Western Highlands Kenya

Western Highlands

Western Highlands in Kenya is truly spectacular region is one of Kenya's best kept secrets. The highlands and escarpement of the North Rift Valley provide some of the country's most awe-inspiring views, across the broad and beautiful Kerio Valley.

The scenic vistas around the Elgeyo escarpement are truly stunning, especially from the 'World's End' viewpoint at Nyaru. Waterfalls flow down the face of these escarpements, and at Chebloch, on the valley floor water runs through a deep and narrow gorge with sheer rock walls. The highlands are an excellent place to explore, and there is plenty to discover among the many hills and ranges.

From the high Tugen Hills, there are excellent views across arid rift valley floor to Lake Baringo. The lush green hills around Kericho are home to Kenya's tea industry, and the nearby Kisii Community is world renowned for their beautiful soapstone carving. Unlike most of Kenya's mountains and ranges, the rolling Cherangani Hills are not volcanic in origin. The hills are centred upon a forested escarpment and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff faces.

They are criss-crossed by walking paths, and ease of direction and undemanding slopes make this excellent country for relaxing hill walking. The paths cross open farmland, pass through sheltered valleys and wind their way up to forested peaks. This is a birding mecca, and whether you are a serious ornithologist or a hobby birder, you should not miss the Cheranganis. There are excellent bird guides available locally. Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Saiwa Swamp National Park.

This is one of the few parks that permits walking, and is an ideal place for a days hike. This wild country is home to many and varied species, the best known being the very rare Sitatunga. This semi-amphibious antelope lives in the depths of these swamps. Rimoi National Reserve, in the Kerio Valley, is an important area for elephant migration. The Western Highlands have become a major draw for sporting tourists.

This is the home of many of Kenya's world famous runners. This is probably the finest place on earth for high altitide athletic training, and many international athletes visit training camps around Iten and Kaptagat. But the real beauty of these Highlands lies in the solitude, peace, and isolation to be found in the hills.

One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation.