Karue: Nature lovers’ paradise hill with several chiselled seats
Two visitors on their way to Karue Hill in Embu County. It hosts many animals, including insects, snakes, birds and multi-coloured lizards. It is about 1,600 metres above sea level. PHOTO | KENNEDY KIMANTHI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Towering at about 1,600 metres above sea level, Karue Hill is a serene site with a captivating landscape.
Driving from Embu Town to Karue Hill takes about 30 minutes.
Many years ago, it was the site for traditional rituals by the Embu people.
A day trip to the scenic Karue Hill on the Embu-Runyenjes road is full of picturesque views.
Surreal and jagged rocky outcrops dot the incredibly beautiful hill, which is arguably Embu County’s best kept secret.
It is one of the most visited sites by Embu County residents.
Driving from Embu Town to Karue Hill takes about 30 minutes.
Towering at about 1,600 metres above sea level, Karue Hill is a serene site with a captivating landscape.
NATURALLY CHISELLED 'SEATS'
But these are no ordinary rocks.
They appear to be finely chiselled and then piled up, forming “seats” on which nature lovers rest on and scan the surrounding area which stretches tens of kilometres.
Visitors are likely to find its volcanic hilltop clad in white clouds at any time of the day, especially during the dry and hot seasons.
When the rains come, tourists are cautioned against visiting the site as the rocks are usually very slippery and the surrounding area misty.
Geologists say the hill could have been formed during the Pre-Cambrian age.
This is supported by the fossil-like rocks that barely support any vegetation.
Curiously, at the very top of the hill, there are two tall eucalyptus trees which offer the much required shade for visitors.
BREATHTAKING SITE FOR NATURE LOVERS
The challenging terrain becomes more pronounced as one climbs towards the top of the hill on a rocky and narrow path along the edges of the undergrowth.
Visitors who love rock climbing and are nature lovers would find this site breathtaking because it offers one of the best picnic sites in county.
The iconic super-steep and bare mountain rock face is also the preferred habitat of different animal species, including insects, butterflies, snakes, small mammals, geckos, rare birds, and multi-coloured lizards.
Many years ago, it was the site for traditional rituals by the Embu people.
Other landmarks around Karue Hill are the forested Kirimiri area which is preserved as a water catchment and the Nthenge Njeru twin waterfalls that are clearly visible from Embu-Runyenjes road.
