Top 10 famous places in Embu County

Embu County, located in Kenya, offers a variety of attractions and famous places to explore. Here are ten notable destinations in Embu County:

1. Embu Town: The county’s capital city, Embu Town, is a bustling urban centre with a vibrant market, historical buildings, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
2. Embu University: Situated in Kangaru shopping centre, Embu University is a renowned institution of higher learning. The university campus features beautiful landscapes and offers opportunities for educational visits or campus tours.
3. Embu Museum: The Embu Museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Embu people. It exhibits artifacts, traditional crafts, historical photographs, and provides insights into the local traditions, beliefs, and customs.
4. Runyenjes Town: Runyenjes is a busy market town known for its vibrant street markets, where you can find a variety of fresh produce, clothing, and other local goods. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals.
5. Kirimiri Forest: Kirimiri Forest is a scenic woodland area with lush greenery and diverse flora and fauna. It offers opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and peaceful picnics in a serene environment. It also houses the Maumau caves that served as hideouts for the freedom fighters during the armed struggle for Kenya’s independence against the British in the 1950s.
6. Mwea National Reserve: It falls within both Embu and the neighboring Kirinyaga County. Mwea National Reserve is easily accessible from Embu town. This wildlife reserve is home to diverse animal species, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
7. The 7 Forks Dams: These are a series of 7 hydro-electric dams built in the 70’s. Kaburu and Masinga dams are major water reservoirs situated near the town of Kiritiri. The dams provide a picturesque backdrop for picnics and offers water-based activities such as boating and fishing.
8. Kiang’ombe Forest: Located near Runyenjes, Kiang’ombe Forest is an ideal spot for nature lovers. It features hiking trails, waterfalls, and an abundance of birdlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Itierio Dam: Itierio Dam, also known as Nyangwa Dam, is a scenic reservoir located near Kibugu Market. The dam offers a tranquil setting for fishing, boat rides, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
10. Gachuriri Cultural Village: This cultural village provides an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Embu people. Visitors can witness traditional dances, participate in cultural activities, and learn about the community’s customs and traditions.
11. Karue Hill: An ancient batholith formed during the volcanic activities millions of years ago, Karue is a scenic hill located off the Embu-Runyenjes Road, about 30 minutes drive from Embu town. It offers amazing opportunities for hiking, camping, picnicking and sightseeing of Embu County and its environs.
12. Nthenge Njeru Falls: It is a double waterfall located in Runyenjes, off the Embu-Runyenjes road. It is a splendid waterfall that is surrounded by beautiful vegetation that provides a conducive habitat for wild animals and over 50 species of birds.
13. Camp Ndunda Falls: It is located at the foothills of Mount Kenya, approximately 8 kilometres from Embu town inside Njukiri forest and at the banks of Rupingazi River. It is a beautiful place where you can relax and also engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain cycling, zip lining, canopy walking, bird watching, nature trails and camping.
14.  Izaak Walton Inn: It is a 5 star luxury hotel dating back to the colonial times. Complete with a Presidential Suite, Izaak Walton offers accommodation in guest rooms categorized as superior rooms, deluxe rooms and executive rooms. It also prides in a garden restaurant, modern conference facilities and a state of the art swimming pool for recreational purposes.
15. Kianjiru Hills: The scenic hills feature bushlands and indigenous trees which form a habitat for different species of birds. It is also among the top hiking destinations in Embu County. It offers amazing opportunities for photo shoots and a vantage point to view the seven forks dams and other scenic sites in Embu County.

These famous places in Embu County offer a blend of cultural, natural, and historical attractions, providing visitors with a diverse range of experiences and a chance to explore the region’s unique charm.