Natural Landmarks in Nyandarua
Aberdare Mountain Range: An Alpine Spectacle
Forming part of the easternmost edge of the Great Rift Valley, the splendorous and ecologically diverse biosphere, offering rich wildlife, epic landscapes, and some of Kenya’s highest peaks, the 120 km long Aberdare Range, spanning four counties, is the dominating landmark in Nyandarua County. Joseph Thompson, the renowned British explorer and geologist, in 1887, named the Aberdare Mountains, originally known as the Nyandarua or Kikuyu Range, and fixed their position on a map. He was, however, criticized by Von Hohnel in 1891, and John W. Gregory in 1894, over the positioning and nomenclature of the peaks and rivers. Still, its name and much of his survey, study, and reports helped define this magnificent natural landmark.
At the north-end, the range marked by steep valleys and isolated hills. It steeps gradually from Satima Peak, its highest peak, towards Nyahururu. At the south-end, the land descends steeply south from Elephant Hill. The 762 km2 Aberdare National Park, a venerable theater of rare alpine flora, waterfalls on icy rivers and prolific wildlife resources is the centerpiece of the Aberdare Range. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and endangered species like the bongo antelope. Treetops Lodge and The Ark are famous lodges within the park, known for their elevated views of wildlife, especially at night. The scenic drives from Njabini to Miharati, Naivasha to Nyeri, Gilgil to Nyahururu, and Nyeri to Nyahururu all great ways to discern just how truly stunning the Range is.
In Nyandarua County, the Aberdare Range builds up to Ol Doinyo Lesatima (4001 ms), Mount Kipipiri (3347 ms) and Elephant Hill (3127 ms). These higher reaches are known for thick cloud forests, alpine meadows, and spectacular landforms. The lower slopes of these three scarps are forested with woodlands and bamboo forests. At lower altitudes, and especially along the rivers, dense, lush bushland, sometimes of stinging nettle, go unbroken for miles upon miles. The Aberdare is also notable for its importance in Kenya’s water supply: A key source for many of the rivers that flow into central and western Kenya. Major rivers, including Tana River, Kenya’s longest river, and the Ewaso Ng’iro River, originate from the range.
Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.
Index of Natural Landmarks Around Kenya
Baringo County - Paka Volcano, Metkei Ridge, Tugen (Kamasia) Hills, Silale Crater, Bomet County - Motigo Hill, Bungoma County - Kabuchai Hills, Luucho Hills, Busia County - Samia Hills, Namenya Hill, Namenya Hill, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Escarpment, Mektei Ridge, Cherangani Hills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Mumoni Hill, Garissa County - Merti Plain, Homa Bay County - Asego & Kasarua Hills, Ruri Hills, Gembe Hills, The Gwassi Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Merti Plateau, Nyambene Range, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Suswa, Ol Doinyo Orok, Chyulu Hills, Kericho County - Tinderet Mountain, Kiambu County - Kijabe Hills, Kilifi County - Marafa Gorge, Kisumu County - Kajulu Hills, Kitui County - Yatta Plateau, Laikipia County - Laikipia Plateau, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mandera County - Dandu Hills, Marsabit County - Mount Nyiru, Nabuyatom Cone, Mount Kulal, Mount Marsabit, Hurri Hills, Sololo Escarpment, Mount Forore, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mount Kenya, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru Mountains, Menengai Crater, Nandi County - Nandi Hills, Nyando Escarpment, Kamulat Hill, Nandi Scarp, Narok County - Nguruman, Loita Hills, Siria Ridge, Nyamira County - Kibugat Hill, Emanga Hills, Kiabonyoru Hill, Nkoora Hill, Nyandarua County - Aberdare Range, Mount Kipipiri, Samburu County - Scared Mount Ololokwe, Ndoto Mountain Range, Mathews Range, Mount Nyiru, Samburu Hills, Loroghi Plateau, Siaya County - Got Ramogi, Taita Taveta County - Taita (Range) Hills, Mount Sagalla, Ngulia Hills, Mount Kasigau, Tharaka Nithi County - Kijegge Range, Turkana County - Mogila Hills, Loima Hills, Vihiga County - Bunyore Hills, Maragoli Hills, Wajir County - Mansa Guda Range, Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Mount Murpus, Koh Hill, Sekerr Range
Greatly positioned as an agrarian hub, with increased investment in infrastructure, Nyandarua County is also famous for its scenic landscapes and montane climate. Named after the Aberdare Ranges, with an extensive presence, Nyandarua grew as an agribusiness locale but is well making a name for itself as an alpine escape.
You Are Here: Aberdare Range
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Aberdare Range
A Guide to Nyandarua County
A Summa Digest of Nyandarua
About Nyandarua Way Back When
45 Destinations in Nyandarua County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Matches Dam, Gitwe Viewpoint, Mawingu Camp Kenya, Heni Viewpoint, Kijabe Hills, Kinangop Step, Ragia Forest Trail, Sasumua Dam, Sharpe's Longclaw Nature Reserve, Elmer Resort & Spa, Cheese House, Njabini, Elephant Hill, Aberdare Range, Kinangop Plateau, Mount Kipipiri, Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort, Wanjohi Valley (Happy Valley), Davida Getaway, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Buxton House, Rurimeria Forest Trail, Mount Satima, Table Mountain, Dragon’s Teeth, Cedar Retreat (Log Cabin), Ndaragwa Falls, Ndaragwa Forest, Maverick Camp Rondavels & Farmstay, Malewa Bundu Camp, Plovers Eco Camp, Dundori Forest, Lake Ol Bolossat, Samawati Conservancy, Olrok Farm House, Laikipia Plateau, Tafaria Castle & Center for Arts, The Fairway Residence, Carnegie House (Ngobit Girls School), Knessiah Jewish Synagogue, Thompson Falls
Know More About Nyandarua County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Thanks to its high altitude, all of Nyandarua experiences pleasant to low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.
To the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its border with Nyeri County. End to end, the Aberdare Range, with vast presence in Nyandarua is a whooping great 565 km.