Natural Landmarks in Baringo
The Scenic Tugen (Kamasia) Hills
The traditional touring circuit from Lake Baringo doubles-back to Marigat town to Kabarnet town, then across the Kerio Valley and up the Elgeyo Escarpment, on a thrilling and winding steep road to Iten, above the valley. From Lake Baringo, the scenically-splendid Tugen Hills dominate much of the western roadview.
“When turning from Lake Baringo to the west, you will go for a roller coaster that takes you through the hot Rift Valley floor to the chilly top of the Tugen Hills, back into Kerio Valley, and then up again to the Elgeyo Escarpment”.
Also known as the Kamasia Hills, this faulted, arched and wooded range with a north to south strike – stretching out for 50 km from Tenges, in the south, to Kipsaraman, in the north – is the most evocative landmark of Baringo County. It dominates the west-half of the county. Moreover, it lies within the Great Rift Valley, flanked by Elgeyo Escarpment (west) and Laikipia Escarpment (east).
The 47 km drive from Marigat turnoff towards Kabarnet offers the best roadside opportunity to view Tugen Hills. The route from Kabarnet to Eldama Ravine also offers great views. The local Tugen, also known as the Kamasia tribe, hold in high esteem the landscape of Tugen Hills as a treasured cultural assets. The lesser tribes – Njemps and Pokots – also show a kindred deference for Tugen Hills.
The same appreciation has been echoed by scientists and archaeologists, too. The Tugen Hills represent one of the few areas in Africa preserving a succession of deposits from the period of between 14 and 4 million years ago, making them an important location for the study of human (and animal) evolution. Excavations at the site conducted by Richard Leake from 1967 yielded a important artefacts.
From Kabarnet town, on the eastern flank of the Tugen Hills, are the steep gullies that march down to meet the expansive Kerio Valley. These are best seen near the Ainamoj Village en-route Iten. The isolated outcrop at Kimng’ochoch stands higher than most parts. Tugen Hills have a great many sites of gripping interest.
Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.
Index of Natural Landmarks Around Kenya
Baringo County - Paka Volcano, Metkei Ridge, Tugen (Kamasia) Hills, Silale Crater, Bomet County - Motigo Hill, Bungoma County - Kabuchai Hills, Luucho Hills, Busia County - Samia Hills, Namenya Hill, Namenya Hill, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Escarpment, Mektei Ridge, Cherangani Hills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Mumoni Hill, Garissa County - Merti Plain, Homa Bay County - Asego & Kasarua Hills, Ruri Hills, Gembe Hills, The Gwassi Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Merti Plateau, Nyambene Range, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Suswa, Ol Doinyo Orok, Chyulu Hills, Kericho County - Tinderet Mountain, Kiambu County - Kijabe Hills, Kilifi County - Marafa Gorge, Kisumu County - Kajulu Hills, Kitui County - Yatta Plateau, Laikipia County - Laikipia Plateau, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mandera County - Dandu Hills, Marsabit County - Mount Nyiru, Nabuyatom Cone, Mount Kulal, Mount Marsabit, Hurri Hills, Sololo Escarpment, Mount Forore, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mount Kenya, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru Mountains, Menengai Crater, Nandi County - Nandi Hills, Nyando Escarpment, Kamulat Hill, Nandi Scarp, Narok County - Nguruman, Loita Hills, Siria Ridge, Nyamira County - Kibugat Hill, Emanga Hills, Kiabonyoru Hill, Nkoora Hill, Nyandarua County - Aberdare Range, Mount Kipipiri, Samburu County - Scared Mount Ololokwe, Ndoto Mountain Range, Mathews Range, Mount Nyiru, Samburu Hills, Loroghi Plateau, Siaya County - Got Ramogi, Taita Taveta County - Taita (Range) Hills, Mount Sagalla, Ngulia Hills, Mount Kasigau, Tharaka Nithi County - Kijegge Range, Turkana County - Mogila Hills, Loima Hills, Vihiga County - Bunyore Hills, Maragoli Hills, Wajir County - Mansa Guda Range, Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Mount Murpus, Koh Hill, Sekerr Range
outlook
Touring Baringo County offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Many of its hidden gems, along Kenya’s Rift Valley, create unforgettable memories. Baringo County’s vast ecological gamut is a road-trip lover’s playground, birder’s haven and photographer’s paradise.
You Are Here: Tugen Hills
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Near Tugen Hills
A Guide to Baringo County
A Summa Digest of Baringo
About Baringo Way Back When
52 Destinations in Baringo County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mogotio Equator Crossing, Hotel Lomanira, Olduka Valley, Maji-Moto Hot Springs, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, Loboi Plains, Irong Community Conservancy, Chuine Community Conservancy, Laikipia Escarpment, Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, Lake Baringo National Reserve, Kerubo Swamp, Robert's Camp, Royal Doves Garden, Soi Safari Lodge, Teddy Bear Island, Samatian Island Lodge, Ruko Conservancy, Kaptuya Conservancy, Korosi Volcano, Kabarion Conservancy, Paka Volcano, Nakegere (Kapedo) Falls, Mount Silale, Korongoro Hotel, Lomechan Caves, Daraja ya Mungu, Kimalel Goat Auction, Tugen Hills, Katimok Forest, Kabarnet Museum, Kirandich Dam, Morop Hill, Kikojo Falls, Kimng’ochoch Conservancy, Morop-Tarambas Conservancy, Simot Falls, Releng Hot Springs, Kipsaraman Museum, Kolloa Monument, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Chebloch Gorge, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Metkei Ridge, Lembus Forest, Eldama Ravine, St. Swithin’s Church, Koibatek Forest Reserve, Chemususu Dam, Timboroa Railway Station.
Know More About Baringo County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Baringo County varies widely in altitude from 700 ms to 3000 ms. One of the prominent features in Baringo is the Kerio Valley, situated in the western and lowest region. Rising above the valley are the Tugen Hills.
Temperatures vary from region to region in, ranging from 22 to 35 degrees C. Due to its varied altitudes, the sub-counties in Baringo County receive different levels of rainfall.
