Natural Landmarks in West Pokot
Muphus Hill: Unmistakably West Pokot
Most travellers make Ortum centre 46 km northeast of Kapenguria their jumping-off place to explore Murpus Hill, sometimes referred to as Mount Murpus. It is, beyond doubt, one of the most recognizable and memorable natural landmarks in West Pokot, seen from many miles out in all direction. The solitary Murpus Hill, rising dramatically from the surrounding valley floor, is best known for its abrupt end in a sheer cliff and the protruding igneous rock cap. It certainly is not very tall in comparison, rising no more than 1,000 ft above the plain, but its isolation gives an impression of a higher elevation. Much of the hillscape is wooded interspersed by sheer cliffs and broken-up columnar joints forming its distinctive appearance.
Oddly so, there is little cultural and spiritual significance attached to this distinct landmark, while anyone would expect legends and stories associated with its formation. You first spot the fascinating landmark of Murpus Hill a few kilometres before the twin towns of Makutano-Kapenguria. Oriented dead straight with the A1 Kapenguria-Sigor-Lodwar Road it keeps in view all the way, getting bigger and better on approach, and at Ortum it is at its full beauty, closest to the roadside. Murpus Hill is set back a few kilometres from the A1 Road reachable on a dirt track that is accessible year-round. Climbing is permitted, but climbers are encouraged to respect cultural sensitivities and avoid climbing during tribal cultural events.
It is also advisable to avoid the market days, usually Wednesday, when Ortum is a frenzy of activity. You might be hard bent to buy all manner of souvenirs. There is no particular designated route up, but there are a handful of paths, all with good underfooting, that will will get you to the upper reaches of the Murpus. From the higher vantages of Murpus Hill there is more to mention that words can do justice. There’s numerous little hills dotted across the entire valley – Soka, Sook, Pongong, Parua, Sina, Lelan – and some, the locals insists, are just called hills. Then there’s the Kacheliba Hill and the mighty Sekerr Range with Mtelo Peak standing sentinel.
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 Murpus Hill
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
What’s The Air Like In W. Pokot?
West Pokot has significant variations in temperature with the lower lands experiencing temperatures of up to 33oC, and highlands experiencing modest temperatures of 15oC.
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.24?
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.