Botanical Gardens in Kitui
Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary: A Vegetal Library
Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary is 70 km south of Kitui via B7 Kitui-Ikutha-Kibwezi Road. This 10-hectares privately-run sanctuary was gazetted in 1993 as a botanic garden to champion and celebrate the unique and indigenous flora of Kitui. First begun in 1964 as the foremost public botanic garden in Kenya, with the assistance of Worldwide Fund for Nature, Mutomo Hill Sanctuary is primarily focused on the preservation of indigenous plant-life, and, by 1968, 102 plant species had been identified. In total, 68 plant species distributed in 28 families and 54 genera. The most used plant families were Leguminosae (13 species), Lamiaceae (6 species), and Euphorbiaceae (6 species). Shrubs (37%) and trees (34%) are most dominant.
Mutomo hill plant sanctuary is listed as a botanical garden under the Botanical Gardens Conservation International, for conserving indigenous flora. Callers to the site get to learn about the conservation of important medicinal trees on a guided-tour culminating at the summit of the moderate Mutomo Hill, which offers lovely views of the rural country. It contributes to safeguarding the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants in the region, and acknowledging the cultural heritage of the Kamba. It also adds to the knowledge base of medicinal plants and potential data for drug development. Also of interest at the Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary is the newly founded snake park, displaying a hairraising assemblage of bizarre reptiles.
Around Kenya, there is a collection of beautiful botanical gardens, often a stunning and specialized area dedicated to the cultivation and display of indigenous and plant species from different parts of the world, highlighting their unique shapes, sizes, and colors. These gardens are designed to showcase the incredible diversity and beauty of unique plants, most known for their intricate and colorful flowers.
Index of Botanical Gardens in Kenya
Kakamega County - Shilahi Wellness Garden, Masinde Muliro University Botanical Garden, Kiambu County - The JKUAT Botanical Garden, Kericho County - Chelimo Arboretum, Chagaik Arboretum, Kiminket Gardens, Kilifi County - Hanging Gardens Malindi, Mazingira Park, Kitui County - Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary, Lamu County - The Gardens at Peponi Hotel Shela, Makueni County - The Wote Green Public Park, Mombasa County - The Kaya Cum Arboretum, Mazeras Gardens, Nairobi County - Nairobi Arboretum, Museums Botanical Gardens, Loresho Gardens, Langata Gardens, Resurrection Garden, Nandi County - Kapsimotwa Gardens, Tharaka Nithi County - Tredds Garden, Uasin Gishu County - Eldoret Arboretum, Moi University Botanical
outlook
Kitui County is a hidden gem for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and nature. With better infrastructure and marketing, it could become a key destination in Kenya’s tourism map. Known for its arid and semi-arid landscapes, rich Kamba culture, and untapped tourism potential, it is home to many unique attractions, hillscapes, scenic rock formations and valleys ideal for hiking and photography.
You Are Here: Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary
A Guide to Kitui County
A Summa Digest of Kitui
About Kitui Way Back When
33 Destinations in Kitui County, arranged as one would visit these - north to south - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Revelation Recreational Park, Kanyonyoo Wildlife Conservancy, B2 Yatta Ranch, Ukasi Hill, Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Forest Reserve, Gai (Muruu) Rock, Kiambere Dam, Mwingi National Reserve, Adamson Bridge, Ngomeni Rock, Kitui War Monument, Kitui Villa, Kalundu Public Park, Kitui Hills, Nzambani Rock, Ikoo Viewpoint, Mutito Hills, Mui Basin, Nuu Hills, Mutomo Hill Sanctuary, Mutomo Reptile Park, South Kitui National Reserve, AIC Ikutha, Tsavo East National Park, Athi-Galana River, Kanderi Swamp, Yatta Plateau, Ithumba Camp, Ithumba Hill Camp, The Man-eaters Bridge, Man-eaters Camp
Know More About Kitui County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Kitui County has a low-lying topography with arid and semi-arid climates. The general landscape of Kitui is flat with a plain that gently rolls down towards the east. Look out for the hillscape – scattered isolated hill masses like Mumoni, Migwani, Kitui, Nuu, and Mui.
Climate in Kitui is generally hot and dry with little rainfall. Temperatures are high year-round, ranging between 14°C-34°C. The hotter months are September, October, January.
