Solio Game Reserve

This private 17,500-acre reserve (55271;B5 Hwy; adult /child/vehicle Ksh 1600/free/500),22 km north of Nyeri ,plays a major part in breeding and preserving black rhinos in Kenya. Most of the hook lipped horned beasts wandering national parks were actually born here its current rhino population would make some sub-Saharan countries blush!

The reserve also hosts animals like oryxes, gazelles, hartebeests, giraffes and buffalos. While visiting you’ll probably see the beautiful crowned crane and several varieties of paradise birds.

Self-drive safaris are permitted, with free maps available at the front gate. Allmendinger’s guesthouse offers half day trips for US$60 per person (minimum two people, plus admission)

Baden-Powell Museum

Sitting within the Outspan’s Hotel beautiful ground, this museum (admission Ksh 100; 8am to 6pm) was the former cottage of Lord Baden Powell, founder of the international scout association. You’ll find oodles of scouting paraphernalia and great mid 20th C photos. The man himself is buried behind St Peters church (B5 Hwy).

Other activities

Nyeri’s three top hotels offer wildlife drives to Aberdare National Park. Outspan Hotel is the most reasonable at Ksh 2500 per person (minimum two passengers) for two hours, plus park fees. If you fancy get your head in the clouds, the gliding club of Kenya (0733760331; gliding@africaonline.co.ke; p.o.box926, Nyeri) based 2km south of Mweiga, fits the bill. A ten minute flight costs US$50.

Every Sunday and public holiday the Green Hills Hotel (Bishop Gatimu Rd) hosts a daylong mini festival of traditional dance, music and puppetry. It is free and great for kids.a dip in the swimming pool is Ksh 200.

Sleeping

Budget and Midrange Hotels

Most of the cheap options will curl your toes. So here are the better picks

Central Hotel (Kanisa Rd; s/tw incl breakfast. Ksh 600/850).central hosts bright, clean, slightly cramped twins and more roomy singles with many boasting balconies. Service here is a step up from the most.

Ibis hotel (s/tw Ksh 500/800) Ibis has comfortable and clean rooms with brilliant power showers.

Peresia Hotel (;off Gakere road; s/tw Ksh 300/500)with red cement floors and blue, Paresia is as colorful as it is cheap. Some rooms smell cheap so sniff a room, 212 is the brightest of the bunch.

Nyeri Star Restaurant and Board And Lodge (2031083; Gakere Rd;s/tw 300/500) slightly rougher round the edges than the nearby Paresia Hotel, it still has some hot showers and some sizeable rooms. The upstairs outward facing rooms are brightest and most quiet.it is conveniently close to the bus station and parking is available.

Green Oaks (off Kimathi way ;s/w Ksh 300/450)the rooms are bare bones basic ,but they are close to the upper bus stand. Its lively restaurant can be a little loud.

Batian Grand Hotel

batianhotel@wananchi.com;Gakere rd ;s/tw Ksh 700/1000)front rooms face Mt Kenya at this well appointed place with good facilities(when the boilers aren’t leaking).the small inward-facing are darker than the larger carpeted twins and doubles. A coffee shop, a restaurant and a pub are downstairs.

Green Hills Hotel (Bishop Gatimu Rd s/tw from 1350/2300) some distance from the town center lies the only true midrange option. The palm lined ‘standard’ rooms are comfortable and spot shady balconies with garden views. The larger executive options have lounge chairs and TVs.