Forest Reserves in Machakos
Iveti Forest Reserve: The Gem of Kathiani
Also dubbed Kathiani Forest after the locality it falls under, located 11 km north of Machakos town, the 347-hectares Iveti Forest is contiguous with Mua-Iveti Range. The central feature of the forest is the wooded dome of Iveti Hill covered mostly by eucalyptus, the main exotic tree species on this hill. Presently, the slopes are conspicuously dissected, on the east, by layers of steep valleys and flat spurs. A well marked road is used by motorists to drive through the reserve to its far end. The population density around Iveti Forest is high, up to 500 inhabitants per km2, and over the years the forest has been the subject of wanton destruction, yet, it’s salutary to mention that the Kenya Forest Service has been decisive in averting the worst of the crises. Of a more recent development, in 2019, a non-governmental organization opposed the planned felling of 22 hectares of exotic cypress and pine plantations at Iveti saying this will adversely effect the region’s weather patterns.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
outlook
Part of the larger Ukambani alongside Kitui and Makueni, Machakos County is a nexus between Maasailand, the coast region, the central highlands, and Nairobi. The northern area of Machakos, being a dormitory zone for the capital of Nairobi and a peri-urban buffer for Kiambu, is developed with useful amenities. Southerly heading the ecology is continually semi-arid and the countryside more desolate.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Iveti Hills Forest Reserve
A Guide to Machakos County
A Summa Digest of Machakos
About Machakos Way Back When
45 Destinations in Machakos County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, maps and distance chart:
Makuyu Ridge, Masinga Dam, Seven Forks Circuit, Mwea National Reserve, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Ol Donyo Sapuk Resort, MacMillan Castle, Fourteen Falls, Yatta Plateau, Kanzalu Range, AIC Kangundo, The Komarock Shrine, Hyena Caves, Kitonga Garden Resort, The Thui Stone, African Heritage House, Athi-Kapiti Conservancy, Kwa Kyelu Wildlife Sanctuary, The Whistling Moran, Stony-Athi, Small World Country Club, Swara Plains Conservancy, Lukenya Hills, Kikao Camping Farm, Lukenya Motocross, Maanzoni Sanctuary, Amazing Kenya Retreat, Chumvi Tamu Camp, Konza Technopolis, Machakos Peoples Park, Masaku Flea and Curio Market, Old Fort of Machakos, Gelian Hotel, Kiima Kimwe, Machakos Golf Course, Mua Hills, Mua Hills Tented Camp, Iveti Forest Reserve, AIC Mumbuni, Kituluni Hill, Kamuthanga Farm, Wamunyu Handicrafts
Know More About Machakos County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Generally speaking, Machakos has a temperate to warm climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 12°C to 27°C. Climate in much of the area is pleasant and similar to that of Nairobi, and finest below the hill ranges. Rain is heaviest in March, April and September.
Machakos County has rather unique topographical map – Hills and a small plateau in the mid area, a large plateau elevated in the south, and isolated hillscape in the north.