In the rolling hills and lush green scenery that surrounds Kirinyaga County lies this oasis of beauty, Sagana.
Located about 100 km from Nairobi and only 34 km from Murang’a, along the Nyeri – Nairobi highway, this is your perfect getaway out of town for the weekend, with either family or friends.
The name Sagana was coined from the flowing River Sagana that passes through the area.
Over time, the place has become a haven for tourists with the endless sightseeing places it has to offer.
Whether you are looking to physically engage or simply relax and wind down, you will be spoilt for choice.
The area is largely dominated by the Kikuyu tribe, a group of Bantus who settled in the area.
Interact with the locals and learn a thing or two about Sagana’s history, and the people’s culture.
The most convenient way to get to Sagana is by road, and the whole ride will be nothing short of enjoyable with the spectacular views along the way.
Below is a list of places to visit while in Sagana, and the fun activities to engage in.
1. Rapids Camp
This has to be one of the leading tourist attraction centres in the area. Well known for its thrilling and mind-blowing activities, this is your go-to place if you are looking for that adrenaline surge coursing through your veins.
Get to cruise the nearby River Sagana on a boat ride and experience the thrill of raging waters.
Sport fishing is also highly recommended, with their boats that are fully equipped with fishing gear and skilled fishermen.
Your catch will be specially cooked for you, just how you like it.
Kayaking and rafting are also top activities in the area. Afterwards, go bungee jumping or even zip lining and have the unbeatable experience of being airborne for a few minutes.
The expansive piece of land and serenity in the area is ideal for group retreats and team-building activities, so feel free to tag along with your group of friends and make merry through bike riding and other sports offered.
The terrain is ideal for hiking adventures, so bring along some comfortable footwear and go burn some calories as you enjoy the breathtaking views.
The camp also has a natural waterfall that is quite a spectacle to behold. The peak of your visit should be camping in the area, as you get the ultimate wild experience.
2. Sagana Canyons
Canyons are Ideally formed when water breaks through resistant rocks. This particular one is located near Lake Sagana and is a spectacular site to behold.
Hiking expeditions can be undertaken in the area, and once you get on top, you get rewarded with breathtaking views of the rolling Kiamuti and Kiambicho hills.
River Sagana can also be seen from here. The whole surrounding is a most spectacular combination of nature that is bound to do justice to any nature lover.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the splendid views. While at it, exercise caution as the terrain gets rough, and the cliff has jagged ends; one small mishap could prove fatal.
3. Jangwani Camp
This is another ideal place to go to, especially if you have a group of friends or family with you.
The aura around the camp oozes tranquillity with the lush green, well-maintained gardens and fresh crisp air.
Team building activities and group therapy are sure to thrive here, so feel free to bond with your people over engaging activities.
What better way to tour the camp other than on a bike ride, which is not only enjoyable but a good way to exercise?
The bicycles can be hired within the camp at an affordable price. Archery, which is physically engaging, not to mention a survival skill, is also done at the camp.
You cannot be in the camp and fail to engage in water sports such as swimming, kayaking and rafting, that is simply unacceptable.
You could also try the whirlpools where you jump into the water, it whirls you around and then spits you in River Sagana, quite the experience.
The activities are done at an affordable price, and you are guaranteed to get value for money.
A well-equipped amusement park for children is available to physically engage them as you have the time of your life.
You will be spared the hustle of looking for accommodation, since all that is offered within, in the form of tented camps that vary in size depending on your group. The prices are also quite affordable.
4. Savage Wilderness
The list of places to visit and have an exhilarating experience is quite endless, and Savage Wilderness is one of them.
From the name, you can tell that your experience will be nothing short of wild.
Located within Sagana town, this luxurious place offers you a number of activities to engage in at affordable prices.
If you are equally looking to relax and unwind, this is the place to be, as you sit and watch the green surroundings, getting lost in the beauty of nature.
You might want to try water sports, either rafting, boat riding, kayaking or even swimming.
Race through the vast surroundings on bikes and enjoy the feeling of being young again.
For adrenaline junkies, zip lining is highly recommended, and you are guaranteed to leave the place feeling rejuvenated and awakened.
If you are looking to physically engage, try rock climbing and hiking, and get an unbeatable view of the breathtaking Kirinyaga and even beyond.
If you are lucky, you might find the annual Tana River Festival, which is hosted at Savage Wilderness to celebrate cultural diversity.
5. Thingira Cultural Village
This is where culture meets diversity. The centre tells the story of the rich cultural heritage of the Agikuyu tribe.
It comprises four huts, traditionally used for housing, which now act as storage places for artefacts of the Mount Kenya people.
The artefacts include cooking utensils such as pots and guards, old farming tools such as jembes and rakes, and weaponry as well.
Visiting the Thingira Cultural Centre will have you well acquainted with the history of the Kikuyu, as well as their ways of life.
Multilingual guides who are well-versed in their history will walk you through the facility, so feel free to engage them in conversations and ask questions.
Men and women in traditional regalia will entertain you with cultural dances that are quite intriguing to behold.
Different wares that would make perfect souvenirs are sold within the facility.
Afterwards, take a walk and engage in bird-watching activities as you survey the nature surrounding you.
The terrain is also ideal for hiking activities, even for beginners.
6. Nokras Riverine Spa and Lodge
If you are looking to loosen the purse strings a little bit, then this is the perfect spot for you.
This state-of-the-art facility, located in Sagana Hills, aims at catering for their guests to fulfilment.
The luxury and pomp offered at the place is simply one to behold.
Accommodation is offered in single, double, honeymoon and deluxe rooms.
The rooms are well-positioned to overlook Mount Kenya and the rolling hills, so you get to wake up to breathtaking views.
A swimming pool is available to take care of you if the temperatures get unbearable.
Looking to host an event such as grad parties, birthdays or even weddings? You should consider using their garden that is attractive and well-maintained.
Let your body feel awakened and rejuvenated at the well-equipped spa and fitness centre.
Savour different delicacies made with the best hands, that will have you craving for second helpings.
Every service offered at the place, falls nothing short of top tier.
7. Timstep Hotel and Campsite
This is another magnificent hotel located at the heart of Sagana town.
Accommodation facilities are in plenty and offered in single, double and deluxe rooms, as well as luxurious cottages that instantly give you the feel of home away from home.
The rooms are well-aerated, cleanliness is highly observed and the staff is nothing but friendly and hospitable.
Due to its proximity to the Sagana river, holidayers get to enjoy unlimited water sports such as boat riding, sport fishing, kayaking, whirlpools and rafting.
Swimming too is highly recommended, so bring your best skills with you.
The lush gardens are ideal for picnics, group therapies, retreats and team-building activities.
If you fancy some alone time, privacy is highly guaranteed, so feel free to take a solo walk and wind down.
For the foodies, you need not worry about your dietary needs being catered for.
Highly skilled chefs are on standby to make your favourite delicacy just how you like it.
For the ultimate wild experience, try camping at night, and get the feeling of being out at night, with nothing but chirping crickets, and the occasional howling of dogs filling the silence.
