga County, reach out to Naicef via our contact email at [email protected] or simply call: +254799922277.
Now, did you know that Kenya’s name, “Kenya,” was inspired by how various communities near Mt. Kenya referred to the mountain? According to the Kirinyaga people, who are the Kikuyus, they referred to it as “Kirima Kirinyaga,” meaning the shining mountain.
Interesting Facts About Tourist Attractions In Kirinyaga County
Do you know that Kirinyaga County is among the five counties in the Central Kenya region that share the highest peak (Batian) of Africa’s second-tallest mountain, Mount Kenya.
Kirinyaga County is also known to be home to one of Kenya’s most renowned tribes, the Agikuyu, who also played a great role in the struggle for independence.
Did you also know that locally, Kirinyaga plays a major role in rice production in Kenya.
Kirinyaga County is also famous for thrilling water-related adventurous activities such as kayaking, rafting, wild swinging, and bungee jumping in some of the epic hidden gems.
Best Hidden Gem Places To Visit In Kirinyaga
1. Mount Kenya National Park
When you hear of “Murima”, Kirinyaga County is among the epic places touching the “Murima” or, in other terms, Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is Kenya’s tallest mountain, which is such an amazing place you could try out while in Kirinyaga.
The park does have six entrance points main ones being the Sirimon, Naro Moru, and the Chogoria gates, which are in different counties. To be able to access Mount Kenya while in Kirinyaga County, one can do so via the Kamweti Gate, a rarely used trail, but it’s such an adventurous trail as you explore the Kamweti Falls.
Mount Kenya is such a nice place for adventure seekers, as you get to hike and enjoy traversing through the rugged terrains as you bond with nature. Do you love hiking? Here is our 35 best hiking trails guide in Kenya that you surely should check out.
Look out also for our;
- 1-Day Ultimate Ngong Hills Package
- Full Day Ol Donyo Hiking & Fourteen Falls Thika
- 1 Day Mount Longonot Adventure Tour
2. Njine Kabia Falls
Njine Kabia Falls is one of the amazing hidden gems in Kirinyaga, situated in Kiabarikiri village just outside Kerugoya town. The beauty of the green vegetation and the calling of the roaring of the waterfall is such a captivating, serene place for you to be.
The place is full of adrenaline vibes with a whole full of fun activities that you and your friends, family, or colleagues may opt to try out, from wild swings, swimming, camping, and many more.
3. Thingira Cultural Village
Are you seeking a cultural immersion? The Thingira Cultural Village, situated along the Nairobi-Nyeri Road before Makutano junction in Kirinyaga County, is a preserved cultural centre.
It is designated to showcase the rich customs and traditions of the Agikuyu people among other tribes such as the Ameru and the Aembu.
The word “Thingira” basically means a reserved traditional hut for men within a homestead. This thus shows one of the unique elements of this cultural place.
Why wait longer? Visit this amazing place and learn about the many traditions within the Central Kenya region, such as the Mwomboko dance for the Agikuyu.
Check out also our other cultural tour packages;
- 3 Days 2 Nights Aberdares Cultural Tour
- A 3-Day Samburu Cultural Tour
- 5 Days Aberdare Samburu Cultural Package
- 3-Day Western Kenya Cultural Tour
- 3-Day Mombasa Cultural Tour Package
- 5 Days Mombasa Cultural Tour Experience
4. Ndaraca Ya Ngai (God’s Bridge)
The God’s bridge is a mysterious natural bridge in Mururi, Kirinyaga County, that is believed by the Gikuyu people in Kirinyaga that it wasn’t made by humans.
This is because the bridge has been intact since the early times without even altering, leaving unanswered questions and gaps. Other than that, a contractor once tried to build a bridge and replace the natural bridge, but somehow the construction materials were mysteriously swept away by floods.
What do you think happened? Is it real, it’s God’s bridge as it is believed?
Visit this mysterious place in Kirinyaga County and unravel the folktales of the place. Read here also about the Kit Mikayi, which was named as The Crying Stone, believed that it used to cry water.
5. Mwea Irrigation Scheme
The irrigation scheme is in the southern part of Kirinyaga County, just near Wang’uru town along the Nairobi-Embu Highway. It is Kenya’s largest rice producer, producing over 80% of Kenya’s rice consumption, making it an essential food production hub.
Mwea Irrigation Scheme spans over 30,00 acres of land which all are under irrigation, cutting across the Mwea East and Mwea West sub-counties.
This thus makes it a nice place for industrial-based touristic ventures and also to get to learn more about how rice is grown.
6. Therema Camp Sagana
Therema Camp Sagana is also yet another scenic, hidden gem places to visit in Kirinyaga County that you should make a stopover at. The place is known to offer epic services, from river sports such as kayaking, camping, and outdoor team-building activities for any corporate company.
It can easily be accessed along the Sagana-Makutano Road, making it about one and a half hours from Nairobi.
Things To Do In Kirinyaga
1. Hiking
One of the amazing fun things to do in Kirinyaga that you should be ready for is hiking, from the simple nature trails to hiking Mount Kenya.
2. Kayaking
Are you ready for an adventurous, rough river course paddling, conquering the rapids? The Sagana River offers you a chance to experience kayaking in various tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County, such as Therema Camp Sagana and Divine Eco Camp Sagana.
3. Ziplining
Enjoy this fascinating activity as you glide high above with breathtaking views over the whole place from point A to point B on the suspended rope. Let’s go, adventure lover!
4. Archery
Do you know that archery was among the major hunting and war techniques back then in the old centuries? Come and show off your aiming skills at the various hidden gem places to visit in Kirinyaga, and maybe you can be installed as an olden days great warrior descendant.
5. Wild Swing
Who said that only kids can enjoy playing with swings on their school playgrounds or their homeplaces? Njine Falls is among the epic tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County that enjoy a wild swing as you swing across the breathtaking falls.
6. Camping
Do you know that spending your nights outdoors does help improve your sleep quality and reduce stress, improving your mental well-being? Well, why wait any longer? Start packing and consider Naicef as your travel partner as you get to explore the various camping sites in Kirinyaga.
You may opt to camp just along the river, such as in Therema Camp Sagana. You may also enjoy a tranquil environment, being surrounded by tea plantation as you spend your night in a wooden cabin, a perfect place being Aqua Wood Cabin.
7. Hammock Swinging
Ever heard of a hammock swing? A hammock swing is a kind of relaxing activity where you lie on a comfy suspended seat or a rope in an open.
Picture this! Imagine heading for camping among the camping sites in Kirinyaga, more so the Njine Kabia Falls, and then enjoy having a moment to admire the falls while lying on the hammock swing. Isn’t that mesmerizing?
Visit such hidden gems and be inspired by the amazing beauty of this epic county.
8. Team Building
Are you in seek of team-building related activities for your friends or workmates? With Naicef, the leading team building company in Kenya, and get to explore team building related venues in Kirinyaga such as Rapids Camp Sagana, Njine Falls, and Mount Kenya, among others.
Some of these activities you can come across in various tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County are such as BootCamp activities, kayaking, and yoga sessions, among others.
Hotels In Kirinyaga County
Some of the best hotels in Kirinyaga County include;
- Abai Lodges and Spa
- The Lagoon Resort & Spa
- Nice Digital Hotel
- The Gems Resort Kirinyaga
- Lukenya Hotel
- Silver Slopes Resort & Spa
Book with Naicef and get to experience the best of any of these hotels.
Camping Sites In Kirinyaga
Why go for a hotel, whereas you can camp and have an exposure to mother nature as you enjoy sleeping to the sunset and waking to the beautiful sunrise.
Kirinyaga County is among the best counties in Kenya where you can experience camping in the wild and be fully satisfied, leaving you longing and seeking more.
Here are some of the best camping sites in Kirinyaga and neighbouring areas that are in various geographical setups, that you should surely check out;
- Njine Kabia Falls
- Outdoorman Cabins
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Castle Forest Lodge
- Monkey Bay Resort Limited
- Rapids Camp Sagana- Muranga County
- Camp Ndunda Falls -Embu County
- Aqua Wood Cabin
Camping Sites in Sagana
Who would surely not want to camp just beside the riverbank as you enjoy the amazing views and the sounds of the roaring river flow, and the chirping of the birds?
Here are some of the specific best camping sites you could seek to camp on while in Kirinyaga County, that lie along the Sagana River;
- Therema Camp Sagana
- Divine Eco Camp Sagana
- Napoleon’s Rafting Camp Sagana
Conclusion
Tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County are among the hidden treasures that you should check out.
Some of the best places to visit in Kirinyaga include the Njine Kabia Falls, Thingira Cultural Village, There Camp Sagana, and Ndaraca Ya Ngai, among others.
Hiking, ziplining, camping, kayaking, team building, and archery are among the best fun things to do in Kirinyaga County.
Some of the best hotels in Kirinyaga County are such as Abai Lodges and Spa, The Lagoon Resort & Spa, Nice Digital Hotel, and The Gems Resort Kirinyaga.
Kirinyaga is among the best spots for camping, and some of the camping sites in Sagana in Kirinyaga include Therema Camp Sagana, Divine Eco Camp Sagana, and Napoleon’s Rafting Camp Sagana.
For a curated tour personalized only for you to Kirinyaga County, reach out to Naicef via our contact, email [email protected], or call:+254799922277.
Check out also other adventurous counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet County, Bomet County, Busia County, Isiolo County, Kericho County, and Embu County, among others.
Here are our tour packages to areas near or within Kirinyaga County;
- 1-Day Forest Challenge Package
- Mud Games In Kenya Package
- 5-Day Kenyan Central Circuit Package Tour
- 6 Days Kenya Safari Tour Package
- 4 Days Nakuru Naivasha Holiday Safari
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kirinyaga County & Things To Do There
1. Where is Kirinyaga County located?
Kirinyaga County is in the Central region of Kenya, south of Mount Kenya and about 112 km from Nairobi.
2. What is Kirinyaga famously renowned for?
The county is well known for agricultural practices, mostly rice farming in Mwea Tebere Irrigation Scheme.
3. What are some of the tourist attractions in Kirinyaga County?
The various attractions in Kirinyaga include: God’s Bridge, Rapid’s Camp, Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Rwamuthambi Falls, Karumandi Falls, and Thiba Falls, among others.
4. Which are the noticeable towns in Kirinyaga?
The major urban towns in Kirinyaga County are Kerugoya, Kagumo, Kagio, Sagana, and Wanguru.
5. Which is the best period to visit the county?
To be able to experience the outdoor-related activities, it is usually advisable to visit between the months of June to October, and January to February.
6. Are there cultural exposures in Kirinyaga?
Of, course. The Thingira Cultural Village is among the very best places to learn about the customs and traditions of the Mount Kenya communities.
7. Which are some of the best places to stay in Kirinyaga County?
Popular lodges & hotels in Kirinyaga include Nice Digital Hotel, Jangwano Camp, Castle Forest Lodge, and Rapids Camp Sagana.
