Hidden gems: A journey to Charagita, Nyandarua County

It's a beautiful Thursday morning the air is crisp, and the mountains are calling, a sense of adventure fills the air and the excitement is electrifying.

This isn't just any road trip it's a journey to a hidden gem called Charagita in nyandarua county. A place where rolling hills embrace the sky and the cool mountain air invites you to pause and breathe deeply. Today we are taking you on a trip to discover the serenity, charm, and vibrancy of charagita.

For most Kenyans, the mention of Nyandarua conjures images of freezing cold temperatures and sprawling potato farms. Located northwest of Nairobi Nyandarua county borders Nakuru, Laikipia, Muranga and Kiambu counties. situated in the central highlands of Kenya which are dominated by the Aberdare ranges which is a significant water catchment area that nurtures the regions lush environment and verdant farmlands.

Nyandarua is praised for its natural beauty, its vitality when it comes to agriculture and cultural richness. But today we venture into a specific hidden gem community known as Charagita. Tucked away in the heart of the county, Charagita stands out as a vibrant locale with a dynamic community that breathes life into the land. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, fertile lands and a community deeply rooted in agricultural practices as you drive through, you will find fields of potatoes, cabbages, and carrots with grazing contently in the distance painting a picture or rural tranquility.

We leave Nairobi at 1pm for the 3-hour journey, depending on how many stops we make. We love to take our time and make stops; this trip heals the soul and reconnects you with nature. every moment is magical and there is something deeply satisfying about each passing mile.

As we make our way headed towards Nakuru our first stop is at viewpoint along the highway. The view takes your breath away, the clouds feel so close it seems like you could reach out and touch them. souvenir vendors add to the charm, offering trinkets and refreshments we cannot resist picking a few things. the contrast of the deep blue sky against white clouds and the lush backdrop of greenery below is indescribable.

Next, we stop at Naivasha’s buffalo mall, conveniently located just off the highway. This modern shopping complex offers a supermarket, fast-food chains, a coffee shop with a cool play area for kids at an affordable price. The restrooms are spotless, complete with hot showers a bonus after hours of travel. We get snacks at the supermarket, sip on some coffee and snap some photos Infront of the malls art display which showcase Kenya's beauty with a modern twist.

People are lining up to take pictures with these displays and ofcourse we stop for one last snap of the iconic ‘i heart naivasha’ sign. After our little detour we continue our journey and make our way to kikopey for some mouth-watering nyama choma. Kikopey, derived from a Maasai phrase meaning ‘a place where green turns white’ is a renowned stop for travelers. Here, you are spoilt for choice between goat, beef, mutton, chicken, or pork. The air is filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling meat that calls to the travelers and locals to the numerous butcheries and eateries. The meat is served hot, the kachumbari is fresh, the vegetables are delicious, and the drinks are chilled to perfection nothing quite beats it after hours on the road.

As we leave kikopey we continue on our way and once we get to Nakuru, we turn on to the Lanet road. as we journey into charagita the scenery changes dramatically. The bustle of Nairobi fades into the rearview mirror and the landscape shifts from flat stretches of land to the stunning backdrops of mountains. Lanet is a flat stretch of land, but the mountains stand Infront of us and we are going to drive right though them, winding our way through forestry to get to charagita.

As we climb higher, we get a better view of nakuru city and below us the clear waters of lake nakuru reflect the golden glow of the setting sun. The car grows quieter as everyone takes in the moment, the atmosphere is bathed in gold the air is fresh, and you can almost hear the heartbeat of the land around you.

we pass through smaller settlement full of life and the cool mountain air is a welcome relief from the heat of the city we left behind. It's hard not to feel a sense of peace settle over us all.

Finally, we arrive at charagita. The roads are lined with familiar faces, and the landscape is dotted with fields of potatoes, cabbages, and carrots. cows graze contentedly in the distance and the local markets are bursting with fresh produce. As we drive past, we see farmers delivering fresh milk in large metallic containers to local milk stations, signaling that the milk is done early in the morning and in the evening. The fences of the farms are lined with raspberry plants ripe in various stages, in their vibrant red fruits catching the eye.

Arriving at our homestead we are greeted by the sounds of animal and excited voices of Neighbours. our house is perched atop a hill and from here the Aberdare ranges stand tall in the distance as the sun sets behind them. The temperatures drop and the air grows cooler. We make a fire and gather around it, sharing stories, laughter, and the warmth of the flames.

Amid our conversation an idea sparks, Just a short drive away from where we are we lies the majestic Thomson's falls. This natural wonder 74-meter waterfall plunges dramatically into a rocky gorge surrounded by lush green forest. The mist rises from the falls creating a refreshing coolness in the air, which offers a perfect contrast to the warmth of the day. The views are breathtaking and a must-see destination for anyone visting nyandarua county. The roar of the water and the lush greenery surrounding it makes it feel as if nature is putting on a private show just for you.

We go to bed with a sense of excitement; our hearts filled with anticipation for the adventure that awaits us tomorrow.