Predominantly a land of the Western Bantu speaking communities, travellers get to enjoy endless interaction with the unique culture of the Abaluhya. Agricultural activities are in plenty, leaving visitors with the option of equipping themselves with knowledge on agri-tourism experience
Although known for agricultural activities, Kitale still offers some unique and exciting attractions for tourists. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Kenya’s second highest peak Mount Elgon, which is also a national park and a biosphere reserve is Kitale’s little visited gem that offers an abundance of natural beauty, tranquility, cultural experiences, bird watching, and adventure.
From cultural experiences, hiking, visiting museums and birdwatching to exploring local markets or trying your hand in the traditional foods. Kitale has something for everyone whether you are a seasoned traveler or first time traveler. Pack your bags and let Oluokos Signature help you discover and enjoy all that this charming town has to offer.
Strategically located between Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills, Kitale is a perfect alternative holiday spot for both leisure and business travels. You could travel to Kitale by road whether public or private if you wish to enjoy the sceneries along the route, and you can also get there via a flight, although they are seasonal and Oluokos Signature will help you with free advice on how to charter a flight.
While in Kitale, a farm stay or a visit to Gloucester Vale is highly recommended. This is a beautiful farm alive with cool springs, gushing streams, and gentle rivers that all have been maintained responsibly. The farm has two distinct dams that are water catchment areas for use on the farm and that are important to the wetlands. This combination has resulted in important ecosystem for small mammals, birds, and insects as well as crayfish, tilapia, black bass and other amphibians.
With the good care of the indigenous woodland along the streams, the farm is now home to a couple of colonies of the rare De Brazza monkeys, various species of antelopes, cats, mongooses, porcupines, aardvarks, jackals, and otters. Indigenous acacias, Nandi flame, erythrina abyssinica and albizia trees are plentiful and the forest floor is host to many different ferns, fungi and mushrooms including the buwoba bumekele, a local mushroom only found seasonally on termite nests. The farm is also an important habitat for birds with over 210 having been recorded.
Mount Elgon is a solitary volcanic mountain that rises dramatically from the plains. It has one of the world’s largest intact calderas and is thought to be East Africa’s oldest extinct volcano. One of Africa’s highest mountains‚ and the second highest in Kenya after Mount Kenya‚ it straddles the border of Kenya and Uganda.
The elephants that live on its slopes have become famed for using their tusks to dig salt from its wide network of caves. Mount Elgon is known for its botanical diversity that ranges from montane forest to open moorland‚ giant lobelia and groundsel being amongst its most striking plants.
As well as elephants and buffalo‚ the mountain is home to several smaller mammal species‚ and is especially known for its monkeys such as the colobus‚ blue monkey‚ red tailed monkey. This lovely mountain is adorned with waterfalls and hot springs‚ and has several peaks to climb‚ the highest of which rises to a height of 4‚200 meters.
If you’re thinking that Kitale has an endless list of parks to visit, then you’re absolutely right.
The vast Mount Elgon National Park is home to a wide variety of local and rare animal species, ranging from monkeys, antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, name them.
The first activity you should do is going on a game drive and have the guides take you through the park and showing you the animals at close quarters.
Elephants in Kitum cave at night heading for the salt lick. The Kitum cave is found on Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano and the cave itself developed as the result of cooling volcanic rock. The cave, which extends some 600 feet into the mountain, has walls covered in salt.
Every night, buffaloes, antelope, leopards, hyenas, and elephants tumble blindly through the cave in the dead of night to use it as a communal salt lick.
As the elephants make their way through the salty walls of the cave, they scrape and pull off chunks of the walls to crush and lick up the salt using their massive tusks. Over the centuries, this has resulted in a noticeable increase in the size of the cave and walls covered in tusk marks.
In addition to their natural beauty and wildlife, the Kitum Caves are also an important cultural site, with several ancient rock paintings and engravings that have been discovered within their boundaries. These artworks are believed to be over 2,000 years old and provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in this region.
The Kitum Caves are open to the public and can be accessed through guided tours. Visitors can explore the caves on foot or by boat, depending on the water level.
The caves are a unique and exciting attraction that offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of the Mount Elgon region.
The beautiful hills are located 56.1 kilometers from Kitale town, The Cherangani Hills Forest is a protected area located in the Cherangani Hills region of Kenya. It is part of the larger Elgeyo-Marakwet County and is known for its beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity.
The Cherangani Hills Forest is home to a number of endangered species, including the African wild dog, the mountain bongo, and the East African hedgehog. It is also home to a variety of other species of birds and mammals, including the bushbuck, the duiker, and the bushbaby.
The Cherangani Hills Forest is open to the public and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and picnics. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cherangani Hills.
The non-volcanic mountain ranges of the Cherengani Hills stunningly stand out with spectacular cliffs and gorges in the mist. Topped with beautiful indigenous forest‚ these hills are one of Kenya’s most important water catchment areas. The hills abound with peaks and provide lovely walks and treks options that can take a day or a week or more.
Connect to the Marich Pass‚ a deep gorge linking the Cherengani Hills with the Lake Turkana Basin‚ and is surrounded by the lush virgin forest that’s home to a variety of species of game including several types of monkeys. Local Pokot pan for gold in the rivers. The Marich Pass Field Studies Centre is an educational center for anyone studying the geography‚ botany‚ conservation‚ linguistics‚ anthropology and archaeology of the area.
A visit to Kitale won’t be complete without visiting this state-of-the-art facility is located within the town. It comprises personal collections from Mr. Wilson, a colonialist who got fascinated by the intriguing culture of the Karamajong and decided to make it his personal mission to store their artefacts.
The Treasures of Africa Museum, also known as the African Heritage House, is a unique attraction located in the town of Kitale, in western Kenya. The museum is dedicated to highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Africa, with a particular focus on the art, music, and traditions of the Mount. Elgon region.
One of the highlights of the Treasures of Africa Museum is its collection of traditional African art and crafts, which includes a wide variety of items such as masks, sculptures, textiles, and jewelry. The museum also has a number of exhibits that explore the music and dance of the region, with a particular focus on traditional instruments such as the ngoma drum and the adungu harp.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Treasures of Africa Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, including art shows, lectures, and workshops. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the diverse cultures of Africa and to experience the art and traditions of the Mount. Elgon region firsthand.
Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of Africa, the Treasures of Africa Museum is a must-see attraction during your visit to Kitale.
The guides are quite versed with everything at the museum and will give you a detailed storyline of each artefact. The facility charges an entrance fee of only Ksh. 500 per person, which is reasonably affordable. The museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 p.m. except for Sundays, so if you are hoping to stop over, do so between Monday and Saturday.
The Kitale Nature Conservancy is a protected area located just outside of the town of Kitale. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The conservancy covers over 4,000 acres of land and is home to a number of different ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. It is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds that have been recorded within its boundaries. Some of the more notable species include the endangered Lammergeyer Vulture, the endangered Hinde’s Babbler, and the endangered Jackson’s Francolin.
The Kitale Nature Conservancy is open to the public and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and picnics. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mount Elgon region.
The conservancy was also started to rescue the almost extinct animal species; Rothschild Giraffe in Ruma National Park, Sitatunga antelope, Black Rhinos and Reed Bucks, but is also home to different local species including monkeys, elephants and buffaloes.
Apart from being a museum, it’s also a historical site, since it was among the first inland museums to be set up in Kenya. The museum is home to different artefacts that tell about the rich cultural heritage of the Western Bantus. It’s actually quite intriguing to see their way of life, and how willing they are to hold on to their culture.
The Kitale Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the town. Located in the center of Kitale, the museum is home to a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the cultural and natural history of the region. From ancient artifacts and fossils to traditional handicrafts and modern art, the museum offers something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the museum is the “Mount Elgon and the Sabaot People” exhibit, which explores the rich history and culture of the Sabaot people, who have lived in the Mount Elgon region for centuries. Visitors can learn about traditional customs, art, and music, as well as the many challenges faced by the Sabaot people in modern times.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Kitale Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, including art shows, lectures, and workshops. So whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational outing, the Kitale Museum is a great place to visit during your time in town.
The Kitale Golf Club is a public golf course located in the town of Kitale, in western Kenya. The golf course is situated in a scenic location and is known for its beautiful views and challenging terrain. The Kitale Golf Club is an 18-hole course that measures over 6,000 yards in length. It features a mix of long and short holes, as well as a number of water hazards and bunkers. The course is well maintained and is suitable for players of all skill levels.
In addition to the golf course, the Kitale Golf Club also offers a range of amenities and services, including a clubhouse, a pro shop, and a restaurant. The clubhouse offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to relax and socialize after a round of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the Kitale Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a round of golf in a beautiful and scenic setting.
Located 54.5 kilometers from Kitale town, The Nzoia River is a major river located in Western Kenya. It rises in the highlands of the Mau Escarpment and flows westwards for approximately 250 kilometers before emptying into Lake Victoria.
The Nzoia River is an important source of water for the surrounding region and is a vital part of the local ecosystem. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including several species of fish, birds, and mammals.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Nzoia River is also an important economic and cultural resource for the local community. It is used for irrigation, transportation, and as a source of drinking water. It is also an important site for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Saiwa Swamp National Park is a small but beautiful protected area located in the town of Kitale, in western Kenya. Covering an area of just 3 square kilometers, the park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including several species that are found nowhere else in the world.
One of the unique features of Saiwa Swamp National Park is its namesake swamp, a shallow wetland that is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The swamp is fed by underground springs and is a vital source of water for the surrounding area. It is also an important habitat for many species of birds, including the endangered Grey-crowned Crane, which is the national bird of Uganda.
In addition to the swamp, the park is home to a number of other ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. It is a haven for nature lovers, with over 155 species of birds, 47 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles that have been recorded within its boundaries. Some of the more notable species include the bushbuck, the duiker, and the bushbaby.
The park is open to the public and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and picnics. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mount Elgon region.
Entrust our experts to plan for your Western Kenya safari experiences
Are you in or planning to visit Kitale for a business meeting, leisure or one of those big conferences? Oluokos Signature team is available to organize for you customized memorable Western Kenya excursions and safaris. You can also explore other parts of Kenya and beyond with us.
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Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
