On the outskirts of Nairobi lies Thika, a small town full of ambience and beauty. It is found in Kiambu county and is well known for its industrial activities.
Visiting the town should top your bucket list if you’re looking for a place to retreat, away from the chaos of daily life.
The easiest way to get to Thika is via road, as you look at the rapidly growing areas.
Despite being crowded and bustling with activities, there exist places for you to visit whether you are operating on a shoestring budget or looking to lavishly indulge.
Below is a list of places to visit in Thika and the fun activities to engage in.
1. Visit The Fourteen Falls
These scenic falls, fourteen in number just have to top the list of places to sightsee.
Simply staring at the rushing waters and listening to the waves is enough to calm anyone’s mind.
The entry fee is about 5 USD, which is very affordable. Furthermore, well-trained guides are readily available to give you a tour of the falls.
The Kilimambogo hills form the backdrop, giving you the perfect opportunity to take pictures and stock up on those memories.
If you are looking to make your experience wilder, try diving in the waters; there are excellent spots for that and the experience is simply unrivalled.
Another activity to engage in is boat riding. It is the best way to cruise the waters, although you pay a fee for that too.
If you like to snack throughout the day often, you’d best carry your own snacks and food, seeing that they do not offer them.
All in all, the place is well-managed and service providers are at your disposal, all you have to do is let loose.
2. Stop by the Chania Falls
Although not as popular as the Fourteen Falls, this is your go-to place if you are looking for a low-key place that is not crowded but gives stunning views.
The entrance to the falls is the same one to the Blue Post hotel, and no entrance fee is charged.
Be sure to bring a good camera with you, you will need it to capture the Sheer beauty.
Group activities would best thrive here, so tag your friends or family along and create memories.
Take nature walks, listen to the chirping birds, have picnics and simply get lost in the beauty of nature; it is exactly what you need to rejuvenate.
3. Blue Post Hotel
No one visits Thika and fails to stop by this iconic hotel. It’s located opposite Chania falls and is quite hard to miss.
The chefs here possess the most top-tier culinary skills, ready to send your taste buds reeling in shock.
Their meals are mostly served buffet style so that you’ll get spoiled for choice with the wide array of delicacies, both local and international cuisines.
What’s more, is that you can wonder at the scenic Chania falls, which gives you an unbeatable scenic view.
The entrance fee is only Ksh 100, and the hotel is very family-friendly, so be sure to even tag children along and let them have fun at the amusement park.
Boat riding is available in their small pond, and so are other activities like horse riding.
Most hotels hardly have game-viewing activities, but you’ll be in for a surprise at this particular hotel with different animals such as snakes, porcupines and crocodiles.
They even have a museum with a collection of various artefacts that you should definitely check out.
4. Pineapple farms
Thika is well known for its agricultural activities, and one crop that is widely grown is pineapples.
From the road, you can see acres of land filled with nothing but pineapples; the perfect stop for nature lovers.
After harvesting, the fruits are then packed and shipped to different retail stores and some are even exported.
You should definitely stop by the farms to gain insight into how they are grown, cared for and harvested.
Be sure to buy stocks of fresh fruits and taste them in their natural state. Better still, you can indulge in fruit juices, freshly squeezed from the harvested fruits.
The famous Delmonte factory is located within, you should definitely visit and see them making fruit juice from scratch.
5. Mugumo Gardens
The Mugumo Gardens have some historical significance, especially to the Gikuyu culture.
Named after the iconic Mugumo tree, legend has it that a famous prophet, Mugo wa Kibiru used to sit in the gardens and make predictions about future events.
The gardens are symbolic as they also signify the end of British rule in Kenya, after the fall of a Mugumo tree.
People come from all over to learn more about the history of the gardens. A small entrance fee is charged, and the proceeds go towards developing the gardens.
Occasionally, religious ceremonies and prayers are also held here. The easiest way to get to the gardens is via the Mugo-Kibiru road.
6. Thika World War Memorial Park
As the name suggests, the memorial park was set up by the Prime minister with the aim of honouring war veterans who died fighting for the country’s independence.
Locals who died fighting in World War 2 are also honoured.
Their remains are buried here, and memorial services are held annually, every 15th of February, to commemorate them.
You can visit the place as a historical tour, and learn about the country’s rich history, and the names of different heroes and heroines, and how much they sacrificed for freedom.
The guides are well versed with knowledge about history, so feel free to ask all the questions you have and be kind enough to tip them for the good services and hospitality they offer.
7. Ndakaini Dam
The Ndakaini dam is a water reservoir that not only serves the people of Thika but the vast Nairobi as well.
In times of crisis and water shortage, the dam comes in handy in supplying water.
Apart from this, the dam is a tourist attraction site and guests visit the place to simply sightsee.
When the temperatures get unbearable, try swimming in the waters for a wild experience.
Boat riding is another activity to engage in, giving you the opportunity to cruise the raging waters.
8. Thika Pork Centre
No matter how good a trip is, it’s never complete until you indulge in some good food.
The pork centre in Thika town is exactly what you need if you are a meat lover. They serve their pork either fried or ‘Choma’ all will leave you craving for more.
Different accompaniments are also served such as ugali, rice and fries. Try these combinations with a side of kachumbari; that’s the perfect definition of heaven on earth.
The hustles of daily life, and trying to make ends meet, are enough to leave anyone feeling drained. The best way to let loose all the tension and pressure is to indulge a little.
Thika has tens of clubs where you can go to unwind. While at it, however, be sure to exercise some responsibility, it goes a long way.
9. Thika Greens Golf Resort
If you are looking to lavishly spend and get value for money, try visiting this resort.
Everything from the entrance to the well-mowed lawns oozes pomp and luxury and is easily accessible from the Old Muranga road.
Accommodation facilities are offered, should you wish to extend your stay by a day or two, for about 100 USD a night. Room service is 24/7 in case of any emergencies.
Breakfast is served free, and you get to choose from a wide array of dishes. An on-site restaurant is available to cater for your dietary needs, and they have both local and foreign delicacies to indulge in.
Wi-Fi is free, parking is ample, and security is tight. Other activities to engage in are golf playing, fishing expeditions and cycling.
10. Christina Wangari Gardens
If flowers and nature interest you, then make a point of stopping by these iconic gardens.
Located along Uhuru highway, opposite Thika municipal office, this is the ideal place to sit and relax, especially if you’re looking to be away from the noise.
The well-mowed grass and the breezy fresh air are simply comforting, you can even have a nap.
There is an artificial fountain and pond which adds to the allure of the place.
Group activities will surely thrive here, such as picnics, and there’s no better way to bond than over good food and drinks.
Team building activities and seminars are also held here. Another plus is that you can comfortably visit the place even on a tight budget and still enjoy your stay, and feel energized at the end of it.
