Nyandarua

Nyandarua County occupies the eastern slopes and plateau of the Aberdare Range in central Kenya. Its landscape is defined by the Aberdare National Park, a pristine montane forest and alpine moorland ecosystem. The county is predominantly agricultural, known for its wheat, maize, potatoes, and dairy farming.

Ol Kalou serves as the county capital. The region is part of the former Central Province and is predominantly inhabited by Kikuyu farming communities. The Aberdare forest and moorlands offer some of Kenya's most scenic hiking, with waterfalls, trout streams, and abundant wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and the rare bongo antelope.

The dry months of June to September and January to March are best for hiking and wildlife viewing. The long rains (March–May) and short rains (October–November) can be heavy. Temperatures are cool year-round due to the high elevation (2,000–3,000 m).

The A2 highway runs through the county, connecting Nairobi to Nyeri and Nanyuki. Matatus and buses run from Nairobi to Ol Kalou, Engineer, Njabini, and Ndaragwa. Within the county, matatus and boda-bodas connect all major towns.

• Ol Kalou — the county capital, a market town in the Aberdare highlands.
• Njabini — a gateway town to the Aberdare National Park's eastern side.
• Engineer — a town on the A2 highway, a transport stop between Nairobi and Nyahururu.
• Ndaragwa — a highland town in the northern part of the county.
• Ol Joro Orok — a town on the eastern slopes of the Aberdare Range.
• Ndunyu Njeru — a trading centre in the Aberdare foothills.
• Aberdare National Park — a montane park with waterfalls, moorlands, and wildlife.

Central Kenyan Kikuyu cuisine dominates: mukimo (mashed potatoes, maize, pumpkin leaves, and beans), irio (peas, maize, and potatoes), and githeri (maize and beans). The region is known for high-quality potatoes, trout from the Aberdare streams, and dairy products.

The Kikuyu people are the predominant community. The nearby Aberdare forest has deep cultural and spiritual significance. The region has historical importance from the Mau Mau independence struggle, with caves and hideouts in the forest. Agricultural shows are major community events.

• Aberdare National Park — game drives through montane forest and moorland, spotting elephants, buffalo, and the elusive bongo.
• Thomson's Falls — visiting the spectacular waterfall near Nyahururu on the county border.
• Trout fishing — fly-fishing for trout in the Aberdare mountain streams.
• Aberdare hiking — trekking through bamboo forests and alpine moorland to the Kinangop Peak.
• Njabini viewpoint — panoramic views of the Rift Valley from the Aberdare escarpment.