Waterfalls in Kakamega
Mwikhupo Falls: A Little-Known Beauty
Nzoia River, along which Mwikhupo Falls occurs, is the largest river system within Kenya’s Lake Victoria. Rising in the slopes of Mount Elgon, it flows through much of western Kenya, becoming a surface inflow for Ewaso Rongai, Koitobos, Kuywa, Sosio and Kibingei, tributaries from Cherangani Hills, before draining into the lake.
It is also fed by 18 small streams rising in Mwibale Wa Mwanja, that confluence at Mwikhupo Falls. Flowing for 270 km from its main headwaters to its mouth, River Nzoia’s landscape descends from an elevated altitude of 4300 m in Mount Elgon and Cherangani Hills to about 1140 m asl at Lake Victoria. The eternal and constant water supply and flooding by Nzoia River and her tributaries makes land arable.
In Bungoma County Nzoia River straddles its entire southern boundary. It is both the official and unofficial boundary with Kakamega County. Midway on its journey through Bungoma County, at Webuye, the river abruptly descends the Nabuyole Falls – a pleasing 40 ms long tiered fall that descends in a series of distinct steps. Further along, as it leaves Bungoma County in the east, River Nzoia also descends the pretty Mwikhupo Falls; distance from Nabuyole Falls to Mwikhupo Falls 54 km.
The lesser known Sidikho Falls occurs to the west of Webuye Falls at Navakholo in Kakamega County. Like many rivers, the Nzoia faces myriad environmental foils, including pollution and sedimentation. Efforts are being made to manage and conserve the river’s resources. On top of that, it is also a haven for crocodiles and snakes that feed on bodies of game that drown or killed and dumped in the river.
Although smaller in scale and size, Mwikhupo Falls resembles Nabuyole Falls, descending in a series of rock steps. What is unique at Mwikhupo Falls are the nearby Chimo and Wepe islands, both the size of half a football pitch. The two islands, 200 metres apart in River Nzoia, at the border with Kakamega, are usually desolate and unvisited. The islands are both a blessing and omen for the locals.
Surrounded by high-yielding vegetation abounding with all of nature’s beauty, Mwikhupo Falls remains underdeveloped for touring. Despite its considerable size, cascading wonder and mesmerizing sound of rushing water, Mwikhupo Falls remains largely unknown by the outside world. Unlike at the more-liked Nabuyole Falls that has a footpath with guard rails, Mwikhupo Falls is a wander in the bush.
One of the envisaged developments at Mwikhupo Fall, that would help open it up for touring, is the Mwikhupo Hydropower Project. The proposed project is on the left bank of Nzoia River that has already been fenced by the developer. Mwikhupo Falls is situated in Chimo village, Navakholo Constituency, 59 km east of Webuye.
Touring waterfalls in Kenya offers a refreshing and adventurous experience, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty. Each waterfall – many still little known – provides a unique and memorable experience, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the opportunity to connect with nature
Index of Waterfalls Around Kenya
Baringo County - Simot Falls, Kikojo Falls, Kapedo Falls, Bomet County - Tenwek Falls, Iria Maina Falls, Bungoma County - Teremi Falls, Malakisi Falls, Nabuyole Webuye Falls, Mwikhupo Falls, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kessup Falls, Torok Falls, Embu County - Iveche Falls, Karurina Falls, Ndunda Falls, Nthenge Njeru Falls, Nthungu Falls, Paradiso Falls, Isiolo County - Gotu (Chanler's) Falls, Isiolo Falls, Kakamega County - The Isiukhu Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kericho County - Londiani Ruskebe Falls, The Chereres Falls, Kiptui Falls, Kiambu County - Ruaka Falls, Tigoni Hill Falls, Ruai Falls, Mashinani Falls, Karweti Falls, Kirinyaga County - Ruamuthambi Falls, Gatitika Falls, Thiba Falls, Kathiri Falls, The Castle Falls, Kang'ere Falls, Karumandi Falls, Kisii County - Nyamarambe Falls, Kwale County - Sheldrick Falls, Machakos County - Fourteen Falls, Makueni County - Kyanzizi Falls, Ilovoto Falls, Ka Kindui Falls, Meru County - Vivienne Falls, Nithi Gate Falls, Irine (Devil’s Bridge) Falls, Kathita Falls, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Muranga County - Kimakia Falls, Kanunga Falls, Maragua Falls, Manguyo Falls, Nakuru County - Cedar, Makalia Falls, Nandi County - Ngabunat Falls, Chepkiit Falls, Chemase Falls, Tindinyo Falls, Diguna Falls, Nyamira County - Nyamira Falls, Nyabomite Falls, Nyakwana Falls, Nyandarua County - Ragia Falls, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Ndaragwa Falls, The Thompson Falls, Nyeri County - Riakiania Falls, Kahuru Falls, Ragati Falls, Karuru Falls, Chania Falls, Gura Falls, Zaina Falls, Taita Taveta County - Kilangarenyi Falls, Dembwa Falls, The Lugard's Falls, Tana River County - Adamson's Falls, Tharaka Nithi County - Kibuuka Falls, Ikwa Falls, Hidden Falls, Ura Falls, Uasin Gishu County - Koromosho Falls, Kesses Falls, Two Rivers Falls, Kapsurur Falls, West Pokot County - Tartar Falls, Loumba Falls, Wish Yilat
Kakamega County remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s cultural and ecological diversity, with its vibrant traditions, economic activities, and natural beauty making it a critical part of the nation’s heritage. Smack in the middle of Western Kenya, enjoying a temperate climate, Kakemega is both populous and vibrant.
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Explore Destinations Near Mwikhupo Falls
A Guide to Kakamega County
A Summa Digest of Kakamega
About Kakamega Way Back When
30 Destinations in Kakamega County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mwikhupo Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Mawe Tatu Hills, Kakamega National Reserve, Isukuti Guest House, Udo Bandas, Isiukhu Falls, Lirhanda Cave, Busambuli Lodge, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kambiri Hill, Mukai Stone Cave, Savona Isle Resort, Rondo Retreat Centre, Yala Nature Reserve, Nandi Escarpment, Lamanis Haven, The Golf Hotel, Kakamega Sports Club, MMUST Botanical Garden, Muliro Gardens, Rosterman Gold Mines, Shilahi Garden, Ikhongo Murwi, Ilesi Pottery Centre, Malinya Stadium, Nabongo Cultural Centre, Hamptons City
Know More About Kakamega County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
The altitudes of Kakamega varies between 1,240 ms to 2,000 ms. The southern part of the county is rather hilly, and strewn with unique and rugged granite tors, rising in places to nearly 1,950 ms.
Temperatures range from 18oC and 29oC. January to March are the hottest while June to August are cold spells. The climate is equable over the county, with adequate and well distributed rainfall.
