KENYA

Central Circuit

Explore the hidden gem of Central Kenya

Solio conservancy,Olpejeta, Laikipia Wilderness

Game viewing

Mount Kenya,Aberdares

Hiking

Lake Olbolosat,lake Elis

Scenic Landscape

History of the GEMA

Culture &Heritage

The Experience

The Central Touristic Circuit of Kenya is one of the country’s most scenic and ecologically diverse tourism regions. Centered around the central highlands and areas surrounding Mount Kenya, this circuit combines dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, cool climates, and strong cultural heritage. It is easily accessible from Nairobi and serves as a core safari and adventure tourism zone in Kenya. The central circuit covers parts of Nyeri, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Meru, Murang’a, and Nyandarua counties. The region is characterized by fertile highlands, forests, rivers, lakes, and conservancies, making it ideal for wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation, and conservation-based tourism. The circuit also plays a key role in Kenya’s history, culture, and conservation movement. Key Attractions in the Central Touristic Circuit include;Mt.kenya,Laikipia conservancies,Lakes ,Culture and historical attractions

Safari Activities

Explore the wilderness

Mt.kenya National Park

Mount Kenya is the centerpiece of the circuit and Africa’s second-highest mountain. It offers activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, nature walks, birdwatching, and scenic photography. The park is also an important water catchment area and home to unique alpine flora and fauna. Mt. Kenya National Park is home to Kenya’s tallest Mountain (5,199 mtrs) and second tallest in Africa. Mountain climbers and day hikers adore the imposing extinct volcano sitting in the central part of Kenya. Mt. Kenya national park was gazette in 1949 and is under the management of Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is 276 sq kms and can be accessed from many different directions and routes. Mt. Kenya national park has 6 official gates and can be accessed from major towns in central part of Kenya.

Guided Sessions
Photo Ops

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Olpejeta Conservancy

Size: Olpejeta is 364 sq kms and this excludes the adjacent conservation areas of Mutara. Olpejeta conservancy is one of Kenya’s best and successful conservation stories existing. The conservation boasts of the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees are found. The park also conserves white and black rhinoceros including the endangered northern white rhino species. Established in 1988 originally as a cattle ranch, olpejeta has developed into a full-time conservation area where all the big five mammals can be found. Accessibility: The park is accessed from Nanyuki town via Serat Gate and Rongai gates.

Guided Sessions
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Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is a pristine and protected ecosystem located east of the Great Rift Valley and west of Mount Kenya. The park forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, which was first named in 1888 by the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson. Officially established in 1950, Aberdare National Park covers approximately 767 square kilometres of diverse and dramatic landscapes. The park is characterized by a striking combination of dense montane forests, bamboo zones, open moorlands, deep valleys, rivers, and spectacular waterfalls. Its high-altitude environment offers a refreshing climate with cool temperatures and clean, crisp air, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking tranquility, scenic beauty, and a break from the bustle of everyday life. Aberdare National Park is also renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting wildlife such as elephants, buffalos, black rhinos, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species, many of which are unique to the highland forest ecosystem. Aberdare’s cool climate, tranquil atmosphere, and rich wildlife—including elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, and rare forest birds—make it an ideal destination for nature retreats, photography, hiking, and luxury forest stays. The park is conveniently accessed from central Kenya, especially via Nyeri, with several entry gates such as Treetops, Ark, Shamata, Rhino, and Wandare, allowing seamless exploration of this remarkable ecosystem. Accessibility The park is easily accessible from several towns in Central Kenya, with Nyeri town providing the most convenient access route. Depending on the direction of travel, visitors can enter the park through eight official gates: Treetops Gate, Ark Gate, Shamata Gate, Mutubio Gate, Ruhuruini Gate, Kiandogoro Gate, Rhino Gate, and Wandare Gate. These multiple access points make it flexible for different itineraries and touring routes within the central touristic circuit.

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Lake Ol-bolosat

Lake Ol Bolossat is a unique and ecologically important freshwater lake located in Central Kenya. It is the only low-altitude freshwater lake in the region, making it a vital natural resource for both wildlife and surrounding communities. The lake serves as a major source of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which flows northwards through Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, and eventually into the Lorian Swamp in Wajir County. In recent years, Lake Ol Bolossat has been significantly affected by climatic changes, including prolonged droughts that have, at times, caused the lake to dry up completely. Despite these challenges, the lake remains a critical wetland ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity. Lake Ol Bolossat is especially important as a birdwatching destination, supporting over 300 recorded bird species. Notable species found here include the African Marsh Harrier, Purple Swamphen, and the Capped Wheatear, along with many resident and migratory waterbirds. Its open grasslands and wetland habitats make the lake an attractive stop for nature lovers, birding enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists.

Guided Sessions
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Solio ranch

Solio Ranch is a premier private conservancy located to the east of Aberdare National Park, making it a natural extension of the Central Kenya touristic circuit. Spanning 77 km², Solio is globally recognized for its success in rhinoceros conservation, offering one of the most inspiring stories of wildlife restoration in Kenya. Founded in 1970, the ranch is privately managed and primarily focuses on rhino rehabilitation and protection, creating a safe haven for these endangered species. Visitors to Solio Ranch have the unique opportunity to experience close encounters with both black and white rhinos, alongside other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, all set within the scenic rolling plains at the edge of the Aberdare ecosystem. Solio Ranch is an ideal stop for travelers exploring Central Kenya, complementing visits to Aberdare National Park, Mount Kenya, and Lake Ol Bolossat. Its combination of wildlife conservation, scenic beauty, and educational value makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and responsible tourism seekers.

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Other attractions

in this circuit, other attractions apart from game parks and sanctuaries include; Museums & Art Gallery. museums, art galleries and prehistoric sites. These are namely; Baden Powell Museum, Lord Macmillan castle, Red hill art gallery, Kiambethu tea farms. Natural waterfalls: Chania falls, Thika falls Fourteen falls, chinga falls, karuru and Ndaragwa falls. Mutara conservancy, Oljogi ranch/conservancy.

Guided Sessions
Photo Ops

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Meru National Park

Meru National Park covers an area of 870 km² in eastern Kenya and is often described by tour guides as one of the country’s finest national parks. Despite its acclaim, it remains one of Kenya’s least visited parks, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience undisturbed wilderness. Established in 1966, Meru National Park features a diverse landscape of riverine forests, dense woodlands, and open savannahs, creating ideal habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to rare and iconic species such as Rothschild’s giraffes, kudus, elephants, lions, and numerous antelopes. It also hosts migratory birds between October and April, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Accessibility to the park is convenient by both road and air. The two official entry points are Murera Gate, accessible via Maua town, and Ura Gate, near Chiakariga Market. For air travelers, Mulika Airstrip accommodates small charter planes, providing a quick and scenic route into the park. Meru National Park is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, rich biodiversity, and authentic safari experiences, making it a hidden gem within Kenya’s Eastern tourism circuit.

Guided Sessions
Photo Ops

Getting There

By Road

Land Transfer

Sirimon Gate

Kihari Gate

Chogoria Gate

Rongai Gate

Serat Gate

Treetops gate

shamata gate

Ark gate

Murera Gate

Ura Gate

By Air

Fly-in Safari

Nanyuki Airstrip

Where to Stay

Luxury Safari Lodge

Elsa Kopje

Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious safari lodge located in Meru National Park, Kenya, named after the famous lioness Elsa. The lodge sits on Mughwango Hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the park's plains and wildlife. Each of the nine individually designed cottages is spacious and elegantly appointed, providing a tranquil retreat for guests. The lodge is a symbol of wildlife conservation and heritage, making it a unique experience for those seeking a blend of luxury and wildlife viewing.

Meru/Eastern

Luxury Safari Lodge

Maisha Sweetwaters

Maisha Sweetwaters Camp is a luxury tented safari retreat set in the heart of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia. Blending comfort with wilderness charm, it offers spacious, elegantly furnished tents with stunning views of the savannah and nearby waterholes. Guests can enjoy thrilling game drives, guided nature walks, cultural experiences, and relaxing spa treatments—all while surrounded by abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. It’s an ideal escape for adventure, romance, and reconnecting with nature.

Laikipia

Luxury Safari Lodge

Mount Kenya Safari club

Nestled at the foot of Africa’s second-highest peak, the Mount Kenya Safari Club blends old-world charm with breathtaking natural beauty. Once an exclusive retreat for Hollywood stars and royalty, it offers panoramic views of Mount Kenya, lush gardens, and abundant wildlife. Guests can enjoy activities like horseback riding, golf, trout fishing, and nature walks, all while indulging in world-class hospitality. It’s a serene haven where luxury meets adventure in the heart of Kenya.

Laikipia

Luxury Safari Lodge

Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp

Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a luxury tented safari retreat nestled in the heart of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Surrounded by breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, the camp offers an intimate blend of comfort and adventure, with spacious en-suite tents overlooking a busy waterhole that attracts elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife. Guests enjoy close encounters with the Big Five, unique conservation experiences, and warm Kenyan hospitality in a serene, nature-rich setting.

Laikipia

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