HISTORY & ADVENTURE OF MAKUENI
Makueni County has a rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and hospitable people. Makueni County is home to Tsavo East and West national parks that are great tourist destinations. An amazing place to visit not far from Nairobi. We got to enjoy breathtaking views of Makueni County after an adventurous hike of Nzaui Hills.
Nzaui Hills is a hidden gem, a picturesque highland area offering stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity and provides an excellent escape for nature lovers and hikers. Nzaui Hills boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Our clients got to enjoy panoramic views of the Makueni plains and the distant Chyulu Hills. The area’s natural beauty makes it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
We organized a 14 seater vehicle from Nairobi to Makueni which is around 2-3 hours’ drive. All attendees tried to keep time and we left at 5.20am, 20 minutes after the agreed time. Travelling through the early morning gets people quiet and some trying to catch some sleep if they are not early risers. We drove through Mombasa Road and made our first stop at the Iconic Makongo View.
Makongo View is unique place enroute to Wote, the Town Headquarter of Makueni County. At Makongo, clients took a washroom break and photos of the landscape. After the 30 minutes’ break, the road is meandering passing through the landscape of this county. This is a section of the road known as “corner tisa” resembling the road meanders.
We arrive at Wote Town where we join with other hikers, makueni county officials, school students and locals. We set out after a small break to grab snacks and breakfast at the nearest shops. The area around Nzaui Hills is rich in Kamba culture. We got to engage with the local community, learn about their traditional practices, music, dance and crafts.
We drive to one major attraction site known as Mulata Ìvia rock – Akamba Historic Site – Aombe Clan (first Akamba Clan) where it is believed to be the first place that descended the first humans of the Akamba. On the ground we noticed remains on their footsteps on the rock. It is also believed that they also landed with their livestock. History has it!
Bird watching is a popular activity here, with many unique and colorful birds to be spotted. We then head out to the base of Nzaui Hills for a briefing and start the hike. The terrain is easy and the weather is favorable. Walking through the trees, catching the views of the landscape and chatting up hill in a moderate pace.
After 3 hours we are at the peak of the hill, meanders of a nearby river can be seen on the one valley from the top. We enjoyed breathtaking views from 1,833 meters above sea level at Nzaui Peak. The hike included thrilling fun games, entertainment and comedy, culminating in a tree-planting ceremony in the forest.
At the peak we relax and take our packed lunch, after lunch – it’s entertainment time. We dance and sing local songs happy to have all made it to the summit. Afterwards, we take another 3 hours downhill in groups, get to the base and where our vehicles are. After a few goodbyes from the locals, we got to our vehicles and are ready to return to Nairobi.
Makueni met our expectations, we are always glad to create unforgettable memories. Adios!
