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Natural Landmarks in Bungoma

Luucho Hills: A Rare Rock Art Site

Hills and associated inselbergs are popular touring spots known for their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and relaxation. Below Mount Elgon in the north, the central and southern parts of Bungoma County are dotted with numerous hills and inselbergs. Some of these stand above the general country, like Kabuchai and Luucho Hills. Still others are large rock outcrops that are scenic, like Sangalo Rock.

Laudable though sold short, Luucho Hills are situated 8 km north of Bungoma town, reachable either via C33 Bungoma-Mumias Road or via C42 Chwele-Kimilili-Kamukuywa Road. Away from the main road you approach Luucho Hill through a dusty and lonely path. With an elevation of 1,542 metres asl, they rise prominently above the surrounding landscape, with an exceptional perspective from the top. Around the hills is a rocky-forested area flanked by ancient trees.

There are many footpaths around the hills to the top of Luucho Hills. It takes about 30 minutes to ascend. At the 50 metres wide prominence at the top, there is a small pothole lake that is a sinkhole full of muddy water. The old wives tale about it is that whoever fell in the sinkhole would have his or her body retrieved in Lake Victoria. All around it is a unique vantage point from which to view Bungoma and its surrounding. The peak of Mount Elgon can be seen in the distant background.

Unlike many other parts of Kenya, Bungoma is out of the common when it comes to archaeological investigations. Evidence of this rare occurrence appears at the Luucho Hill where rock art was practised. In a rockshelter locally referred to as Chemusari, the antiquated rock art shows paintings of animals, humans and tools. Some argue that the associated artefacts found here is typical of the Kalenjins.

It is often suggested that the art was done by the Kalenjin people, whose place of origin in Kenya is in Mount Elgon. As expected, most of the sites that are found here are either caves or rocks shelters.There’s more about Luucho Hills to interest the traveller. It is the headwaters for River Sio, that flows for 85 km over parts of Bungoma, Teso in Busia, and Berkeley Bay in Uganda, then drains in Lake Victoria.

No one is allowed to climb to the top of the hill free-of-charge. Visitors to Luucho Hills are required to pay a token to the local guides, who are usually at hand to ensure you make the most of your visit. All the same, the potential of Luucho Hills is not being used efficiently or to the maximum capacity for touring. With proper amenities, it can have increased traffic, economic growth, and overall success.

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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

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outlook

Touring Bungoma County a rich cultural and natural experience. Visit the local villages to experience traditional Luhya culture, including music, dance, and food. The Luhya are known for their vibrant cultural heritage. Around Bungoma County are many great spots for photography and to appreciate the nature’s beauty.

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Explore Destinations Near Luucho Hills

A Guide to Bungoma County



A Summa Digest of Bungoma

About Bungoma Way Back When

26 Destinations in Bungoma County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south east then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Mount Elgon National Reserve, Elephants Maternity Ward, Chepkitale Forest, Kaptama Viewpoint, Chemoge High Altitude Training Camp, Bukusu Cultural Centre, Maeni Shrine, Namunyu Cave, Daraja la Mungu, Malakisi Falls, Kabuchai Hills, Teremi Falls, Chwele Market, Muyayi Dam, Luucho Hills, Musikoma Hills, Hunters Paraside Cottages, Bungoma Sports Club, Mwibale wa Mwanja, Buteyo Miti Park, Sangalo Rocks, Chetambe Fort, Old Webuye Mills, Nabuyole Falls, Kumfunje Bridge, Mwikhupo Falls

Know More About Bungoma County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

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