Cave Sites in Vihiga
Mungoma Caves: The Maragoli’s Origin
For centuries, cultures around the world have used caves as areas for dwelling, rituals and worship. Caves represent a mythical and underworld that bears the history of many a generation. Vihiga County has more than ten fine caves, many associated with its history. None, though, are as important as the Mungoma caves consisted and formed by several huge boulders lumped close together, leaving some hollow, cavernous and winding openings inside. An oddity among its caves, not least because they are considered the ancestral shrine of the Maragoli people.
As legend tells, Mungoma caves, also dubbed Hango Humulogoli, were the home of Mulogoli, the Maragoli hero founder. As such, an eternal link to an unmovable history. By the same token, two huts near the caves are symbolic of the cultural significance. An annual festival in reverence of its history is held here annually, in December. Still, Mungoma caves always make for a wondrous caving adventure culminating in a hike around the lordly Maragoli Hills. Also found nearby are the Givavei Caves. A walk through these openings takes close to one hour. Caution: the darkness within the caves may scare the faint-hearted, so visitors are always advised to carry a spotlight to have a clear sight of this intriguing natural wonder.
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
Typified by lush, green landscapes with rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls and forest, such as the much-noted Nganyi and Kaimosi Forests, which offer scenic spots for nature exploration and birdwatching, Vihiga County is famous for its agricultural productivity, especially tea and subsistence farming. Despite challenges related to population density it continues to thrive as a hotspot for farming and tourism.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Mungoma Caves
A Guide to Vihiga County
A Summa Digest of Vihiga
About Vihiga Way Back When
26 Attractions in Vihiga County, arranged as one would visit these - south, west, east then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Nganyi Rainmakers Forest, Roddy's Green Lounge, Bunyore Hills, Mbale, Kima Stone Mountain, Kima Church of God, Mwitoko Fish Farm, Kidundu Friends Church, Maragoli Hills, Mungoma Caves, Givavei Cave, Givavei Artisans, Jesus Wagevere Rock, Chabuga Mausoleum, African Divine Church, Obida Ombima Mill, Sosa Cottages, Mudete Tea Factory, Magnum Resort, Turaco Intercounty Resort, Kaimosi Forest, Kaimosi Mission Wildlife Conservancy, Kakamega Forest, Kibiri Forest, River Yala, Kichutu Gold Mine
Know More About Vihiga County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like In Vihiga?
Vihiga experiences a high equatorial climate with well distributed rainfall year-round. Temperatures range between 14ºC and 32ºC.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.38?
Generally speaking, Vihiga slopes gently from west to east – with undulating hills and valleys plying streams flowing from northeast to southwest, all draining into Lake Victoria as the mouth.