Caves in Trans Nzoia
Kitum Cave: An Ace of Caves
Kitum Cave is one of five spectral caves at Mount Elgon National Park. The other four caves within the park are Making’eny, Ngwarisha, Kiptoro and Chepnyalil. Also known as ‘Elephant Cave’, the popular Kitum Cave, by far the most visited attraction within Mount Elgon National Park, extends for 165 metres into the side of Mount Elgon, and its walls, which are rich in salts, have enticed animals such as elephants for centuries, which venture into the cave in search of its salt. It is also thought that Kitum was at some point used as a refuge by the local Sabaot tribe.
Its mystery as the elephant cave lives on. In 1987, a study conducted on the caves of Mount Elgon by researchers led by Redmond surmised that Kitum, undeniably, was largely formed by elephants excavating its walls for salt. Even so, another school of thought suggests that the role of the elephants in the genesis of Kitum is only secondary modification. One of the most interesting highlights of Kitum Cave are the very many fossil remnants it contains. These include trees, up to a metre in diameter, bulbous trunks with intact root, twig piles, and strewn mammal bones.
The more distal parts of the quasi-circular Kitum Cave, obstructed by collapsed slabs, are pitch dark and climatically isolated and host large populations of bats. The most recent collapse in Kitum’s main chamber and antechamber is known to have occurred in 1982, when a large roof section gave way, killing at least one elephant. Exploration of this area, beyond the collapsed blocks, is less accessible. Trippers to Mount Elgon National Park can choose to drive, walk or ride to Kitum from the main Chorlim Gate. An exploration of the Kitum Cave should be planned in good weather – that is not in April, May, August and October. Obvious perhaps, but apt to be overlooked, is to carry a working flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
While Kenya may not be as well-known for its caves as some other destinations, there are still some fascinating caving sites worth exploring. Before embarking on a caving expedition, it’s essential to ensure safety by going with a knowledgeable local guide, wearing appropriate gear, and being aware of potential hazards.
Index of Caves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lomechan Cave, Bomet County - Kipsegon Caves, Bungoma County - Elephant Calving Cave, Namunyu Cave, Busia County - Kakapel Rock Shelter, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Mela Cave, Kiplagoch Caves, Embu County - God's Bridge Cave, Kajiado County - Oloolua Caves, Suswa Caves, Enkapune Ya Muto, Kakamega County - Lirhanda Cave, The Mukai Stone Cave, Kericho County - Van Wicker's Caves, Bagao Caves, Relesic Cave, Chebulu Caves, Kiambu County - The Paradise Lost Cave, Kwale County - Fikirini Caves, Shimoni Caves, Machakos County - Hyena Caves, Makueni County - Kisula Caves, Meru County - Mucheene Cave, Liga Ria Ngutu, Migori County - Mugabo Caves, Nakuru County - Njoro Caves, Hell's Gate Caves, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave, Taita Taveta County - Dawida Cave, Mwangeka Cave, Taita Skull Cave, Kenyatta Caves, Leviathan, Tharaka Nithi County - Inanduru Bat Cave, Trans Nzoia County - Kitum Cave, Macking’eny Cave, Ngwarishah Cave, Chepnyalil Cave, Kamariny Cave, Vihiga County - Mungoma Caves, Givavei Rock Cave, Wajir County - Shaletey
Trans Nzoia County is a vital region for Kenya’s agricultural and ecological balance. Its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty make it a unique and valuable part of the Rift and Western Kenya. The county’s potential for growth remains immense, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and environmental conservation.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kitum Cave
A Guide to Trans Nzoia County
A Summa Digest of Trans Nzoia
About Trans Nzoia Way Back When
30 Destinations in Trans Nzoia County, arranged as one would visit these - south, west then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mount Elgon National Park, Koitoboss Peak Hike, Wagagai Peak Hike, Chesurur Falls, Kitum Cave, Macking’eny Cave, Ngwarisha Cave, Endebess Bluff, Chepnyalil Cave, KWS Koitoboss Guesthouse, Kapkuro Bandas, Mount Elgon Lodge, Suam Gorge, Mt. Elgon Orchards, Mount Elgon Guesthouse, Kamariny Cave, Kitale Plains, Kitale War Memorial, Kitale Museum, Kitale Club, Treasures of Africa, Kitale Nature Conservancy, Sirwo Resort, Cranes Haven, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Tree Top Hut, Kapolet Fishing Camp, Kapcherop Forest, Cheranganis, Barnley’s Guest House, Kaisagat Hill
Know More About Trans Nzoia: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Trans Nzoia can be split into three definitive ecological zones: Upper Highland Zone, Upper Midland Zone, and the Lower Highland Zone. These zone lie between 4,313 m in Mount Elgon to 1,700 ms asl.
Trans Nzoia has a highland equatorial type of climate. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, the higher areas in the west receiving more. Average annual temperature is 24oC.
