Birding Sites in Nyandarua
Sharpe’s Longclaw Nature Reserve: Kinangop
Hidden deep within the flat and extensive 77,000 ha Kinangop Plateau below the main Aberdare Ranges, Mount Kipipiri and Kinangop Hill, the obscure and little-known Sharpe’s Longclaw Nature Reserve sits in a beautiful part of Kenya with open grasslands, rolling hillscape, and wooded flanks. Working with farmers and landowner who own the grasslands, through giving them incentives which would help retain the remaining grasslands, the reserve is helping maintain the Kinangop Grassland Ke004, a listed Important Birding Area. Diminishing rapidly in favour of farmland, only a surface area of about 2000 ha could be presently considered as productive grassland habitat. Still and all, it was predicted that by 2010 only 20% of the grasslands in the Kinangop Highland Grasslands IBA would be remaining.
This reserve is named after Sharpe’s Longclaw, a rare and endemic bird species – scientifically known as Macronyx sharpei – that is found in the area. The comely longclaw bird, distinguished by its striking yellow throat and chest, is the salient species of interest here, making the reserve an important site for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Classified as endangered, the preferred habitat for this highly specialized bird species is quickly diminishing. One of the major threats is loss of habitat due to change of land use. In 2000, only 50% of 77,000 ha of the Kinangop Plateau Grassgrands remained with only 58% of these suited as habitat for its rare resident. The Sharpe’s Longclaw Nature Reserve is a part of efforts to protect both the endangered bird species and the fragile ecosystem of the region.
Birding in Kenya offers enthusiasts and nature lovers a chance to observe diverse bird species in stunning natural settings. Whether exploring the forests, wetlands, savannas, mountains, or coastal areas, birders can experience the thrill of spotting variegated, rare and endemic birds while contributing to their conservation.
Index of Birding Sites in Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Bogoria Reserve, Lake Baringo Reserve, Bomet County - Trans Mara Forest, Bungoma County - Mount Elgon National Park, Busia County - Sio Siteki Swamp, Samia Hills, Embu County - Mwea National Reserve, Homa Bay County - Mbasa Islands, Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kericho County - Chagaik Arboretum, Kiambu County - Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mida Creek, Falconry of Kenya, Sabaki River Delta, Dakatcha Woodland, Kisii County - Nyangweta Forest, Kisumu County - Kisumu Bird Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta, Meru County - Nyambene Forest Reserve, Narok County - Ewaso Narok Wetland, Nairobi County - Raptor Rehabilitation Trust Kenya, Nakuru County - Nakuru Owl Center, Crater Lake Camp, Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nyandarua County - Sharpe's Longclaw Nature Reserve, Nyeri County - Wajee Nature Camp, Siaya County - Yala Swamp, Dominion Farm Bird Sanctuary
find new possibilities
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: Sharpe’s Longclaw Nature Reserve
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Sharpe’s Longclaw Reserve
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.