Located 135 kilometres from Nairobi, Embu county is a small and magnificent place that forms part of the Mount Kenya region. The county has a population of roughly 577,390 people.
Embu is one of the few lucky counties that boasts of more than one National park, and where Mount Kenya also happens to cover.
The list of the numerous activities you can engage in while touring Embu is endless, not to mention the beautiful places you can visit on a budget.
Without further ado, buckle your seat belts and let me take you through that list.
Visiting The Mount Kenya National Park
The amount of interaction with nature you get to have here is simply unrivalled.
You can either choose something subtle like going on a game drive and marvel at the different animal species you come across, ranging from monkeys to antelopes, giraffes, zebras, name them. Every single animal you’d fancy to see is found here, or you could choose something a tad thrilling with that rush of adrenaline, such as hiking Mount Kenya.
Now this isn’t for the faint-hearted, and it’s going to need a lot of energy to scale the mountain, hence it’s no mean feat, but it’s all worth it once you get on top, looking at the breathtaking snowy peaks and the view beyond that stretches for kilometres to no end.
You don’t have to strive to get to the top, the view is still stunning even from other angles, so don’t pressure yourself. It’s a vacation remember, so let loose and simply enjoy the change of environment.
Touring The Mwea National Reserve
This is a little less popular than the Mount Kenya national park, which could just be a good thing if you’re looking for somewhere spacious and less crowded.
Here there are no mountains to hike but a wide array of game animals and plenty of nature trails to take on.
The animals you can see range from the local to the unique and rare species; buffaloes, zebras, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, antelopes, name them, the list is endless
The vegetation is made up of dense bushland that makes it ideal for nature trails with family and friends. Enjoy the cool breeze and tranquillity at the place, quite the break from all the noise in towns.
The Mwea Reserve has friendly guides who’ll help you traverse the whole reserve, giving detailed accounts of the animals found there and the different plant and tree species.
Stopping by The Mzima Fishing and Camping Site
This is a self-service centre located at the heart of Embu county. If you’re a fish lover, this should definitely be your first stopover.
The site doubles up as both a fishing centre and camping place to chill with family and friends. The thrill is in learning how to fish on your own, you only need to hire a fishing rod.
What’s more, you have the luxury of cooking your own fish according to your standards and just how you like it; wet, dry, fried etc. After eating to your fill, you just need to take a walk around and enjoy the tranquillity of the place and fresh, clean air.
Camping is highly recommended at the site, sleeping in the heart of nature, listening to the crickets and waking up to the chirping birds is sheer beauty.
Bring along enough bedding and amenities though, just like in Nanyuki and Kericho, the weather could get pretty cold, especially at night.
Kiangombe Hill Forest
This is a tourist attraction site located some 34 kilometres east of Embu town. The Kiangombe Hill Forest is a place that the locals hold quite dear. It’s not only beautiful but also sacred for the Embu locals.
It was used as a shrine by their forefathers, and numerous prayers, be it repentance, supplication and thanksgiving were made, and sacrifices were offered to appease the ancestors.
The hill further served as a hideout from cattle rustlers. Being located at a strategic position enabled them to spot enemies from far, and hence give them sufficient time to plan their own counter the attacks or defence as needed.
The forest is an ideal site for nature treks due to the various nature trails found there. Walking in the heart of nature is really rejuvenating and will help you unwind.
The hills too are perfect for hiking, and the top gives you an unrivalled view of Embu and its environs, so you might want to bring some hiking shoes along.
Karue Hills
It seems like the hiking and nature vibes that Embu has to offer are quite endless. Located only 30 minutes from Embu town, the Karue hills are quite a magnificent site.
Unlike other hills, this one isn’t dominated by trees and dense vegetation but by jagged rocks, which make it unique.
They are very ideal for hiking, but if you’re a beginner, you might want to tread with caution. Otherwise, the hills form a very beautiful background for photo sessions and the views once you get on top are quite stunning.
It’s however not advisable to hike after periods of long rains, as the rocks can get quite slippery, resulting in fatal accidents.
Near-death experiences have been reported, so if you really must hike after the rains, proceed with great care.
Camp Ndunda Falls
Now, few places can give you the kind of adrenaline rush this place has to offer. I could name an endless list of thrilling activities for you to engage in and reconnect with your inner self, not to mention you get the opportunity to face your fears.
The first activity is zip lining. I honestly don’t think I’ve met someone who wouldn’t want to try this. Being airborne as the waters from the falls rush beneath you is simply breathtaking, not to mention what it’ll do to your levels of adrenaline. This should be the first activity you engage in.
The second is the Canopy Walk, where you walk on a thin bridge suspended high up, and the view looking down has to be the most stunning. This is the perfect spot for the height phobic ones.
There’s archery as well, where you get to shoot arrows at a specific target. It’s both fun and can act as a survival skill when faced with impending danger.
Then there’s the mud activity; mad thrill watching both adults and children getting smeared in mud. It’s simply fun watching people bond over something so subtle, and you might want to try it with your friend, family or partner.
Water sports activities are in plenty as well, such as rafting in the rushing waters. Everything about camp Ndunda is simply thrilling and physically engaging.
Accommodation facilities are in plenty, and not in the modern kind of way as you’d think, it’s in small cottages or modern-traditional huts. You can also choose to spend the night outside, camping with your sleeping tent and bag in tow.
The site is simply perfect for nature trails, team building activities and the adrenaline hunters, a blend with all kinds of personalities, you will be spoilt for choice.
Izaak Walton Inn
No one goes to Embu and fails to stop by this popular restaurant.
The Izaak Walton Inn is a state-of-the-art facility located just along the highway, you won’t miss it. It’s a luxurious resort that offers top-notch accommodation facilities to its guests, ranging from deluxe rooms to superior and executive rooms.
There’s an outdoor garden for you to enjoy the scenic view and fresh air. A swimming pool is located within the inn, so when the temperatures get too high you need not worry, all you have to do is take a dip.
The food here is exemplary, with their wide array of both local and international cuisines, you’ll be left craving for more.
The inn prides itself in ensuring its guests are well cared for, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, ample parking and high-security detail.
Nice Digital City
The Nice Digital City is conveniently located 50 meters from the Embu-Meru highway and offers you accommodation and other packages at very cost-effective prices.
As the name suggests, it resembles a small city with essentials located in one area; a swimming pool, a petrol station, guest houses, name them.
There’s also an amusement park located just within, should you happen to tag your children along, you need not worry about them being engaged physically. Bouncing castles are in plenty, the riding of electric cars, face painting, and trampolines, all are found there.
Food is readily available, and so are the drinks, every kind of assortment. For those who cannot go for long without that shot of caffeine, the restaurant has you covered with their well-brewed coffee.
Everyone who has visited the place definitely has something to say about that coffee.
