Caves in Machakos

Hyena Caves: Maima Ma Mbiti

For cavers and walking lovers a long afternoon out at Hyena Caves at Syanthi Village is the next best thing to hiking Ol Donyo Sabuk or Kanzalu Hill. An early start from Nairobi could see you accomplish a tour of these caves and a hike at either hills. Then a drop in at Komarock Shrine en route Nairobi could round up a perfect trip of the mid-north area of Machakos. The dandy underground Hyena Caves locally known as the ‘Maima Ma Mbiti’ are arguably the best caving site in Machakos County. As the name suggests, the early occupation of these caves is thought to be as a loft for hyenas, which once roamed freely in this area. Hyena Caves, comprised of an elaborate labyrinth of well-lit tunnel paths with just a small eerie dark section, make for a unique caving adventure. These are located 10 kms from Tala along C99 Kangundo-Kenol Road, passing the turnoff to C98 Kangundo-Kanzalu Road, and 800 ms from Kathaana Centre at Syanthi Village.

While Kenya may not be as well-known for its caves as some other destinations, there are still some fascinating caving sites worth exploring. Before embarking on a caving expedition, it’s essential to ensure safety by going with a knowledgeable local guide, wearing appropriate gear, and being aware of potential hazards.

Index of Caves in Kenya

Baringo County - Lomechan Cave , Bomet County - Kipsegon Caves , Bungoma County - Elephant Calving Cave , Namunyu Cave , Busia County - Kakapel Rock Shelter , Elgeyo Marakwet County - Mela Cave , Kiplagoch Caves , Embu County - God's Bridge Cave , Kajiado County - Oloolua Caves, Suswa Caves, Enkapune Ya Muto, Kakamega County - Lirhanda Cave , The Mukai Stone Cave, Kericho County - Van Wicker's Caves , Bagao Caves , Relesic Cave, Chebulu Caves, Kiambu County - The Paradise Lost Cave, Kwale County - Fikirini Caves , Shimoni Caves , Machakos County - Hyena Caves , Makueni County - Kisula Caves , Meru County - Mucheene Cave , Liga Ria Ngutu , Migori County - Mugabo Caves , Nakuru County - Njoro Caves, Hell's Gate Caves, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave , Taita Taveta County - Dawida Cave, Mwangeka Cave, Taita Skull Cave, Kenyatta Caves , Leviathan, Tharaka Nithi County - Inanduru Bat Cave , Trans Nzoia County - Kitum Cave , Macking’eny Cave , Ngwarishah Cave , Chepnyalil Cave , Kamariny Cave , Vihiga County - Mungoma Caves , Givavei Rock Cave , Wajir County - Shaletey

Part of the larger Ukambani alongside Kitui and Makueni, Machakos County is a nexus between Maasailand, the coast region, the central highlands, and Nairobi. The northern area of Machakos, being a dormitory zone for the capital of Nairobi and a peri-urban buffer for Kiambu, is developed with useful amenities. Southerly heading the ecology is continually semi-arid and the countryside more desolate.

You Are Here: Hyena Caves

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Hyena Caves

A Guide to Machakos County

A Summa Digest of Machakos

About Machakos Way Back When

45 Destinations in Machakos County , arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, maps and distance chart:

Makuyu Ridge , Masinga Dam , Seven Forks Circuit , Mwea National Reserve , Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park , Ol Donyo Sapuk Resort , MacMillan Castle , Fourteen Falls , Yatta Plateau , Kanzalu Range , AIC Kangundo, The Komarock Shrine , Hyena Caves , Kitonga Garden Resort , The Thui Stone , African Heritage House , Athi-Kapiti Conservancy , Kwa Kyelu Wildlife Sanctuary , The Whistling Moran, Stony-Athi , Small World Country Club , Swara Plains Conservancy , Lukenya Hills , Kikao Camping Farm , Lukenya Motocross , Maanzoni Sanctuary , Amazing Kenya Retreat , Chumvi Tamu Camp, Konza Technopolis , Machakos Peoples Park , Masaku Flea and Curio Market , Old Fort of Machakos , Gelian Hotel , Kiima Kimwe , Machakos Golf Course , Mua Hills , Mua Hills Tented Camp , Iveti Forest Reserve , AIC Mumbuni , Kituluni Hill , Kamuthanga Farm , Wamunyu Handicrafts

Know More About Machakos County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like in Machakos?

Climate in much of the area is pleasant and similar to that of Nairobi, with temperature varying between 18 o C and 29 o C. And, rain is heaviest in March, April and September.

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.16?

Machakos County has rather unique topographical map – Hills and a small plateau in the mid area, a large plateau elevated in the south, and isolated hillscape in the north.

Know More About Machakos County…