Lakes in Tharaka Nithi
Lake Michaelson: Mount Kenya National Park
From Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson is a jaw-droppingly splendorous six hour walk, rejoining the primary Chogoria trail then rising along the sweep of the Gorges, or Nithi, Valley. Far away up to our right, the main peaks – Batian, Nelion and Lenana edge into view. The pleasant walk through the Rosewood and podo woodies, up into the moorlands at Lake Ellis, is as salubrious an alpine adventure as any of the best Africa has to offer. No description of Mount Kenya, and for that matter hiking Chogoria Route, would be complete without a mention of the magnificent lochan of Lake Michaelson, which occupies one of the glacially excavated rock basins.
Sited in the moorland, it is one of the waxed lyrical natural wonders seen along Chogoria Route, especially of its appearance of grandeur. It is sighted between Nithi River Camp and Camp Minto, on day-3. The first impression on the hiker is just how blue the lake is! And despite this being the most photographed of the 27 tarns in Mount Kenya National Park. Lake Michaelson is encircled on three of its sides by the steep crags formed from centuries of erosion, grandly carving pier-like obelisks spectacularly distinguished as “the Temples”. Many a camper agree that the campsite at Lake Michaelson is the most spectacular anywhere in Kenya.
It really is picture-perfect, surrounded by the Temples, with mirror-like reflection and crystalline clarity at 14,000 ft., earning its bucket-list status for mountaineers as well as a popular sojourn on air-trips. On most days Vivienne Falls can also be sighted from here. Climbing away from the Lake Michaelson you ascend into the alpine zone a world of rock and ice en route the main peaks, leaving behind the bizarre mammoth lobelias and groundsels and onto glacial moraine, the dramatic scenery surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged mountain obelisks fading away. A last short sharp scree slope brings you to the Simba Tarn for an overnight stay.
Kenya is blessed with several lakes, each offering unique attractions, ecosystems, and opportunities for exploration. Shared with Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world by surface area. Known for its geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is among the unique lakes along Kenya’s Rift Valley. All these lakes not only provide scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems.
Index of Lakes Around Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Lake Kamnarok, Garissa County - Lake Ishaqbini, Homa Bay County - Lake Simbi Nyaima, Kajiado County - Lake Magadi, Lake Amboseli, Lake Natron, Kisii County - Lake Okari, Lamu County - Lake Kenyatta, Lake Moa, Kisumu County - Lake Victoria, Meru County - Lake Thai, Lake Nkunga, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Lake Rutundu, Lake Alice, Magado Lake, Nakuru County - Lake Solai, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden, Crater Lake, Lake Elementaita, Nyandarua County - Lake Olbolosat, Siaya County - Lake Sare, Lake Namboyo, Lake Bob, Lake Kanyaboli, Taita Taveta - Lake Jipe, Lake Chala, Tana River County - Lake Shakababo, Turkana County - Lake Logipi, Lake Turkana, Lake Alablab, Wajir County - Lake Yahud
Although Tharaka Nithi County is not a prominent touring circuit, it is a beautiful, diverse area known for its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural economy. Taking after the character of its closely homogenous neighbours around Mount Kenya, Tharaka Nithi, with very good roads, is easy to access and traverse.
You Are Here: Lake Michaelson
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Lake Michaelson
A Guide to Tharaka Nithi County
A Summa Digest of Tharaka Nithi
About Tharaka Nithi Way Back When
35 Destinations in Tharaka Nithi County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Chuka Forest, Tredds Garden, The Hidden Falls, Hidden Treasure Lodge, Nithi Bridge, Weru Tea Factory, Whispers Garden, Pacha Waterfront Resort, PCEA Chogoria, Mount Kenya National Park, Anabas Alpine Lodge, Chogoria Trail, Nithi Falls, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Kierra Ridge, Kierra Viewpoint, Thimbora, Mutunguruni Tree, Inanduru Caves, Kijegge Range, Kibuuka Grand Falls, River Tana, Mumoni Hill Reserve, Mwingi National Reserve, Kajuki Eco Lodge, Marimanti Baobab Lodge, Ikwa Falls, Mutejwa National Reserve, Meru National Park, Elsa's Grave, Ura Gate Festival, Ura Waterfalls
Know More About Tharaka Nithi: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like in T. Nithi.?
Temperatures in the highland areas range between 14oC to 30oC, while those in the low land range between 22oC to 36oC. Rain vary with altitude.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.13?
The highest altitude within Tharaka Nithi County is about 5,200 ms at Chuka, Maara, and Igambang’ombe, and the lowest is 600 ms at Tharaka. The entire county is strewn with large masses of hillocks.