Viewpoints in Nyandarua
Kinangop Plateau: A Valley of Terrific Beauty
Simply stated, Kinangop Plateau is the region Nyandarua County lying between the Great Rift Valley to the west and the Aberdare Range to the east. A near level peneplain end-to-end, with altitude of between 2400 and 2700 m asl, it covers about 770 km2. Rising prominently in the horizon, the scarp of the vast Aberdares forms the north eastern limit, with a steep drop to the Rift Valley floor in the west. The eastern limit is by and large a forest reserve. Naivasha-North Kinangop Road forms the north western reach. Mount Longonot, the source of recent volcanic ash sprinkling at Kinangop, in seen the far. background. It is a valley of terrific beauty.
So that the general outlook of the Kinangop plateau, encompassing the areas of South Kinangop, Bamboo, Njabini, Githioro, Karati, Muruaki and Tulaga, is one of a flat caouldron flanked by mountains, only sloping gradually upwards towards the foothills of the Aberdares. Over and above its scenic beauty, within the Kinangop plateau lies its salient highland grasslands, a major stronghold of the endangered Sharpe’s longclaw. A drawback is that the area consist almost entirely of privately owned land. And as human population in the grasslands grows, the mean acreage of land holdings decreases and more grassland is being converted into farmland.
Thanks to its altitude and good climate, Kinangop plateau is rich farming land that has attracted farmers from within and outside Central Kenya. In the last decade, hundreds fleeing the the eke-named ‘ethnic clashes’ in other parts of the country settled in Kinangop, driving up the population growth rate and the value of land. The main inhabitants are the agrarian based Kikuyu people, whose subsistence revolve around small-scale farming, with dairy farming being the main income-earner. Production and marketing of the agricultural produce from Kinangop area thrived during 1975 and 1976, nearly a decade after the resettlement of its natives.
Before 1961, this was part of the area formerly called the “white highland” that was later renamed “Kenya highland”. Prior to independence, in 1963, Kinangop plateau was subject to the 1939 Kenya Ordinance in council which barred the indingeous Kenyan from owing land in the area. It is only from 1961 onwards that all Kenyan races were allowed to own and farm in the area. Before the promulgation of the Ordinance the primary line of agricultural development in the area was dairy and sheep farming with a few patches of cultivated pyrethrum, wheat and fruit trees.
From stunning views of the Great Rift Valley to serene coastlines, Kenya is blessed with breathtaking viewpoints that offer travelers unforgettable panoramas. These destinations not only provide amazing photo backdrops but also inspire awe and appreciation for the natural world. Showcasing the diversity and beauty of our planet, these viewpoints are sure to leave an indelible mark on your journey.
Amazing Viewpoint Around Kenya
Busia County - Kakapel Rock, Embu County - Karue Hill, Riakanau Viewpoint, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Iten Viewpoint, Nyaru Viewpoint, Kolol Viewpoint, Homa Bay County - Lambwe Valley, Kisii County - Keroka Landscape, Kitui County - Ikoo Valley Viewpoint, Nzambani Rock, Kwale County - The Elephant Lookout, Laikipia County - Mukutan Ridge, Machakos County - Kanzalu Thui Stone, Makueni County - Makongo Viewpoint, Thwake Dam Viewpoint, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mwonyo Valley, Nakuru County - The Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, Elementaita Viewpoint, Menengai Viewpoint, Nandi County: Nandi Rock, Tabolwa Rock, Ketbarak Viewpoint, Nyamira County - The Emanga Ridge, Nyandarua County - Gitwe Viewpoint, Heni Viewpoint, Kinangop Plateau, Samburu County - Ngurunit Valley, El Barta Plains, Malaso (Losiolo) Viewpoint, Taita Taveta County - Vuria Hill, Lion's Bluff, Mudanda Rock, Shetani Lava, Mzima Springs, Chaimu Crater, Salaita Hill, Tharaka Nithi County - Kierra, Nithi Bridge Viewpoint, Trans Nzoia County - Endebess (Elephant) Viewpoint, West Pokot County - Kapkoris Hill Viewpoint, Kaisagat Viewpoint, The Marich Pass Centre, Turkwel Gorge
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.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kinangop Plateau
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.