Whistle Africa CEO Jeremiah Njanja in one of the tourist attraction sites
during Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series /FILEThe snow-capped peaks of Mt Kenya have long towered silently
over the central highlands, a majestic backdrop to the Kikuyu heartland.
Now the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) wants the mountain and its surrounding landscapes to roar onto the global adventure map.
Through the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, KTB is positioning the cradle of Kikuyu culture as more than just history, myths and legends—a destination of rugged trails, gushing waterfalls and untapped cultural heritage.
On Thursday last week, the Mount Kenya Trails Edition launched an enthusiasts’ adventure: a four-day expedition across Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties. From 300-metre-high ridges to misty forests and mountain lakes, the route showcases the region’s kaleidoscope of landscapes.
KTB acting CEO Allan Njoroge described Mt Kenya as the natural anchor of Kenya’s adventure strategy.
“We sit on Africa’s second-highest mountain with distinct ecological zones, yet not many visitors experience its trails. We want to change that narrative,” he said.
The journey began in Murang’a, where hikers scaled the Kiambicho Hills and bikers cycled a 40-kilometre route to the dramatic Murang’a Gorges.
“Murang’a is not your typical tourist destination,” Whitney Wanjiru of the county tourism directorate said.
“But we have so much to
offer in adventure and culture that remains undiscovered.”
The second leg in Kirinyaga took cyclists past the lush Mwea rice fields to Castle Forest Lodge, while hikers explored Karuti and Kamweti waterfalls. Friday’s route paused at Daraca ya Ngai, a legendary shrine, before descending into Chuka.
The expedition then climbed higher into Meru county, entering Mt Kenya National Park through Chogoria Gate.
Here, adventurers trekked to Nithi Falls, the Mau Caves, Lake Ellis, and up to the 3,550-metre Mugi Hills.
The series culminated at Meru University with the Mt Kenya Mountain Run, turning the campus into a sports tourism hub where elite athletes, students and residents ran side by side.
Beyond adrenaline, the initiative taps conservation and community. Along the trails, trees were planted and communities showcased their traditions and foods.
“The trail series is not just about hiking or biking; it’s about immersing yourself in culture, nature and discovery,” KTB deputy director for business development John Chirchir said.
KTB hopes to attract 200,000 adventure tourists over five years, tapping into a global adventure tourism market valued at $450 billion.
Already, earlier trail editions in Kericho, Kakamega and the Aberdares have drawn interest, with Central Rift and Elgon editions lined up before year’s end.
“Kenya is known for its beaches and wildlife safaris,” Chirchir added.
“But this is about showing the world our hidden gems—serene lakes, high-altitude trails, and the peace you only find outdoors.”
For Mt Kenya, long revered in Kikuyu folklore as the dwelling of God, the trails could see it reborn as Africa’s next great adventure frontier.
