Wajee Park: The perfect spot for lovers of bird watching

What you need to know:

  • Elders converge on park for prayers and goat-eating.

  • At its best, Wajee is a demonstration of how personal efforts and determination can make a difference in conservation circles.

  • Ornithologists flock to the park to catch a glimpse of and study the 139 bird species at Wajee.

At the heart of Mukurwe-ini Constituency in Nyeri County lies Wajee Nature Park.

The park means different things to many people who have had the privilege to set foot there.

At its best, Wajee is a demonstration of how personal efforts and determination can make a difference in conservation circles.

Started in 1991 by Africa Air Rescue boss Jagi Gakunju, the 22-acre land has become famous for bird watching, nature walks, recreation and learning.

According to Mr Charles Kariuki, a manager at Wajee, the park is the only place Kikuyu elders from the county prefer to hold their annual ceremonies.

This is because the park is secluded and meets standards set by the elder’s council, the Athuri-a-kiama.

“They converged on the park on January 16 for their yearly prayers and goat-eating ceremony,” says Mr Kariuki. 

RARE SPECIES

Ornithologists flock to the park to catch a glimpse of and study the 139 bird species at Wajee.

Among the rare species that have found a home in Wajee is the Hindes babbler, listed as a threatened bird because of the encroachment of its Mt Kenya Forest habitat. 

One can also encounter the African wood owl, bantams, fun-tail pigeons and budgerigars.

Mr Kariuki says different species of trees and other vegetation provide a home and breeding ground for the birds.

“During winter in Europe, the park becomes an attraction for migrating birds, including black caps and Eurasia bee eaters,” he says.

The three nature trails, stretching  4.5 kilometres, give visitors a chance to see the almost 30 tree species spread throughout Wajee.

On a lucky day, one can observe civet cats, mongooses, vervet monkeys or wood squirrels.

The nature trails are also the reason plant researchers and students of nature visit Wajee. Some of the tree varieties are more than 70 years old.

At the entrance to the park is a Kikuyu traditional homestead — an opportunity to learn about the culture. A keen observer will notice that polygamy was part of the community’s culture.

The homestead comprises a hut for the man and two others for the first and second wife. There are two granaries. 

There is also a hut for the grandmother who was usually taken in after the death of her husband. 

“The houses were built by the Bomas of Kenya. Being a Kikuyu dominated, area it has helped preserve the culture,” says Mr Kariuki.