Hiking Trails in Makueni

Nzaui (Hills) Range: Vista Over Ukambani

Most on leaving Makongo Valley opt for the (C99) through Nziu and Kalamba to join A109 Nairobi-Mombasa Road at Emali; distance 56 km. This stretch of road cuts through the saddle of Kitondu/Kitende Hills to one side and Nzaui Range to the other, rising to heights of 1675-1830 ms (5500-6000 ft). On the eastern side along this route rises the 13 km long Nzaui Range, which is a fine example of the ancient granite masses containing rafts or roof pendants in Makueni County. The Nzaui Range itself is conspicuous for the defined shelf (a sharp nose or rock face) marking an abrupt change of topography on its southern tag ending. Nzaui Range lies between Machakos and Kitui counties, in a semi-arid area, 30 km from Wote.

The summit is covered with pine forest and several large outcrops which double as viewing ledges. For touring, the range is a much-liked hiking destination. The landscape around Nzaui is managed by Kenya Forest Service who also operate a guesthouse and campsite. Hikers and walkers to Nzaui Range are advised to report to Kenya Forest Service office before embarking on their hike and from where they can get assistance of expert guides. The 12 kms moderate hike with Mituluni Center as a usual starting-point takes on average 6 hours (round-trip): Distance covered: 18.3 km; Steps: 30,037; Total time: 9 hr 13 min; Moving time: 5 hr 45 min; Min. Elevation: 1,133 m; Max. Elevation: 1,824 m; Elevation Gain: 900 m.

Hiking in Kenya offers a diverse range of landscapes and trails, from lush forests to arid deserts, and from high-altitude mountains to scenic coastal paths. The apex hiking trail in Kenya is Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. There are eight hiking routes about it, the most popular of these being Sirimon and Chogoria.

Index of Hiking Trails Around Kenya

Elgeyo Marakwet - Kessup Falls , Torok Falls , Embu County - Kirimiri Forest & Nthenge Njeru Falls , Irangi Trail (Mount Kenya) , Homa Bay County - Homa Hills, Mount Kwitutu, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Olorgesailie, Mount Suswa, Nguruman-Entasopia Falls, Ol Doinyo Orok, Mount Kilimanjaro, Kakamega County - Kambiri Hill , Kiambu County - Gatamaiyu Camp, Kirinyaga County - Kamuruana Hill, Kamweti Route , Kisii County - Sameta Hill , Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk, Kanzalu Range , Lukenya Hills , Kiima Kimwe , Makueni County - Nzaui Range , Mbooni Hills , The Kenze Gorges , Meru County - Kaithandu Hill, Sirimon Route , Chogoria Route , Themwe Route , Marania Route , Nairobi County - Ololua Forest Trail, Karura Forest, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru, Table Mountain, The Sleeping Warrior, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave, Nyandarua County - Kijabe Hills, Ragia Forest Trail , Elephant Hill , Rurimeria Hill Trail , Satima Trail Aberdare Range , The Table Mountain , Kinangop Hill, Nyeri County - Njigari Forest Trail, Samburu County - Mount Ololokwe, Mount Poi, Taita Taveta County - Vuria Hill , Trans Nzoia County - Wagagai Peak , Koitoboss Peak - Mount Elgon Park

Flanked by the A109 Nairobi-Mombasa Road on its eastern flank, Makueni County is part of the Lower Eastern Kenya region. Major towns like Mtito Andei and Emali serve as trade hubs along the A109, the former being the traditional halfway stop and rest. Other towns enroute are; Sultan Hamud and Kibwezi. Home to Akamba people, it is so commonly referred to Ukambani – alongside Kitui and Machakos.

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A Guide to Makueni County

A Summa Digest of Makueni

About Makueni Way Back When

50 Destinations in Makueni County , arranged as one would visit these - north, east, west then south - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Mbooni Hills , Konza Technopolis , Kilima Kiu Manor , Mulima Dam , ACK Resort Salama , Makongo View Point , Katithini, Wote Green Public Park , Thwake Dam , R. Kaiti Bridge , Kampi ya Mawe , Kusyombunguo Hotel , Nzueni Hill , Nzaui Heritage Trail , Nzaui Rock , Mii Project, Makueni Cultural Center , AIC Kalamba , Kalamba Fruit Factory , Virgin Mary Rock , Emali Hills , Emali Trig , Ka Kindui Falls , Dare Devil's Rock , Kyanzizi Falls , Ilovoto Falls , Kyale Catholic Church , The Kenze Gorges , Kilungu Hills, Hunter's Lodge , Makindu Handicrafts , Makindu Sikh Temple , Mbiu Nzau Hills , Kambua Resort , Kivungoni Springs , Kibwezi Forest , Umani Springs , Chyulu Hills National Park , Kisula Caves , Tsavo West National Park , Tsavo East National Park , Yatta Plateau , Ngai Ndethya National Reserve , Kilalinda Conservancy , Tsavo Safari Camp , P. Cameron Camp , Patterson's Safari Camp

Know More About Makueni County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.17?

Makueni County’s terrain is generally low-lying, falling to 600 ms near Tsavo at the southern region. It lies within the arid and semi arid zones.

What’s The Air Like In Makueni?

Climate about Makueni varies based on altitude – with the north being cooler – 20 o C to 24 o C, while the south, more so during the dryer months, between May and October, experience generous heat.

Know More About Makueni County…