Natural Landmarks in West Pokot
Cherangani Hills: A Splendour of North-Rift
West Pokot County picks up the prominent mountain range of Cherangani Hills from the northern reaches of Elgeyo Marakwet County, extending it northerly towards Uganda. The inter-territorial border is uniquely marked by Mount Parpar, a rocky outcrop. Old-wives-tales tell that long ago the community had a rare ceremony and a crow, looming ominously overhead, a harbinger of omen, gave its bearing of bad omens thrice, but they ignored. A huge rock of Mount Parpar is said to have fallen, killing everyone, except for a pregnant woman who later gave birth to a son, the famed founder of the Talai clan who now inhabitant the area.
Also of interest along the boundary with Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties is the Kamologon summit. This is the highest point of the Cherangany Hills and is partly in Elgeyo Marakwet. It is slightly over 3500 m in altitude and lies upon a windswept moorland. The approach from the West Pokot side of the border is much shorter. North to south, the mighty Cherangani range extend for 48 kilometers, characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and rugged terrain.
All in all, the Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve covers about 1,140 km2 which falls within four counties in the North Rift: West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gichu. 67% in the complex lies in Elgeyo-Marakwet, 31% in West Pokot and the rest in Tranz-Nzoia and Uasin Gishu. A 5km buffer zone around the forest has 244,404 ha adding up to 365,245 ha for the water tower.
Overall it has 12 unique forests – Kapollet, Chemurkkoi, Cheboyit, Embobut, Kaisungor, Kipkunur, Kiptaberr, Kapkanyar, Sogotio, Toropket, Kerer and Lelan. These forests and its associated sub-tropical forests are one of the magnificent heritages of this region. These hills are typified by heavily gullied and forested tops which in several sections become sheer cliff walls. The A1 Road to Kapenguria and onwards to Lodwar offers some of the best roadside views of the bosting hills, especially at Marich Pass, Tamkal Valley and Sekerr Hills. Two of the main rivers in West Pokot (Weiwei and Muruni) have their headwaters at Cherangani Hills.
The water tower also hosts critical headwaters for River Nzoia, Turkwel (also known as Suam) and Kerio. These rivers are important as Nzoia drains to the trans-boundary Lake Victoria which is the source of River Nile while Turkwel and Kerio drain into Lake Turkana. Additionally, the Turkwel River is a source of water for the Turkwel dam that is used in generating hydro-electric power. The streams to the West of the watershed feed the Nzoia river system while those to the East feed Kerio river system, those to the North feed Turkwel river system.
The Cherangani Hills are recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, with unique flora and fauna found in the region. The hills are home to a variety of plant species, including indigenous forests, bamboo, and rare Afro-alpine vegetation. They also support diverse wildlife, including endemic species such as the Cherangani Hills mole-rat. The Cherangani Hills offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and ecotourism, attracting visitors interested in exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The hills provide scenic vistas, pristine forests, and unique biodiversity for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy.
Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.
Index of Natural Landmarks Around Kenya
Baringo County - Paka Volcano, Metkei Ridge, Tugen (Kamasia) Hills, Silale Crater, Bomet County - Motigo Hill, Bungoma County - Kabuchai Hills, Luucho Hills, Busia County - Samia Hills, Namenya Hill, Namenya Hill, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Escarpment, Mektei Ridge, Cherangani Hills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Mumoni Hill, Garissa County - Merti Plain, Homa Bay County - Asego & Kasarua Hills, Ruri Hills, Gembe Hills, The Gwassi Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Merti Plateau, Nyambene Range, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Suswa, Ol Doinyo Orok, Chyulu Hills, Kericho County - Tinderet Mountain, Kiambu County - Kijabe Hills, Kilifi County - Marafa Gorge, Kisumu County - Kajulu Hills, Kitui County - Yatta Plateau, Laikipia County - Laikipia Plateau, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mandera County - Dandu Hills, Marsabit County - Mount Nyiru, Nabuyatom Cone, Mount Kulal, Mount Marsabit, Hurri Hills, Sololo Escarpment, Mount Forore, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mount Kenya, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru Mountains, Menengai Crater, Nandi County - Nandi Hills, Nyando Escarpment, Kamulat Hill, Nandi Scarp, Narok County - Nguruman, Loita Hills, Siria Ridge, Nyamira County - Kibugat Hill, Emanga Hills, Kiabonyoru Hill, Nkoora Hill, Nyandarua County - Aberdare Range, Mount Kipipiri, Samburu County - Scared Mount Ololokwe, Ndoto Mountain Range, Mathews Range, Mount Nyiru, Samburu Hills, Loroghi Plateau, Siaya County - Got Ramogi, Taita Taveta County - Taita (Range) Hills, Mount Sagalla, Ngulia Hills, Mount Kasigau, Tharaka Nithi County - Kijegge Range, Turkana County - Mogila Hills, Loima Hills, Vihiga County - Bunyore Hills, Maragoli Hills, Wajir County - Mansa Guda Range, Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Mount Murpus, Koh Hill, Sekerr Range
Touring West Pokot County in Kenya offers a chance to explore a region known for its iconic, rugged landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich traditions. Located in the extreme northwest part of the country, bordering Uganda, West Pokot County is primary inhabited by the Pokot community, known for their pastoralist lifestyle.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Cherangani Hills
A Guide to West Pokot County
A Summa Digest of West Pokot
About West Pokot Way Back When
32 Destinations in West Pokot County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kaisagat Viewpoint, Barnley's Guest House, Kapkoris Hill Viewpoint, Dini ya Roho Church, Mount Murpus, Chewoyet High School, Kapenguria Museum, Kapenguria Town, Chelanga Gardens, Tartar Falls, Kacheliba, Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, Alale Gold Mines, Suam River Beach, Kamatira Forest, Lounon Village, Cherangani Hills, Marich Pass, Marich Pass Center, Kang'alan Escarpment, Kolloa Cross Monument, Weiwei Irrigation Scheme, Tamkal Valley, Mount Koh, Sekerr Range, Mount Mtelo View Lodge, Nasolot National Reserve, Turkwel Dam, Turkwel Gorge, State Lodge, Riting
Know More About West Pokot County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
West Pokot has significant variations in temperature with the lower lands experiencing temperatures of up to 33oC, and highlands experiencing modest temperatures of 15oC.
West Pokot County is marked by a variety of topographic features – dry plains in the north, a hatful of ranges and hills in the mid, and in the south east Cherangani Hills.