A non observant visitor may let pass the richness of the
Gakanga Valley in Zaina Forest. This is only discovered after
one takes the initiative to treck down the steep slope which would qualify to
be one of the best natural gymns for those struggling with excess weight. The
slope stands at over 60% and by mere climbing up and down the hill, one is sure
of losing at least a kilo for every two trips they make on the trail.
After climbing down for about 200
metres, one is met with a stunning sight of a Zaina water fall which appears
from the bushes. This is clearly a tourist attraction. The valleys themselves
are an exquisite scenery.
At the floor of the valley one is met with some clean
water springs whose water is as sweet as honey having been filtered by the
dense vegetation upstream. A few metres away one comes across the Zaina river
whose water though not very clean, it would pass for mineral water for urban
centre inhabitants. This marks the end of the easier part of the trail.
The steep ascent starts and the
only interesting thing with it is only by looking back to where you came from
across the ridge. The beauty of the valley is astounding. The top of the hill
marks the beginning of another steep descent. Another few metres gets you to
the Chania river whose beauty is bewildering. Those whose geography is fresh in
their minds will take a quick notice of an oxbow lake at the floor of the
valley.
This is a breath-taking scenery which reminds you of how perfectly
nature can arrange and design things. The banks of Chania river gives a natural
set up of a picnic site or if possible a camping site whose tourism attraction
potential is beyond imagination. Once here, you are left recounting the
reminiscences of your adventure not forgetting the taxing journey back to where
you started which lies ahead of you.
The bottom line is that this valley has
a high potential for tourism which that boost both foreign and domestic
tourism.
Location
Zaina Falls is located in the hilly and green Nyeri County, Kenya
which is on the average over 2,000 metres above sea level. A 10 kilometre drive
from Nyeri town westwards at the foot of
Aberdares Ranges in Zaina Forest, found in Tetu District. Its largely
agricultural area featuring tea, coffee and dairy farming. The environment also
shares a hardworking community which largely believe in nature conservation.
Wangari Maathai / Dedan Kimathi
It is to be noted that the late Nobel Prize winner Professor Wangari
Mathai was born and brought up in this region. Also, the legendary MauMau field Mashal Dedan Kimathi’s home
is 5km away from Zaina Falls. The landscape near the falls allows a clear view
of River Chania and River Zaina as they beautifully meander and confluence in
the valley. From the main road to the foot of the falls is 1.5km hike.
Experience
Gorgeous and natural foot path sandwiched by two ranges along the Zaina
River Valley, a bushy environment with indigenous trees guard the path all
along to the falls. The mighty phenomenon draws nearer and clearer.
Eventually, the drizzles washing your face keeping you a few meters
away from the falling volumes of water. On the average its 100 metres in
vertical length. Other activities include bird watching, swimming and fishing.
A relaxing environment favorable for tenting where wild animals are electric
fenced 5km above the falls.
The region enjoys a favourable climate for the tour except for July,
August and November rainy seasons.
Come visit, enjoy and live to share your experiences to the world!
……………………………………………….
For more information on Booking Please Contact:
Felix Wanyiri Ndaruga
P.O Box 236, Nyeri
Mobile: 0726 310243
OR
Kenya Community Based Tourism Network (KECOBAT)
Tel: +254 20 2319458
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