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When you Google Subuiga, what you
get is all about the gruesome accidents that occur on this hilly
section of the Meru Nanyuki Road. Rarely will anybody mention
to you the immense economic potential of this area. Located within
the Meru, Isiolo and Nanyuki triangle, Subuiga is characterised by diverse landscapes,
rolling hills interrupted by rocky outcrops intricately
merged into a beautiful scenery reminiscent of a canvas painting .
The rocky outcrops culminates into Mt Kenya, an extinct volcano,
home to point Batian, the second highest peak in Africa. Mt Kenya
is undisputedly the
most dominant and the most beautiful feature in the region. It draws
lots of visitors from all over the world, adventurous travellers
with intentions of scaling its heights or hiking in the moor lands
and religious zealots who come to pray within its serene grounds.
Much of Timau all the way to the
Isiolo Nanyuki/ Meru junction (popularly known as Subuiga) are intensively cultivated undulating
plains. Wheat farms cover as much as the eyes can see. Equally
fascinating are what appears to be lakes or ponds from afar. These
are green houses for flower and horticulture farming. Flowers and
horticulture produce from these farms are for export market.
Also noticeable are huge flocks of sheep and herds daily cows.
This region also has a large number of private ranches and
community group ranches which have been converted into wildlife
sanctuaries. Notable among them are Lewa wildlife conservancy and Ol
Pejeta Conservancy. Both have large numbers of Black Rhinos. Other
ranches include Borana, Il Ngwesi, Lekkuruk, and Ole Lentile.
Accommodation in these ranches is very exclusive attracting the
creme de la creme of the world famous. Film actors, great athletes
and royalties have been hosted in them. A famous location is
the Rutundu Log Cabins where Prince William got engaged to his wife.
Lewa is also the Princes hideaway from roving eyes of the public.
Other exclusive accommodation facilities include Borana Lodge,
Laragai Lodge, Tassia Lodge, Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa House,
Wilderness Trails, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Ol Pejeta
Ranch House, Sweet Waters Tented Camp, Mt Kenya Safari Club,
Mt Kenya Holiday Homes. Accommodation is also available at Naro Moru
River Lodge and Bantu Lodge. Numerous camping opportunities
abound. Budget facilities include hotels in Nanyuki, Meru and Isiolo.
From Kisima is a unrelenting descent called Subuiga.
Many unsuspecting motorists have lost their lives at this particular
section. From this section, one enjoys panoramic views of Meru
Country characterised by inselbergs all the way to Mathews Range of
Samburu country. Tourist attractions within the vicinity
include:
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Lewa wildlife conservancy. Lewa is among the most
successful rhino sanctuaries in the the world.
Lewa wildlife conservancy is also a hideaway of the
future King Prince William. It was while on a
holiday in Lewa that he took his bride to the nearby
Rutundu log cabins where they got engaged.
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy- The history of Ol Pejeta Ranch is
full of its famous visitors and equally famous
multimillionaire and sometimes controversial owners.
Once it belonged to settler leader Lord Delamere. In the
1980's it was the holiday getaway of the now bankrupt
arms dealer Adnard Khassogi. Today it is owned by Serena
Group of Hotels.
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Borana Ranch.
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Il Ngwesi-A community ranch run by the Mukogongo Masai
within the localities of Ngare Ndare forest. The local
Masai run the world acclaimed Il Ngwesi Eco Loge.
Besides nature walks, one can enjoy the recently constructed
canopy walk.
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The elephant underpass constructed below Isiolo Nanyuki/ Meru
road allows elephants to cross from Ngare Ndare into Mt Kenya
National Park without disturbing the traffic flow. this was
funded by Richard Branson at a cost of 81M US-dollars.
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National Parks of Mt Kenya, Samburu, Meru, Buffalo Springs
and Shaba are within reach of this region.
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Lake Nkunga- the sacred lake of Meru people
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Rutundu Log Cabins:- hosted Prince William and his wife Kate
Middleton when they engaged.
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Ngare Ndare Forest- The 52Km square forest is ideal location
for weekend getaways and has lot of adventure. The main
pull is the recently constructed canopy walk-500m culminating in
a game watching platform over-looking a watering hole.
Ngare Ndare forest is only 50 minuted driver from Meru Town.
A visitor to this region is
spoilt for activities.
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Most of the ranches conducts game drives and some have night
game drives
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Nature walks conducted by local guides are available in the
community and private ranches
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Scaling Mt Kenya or hiking within the moor lands
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Camel rides in community and group ranches
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Horse riding
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Fishing for tout in the lakes/ tarns and streams within the
mountain
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Learn adventure tricks at Mt Kenya School of Adventure- a high
altitude training school
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Cycling within the ranches and community ranches.
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In summer you can engage in via Ferrata in Mt Kenya
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