Reservoir Dams in Nyandarua
Sasumua Dam: Picture-Postcard Reservoir
The fourth largest of Kenya’s reservoir dams, spread over an area of 11.5 km2 with a catchment of 107 km2, the picture-postcard Sasamua Dam is only exceeded in size and capacity by Masinga, Ndakaini and Turkwel dams. It lies within the sightly and unsullied Ragia Forest, a segment of the vast Aberdare Forest Reserve. Waxed lyrical as one of the prettiest, Sasumua Dam is in picturesque settings surrounded by a deep belt of forest and moor, making it a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a tranquil nature escape. North of it, with a clear line of sight, lies the dense South Kinangop Forest above which the magnificent Aberdares rise abruptly, with the south scarp, aptly monikered as Elephant Hill, standing sentinel.
Elephant Hill is among Kenya’s most famous hiking destinations. For the walker and hikers, Sasumua Dam is well-known as the starting to the stunning exploits within Ragia Forest Trail. The dam itself, built along Sasumua River, a branch of Chania – a major tributary to the Sagana and Tana River – was commissioned in 1956, primarily to supply water to Nairobi City sited about 90 km south. With a capacity of 15.9 million m3, it supplies the city with 15–20% of its water, or about 64,000 m3 each day. It is 92 km from the main business district of Nairobi to Sasumua Dam. A slip road over well graded murram leaves the main road near Njabini town aiming for Kenya Forest Station at the hill’s crest where the dam sits.
Kenya has several reservoir dams that play a consequential roles in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, and other water-related activities. The most famous of these are Seven Forks Dams along the Tana River. While reservoir dams are critical infrastructure projects that contribute to Kenya’s economic development, they are also visually stunning go-to destinations.
Index of Dams in Kenya
Baringo County - Chemususu Dam, Kirandich Dam, Bungoma County - Chwele Dam, Muyayi Dam, Makhonge Dam, Kabuchai Dam, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kimwarer Dam, Arrow Dam, Chebara Dam, Embu County - Gitaru Dam, Kamburu Dam, Masinga Dam, Kiambere Dam, Kindaruma Dam, Kajiado County - The Kiserian Dam, Kericho County - Chemusot Dam, Dimbolil Dam, Londiani Dam, Kiambu County - Ruiru Dam, Thika Dam, Kirinyaga County - Thiba Dam, Kwale County - The Mukurumudzi Dam, Nyalani Dam, Machakos County - Maruba Dam, Makueni County - The Mulima Dam, Mannoni Dam, Katilini, Ndukuma Dam, Thwake Dam, Migori County - Kebharisia Dam, Muranga County - The Ndakaini Dam, Maragua Dam, Mathioya Dam, Nairobi County - Nairobi Dam, Nyamira County - Bonyunyu Dam, Nyandarua County - Matches Dam, Sasamua Dam, Nyahururu Dam, Nyeri County - Chinga Dam, Wanjii Dam, Uasin Gishu County - Kesses Dam, Two Rivers Dam, West Pokot County - The Turkwel Gorge Dam
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 Sasumua Dam
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.