Central Highlands of Kenya
The Central Highlands of Kenya is densely populated and considered the heartland of Kenya. The Central Highlands form the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, consisting of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. Aberdare and Mount Kenya National Parks are highlights of this region.
The region of the Central Highlands is fertile and thickly forested with the perfect climate for agriculture.
In 1952 the Mau Mau rebellion took place between the Kikuyu and white settlers. The Kikuyu were losing their best land and through the war that erupted the British colonial authorities had to ressess their position and grant independence to the country. White farmers are still present but much of the land is shared among the Kikuyu.
Related Attractions
Located in the Central Highlands, this national park contains the glacier covered Batian, Nelion, and Lenana peaks.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park offers beautiful views of Mounts Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The park is covered with forested slopes and the summit of the Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain (2,148 meters). Wildlife includes baboon, colobus, bushbuck, impala, duiker and abundant birdlife. Ol Donyo Sabuk means 'Mountain of Buffalo' in Maasai, some 250 buffaloes roam the slopes.
Near the summit lies the grave of Sir William Northrup McMillan and his wife Lady Lucie. He arrived in Kenya in 1901 to participate in big game shooting and he hosted Roosevelt during his famous 1911 safari at their ranch Juja Farm.
Just before the entrance of Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park are the beautiful Fourteen Falls on the Athi River.
Mwea National Reserve
The Tana River is the southern boundary of the Mwea National Reserve with the Thiba River to the east. Hippo Point is the perfect spot at night to view the wildlife as they wander to the water's edge. Visitors can camp within the reserve or have picnics at Hippo Point or Gichuki Island.
About 150 different bird species have been recorded in the Mwea National Reserve. Elephants, hippos, buffalo and lesser kudus are frequently seen. An electric fence keeps the animals from invading Makima settlement to the north.
Another main feature of the Mwea National Reserve is the Masinga and Kaburu hydroelectric dams.
Address:
Box 8-60113, Kenya
Mount Kenya National Park
Nairobi
Mombasa
Masai Mara National Reserve
Amboseli National Reserve (formerly Amboseli National Park)
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves
