A Misty Escape into Kenya’s Majestic Highlands
The Highland Trails circuit is Kenya’s mystical alpine heartland—a cool, green escape where moorlands roll beneath waterfalls, elephants wander through mountain forests, and peaks pierce the sky. This region is perfect for nature lovers, birders, photographers, and romantics seeking crisp air, luxury lodges, and untamed beauty.
Steeped in colonial history and Kikuyu traditions, this circuit weaves together the Aberdare ranges, the forested slopes of Mt. Kenya, and the gentle towns of Nyeri and Nanyuki. From the royal Treetops Lodge to UNESCO-listed Mt. Kenya, it’s a trail of legends and altitude.
Top Attractions
Aberdare National Park (180 km from Nairobi – 1 hr flight to Mweiga or Nanyuki)
Dense mountain forest, waterfalls, moorland plains, and rare species like the bongo antelope.
Famous for Treetops Lodge (where Queen Elizabeth became queen).
Solio Game Reserve (190 km from Nairobi)
A private rhino sanctuary between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares.
Offers luxury safaris, rhino tracking, and horseback game viewing.
Mt. Kenya National Park & Forest Reserve (160 km from Nairobi)
Africa’s second-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Climbing expeditions, forest hikes, trout fishing, and glacier views.
Mau Mau Caves & Dedan Kimathi Shrine (Nyeri)
Historical landmarks tied to Kenya’s independence struggle.
Easily accessible via Nyeri town.
Chania Falls, Karuru Falls, and Magura Waterfall Trails
Breathtaking waterfalls inside Aberdare National Park.
Best accessed with park guides.
✈️ Airstrip & Flight Info
Nanyuki Airstrip (Kamok) – Served by Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Fly ALS from Nairobi Wilson
Mweiga Airstrip – Charter access for Aberdare region
Driving is also popular via Thika Superhighway or the scenic A2 route through Nyeri and Karatina.
🛏️ Accommodation Options
Aberdares: The Ark Lodge, Treetops Lodge, Aberdare Country Club
Nyeri: Green Hills Hotel, Outspan Hotel
Mt. Kenya Region / Nanyuki: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Soames Hotel, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ole Samara Lodge
Solio Ranch: Solio Lodge (luxury all-inclusive)
🥘 Cultural, Culinary & Hidden Gems
Cuisine: Kikuyu dishes like “irio,” roast goat, fresh trout from Mt. Kenya rivers
Chogoria Market & Nanyuki Town: Local shopping, coffee farms, and colonial-era architecture
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary: The only one of its kind in Kenya, inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Nairobi-Kenya Railway Bridge (Treetops Lodge area): Historical British-era landmarks
Depart for Aberdares. Enjoy afternoon game drive and forest lodge experience.
Overnight: The Ark or Aberdare Country Club
Visit waterfalls, hike moorlands, or relax with birdwatching and spa treatments.
Overnight: Treetops Lodge
Drive to Solio Ranch or Nanyuki, lunch en route. Rhino tracking or relax at the lodge.
Overnight: Solio Lodge / Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club
Nature hike in the lower forest zone, trout fishing, or visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Overnight: Soames Hotel / Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Drive or fly back via Nanyuki Airstrip.