Formless? How about a visit to ‘Africa’s tallest tree?’

The trunk of Mutunguruni Tree in Ndagani Village,Tharaka Nithi County. Residents belief that this is the tallest tree in Africa. Photo/Felix Kinyua.

Times are hard, so they say, but kuna form in Mutunguruni Village, Home to Africa’s tallest tree according to residents of Ndagani in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County.

Tharaka Nithi has traditionally been known as home to the popular Chuka dancers whose tantalizing drumming and dance has thrilled many throughout the country especially on national day celebrations.

But now the county is getting new image with devolved system of governments which is promoting new tourism ventures.
Among the major attraction in the county is Mutunguruni tree at Ndagani Village which is considered sacred to the Chuka Sub tribe and as has served as a shrine where community elders go for divine intervention in times of draught or other calamities.

The tree which is about 40 meters tall is probably the tallest tree in Kenya, though residents here believe it is the tallest in Africa.

A section of the Mighty Mutunguruni tree at Ndagani Village which is used as a shrine by the Chuka sub tribe. Photo/Felix kinyua.

The story of the tree is also well known to the residents and has attracted significance number of visitors over the years.

Apart from the tourism and religious functions, the tree also serves as a crucial landmark and is visible from any point of the county and is commonly used as a sign post for navigation in the county.

Whereas it is an important landmark, the tree is also home to the world deadliest vipers which have been responsible for many fatalities including many deaths and limb amputation among residents.

Some of the largest pythons and other serpents’ species in the county are also found here.

Tharaka Nithi county government is yet to gazette the area as a major tourist attraction, which makes it absolutely free to visit this beautiful scenery.

Next time you are in Chuka, kindly make a point to visit the area which is also a mine gold for outside shoots for photographers looking for amazing backgrounds.

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