Top 5 Central Kenya Adventure Tours: Thrills & Scenery

So, Central Kenya, it’s almost like the unsung hero of East African getaways, you know? When folks think Kenya, that they might just picture the Maasai Mara. That’s completely fair, I suppose! Yet, there’s this whole other chunk of the nation, just north of Nairobi, that’s loaded with experiences which can feel both amazing and so totally distinct. I mean, who would ever expect to see snowy peaks on the equator like your friend’s snapshots?! We’re checking out my top five adventure tours, ones that I think genuinely display just what this location offers.

1. Mount Kenya Climbing Expedition

Scaling Mount Kenya? That’s quite a bucket-list experience. Yet, unlike Kilimanjaro, that’s further south, Mount Kenya feels like East Africa’s almost forgotten treasure. It sees a great deal fewer tourists, it’s more demanding on climbers, and, as a matter of fact, it has scenery that blows your mind. It’s kind of unreal. So, this isn’t just your standard uphill hike; a climb on Mount Kenya pushes you. You will encounter everything like your standard East African terrain from thick jungles at the base to sheer rock faces getting to Point Lenana, that is the trekking top.

There are various routes you could take, yet the Sirimon and Naro Moru paths tend to be favorites. Sirimon often seems to be preferred because it is a little more scenic with far better acclimatization, so, to speak, yet Naro Moru, apparently, is steeper. The climb typically takes about 5 days, that feels intense, and you can find loads of tour firms based nearby in towns that’s like Nanyuki providing led climbs and porters. Expect to spend nights in huts, that’s cozy and essential when braving the freezing conditions.

What makes this tour shine?

Climbing Mount Kenya differs a bit from other mountain hikes, like your more conventional jaunts. The variations in landscapes actually mean you won’t ever get bored. You will notice giant lobelias, bizarre groundsels, and you could even potentially spot wildlife in the lower areas. The altitude, you know, presents a serious challenge, yet that feeling you get when looking down at the clouds right after hitting Point Lenana? Absolutely unbeatable. This trip works if you want to press your physical limits, while having something to remember for a lifetime. Most companies do organize everything like your local climbing store so you can have maximum fun.

2. Aberdare National Park Safari

I can tell you now, the Aberdare National Park? That park offers safaris, too it’s quite unlike other ones. Think of thick forests, waterfalls that sound very calming, and animals that actually aren’t as used to visitors. Aberdare can seem to be sitting at a greater altitude in comparison with quite a few Kenyan parks, and that, as a matter of fact, means it will get a little cooler, yet don’t let this put you off. These hills play home to animals which includes elephants, that’s always breathtaking, that is something that you get often and leopards, or maybe the elusive bongo antelope, that’s a pretty sight to behold, actually.

You might either decide to do a day trip originating from Nairobi, however, staying at somewhere such as Treetops Hotel or perhaps The Ark, well, as a matter of fact, these supply one seriously unforgettable experience. They are created like treehouses overlooking waterholes, alright, that can attract a number of animals during the night. I once saw, basically, a rhino right below my balcony there. Absolutely unforgettable. Game drives happen each day, which means you will cover lots of different terrain, that really gets you into the heart of the park.

What makes this tour shine?

Aberdare, arguably, gives a far more immersive safari experience. This park isn’t just about ticking off of seeing animals; this is regarding soaking in that environment. Because of the thick foliage, you actually need to try to find the animals, and spotting anything feels earned, a bit. Plus, I mean, these accommodations? They are not your usual safari lodges. They genuinely give you the ability to get super close up to wildlife in the night, just what a spectacular thing is that. It’s almost as if your in the jungle book around various watering holes.

3. Sagana River White Water Rafting

Looking for thrills that are something to think about? The Sagana River’s white water rafting will truly do the trick. Set in lovely landscapes, it’s Kenya’s prime spot for this type of activity. The rapids run coming from Grade III to V, arguably meaning that it may have thrills both for beginners to rafting to well seasoned pros. You can find different businesses who offer tours, together with all equipment plus experienced guides, almost.

The excursions usually involve a security briefing, okay, and a practice session on some flat water, before anyone dares attack the exciting rapids. You’ll find half-day as well as full-day travels available, as a matter of fact, often which include lunch beside the stream. I love the rush as I went via them; there is nothing like it! Be warned, of course: you should anticipate to get wet! The river’s features can feel so very invigorating! The constant churning creates a sensory overload and the sound of the rapids is pretty soothing even through the crashing of water.

What makes this tour shine?

Sagana is more than the regular white water rafting experience, of course. This setting is awesome, naturally – imagine dashing through foaming waters with beautiful greenery on either side. Also, such guides do actually an excellent job, alright, they will make you feel secure but motivated, also. It’s almost like working together when it comes to beat all of these rapids, that’s quite a fun and very rewarding experience, and you get a seriously remarkable story to take home with you.

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy Wildlife Experience

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy differs as it’s not only one location to check out animals; as a matter of fact, it’s a hub when it comes to animal conservation. Located between the foothills Mount Kenya plus the Aberdare Range, Ol Pejeta integrates a wildlife reserve having a rhino and chimpanzee sanctuary. In fact, Ol Pejeta hosts the last two northern white rhinos globally, what really shows its essential role for preserving rare types of animal.

Besides the rhinos, and of course you can anticipate to find the African “Big Five” and of course other sorts of wildlife. Game drives are carried out each day as well as led walks may provide you with one closer glance to wildlife. Another experience includes seeing the chimpanzee sanctuary. These animals have been saved from all sorts of damaging instances as well as given a safe place to recover, I mean, this experience is quite eye-opening. Spending time in Ol Pejeta does teach even old dogs new tricks and offers opportunities to reflect on your impact on the world.

What makes this tour shine?

Visiting Ol Pejeta is very different to other wildlife excursions, so to speak. You’re not simply looking at the wildlife; you’re really adding to its future. This Conservancy is actually deeply involved in animal conservation, as well as the fee you cover facilitates all these attempts. The individual approach in looking at the chimpanzee haven is genuinely emotional. You are able to discover exactly what attempts have been designed to protect species from vanishing, of course, which, in turn, really makes such excursions worthwhile.

5. Hiking the Karuru Falls

Do you like hiking? Alright, how does hiking to what seems like the biggest falls of Kenya noise? You can find this right at the Aberdare National Park; visiting Karuru Falls offers a different view associated with Central Kenya’s organic attractiveness. The track winds through dense forest up to 3 lookout spots, typically, all offering magnificent views of falls shedding around 300 meters. You will observe what seems to be the falls falling as to almost vanish, only to reappear.

The trail, very, is of moderate intensity. Which means that, to tell you the truth, it is actually doable for many persons with an average amount of fitness. As you may trek, you’ll want to try to watch to have monkeys, many species of unique birds. Getting to Karuru is better undertaken having a park ranger, I suppose, who doesn’t only offer track help and also includes an understanding in regards to that regional flora and fauna, that sounds very awesome.

What makes this tour shine?

Hiking Karuru Falls is really more than simply a physical workout; it truly feels as a total physical immersion. The track guides people through this variety associated with scenery; there really is the noise from that plummeting water, so to speak, and you get the awesome view when you appear towards edge of any cliff. This is the right excursion in the event that really would like to hook up utilizing dynamics within such any special way. I saw a black and white colobus monkey; that almost makes my day watching the hiking and climbing in the park!