Embu

For the longest time Embu was thought of as a place on the way to other places. We  can’t understand why because this magnificent county offers so much.

Let’s start off with the Mwea rice paddies that feed us the pishori we all love, or the fact that five of the Seven Forks of the Kenya’s largest hydroelectric power generation point are in county 014. We could challenge you to climb a mountain from Embu, while not the most traditional route … it is after all – facing Mount Kenya!

If you prefer the simpler type of holiday there are several waterfalls to find, sit by and just let the day roll by – choose from Nthenge Njeru, Muvavani or Kwa Andu-a-Karuru… or see all three! Even if you can’t pronounce any, you can certainly enjoy their beauty and splendour.

In County 014 you could join world class athletes for marathon practice. At 4,429 feet above sea level it is at an ideal altitude for long distance, cross country and marathon training, and is one of the locations consistently used by many of Kenya’s world class athletes in preparation for their international championships. We wouldn’t advise that you try to keep up… but at the very least you can attempt to run magnificently by association of running with champions!

In Embu you could go back in time (80 years to be precise). The Izaak Walton Inn has been a favourite mountain retreat for the past eight decades and bills itself as the ‘most exciting’ destination in the county. It is named after Izaak Walton, an English writer best known as the author of The Compleat Angler, one of the most reprinted books to date.  From its distinctive rustic architecture to its well-manicured landscaped environs, you get a chance to enjoy a refreshing break as you marvel at history. Also, if you are a true history hunter then make sure you visit the Mau Mau Caves where the reality of the quest for independence comes to life.

There is also the Mwea National Reserve where one can enjoy an assortment of activities including game viewing, boat rides at either Kamburu Dam, Hippo Point, Territory of Rare birds or perhaps even a walking circuit. There’s accommodation available but if you want to give your family an adventurous treat, pitch a tent and camp out. Embu county is called the land of opportunity and we completely agree.

Our featured writer is Maria Kamau, self-confessed Kenya Travel Junkie. Maria has visited 45 of Kenya’s counties and is an avid msafiri. She loves bringing her experiences of Kenya and the world of travel to others through her travel company and her blog known as The County Explorer. Follow her to learn more about interesting travel places in the 254.