Forest Reserves in Bomet
The South Western National Reserve
South Western Mau National Reserve is the latter-day name for what had been familiar simply as the South Mau Forest, a part of the larger Mau Complex that was officially gazetted in 1954 as a Forest Reserve. The total combined area of Mau Complex, originally estimated at 4,000 km2 of an upland densely wooded country in the 1960s, is now estimated at 2,773 km2.
Covering parts of Nakuru, Bomet and Kericho counties, the South Western Mau Forest is the largest of the forests blocks in the complex, and is of critical importance. It was declared Crown Land in the 1930s and became a national reserve in 1945. It was gazetted in 1954 as a forest reserve under the Forest Act.
The expansive South Western Mau Forest Reserve, which covers about 60,000 hectares of prime indigenous montane forest is a highly significant ecosystem managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Even so, it is ecologically and economically critical for Kenya and parts of East Africa. The forest is economically and ecologically vital for this country. 10 million people depend on its rivers.
It also influences the region’s micro-climate which creates ideal conditions to produce crops such as tea. Furthermore, it is one of Kenya’s main water towers. Among its important ecological values is its place as the source of the Sondu Miriu river, whose waters feed into Lake Victoria and onwards through the Nile River.
The destruction of more than 30% of Mau’s forest, either by wanton logging or degraded for putting tea production and other private sector industries, has triggered a national disquiet, prompting establishment of protected reserves.
The marge of South Western Mau is 5 kms from Tirgaga Tea Factory at Ndarawetta. There is an all-weather gravel road that climbs an easy gradient passing tea farmlands. Still under utilized as a destination, replanting the degraded forest sections and regulating access have commenced.
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
outlook
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.
You Are Here: South Western Mau Forest
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Explore Destinations Near South Western Mau 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 Mau; 3,000 metres.