Nature Sanctuaries in Nyandarua

Sharpe’s Longclaw Nature Reserve

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.

Around Kenya are to be found a hatful of delightful nature parks and sanctuaries, many of these being community initiatives to protect wildlife in their natural habitats. Fairly small in comparison to the national parks and reserves, they offer a more intimate exposure to the wild, to fully appreciate the local flora and fauna.

Index of Nature Parks & Sanctuaries in Kenya

Bomet County - Kipsegon Ecosystem , Masese Nyangores Ecotourism Site , Bungoma County - Buteyo Miti Park , Garissa County - Garissa Giraffe Centre , Bour Algi Giraffe Sanctuary , Homa Bay County - Ondago Swamp Nature Sanctuary, Kakamega County - Isecheno Nature Reserve , Yala Nature Sanctuary , Kericho County - Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary , Chebown Nature Sanctuary , Kilifi County - Mnarani Snake Park , Mazingira Park , A Rocha Ecolodge & Conservation Centre , Mida Creek Sanctuary , Local Ocean Conservation , Bio-Ken Snake Farm , Mida Creek Nature Camp , The Kipepeo Butterfly Farm , Kisumu County - Dunga Beach Wetland Boardwalk, Kitui County - Mutomo Reptile Park , Kwale County - Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary , Colobus Conservation , Kaya Kinondo , Bora Bora Wildlife Park , Diani Reptile Park, Wasini Boardwalk , Gazi Boardwalk , Lamu County - Amu Ranch , Makueni County - Kivungoni Springs , Meru County - Thaaru Springs , Mombasa County - Mombasa Butterfly House , Haller Park , The Butterfly Pavillion , Nguuni Nature Sanctuary , Nairobi County - Nairobi Arboretum, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Safari Walk, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nyandarua County - Sharpe's Longclaw Reserve , Samburu County - Reteti Elephant Sanctuary , Maralal Game Sanctuary , Taita Taveta County - Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary , Njoro Springs , I thumba Elephant Nursery , Tana River County - Ozi Conservation , Trans Nzoia County - Kitale Nature Conservancy , Treasure of Africa , Uasin Gishu County - River Sosiani Park , Eldoret Nature & Cultural Centre Park, Wajir County - Wajir Giraffe Sanctuary

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 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

What’s The Air Like, Nyandarua?

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 25 o C: Lowest in July, 14 o C.

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.18?

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.

Know More About Nyandarua County…