Natural Landmarks in Elgeyo Marakwet
Cherangani Hills: The Wonder of the North
The Cherangani Hills is a prominent mountain range located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, covering about 1140 km2 in portions of Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, and Baringo counties. Known for its towering cliffs, rugged terrain, deep valleys and dense forest, it is a landmark of fetching natural beauty.
Cherangani Hills mark the northern boundary of Elgeyo Marakwet County, as they gather-up the western wall of the Rift Valley from where the Elgeyo Escarpment terminates. From Elgeyo Escarpment the contiguous Cherangani Hills extends the wall of the Great Rift Valley northerly to Uganda, on its procession to the Red Sea.
To the east, the Elgeyo Escarpment drops abruptly to floor of Kerio Valley, while westwards the land falls away gently to the plains of Trans-Nzoia County. Formed due to faulting, these range of hills are renowned for their rich biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna. The hills support a variety of all-important ecosystems.
It is a significant ecological and cultural landscape in the region. Much like the Mektei Ridge, at the opposite end of Elgeyo Marakwet, the Cheranganis are marked by heavily gullied forested tops, which in some sections become sheer cliff walls. Atop the steep ridges is where the River Nzoia partly has its source.
All in all, the Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve is comprised of twelve distinct forests: Kapollet, Chemurkkoi, Cheboyit, Embobut, Kaisungor, Kipkunur, Kiptaberr, Kapkanyar, Sogotio, Toropket, Kerer and Lelan. The Cherangani Hills are an important water catchment area, serving as the source of several rivers and streams that flow into Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria basin. Streams to the west of the watershed feed the Nzoia river system, which flows into Lake Victoria; streams to the east flow into the Kerio river system. These rivers provide water for domestic use, agriculture, and wildlife, supporting livelihoods and ecosystems.
The Cherangani Hills offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, birdwatching, and nature appreciation. Visitors can explore the scenic landscapes, observe wildlife, and learn about the cultural heritage of the area through guided tours and local-led experiences. The highest point of the range is Nakugen summit, at 3530 m, which can be ascended from the south. The diversity and scenic beauty of the Cherangani Hills can be appreciated near Arrow and Chebara, 32 km north of Iten.
The Cherangani Hills are inhabited by several indigenous communities, including the Sengwer and Ogiek peoples, who have traditionally relied on the hills for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. These communities have a deep connection to the land and its resources, and their traditional knowledge contributes to the conservation and management of the area. This expansive reserve and its sub-tropical forests is one of their invaluable natural heritages.
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 Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
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Explore Destinations Near Cherangani Hills
A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
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About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When
44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 ms asl., on the Cherangani Hills, to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies greatly with altitude, between 18oC – 26oC average maximum.
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.