Natural Landmarks in Busia





Emakina Hills: Unexpectedly Beautiful
As the altitude in Busia County rises from 1,130 ms in the southwestern area, at the shores of Lake Victoria, inclining gradually over the peneplain marked by low flat divides of almost uniform height in the central regions of Butula and Nambale, large granitic tors with exposed rock outcrops begin to stamp the countryside.
Typified by large, ancient granite formations or boulders that have been weathered and eroded by natural processes over millions of years. Granitic tors are formed through a combination of geological processes, including weathering and exfoliation. These large tors are usually found in regions with granite bedrock.
Increasing in size and intensity northerly heading, The Kavirondo series rocks are developed around Busia, Nambale and Butula while the granites dominate the Northern parts of the county. Among these granitic intrusions forming the distinctive hills in the central region of Nambale is Emakina Hills, a site of the Emakina Shrine vaunted as one the significant cultural (heritage) sites within Busia.
Emakina Hills exhibit jointing and fracturing patterns, which influence the shape and structure of granitic tors. Joints are natural fractures or cracks in the rock caused by tectonic forces or other geological processes. Over time, water seeps into these joints, contributing to further weathering and erosion of the rock. A variety of shapes and forms, including rounded boulders and massive outcrops.
The Emakina Hills are often popular attractions for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts in may respects thanks to their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. In the higher reaches, the tors offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for rock climbing and photography.
Even without the possibility of seeing local traditions in-situ, it is a wildly-beautiful attraction. The Emakina Hills Shrine however needs to be further developed to fully tap its cultural tourism potential. For many years now, they have had cultural sway and are often regarded as iconic landmark by the respective communities.
They may be associated with local folklore, myths, and legends, and they contribute to the cultural identity and heritage of the landscape. It is found in Nambale, reachable either, off B1 Kisumu-Busia Road along Nambale-Emakina Road, or off A104 Eldoret-Malaba Road onto Myanga-Emakina Road.

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

Enjoy the warm hospitality of the people of Busia County while exploring its diverse attractions. Busia County offers a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and historical sites. Visit the lakeshore to enjoy serene views, take boat rides, and possibly visit fishing communities to learn about their way of life.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Emakina Hills
A Guide to Busia County
A Summa Digest of Busia
About Busia Way Back When
22 Destinations in Busia County, arranged as one would visit these - east, south then north - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Sio Port, Samia Hills, Bakhulo Shrines in Samia, Budalang'i Forest, Port Victoria, Namenya Hills, Marenga Beach, Muhondo Conservancy, Budalang'i Delta, Che's Bay Resort, Bunyala Rice Scheme, River Nzoia, Yala Swamp, Sio Siteki Swamp, Kavirondo Rocks, Emakina Hills, Alupe Leprosy Center, Busia Border Point, Kocholia Irrigation Scheme, Kakapel Rock, Kakapel Cultural Centre, Malaba Sanctuary
Know More About Busia County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate and National Monuments
The temperature around Busia is more or less homogeneous. Mean maximum temperature ranges yearly between 26°C and 30°C while the average minimum temperature ranges yearly betwixt 14°C and 22°C.



Both the geography and the natural conditions of Busia are largely reflective of the relief features of the surroundings Lake Victoria Catchment, in that much of the county falls within the Lake Victoria Basin.

