Discover Tharaka Nithi County
Brief Overview of Tharaka Nithi County
The perennial terrace of Tharaka Nithi County, bound by the Equator and Meru County in the north, west by the lowermost eastern footslopes of Mount Kenya, south by Embu County and in the east by the Meru National Park and Mwingi National Reserve, has, in the context of its spatial terrain, many inselbergs and ranges that stand out prominently. Over one-third of Tharaka Nithi County lies on the gentle eastern slopes of Mount Kenya which are cool, healthy and fertile with good rainfall supporting a prospering population subsisting mainly on farming.
A gradual diminution in the rainfall, fertility and density of population takes place as you move eastwards towards Mwingi National Reserve and Tana River, which corresponds to a drop in elevation from 6,500-7,000 ft. above sea level on the lower edge of Mount Kenya forest to 1,600 ft. at Mwingi National Reserve and the Tana River valley that stretches from here southerly trending. Cultivation is largely superseded by pastoral herding in these lower-lying areas. The majority of the residents are from the Tharaka and Mwimbi subgroups of the larger Meru nation.
Concomitantly, Tharaka Nithi County can be split into two distinct topographic zones: the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the Basement System terrain. Of its rivers, Maara River is its most prominent, and marks the boundary between Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties including the shared Mt. Kenya Forest that is estimated to be about 360 km2 in area. The highland regions of Maara and Chuka receive adequate rainfall to support the thriving agriculture found here. The semi-arid areas around Tharaka support a thriving livestock industry and plenty of wildlife.
The principal line of communication in Tharaka Nithi County is the B6 Embu-Meru Road that crosses its western quarter between the towns of Kyeni and Chogoria, through Chuka and Marina, and travels just 15 km outside Mt. Kenya Forest. The C92 Nkubu-Embu Road splits it down the middle between the towns of Tunyai and Kathwana, from where the C93 Kathwana-Mwingi Road branches out. The highest altitude of the county is 5,200 m while the lowest is 600 m Eastwards in Tharaka. Chuka serves as a major commercial hub, with various trading markets.
Much of the beauty seen around Tharaka Nithi County arises from its clear-cut ecological zones and indubitably from the phenomenal beauty of Mount Kenya with its superb alpine flora, fauna and as a mountain climbing destination. The snowy-peaks of Mount Kenya, just 16.5 kms south of the Equator, are the most conspicuous landmark in Tharaka Nithi – that is one of the five counties whose border extends to the apex of Mount Kenya along with Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri. The arid Tharaka region faces significant water shortages, affecting both domestic and agricultural activities. Other landmarks include the Kijegge.
It also has a handful of cultural and historic recreational resources that remain undeveloped. As a destination Tharaka Nithi is still an underrated circuit despite having a very pleasant scenery which varies from heavily wooded country in the north to a vast arid rangeland in the south. Thirteen permanent rivers and streams make certain survival of its farmland, wildlife, industries, and also feed about 20 waterfalls – tiny and large – which are impressive. Tharaka Nithi County, though small, has a vibrant touring circuit with ongoing efforts to improve its network.
Salient Features of Tharaka Nithi County
- County Number 13
- Area – 2662 km2
- Altitude – 600 to 5200 ms
- Major Towns – Kathwana, Chuka, Chogoria
- Borders – Meru, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Kitui
Although Tharaka Nithi County is not a prominent touring circuit, it is a beautiful, diverse area known for its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural economy. Taking after the character of its closely homogenous neighbours around Mount Kenya, Tharaka Nithi, with very good roads, is easy to access and traverse.
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Explore Destinations in Tharaka Nithi County
A Guide to Tharaka Nithi County
A Summa Digest of Tharaka Nithi
About Tharaka Nithi Way Back When
35 Destinations in Tharaka Nithi County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Chuka Forest, Tredds Garden, The Hidden Falls, Hidden Treasure Lodge, Nithi Bridge, Weru Tea Factory, Whispers Garden, Pacha Waterfront Resort, PCEA Chogoria, Mount Kenya National Park, Anabas Alpine Lodge, Chogoria Trail, Nithi Falls, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Kierra Ridge, Kierra Viewpoint, Thimbora, Mutunguruni Tree, Inanduru Caves, Kijegge Range, Kibuuka Grand Falls, River Tana, Mumoni Hill Reserve, Mwingi National Reserve, Kajuki Eco Lodge, Marimanti Baobab Lodge, Ikwa Falls, Mutejwa National Reserve, Meru National Park, Elsa's Grave, Ura Gate Festival, Ura Waterfalls
Know More About Tharaka Nithi: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like in T. Nithi.?
Temperatures in the highland areas range between 14oC to 30oC, while those in the low land range between 22oC to 36oC. Rain vary with altitude.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.13?
The highest altitude within Tharaka Nithi County is about 5,200 ms at Chuka, Maara, and Igambang’ombe, and the lowest is 600 ms at Tharaka. The entire county is strewn with large masses of hillocks.
Abiri Kenya 