New route to Mt Kenya established

Castle Forest Lodge in Mt.kenya forest where tourists flock due to its richness in nature especially wild animals, flora and fauna.The facility is a big attraction in the area .PHOTO:MUNENE KAMAU/STANDARD.

Kirinyaga may soon be the preferred destination for hundreds of mountaineers if the proposed route to Mt Kenya's Batian and Lenana peaks, passing through Kamweti section is endorsed.

Governor Joseph Ndathi said the new route, via Naro Moru, is designed to shorten climbing by over 10 kilometres. Each year, over 15,000 mountaineers attempt to reach the two peaks of Mr Kenya.

Mr Ndathi said part of the mountain climbing project includes provision of an information centre at the periphery of the forest, which will assist the tourist in finding their way to the mountain.

Other key attractions besides mountain climbing include the Castle Forest Lodge, which is within three-hour's drive from Nairobi, off the Kutus-Kianyaga road and Mau Mau caves, where Kenya's freedom fighters hid from the colonial trackers.

"Visitors using the new route will be able to engage in sport fishing, take nature walks and bird watching within the mountain's ecosystem," said the governor.

Other tourist locations in the region include the sources of many fast flowing rivers that travel through the county and beyond.

Involve community

He said the mountain climbers can rest or spend at Castle forest lodge, which is situated right at the middle of Mt Kenya forest. It has natural surroundings with river falls and a splendid view of a valley on one side of Mt Kenya peaks. One can also watch elephants as they roam freely around the lodge compound at night.

"The lodge is also an ideal place for domestic tourists keen to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and need a cool, serene and quite atmosphere," said Ndathi.

Locals say the main cottage was built in 1910 with river pebbles and wood from the surrounding forest and rivers.

Queen Elizabeth of England and the founding father of the nation Mzee Jomo Kenyatta are said to have regularly visited the Lodge.

The facility has since been renovated and can accommodate over 30 guests at ago.

It is envisaged that when fully operational, the mountaineering route will create employment opportunities for thousands of unemployed youth in the county.

The communities will also reap from the endeavour by establishing their eco-tourism sites within route. "Involvement of the community is paramount to us," said Ndathi.