My search for hidden gems this time around took me to Murang’a County. What comes to mind when Murang’a is mentioned? I am certain that nothing like an attraction comes close. Ndakaini Dam always crosses my mind whenever I think about Murang’a. It is interesting to know that the origin of the Agikuyu community (Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga) is traced back to Murang’a. This is a sacred place for the Agikuyu community. Gikuyu, his wife Mumbi and their nine daughters lived in Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga before spreading out in Central Kenya, but this is a story for another day. Murang’a County is a beautiful highland with an amazing landscape. It is covered with green vegetation throughout the year. Residents of this county have accepted the trees cover challenge. Almost every homestead is surrounded by trees. Am sure you are wondering what took me to Murang’a County. My vision was to traverse the county while admiring its beauty. The mission however was to find Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge. I saw this lodge online and I couldn’t believe that such a facility existed in Murang’a County. I took up the challenge with the sole purpose of helping someone who is skeptical like I was, become a believer. Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge also known as Aberdare Cottages Dream is only 125km from Nairobi. For more specific directions, take A2 on Thika Super Highway. A few kilometers past Thika Town, take a left on C71 and drive up to Murang’a Town. At 1km past Murang’aTown, take a left on to C72 (opposite Kenol Gas Station) and drive up to Kangema Town. 4 kilometres past Kangema Town, you will spot an Aberdare Cottages sign post asking you to turn left. Follow the signs until you get to Gatunguru Tea Factory. Aberdare Cottages Dream is only 3kms from here. The lodge is accessible by any type of car and yes, it is also accessible through public means. The lodge has a countryside feel and is neighbored by homesteads. I visited it on a weekday and therefore, there weren’t many guests. When I arrived, I was met by Esther, the receptionists. I had called earlier and so she was expecting me. Esther offered to show me around and before we could start, the views of the sceneries left me speechless. I stood at a vantage point to admire the beauty of Mathioya. The views are stunning almost similar to the ones at Maili Saba camp. The lodge is set on a hill slope facing Mathioya River valley and another hill on the other side. This is a place you need to visit if you are looking for peace and tranquility in a natural setting. There lodge has cottages built of timber and some are tented. It will only cost you about Ksh. 10500 for a double cottage (2 adults) and Kshs. 7500 for a single cottage (1 Adult) per night, inclusive of meals on full board. As you all know, rates are subject to change with no prior notice. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, a meeting hall that can hold up to 50 people, an outdoor sitting area and balconies in every room. There is a large field for team building next to the entrance. Behind the lodge is a short nature trail that leads to a mini waterfall. There is a sitting area next to the waterfall. It is very quiet and private. It’s a very conducive space for reading, meditating, doing yoga, and for couples to spend quality time together. You could get adventurous (Whatever that means). The lodge presents a touch of nature that is priceless. There are no activities around that could disturb the peace of the resort. The fresh air and the countryside feel should compel you to visit Aberdare Cottages Dream, if only for a weekend. 1km from the lodge, are two self-catering facilities which are still part of Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge. The self-catering cottages are two-bedroomed and can accommodate up to 10 people. One bedroom has 2 beds while the other one has 3 beds. There is a lounging area with couches, a kitchen and a fire place. One bedroom is self-contained with a bathtub. There is a shared bathroom next to the other bedroom and a barbecue facility placed at the verandah. These units go for Kshs. 12,500 per night each and as I mentioned earlier, prices are subject to change. To make it even more interesting and worth visiting, the cottages are next to the famous Mathioya River. By just imagining a house party with your friends/family, barbecue, stories at the fire place, games and fun at the river banks, you get compelled to gather your crew. Fishing is done at this river but you require a license first. However, you are cautioned to be careful and to avoid being close to the river after having two for the road. During the rainy season, the river can easily sweep you away and take you for another trip that you hadn’t planned for. In the dry season, you can comfortably sit on the rocks by the river and enjoy a cold beer. Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge is a getaway that any nature lover out there would yearn to experience. I would advise anyone wishing to experience this hidden gem to forget/leave luxury wherever they are coming from. Do not go there expecting a television set, air conditioner, etc. This is a countryside facility that gives you a break from hustle and bustle of the city life and its noise pollution. Should you require assistance in making reservations or any clarifications, kindly contact Safiri Nasi Ltd or myself. Make a plan and go explore Murang’a County!
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