Natural Landmarks in Nyandarua
Mount Kipipiri: A Branch of the Aberdare
Located in northeast area of Nyandarua County, 16 km north of Engineer near Ol Kalou town, Mount Kipiriri, sometimes instanced as Kipiriri Hill, rises almost 914 ms above the surrounding plains to 3347 ms as the second highest peak. It stands apart from the main Aberdare Ranges to the east, from which it is separated by a valley that is deeply denuded by the streams draining it on either flank. Its forest reserve, with an initial gazetted surface area of 50 km2, currently covers 39 km2.
Kipipiri get its name from the local idiom of “butterfly” in the Gikuyu language, a reference to its profile from a distance, and for the hiker it stunning vistas at the summit. The breathtaking views from the summit feature Wanjohi Valley in the foreground, the upcoming Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort, Mount Satims, Abedare Range and Lake Naivasha lying in distance 32 km northeast. Along the southeast quarter are extensive craggy valleys of exposed volcanic rocks are basaltic lavas.
The principal centres of eruption of these basalts were around Satima and Kipipiri. Closely relatable basalts were erupted including Rurimeria, Nyandarua and Kijabe Hill, probably during the same volcanic phase. Denudation has long ago removed any trace of the craters of these volcanoes and other lavas have been erupted on and around them. The mountain’s environment includes alpine meadows, dense forests and waterfalls, providing a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy adventure.
Part of the Aberdare Ecosystem, its game includes Colobus and Sykes monkeys, buffalo, elephants and prolific birdlife. In 2005 it was estimated that the forest reserve was home to about 13 elephants. In June 2009 lengthy negotiations were concluded over the alignment of a wildlife corridor between Kipipiri and the main Aberdare, with plans to fence the corridor. Grids of rolling bars with gaps between them replace the fence at the points where roads cross the corridor, do deter big game from venturing out. This also keeps much of the wildlife in and poacher out.
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
outlook
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 Mount Kipipiri
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 low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.
In the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its border with Nyeri County. End to end, the Range, with vast presence in Nyandarua ,is a whooping great 565 km.