What are the major towns in western Kenya?
What are the major towns in western Kenya? The principal towns in Western Kenya include Eldoret, Kitale, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, and Kericho. Roads that connect the Rift Valley, Northern Kenya, and Western Kenya converge at Eldoret, a busy crossroads. The entrance to Mount Elgon, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Cherangani Hills, and Marich Pass is located in Kitale. The tropical rainforest in Kakamega Forest has been classified as an Important Bird Area, or IBA making it a birding safari in kenya destination. Stretching along the beaches of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is the largest town in western Kenya and the third largest in the country. Kericho is known for making tea, and Kisii is known for soapstone. The Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, and Gusi people live in this area. There is an international airport in Eldoret. National airports are located at Kisumu and Kitale. There are numerous charter-ready airstrips located across the area. The road system has excellent signage and upkeep. It is necessary to have 4WD vehicles inside national parks. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park fees must be paid in order to enter national parks.
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are separated by Lake Victoria. This freshwater lake is the biggest in Africa and the second largest globally. The lake was identified by the 19th-century explorers as the source of the Nile after much difficult and drawn-out exploration. A prehistoric excavation site on Rusinga Island is home to fossils that are estimated to be 18 million years old. Elephants that mine salt from the caves of Mount Elgon, which shares a border with Kenya and Uganda, are well-known. There are multiple peaks to climb, excellent trekking, and hot springs on the mountain. Mount Elgon with a height of 4,200 metres, ranks fourth in Africa. In addition to primate and game viewing, it is well-known for its diverse flora; 240 different bird species have been identified. The mighty tropical rainforest that formerly spanned Central Africa is only partially preserved in Kakamega Forest.
There are 330 bird species in the forest, many of which are local endemics. There’s game viewing, wandering in the forest, and bird watching. An additional interest is the neighbouring Crying Stone of llesi, which is steeped in legend. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, located near Lake Victoria, houses an animal orphanage in addition to serving as a holding facility for animals in need of further protection. The sanctuary is well-known kenya safaris tour destination for its profusion of wildlife and features picnic areas and nature walks.
There is another birding safaris in kenya destination with 400 different types of birds in Ruma National Park, which was established to preserve its native population of rare roan antelopes. There are options for game viewing, bird watching, camping, and picnicking. The uncommon web-footed antelope known as Sitatunga was the reason behind the creation of Saiwa Swamp National Park. There are 370 known kinds of birds, and other interesting native species include otters, genet cats, serval cats, mongooses, bushbuck, and monkeys. There is a campsite and a nature boardwalk in the park. Hiking in Cherangani Hills, Tugen Hills, and Kerio Valley is interesting and offers breathtaking views. Both short and long treks as well as camping are offered. Wonderful hiking and mountain climbing can also be found further north at Marich Pass. The highlands are well known for being the birthplace of Kenyan marathon champions.
Camp and lodges in western kenya
Impala Ecolodge
Impala Ecolodge is located within the grounds of the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, on the beaches of Lake Victoria. The sanctuary houses an animal orphanage in addition to serving as a holding area for animals in need of protection. Every one of the twelve en suite rooms has a balcony with views of Lake Victoria. The lodge also features a bar with beer, wine and spirits, a cosy lounge and a restaurant serving freshly caught lake fish. There is a sunbathing terrace at the swimming pool. The gazebo is a great place to have a sundowner as it overlooks the lake. The personnel at the hotel is willing to help plan events. There are boat cruises, journeys to the lake’s numerous islands, opportunities to see hippos, and sport fishing accessible at Lake Victoria, which is situated between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
There are guided bird hikes and botanical walks available. The Kakamega Rainforest, the only remaining portion of the massive tropical rainforest that formerly spanned Central Africa, is another interesting location in the region. It provides opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Jambo Chester Hotels oversees the home; related establishments include Watamu’s Jahazi Resort and Laikipia’s Mutara Camp. It is possible to plan visits to all three.
Sirikwa Safaris
Jane Barnley has spent more than 75 years residing in Kenya. She owns Sirikwa Safaris with her son Richard and daughter Julia, where they tailor-make Kenya safaris for visitors and host them in her farmhouse. The home of the Barnleys provides a cosy and comfortable base for exploring the highlands, especially with their homemade meals. There are two double rooms in the farmhouse, or guests can set up camp and stay in tents. The dining area serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Homemade food is offered there, including chocolate cake. Every safari is meticulously designed to accommodate each person’s preferences. Trekking in the Cherangani Hills and climbing Mount Elgon with porters and guides are among the activities available.
Saiwa Swamp National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Cherangani Hills, Kongelai Escarpment, Marich Pass, and other nearby areas, as well as Lake Turkana and Kakamega Forest, are all included in ornithological trips led by bird guides. It is possible to organise cultural excursions to Kitale, West Pokot villages, and Kapenguria, the location of Jomo Kenyatta’s trial. There are guided fishing trips available; local fish include barbel, tilapia, catfish, tiger perch, rainbow trout, and brown and rainbow trout. Swimming pools and golf courses are features shared by Kitale Club and Eldoret Club. It is possible to arrange road transportation from Kitale and Eldoret.
Kenya Wildlife Service ( KWS) Tree Top House
Kenya’s smallest national park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, serves as the backdrop for this unusual home. Because it is situated inside a tree in the park, Tree Top House got its name. KWS, the Kenya Wildlife Service, is the owner of the home. This is a single-story home with twin beds and a private bathroom. The kitchen isn’t there. It is appropriate to cook at Park Headquarters. Please bring any necessary cooking utensils as there aren’t any given. Kerosene lighting, bed linens, towels, soap and toilet paper are provided by a resident caretaker. The rich birdlife of Saiwa Swamp National Park is well-known, with a focus on water birds such as the African black duck, grey heron, and lesser jacana. The semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope, otter, giant forest squirrel, and both the de brazza and colobus monkeys are examples of rare game.
There are many different plant species in the park. 22 kilometres separate Kitale and Saiwa Swamp National Park. Take the tarmac road heading towards Kapenguria from Kitale. Take the Marram Road at the Kipsaina junction and travel 5 kilometres to the Sinverere Gate, the only park entrance. The park entrances are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and cash payments only accepted at the gate.
