Travel & holidays
Things to do in Central Kenya and Mount Kenya, county by county
Mount Kenya, the Aberdares, Ol Pejeta, Thomson's Falls and tea and coffee country: what to see and do in Central Kenya, county by county.
Central Kenya & Mount Kenya covers 8 counties: Nyeri, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi. Highlights include Aberdare National Park, Ndakaini Dam, Mwea rice fields.
About the region
Central Kenya is the green, cool highland country around Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain, with Batian peak at 5,199 metres, and its main walking routes start from Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Nanyuki is the base for Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the equator.
Getting there and around
The main road north from Nairobi runs through Thika towards Nyeri and Nanyuki. Buses and shuttles serve the main towns, and there are flights to Nanyuki. Nights are cold in the highlands, so pack warm layers.
County by county
Nyeri
County 19 · headquarters: Nyeri
- Aberdare National Park: Forest, moorland, waterfalls and tree lodges overlooking waterholes.
- Mount Kenya National Park: Kenya's highest mountain, with Naro Moru route on its western side.
- Baden-Powell's grave: The resting place of the Scout movement's founder, in Nyeri town.
Murang'a
County 21 · headquarters: Murang'a
- Ndakaini Dam: Nairobi's main water source, scenic drives and an annual half marathon.
- Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga: A site central to Kikuyu heritage and origin stories.
- Tea and coffee farms: Highland farms on the slopes of the Aberdares.
Kirinyaga
County 20 · headquarters: Kerugoya
- Mwea rice fields: Kenya's largest rice irrigation scheme, good for birding.
- Mount Kenya's southern forests: Forest walks and lodges on the lower slopes.
Nyandarua
County 18 · headquarters: Ol Kalou
- Lake Ol Bolossat: Central Kenya's only natural lake, rich in birdlife.
- Aberdare Range (Kinangop side): Cool highland trails and trout streams.
Laikipia
County 31 · headquarters: Rumuruti
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos, a chimpanzee sanctuary and two of the last northern white rhinos.
- Nanyuki and the equator: Stand on the equator and use Nanyuki as a Mount Kenya base.
- Thomson's Falls: A 74-metre waterfall at Nyahururu.
Meru
County 12 · headquarters: Meru
- Meru National Park: Quiet wilderness, rivers and the Born Free story of Elsa the lioness.
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Rhino conservation and the Lewa Safari Marathon.
- Mount Kenya's northern slopes: Forest and farmland on the mountain's drier side.
Embu
County 14 · headquarters: Embu
- Mwea National Reserve: A small, little-visited reserve on the Tana River near Masinga Dam.
- Mount Kenya's south-eastern forests: Forest and waterfalls above Embu town.
Tharaka-Nithi
County 13 · headquarters: Kathwana
- Chogoria route, Mount Kenya: One of the most scenic routes up the mountain, past lakes and gorges.
Few formal attractions are listed yet. Local research is needed.
Before you go
Opening hours, entry fees and event dates change, so check them with the operator, the Kenya Wildlife Service or the county government before you travel. Places in this guide were last checked on 19 Oct 2026. If something has changed, tell us.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
January to February and August to September are the driest months. Avoid the long rains in April and May.
What is there to do in Nanyuki?
Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, stand on the equator, and use the town as a base for Mount Kenya walks and Laikipia's wildlife conservancies.
Is the Aberdare National Park worth visiting?
Yes, for forest, waterfalls and moorland, and for tree lodges where you watch animals at waterholes at night.
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service — park entry fees
- National Museums of Kenya
- Magical Kenya — Kenya Tourism Board
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.