Embu: Mt Kenya

Embu is situated on the latitudes and longitudes of 0 32’S 37 37’E but for the lay people we may simply say that Embu is a large town in Kenya, located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Nairobi towards Mount Kenya. Embu serves as the provincial headquarters of Eastern Province in Kenya and is also the district headquarters of Embu District. Located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the town of Embu has a population of 41,092
The district plays host to the renowned Mt. Kenya to the north. This remains an everlasting tourism attraction with hordes of foreigners and local people flocking to its slopes to savor the allure of its beauty and majesty. Numerous expeditions set out each year to scale the slopes to the mountain top. It is an enthralling experience, especially watching the sun rise in the horizons in the early morning from the highest Batian mountain peak. However, this climb is no mean achievement, and it calls for great stamina and resilience. Legend has it that one man Munyao did scale the mountain to the peak and hoisted the national flag during the Independence Day on 12thDecember 1963.
Other attractions in the region are the huge Karue hill towering high along the Embu-Meru highway. It's a magnificent view, made of a huge crested rock, at the top of which has grown two unique eucalyptus trees. Lovers are known to savor the early intimacies of their love by basking in the twilight light of the evening at the hilltop. From such a bird's eye view, one has a widespread view of far reaches of the entire of Embu. Nearby to this hill are two magnificent waterfalls in close proximity which color the sky white as their waters fall down, then marry to form one big Ena river that then meanders downstream to encircle the Karue hill. To climax the scenery is the renowned Kirimiri hill in close proximity. Though not open for tourism, it is home to a diverse array of wildlife.
On the outskirts of Embu town one may be obliged to visit the Shunem Gardens that is a good environment for family picnics as well as a good photo session for the recently wedded couples or visitors intending to get a good site for pictures to take back home.
Towards the Kianjokoma area at the Mutunduri junction, one is met by scenic views of huge tea farms. The luscious green slopes with the ever cool breeze running through the air, is a magnificent moment for one to behold. The tall Mikima trees from Mt Kenya that surround the region are the icing on the cake. The region is famous for tea and coffee farms that form wonderful scenic views for the inhabitants. The Masinga Dam recreational site that is now in the newly formed Yatta district is another place to savor the Embu region. The site is host to thousands of bird species as well as animals like the rhinos, chameleons, Zebras and geese. All one needs is to reach Embu town and follow the Kindaruma road for about one hundred kilometers just near the Masinga Seven forks Dam Reservoir.
The next time you are interested in a weekend drive, Embu should be your priority after all it is only a two hour drive from the city Centre.

Nairobi Hotels