FOREWORD
E R E H P S I M E H A DUA L DE STINATION
T
his inaugural edition of the Mount Kenya Tourism Guide is a maiden account of the hidden treasures of Kenya’s central safari circuit. The product is a milestone achievement of Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association to tell the world what actress Stefanie Powers described as “the mountain’s brooding presence … a spirit ancient and impassive, indifferent to all human concerns yet charged with unvoiced secrets” the hidden treasures of a “dual hemisphere destination”.
Perhaps the words of Vivienne de Watteville, in her 1927 book ‘Out in the Blue’, are a true description of the Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit: “The mountain trembled in the lilac mist, the cloudlets drifting in front of them like a flock of birds … I could only think over and over again: but isn’t it beautiful.” This circuit is the jewel in the crown of a Kenya safari. With gleaming snow-white
peaks straddling the equator, the country’s highest mountain is in a picturesque and majestic landscape listed as a World Heritage Site. It is a rich biodiversity and an outstanding example of ecological processes with a wide variety of flora and fauna. To complete the mosaic pattern, the region is resplendent with other pristine landscapes, private game conservancies and national parks of international reputation. There is an abundance of activities ranging from vigorous adventure mountain hiking and climbing, mountain biking, water rafting, kayaking, camping, nature walks and game drives to a quiet ecological study, a honeymoon in the wild, or just a moment to relax and rewind in the equatorial sun.
Diversity There is a diversity of natural and manmade attractions that include a variety of local cultures; a rich history of Kenya’s independence struggle; the historical links with Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting Movement; spectacular waterfalls; meandering rivers; the Seven
Forks hydroelectric power dams; thrilling natural caves; endemic and endangered rare species of animals, birds and plants, only replicating the art of creation. In the poetic words of Monty Brown: “Some things are better seen than described”.
Gratitude On behalf of the Association let me appreciate with gratitude the contribution of all individuals and organisations that have made this publication possible and without whom the tales therein would not have been shared. A special mention goes to the Executive Committee of the management board: Mr Simon Kathata, Chairman; Mr Charles Karuga, Secretary; and Mr Arthur Muchiri, Treasurer. To all who read this, a warm welcome to the theatre of perfect art, with the unsurpassed traditional hospitality of the mountain people.
Simon Wachira CEO Mount Kenya Tourism Circuit Association
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