Forest Reserves in Bomet County
Chepalungu Forest: A Return to Innocence
“Chepalungu forest [in central Bomet County] has been at the heart of Kenya’s Kipsigis community for as long as anyone can remember. It is also a source of streams that recharge the Mara River and, owing to its proximity to the Maasai Mara national reserve, a refuge for wildlife. But during widespread protests following the presidential election results in 2007, much of the forest in Bomet, south of the Rift Valley, was destroyed and the trees felled.” – The Guardian
Like many forests in Kenya, the difficulties facing Chepalungu forest, like threats from deforestation, illegal logging, encroachment, and unsustainable land use practices, were not entirely isolated. And so are the efforts, in earnest, to address these challenges, through community-based conservation, law enforcement, and sustainable forestry management practices. All these efforts are geared to address the underlying anthropogenic issues and illegal activities impeding conservation.
Awakened by the near tragic destruction in their backyard, the local community corrected what was previously a blithe participation in conservation. Having lived around Chepalungu forest, and benefited from it, across generations, its fading exploits fostered a stalwart communal effort to replenish its bald spots. Various organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, also got involved in the drive to conserve and restore it.
These efforts include tree planting campaigns, habitat restoration projects, environmental education programs, and community empowerment initiatives. The disappearance of indigenous trees such as African wild olive, cedar, red stinkwood and nandi flame, was not just a blow to biodiversity but also to the Kipsigis’ old ways of life. The forest is a valuable source of herbs and plants for medicines and traditional ceremonies. Thus far, 100 hectares of land in the forest have been selected for the reforestation project and prepared for tree planting.
Chepalungu forest is situated in the Chepalungu Hills, which is part of the larger Mau Forest Complex. Its forest footprint covers 4,871 hectares divided into two blocks [Siongiroi with 871 hectares and Kapchumbe with 4,000 hectares] typified by diverse flora and fauna. It is still home to variegated indigenous tree species, including cedar, bamboo, and indigenous hardwoods. The forest provides habitat for numerous animal species – birds, monkeys, antelopes, and small mammals.
Chepalungu forest also holds cultural significance for the local Kipsigis people. It is regarded as a sacred site and is associated with traditional rituals. Conservation efforts in stride and regulations in place, it has great opportunities for ecotourism and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as nature walks, birding, picnics, and camping amidst the serene natural surroundings. From Bomet town, it is 31 km to Chepalungu forest. You head northwest via the B3 Narok-Kaplong-Kisii Road for 14 km, then onto Chebole-Makimemy Road up to the forest station.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
Touring Bomet County offers a chance to explore the lush landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural attractions of Kenya’s Rift Valley region. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or adventure, Bomet offers a diverse range of attractions and activities to explore. It is also a jumping-off place to Masai Mara.
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Explore Destinations Near Chepalungu Forest
A Guide to Bomet County
A Summa Digest of Bomet
About Bomet Way Back When
20 Destinations in Bomet County, arranged as one would visit these - east, north, south then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kipsigis Oasis Sanctuary and Culture, Chepalungu Forest, Nogirwet Irrigation Scheme, Chebara Irrigation Scheme, Kaplelach Cultural Centre, Masese Nyangores Ecotourism, Nyangores River, Masai Mara National Reserve, Fair Hills Hotel, Sahara Gardens Hotel, The Willis Hotel, Tenwek Falls, Motigo Hill, Kipsegon Ecosystem, Tirgaga Tea Factory, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest, Iria Maina Falls, Changoi Tea Factory
Know More About Bomet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Rainfall is evenly distributed in Bomet, except for the short dryer season in January and February. Temperature levels range from 16oC to 24oC with the coldest months between February and April; and July.
Bomet has an undulating topography that gives way to a flatter terrain in the south. The overall slope is towards the south, except the north eastern region – which rises eastwards towards the 3,000 ms Mau Mountain Complex.