Going to Nyeri on a trip and want to know all the best places to visit in Nyeri? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide on all the best attractions in Nyeri.
Nyeri, a historic town in Kenya, about 2 hours’ drive from Nairobi, is a great place to visit. The town has a rich history going back to the colonial era and being the home of MauMau.
The best part is that it’s easy to learn and explore more about this by visiting and learning all about the interesting things to do in Nyeri, Kenya.
Nyeri is an interesting place to just wander as the most interesting places are within walking distance from each other.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the things to do in Nyeri.
Top 17 Best Things To Do In Nyeri, Kenya
Here are the top places to visit in Nyeri. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.
#1. Nyeri Museum – National Museums of Kenya
A visit to Nyeri Museum, located in Ruring’u, on the outskirts of Nyeri town is one of the best things to do in Nyeri. This museum, housed in a national monument, was once used as a “Native Law Court”.
Its purpose is to showcase customary law cases, previously dealt with by clan elders in the villages. The museum has an exclusive collection of artifacts depicting the life and rich culture of the Gikuyu community.
Entry is currently free, so you have no reason not to visit and learn more about Kenyan history.
Email: nyeri@museums.or.ke
Phone: 020 3742741
#2. Baden-Powell information Center & Museum
Located in Nyeri town, a visit to Baden-Powell information Center and the museum is one of the fun things to do in Nyeri.
Baden Powell’s Gravesite, Nyeri, Kenya, near Mount Kenya. This is a fairly modern build that contains a small shop, a board showing badges (many collected during the 2010 World Scout Moot in Kenya), and various neckers (scarfs) from around the World.
There are plans to develop it into a fully-fledged museum outlining the history of the association. Talks were underway with the National Museums of Kenya to obtain suitable display cases, etc… during 2013.
Several historical items currently held at the Kenya Scout HQs in Rowallan Campsite, Nairobi are likely to be moved into the new museum once it has been completed. This site is one of the things to do in Nyeri.
#3. Paxtu Museum
Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouts Movement was proclaimed the Chief Scout of the World in 1920 and his 2nd visit to Kenya in 1935 fell in love once again with the wonderful views over the plains to the bold snow peaks of Mount Kenya to such an extent that when ordered by the doctor in England to rest in the winter of 1937, it was Outspan that he chose to come to.
Lord Baden-Powell was a friend of Sherbrooke Walker (Outspan founder and owner until 1961) whom he appointed as his first Scout Commissioner and Private Secretary.
Lord Baden-Powell spent the last years of his life (1938 to 1941) at the Outspan in a special cottage called Paxtu (named from “Pax too” after his English “Pax Hill” home with Swahili “tu” for only replacing “too” ).
Lord Baden-Powell died on 8th January 1941 and is buried in Nyeri town. The Paxtu cottage, now Paxtu Museum and a protected monument (gazette 2001), is dedicated to his life and the scout movement and continues to be visited annually by hundreds of scouts and guides from all over the world.
Outspan Resident guests have free access to Paxtu Museum while walk-in guests pay a fee.
#4. Chinga Dam and Waterfall
Established in 1957, the Chinga dam is the largest water reservoir in Nyeri County located in Othaya. The dam sits beautifully under the slopes of Karima hill and the magnificent tea plantations.
On arrival at Chinga dam. You will be met by boatmen displaying their vessels and lifesavers inviting you for a boat ride across the dam. Visiting the Chinga dam is one of the coolest things to do in Nyeri.
#5. Italian War Memorial Church
Located 5km from Nyeri town, you will find the Italian War Memorial Church which houses the remains of the Italian soldiers captured by the British Army in World War II.
This Sanctuary is perhaps one of the most interesting places with a hidden history, and a visit to this place is one of the things to do in Nyeri.
It’s the final resting place of 676 Italian soldiers with another structure beside it that holds the remains of African soldiers who couldn’t be buried inside the church due to their faith.
The building that was constructed in 1952 still stands decades later. A visit to this Sanctuary you’ll get to see the unique and original items which we left behind by World War II soldiers.
The interior of the church has an Italian style with an appealing copper and bronze inscription. On the walls of the church are small signs indicating the name of each soldier and the battalion they served in, together with the places they died.
The church attracts more Italian visitors who go to pay homage to the fallen soldiers.
The church is open for mass once a year on the first Sunday of November to honor the soldiers.
#6. Nyeri Old Clock Tower
Lying at Mathari, a small town in Nyeri County is the Nyeri Old Clock Tower which was built in 1902 by Brother Luigi Falder an Italian Consolata Missionary.
The tower is powered by wind and presents time in Roman numbers. At the center of the tower stands a copper bell that rings according to the hour. If it’s noon it will ring 12 times.
The bell is loud enough to be heard several kilometers away and is still used to coordinate activities at the place.A visit to the clock is one of the things to do in Nyeri.
#7. Mathari Mission Catholic Church
The church was built around 1916 by the Consolata Missionaries when they settled in Mathari, on the outskirts of Nyeri town making it one of the first to be used by the church in Kenya.
The church has great religious and historical significance to Catholics in Kenya. It has a hand-crafted altar that’s engraved with religious teachings on all four sides.
On the front, it’s engraved with a hand holding a bowl of Eucharist bread and another holding a jar of wine atop the tabernacle.
This is a symbol of self-giving by Jesus by offering his body and blood for the salvation of the human race.
The rear of the altar is engraved with a dove facing downwards, pouring water from a bowl. Beneath it is a basket of bread on top of a fish.
“The dove and bowl of water symbolize the Holy Spirit descending during baptism. The fish and bread are a symbol of spiritual nourishment to divine life,” – Fr Githinji.
The altar was used for the beatification of Blessed Irene Stefani, and a visit to this church is one of the places to visit in Nyeri.
#8. Nyeri Hill
The Hill which is visible from most parts of Nyeri stands tall with transmitting stations at the top and is located at Mathari on the outskirts of Nyeri town.
From the summit of Nyeri Hill, you can have a vast view of the plains to the peaks of Mount Kenya. Visitors can engage in walks, hikes, or drive to the top of the hill through the indigenous forest that opens up the scenic views making it one of the places to visit in Nyeri.
#9. Thunguma Museum
Thunguma is one of the popular places to visit in Nyeri if you are interested in learning the cultural practices of the Kikuyu community.
The museum was opened in 1998 to preserve, communicate, and inform about the Kikuyu culture and origin. It features traditional artifacts of the Kikuyu and live animals. A visit to the Thunguma Museum is one of the things to do in Nyeri.
Location: Kiganjo/Mathari Off Nyeri Karatina Road Nyeri Town, Kenya
#10. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running about 100 Km north-south between Nairobi and Thompsons Falls.
This beautifully scenic region is much cooler than the savannahs and offers a completely different perspective on the country. The national park lies mainly above the tree line.
The scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist making it one of the fun places to visit in Nyeri.
Picturesque, steep forested ravines, and open moorland characterize the Aberdare National Park.
The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs, and bushbucks, among others.
Rare sightings include those of the Giant Forest hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat, and the blue duiker. Visitors can indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers, and camping in the moorlands.
Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson’s Francolin, Sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds, and plovers.
Hiking The Aberdares is one of the fun places to visit in Nyeri.
#11. Solio Ranch
Located 22km north of Nyeri town along Nyeri – Nyahururu road, a visit to Solio Ranch also called Solio Game Reserve is one of the fun places to visit in Nyeri, Kenya.
The ranch is well known for its rhino breeding program. Solio Ranch is located between the Aberdare ranges and Mount Kenya. Solio Ranch was founded objectively as a breeding ground for white and black rhinos.
This feat has widely been successful and several rhinos from Solio have been transferred to other locations in Kenya yet Solio still supports an unbelievable population of rhinos.
The most spectacular scene at the ranch is the sight of both species of rhinos unnaturally intermingling. The reserve also has a decent population of giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and several antelope species.
All the big cats have as well been introduced. Finally, the ranch, courtesy of being in the Laikipia Plateau, is home to hundreds of bird species.
Weather and Climate
Solio’s proximity to the equator means that temperatures are almost constant. However, it gets significantly cold during the late evenings. Rains are moderate with wet and dry seasons.
The dry season starts from June to September while the wet season of October to May has a short dry season in between. The dry season is characteristically sunny, but downpours can appear without notice.
How To Get to Solio Ranch
Situated about 180km from Nairobi City, Solio Ranch is one of the most proximal Laikipia Plateau conservancies to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.
It is possible to get to Solio by road from Nairobi through Nanyuki. The journey takes about 3 hours. However, the fastest way to get to Solio is by organizing a chattered flight to Nanyuki Airstrip and then half an hour’s transfer to the famous and illustrious Solio Lodge.
#12. Chaka Ranch
Nestled in the heart of Kiganjo, Nyeri County lies an entertainment haven like no other: the Chaka Ranch Leisure Park. With so much to offer, it is no surprise that a visit here tops the list of the best things to do in Nyeri.
Just a short 2-hour drive from bustling Nairobi City, this park is open daily, even during public holidays. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just seeking a serene escape from the city, the Chaka Ranch Leisure Park is the perfect fit for you.
The vast expanse of land between the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya provides breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. For thrill-seekers, the unique outdoor entertainment facility features the largest and most extensive collection of quad bikes and buggies in Kenya.
And for families, it’s a one-stop-shop for food, drink, mouth-watering barbecues, and outdoor activities that everyone will love. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this intimate haven of beauty and fun – make your way to the Chaka Ranch Leisure Park today!
Activities in Chaka Ranch
Toto Quad Bikes( Years 3 -7: Ksh.1500)
5 laps on the Toto track, carefully assisted by the qualified staff for safety purposes.
Junior Quad Bikes (Years 8 – 12: Ksh. 2500)
Leisure park tour on junior buggies being guided by qualified escorts.
Senior Quad Bikes(Years 13+: Ksh. 3000)
You get to explore the river, forest, and Chaka dam tour on an adult-sized quad bike.
Phone: +254 738 600046, +254 719 242 897, +254 719 242 885
Email: reservations@chakaranch.com
#13. Common Wealth Graves
This cemetery is located at Kiganjo, a small town famous for its police training college worth visiting in Nyeri. Coming from Nairobi, take the Naro Moro to Nanyuki road from Karatina to Nyeri, as indicated by the direction sign.
On the road from Karatina to Nyeri take the right turning signposted to Nanyuki and the cemetery is 8 kilometers up this road set back to the right-hand side.
A direction sign indicates the turn-off for the cemetery as it is not easily visible from the road.
Nyeri War Cemetery is open Monday to Friday between 06:00 and 18:00. Outside of these hours, the cemetery is locked with a coded padlock.
If you are intending to visit this site outside of the opening hours the code to the padlock can be obtained from our office in Kenya on 00 254 20260 4301.
The opening hours of this office are Monday-Friday 08:30-12:30, 13:30-16:30 (closed weekends).
Wheelchair access to this cemetery is possible via the main entrance.
History Information
Three general hospitals were built at Nyeri during the Second World War but only two were used; one by the military authorities and the other for the Italian refugees and prisoners of war held in the area.
The burials in the war cemetery were made in these hospitals. Nyeri War Cemetery contains 368 Commonwealth burials and commemorations of the Second World War.
Four of the burials are unidentified and one soldier is commemorated by a special memorial. The cemetery also contains two non-war burials and one French war grave. Nine Italian graves have been removed.
#14. Zaina Falls
Zaina Falls is located in the hilly and green Nyeri County, Kenya which is on average over 2,000 meters above sea level. A 10-kilometer drive from Nyeri town westwards at the foot of Aberdares Ranges in Zaina Forest, found in Tetu District.
Its largely agricultural area features tea, coffee, and dairy farming. The environment also shares a hardworking community that largely believes in nature conservation.
It is to be noted that the late Nobel Prize winner Professor Wangari Mathai was born and brought up in this region. Also, the legendary MauMau field Mashal Dedan Kimathi’s home is 5km away from Zaina Falls.
The landscape near the falls allows a clear view of River Chania and River Zaina as they beautifully meander and confluence in the valley. From the main road to the foot of the falls is a 1.5km hike.
Gorgeous and natural footpath sandwiched by two ranges along the Zaina River Valley, a bushy environment with indigenous trees guarding the path all along to the falls. The mighty phenomenon draws nearer and clearer.
Eventually, the drizzles wash your face keeping you a few meters away from the falling volumes of water.
On average it’s 100 meters in vertical length. Other activities include bird watching, swimming, and fishing. Zaina Falls has a relaxing environment favorable for tenting where wild animals are electrically fenced 5km above the falls. A visit to Zaina Falls is one of the fun things to do in Nyeri.
#15. MauMau Caves
The Mau Mau caves at the foothills of Mt Kenya open out to a beautiful waterfall and pass-through rocks on the Burguret River.
Once covered in a dense forest these caves are well known for their historical significance.
During Kenya’s fight struggle for independence, the Mau Mau freedom fighters used these caves to store supplies as well as hideouts from the colonial forces led by the British and the collaborators. This is one of the most adventurous places to visit in Nyeri.
Getting there
We will drive from Nairobi to Bantu Lodge near Nanyuki where our hike begins.
The 9 KM trail begins at the Bantu Lodge and takes you through the wild bushes and relatively short indigenous trees teeming with baboons, birds, and other wildlife.
When you get to the caves a swaying footbridge leads you to the shallow cave mostly made up of a large sheltered space.
A short hike takes you to the top of the waterfalls with magnificent views of the waterfalls.
#16. Wajee Nature Park
Wajee Nature Park is a bird conservancy and nature park located in Mukuruwe-ini in Central Kenya. It is set amidst the spectacular country between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares and lies 160 Km north of Nairobi.
The camp which covers 10 hectares of unspoiled natural forest was set aside for conservation by the late Reverend Wajee. It is home to two rare species: the Hindes Babbler and the side-striped jackal.
Wajee Nature Park is adorned with an array of flora and fauna. It is perfect for bird lovers, as it is home to many rare forest birds. An incredible 126 local species have been recorded in the park so you can expect to spot quite a few bird species during a visit.
The availability of different tree species provides a home and breeding ground for many birds.
What They Offer
Camping Grounds
What better way to snooze in the great outdoors than under the stars? Grab your gear and pitch your tent at one of their numerous campsites. Upon request, they can provide cooking equipment (firewood, charcoal, utensils, etc).
Weru Wa Jjaraba
Situated away from the nature park, we have a banqueting facility known as Weru Wa Jjaraba. It’s a great spot to kick back, relax, and socialize with family and friends. The hotel was built away from the nature park to preserve the peace and tranquility of the wildlife.
Apiary (Bee-Keeping)
Organic honey, as produced from Wajee Nature Park (dark brown) and Wajee Mara (light brown) hives is free from contamination by pesticides used in commercial farming. It is 100%, pure honey.
Kikuyu Homestead
One of the most popular attractions at Wajee Nature Park is a replica of a traditional Kikuyu homestead. This traditional setting serves as an educational tool for locals, domestic tourists, as well as foreign tourists. Visiting Wajee nature park is one of the fun places to visit in Nyeri.
#17. MauMau Post Office
The giant mugumo tree rises from three sturdy trunks to tower above lush vegetation on the slopes of the Aberdare Ranges, as though imposing its importance among the jungle foliage.
The stout tree trunks, interspersed magnificently and veined with rugged strips of bark and tendrils, tell of its great age but imply nothing of its rich history.
Its branches extend to a wide radius casting a cool shadow that offers an ideal shelter for herds of grazing wild animals at the Aberdare National Park, where it is centrally situated.
But, over 50 years ago during the height of the struggle for independence, the trunks of the spectacular mugumo attracted more than buffaloes and zebras.
Mau Mau freedom fighters who had taken refuge in the Aberdares among other hideouts made the tree a secret rendezvous for fighters and messengers and also made the gaping crevices on its trunks their ‘post office’.
Commanders of the two main battalions in the forest would leave each other letters. Fighters based in Mt Kenya Forest also found the ‘post’ office and used it to communicate with their counterparts.
To most of the fighters, the tree came to be known as the Kimathi Post Office, in respect to their leader, Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, who was said to have mooted the idea of having one point where Mau Mau would deliver and collect letters to communicate with sympathetic villagers and among troops.
The mugumo tree was said to have become a popular communication point from 1952 at the height of the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule.
Former freedom fighters say the secret ‘post office’ remained undiscovered by the colonial forces who often penetrated the forest, until towards the end of the war when one officer stumbled on it.
Final Words
Nyeri is a great destination for your next trip, and I hope I have made your planning of a Nyeri trip easier with this list of places to visit in Nyeri.
This blog covers a wide range of activities, as well as the top tourist attractions in Nyeri, Kenya and I, hope you enjoy visiting everything as much as we have. 3 – 5 days is a great amount of time to soak up these top places to visit in Nyeri.
From the Aberdare Ranges to the historical attractions in Nyeri town, I hope you have the best trip ever.
You can read our full guide to Nairobi here or find our guide on where to stay in Nairobi here.
