Hidden Gem at Embu for Hikers

There are exotic places that are candy to the eye and a delight to the soul for hikers. However, the same spots may often be missed by those that love road-tripping. Nonetheless, the hidden gem below was just an “accidental discovery” as I was strolling around Embu West. I will call it the place that can only flash in your dreams because the resident that I interviewed for info was in such haste that I did not ask him the history of the river.

In fact, our conversation went like:

“Hello. I really like this river. What’s its name and does it have any waterfall nearby? I can hear it but that place looks dangerously steep.”

“Hello, it is called Mwiria River and indeed it has a waterfall but you will have to use another route. Do you know the bridge of God?”

“No.”

“And where they fetch Munyu wa Ngerwe? (Munyu is a natural existing mineral like water that tastes like carbonated water.”

“No.”

“You must be new here then. The bodaboda guys around here can take you around. There places are near a town called Cambira.”

He was carrying an empty jerry can and he seemed to be in haste so I thanked him and left him alone.

To reach this spot on foot, it will take you around 1 1/2 hours to trek from Mutunduri junction to King David High School. However, if you are new to area, just for directions from Mutunduri town to Kamama Boys High School because the King David tag was just added a few years ago. Many old folks will always refer to the institution as Kamama Boys.

There is a small town called Gakambura located past another town called Kirigi, where the diversion to Kamama Boys is. Once you reach the school, a road diverts to your right and it seems like it circles the school. Follow the road until it joins another murram road from Kairuri town. At that junction, follow the road to your left and walk for about ten minutes until you meet a tarmacked road on your right.

The gem is hidden right past the bridge. There are a few gabion stairs towards the river. The river has a makeshift wooden bridge that is elevated into an imitation of an engineering marvel. It is an ideal spot for picnic and photo shoot lovers. When I visited, the place was deserted but it was on a Sunday. However, the water level was also very low.

The journey can last for about 30 minutes via a road trip and the road network is quite in good shape. Instead of following the Kind David High School route, an alternative route connects Manyatta town with Kairuri town. From Kairuri, just keep driving until you branch off at the tarmarcked road junction on your right. Drive past the bridge and park at the roadside.