How to Get to our Rustic Lodge using Public Transport from Nairobi or Nyeri — A Simple Travel Guide with Directions to Aberdare Cottages

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If you are reading this, chances are the city noise has gotten too much, the office walls are closing in, and you’re dreaming of mountains and fresh air. That feeling—the need to just drop everything and escape the everyday madness—is exactly what we live for here in the Aberdare Highlands.



We know that sometimes, the journey to peace can feel complicated, especially when you’re figuring out directions. But trust us, getting to our rustic little haven in Mathioya Village is part of the adventure! Whether you're coming from the buzzing streets of Nairobi or the cooler climes of Nyeri, here is your simple, no-stress guide to finding your way to Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge. If you’ve been planning a quick escape to the Central Highlands of Kenya, here’s a simple, clear, and traveler-friendly guide to help you reach our eco-lodge, whether you’re coming from Nairobi or Nyeri. This guide is handy for backpackers, solo travelers, wellness enthusiasts, company teams on retreat, and anyone who simply needs a break from everyday life.

Getting to the Lodge from Nairobi (By Public Transport)

If you’re traveling from Nairobi, your journey begins in the familiar chaos of the city—but don’t worry, within a few hours you’ll be deep in tea country.

🚐 Step 1: Board a Matatu at OTC (Ronald Ngala Street)

Go to the Total petrol station at OTC, off Ronald Ngala Street.
Look for matatus heading to Kangema–Gacharageini–Mioro. These ones take you straight toward the Aberdare mountain edges.

🚐 Step 2: Ride Through Thika and Murang’a

You'll pass through the Nairobi–Thika Dual Carriage (A2), moving from city towers to pineapple fields.
Continue past:

  1. Nairobi – Thika Dual Carriage A2 (45 km)

  2. Thika – End of the Dual Carriage A2 (10 km)

  3. Before the dual carriage ends, branch left onto Road B25 (you’ll see signs: Equity, KCB, Pioneer School).

  4. Follow B25 to Murang’a Town (25 km).

  5. Stopover landmark: Rubis Petrol Station / Magunas Supermarket.

  6. Opposite Rubis, take the alert turn onto the Kangema–Othaya Road.

  7. Continue to Kangema Town (25 km).

  8. From Kangema, go straight toward Othaya for exactly 6 km.

  9. At the 6 km point, take the left turn with signs for Njumbi High School, Gatunguru Tea Factory, etc.

  10. Continue to Gatunguru Tea Factory (9 km).

  11. Directly opposite the factory, take the murram road on your right for 3 km to reach the lodge.

When Using Public Transport:

You can choose to:

  • Alight at Gatunguru Tea Factory, then take a motorbike (boda) to the lodge.

  • Alight earlier at Gacharageini centre and take a refreshing 1 km hike to the lodge.
    A staff member can meet you here and walk with you—just let us know.

There’s something grounding about this hike. The air is cooler. The hills open up. You can hear the river long before you see it. It’s like the mountains are welcoming you in.

Getting to the Lodge from Nyeri

Traveling from Nyeri brings a different kind of beauty—rolling hills, clusters of homesteads, and that crisp mountain breeze Nyeri people know so well.

  1. Take the Nyeri–Othaya Road to Othaya (17 km).

  2. Continue on Othaya–Kiriani Road (7 km).

  3. Keep going toward Kangema for exactly 7 km.

  4. At that point, take the right turn (signs: Njumbi High School, Gatunguru Tea Factory, etc.).

  5. Drive along the scenic tarmac road past the hills until you reach Gatunguru Tea Factory (9 km).

  6. Opposite the factory on the right, take the 3 km murram road down to the lodge.

The Nyeri route feels like a gentle descent into calm—especially as you approach the tea zones. Everything becomes softer. Time slows.

Yes, this is a directions guide. But it’s also an invitation.

An invitation to take that drive you keep postponing.
To let your heart unclench.
To hear a river instead of a ringtone.
To exchange office walls for misty ridges, boardrooms for bird calls, and stress for stillness.

Whether you’re traveling for:

  • a solo wellness escape,

  • a romantic weekend,

  • a road trip with friends,

  • a corporate retreat,

  • or simply a few days of quiet…

…the Aberdare Ranges will hold you gently, remind you to breathe, and help you reconnect to yourself.

Save this article for later.
Share it with someone you want to travel with.
Or keep it for the days when the city becomes too loud, and you need a place where the mountains rise like old guardians and the world finally feels soft again.

Whenever you're ready, Mathioya is waiting for YOU. Karibu Sana!

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