Best Backpacking Destinations in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Kenya
1. Cherangany Hills
A scenic hiking destination with breathtaking views of the Rift Valley. Ideal for experiencing diverse vegetation zones and spotting unique bird species.
- Diverse Vegetation: Offers a chance to explore varied vegetation from tropical rainforest, bamboo forest, to alpine moorland.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to over 150 bird species, including the African Giant Hornbill and the Crowned Eagle.
- Rift Valley Views: Provides stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and neighboring counties.
2. KitMIMA Forest Reserve
A serene forest reserve teeming with indigenous flora and fauna. Offers guided hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Guided Trails: Explore the forest with knowledgeable guides, learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to unique plant species like the Rhus Vulgaris and various bird species like the Great Blue Turaco.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species including the African Emerald Cuckoo and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
3. Turgo Falls
A picturesque waterfall nestled in a lush valley. Ideal for scenic hikes and swimming during the wet season.
- Scenic Hike: Enjoy a scenic trek through a dense forest leading to the picturesque falls.
- Swimming Opportunities: Offers an opportunity for swimming during the wet season when the water flow is high.
- Picturesque Landscape: Provides a stunning landscape perfect for capturing memorable photos.
4. Kapseret Forest
A verdant forest reserve teeming with indigenous flora and fauna. Offers guided hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Guided Trails: Explore the forest with knowledgeable guides, learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to unique plant species like the Rhus Vulgaris and various bird species like the African Emerald Cuckoo.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
5. Kabarnet Forest
A pristine forest reserve with diverse flora and fauna. Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: Offers a chance to explore various indigenous trees, plants, and animals.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides scenic trails perfect for hiking and trekking.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species in the forest.
6. Tugen Hills
A picturesque range of hills offering scenic hikes and camping opportunities. Ideal for experiencing the local Maasai culture.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails with stunning views of the Rift Valley.
- Camping Opportunities: Allows visitors to camp under the stars and immerse themselves in nature.
- Local Maasai Culture: Opportunity to learn about and interact with the local Maasai community.
7. Soysambu Conservancy
A wildlife conservancy featuring the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) and over 400 bird species. Offers guided game drives and walking safaris.
- Big Five: Opportunity to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Over 400 Bird Species: Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts with over 400 bird species residing in the conservancy.
- Guided Game Drives and Walking Safaris: Offers guided game drives and walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the conservancy and learn about its wildlife.
8. Koitogor Forest
A dense forest reserve teeming with indigenous flora and fauna. Offers guided hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Guided Trails: Explore the forest with knowledgeable guides, learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to unique plant species like the Rhus Vulgaris and various bird species like the African Emerald Cuckoo.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
9. Saiwa Swamp National Park
A unique wetland sanctuary home to the Sitatunga antelope and over 200 bird species. Offers guided tours.
- Endangered Sitatunga Antelope: One of the few remaining sanctuaries for this elusive antelope.
- Over 200 Bird Species: Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts with over 200 bird species residing in the park.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the park and learn about its unique wildlife.
10. Kitum Cave
A historic salt-lick cave attracting a variety of elephants. Offers guided tours.
- Historic Salt-Lick Cave: A unique attraction where elephants visit to lick salt.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, allowing visitors to observe the elephants up close and learn about their behavior.
- Elephant Watching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of elephants visiting the cave.
11. Kapkwai Forest
A forest reserve offering guided hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Guided Trails: Explore the forest with knowledgeable guides, learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to unique plant species like the Rhus Vulgaris and various bird species like the African Emerald Cuckoo.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
12. Kapkenda Forest
A lush forest reserve offering guided hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
- Guided Trails: Explore the forest with knowledgeable guides, learning about local plants and wildlife.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to unique plant species like the Rhus Vulgaris and various bird species like the African Emerald Cuckoo.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill.
13. Siracho Falls
A picturesque waterfall nestled in a lush valley. Ideal for scenic hikes and swimming during the wet season.
- Scenic Hike: Enjoy a scenic trek through a dense forest leading to the picturesque falls.
- Swimming Opportunities: Offers an opportunity for swimming during the wet season when the water flow is high.
- Picturesque Landscape: Provides a stunning landscape perfect for capturing memorable photos.
14. Melgundi Hill
A serene hill offering scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Ideal for picnics and birdwatching.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley.
- Picnic Opportunities: Ideal location for picnics with family and friends.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Ideal location for observing a variety of bird species, including the African Emerald Cuckoo.
15. Kapkenda Hot Springs
A natural hot spring nestled in a lush valley. Ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Natural Hot Spring: Provides a unique opportunity to relax in a natural hot spring.
- Rejuvenation Opportunities: Offers a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Lush Valley Landscape: Set in a lush valley with picturesque landscapes, perfect for capturing memorable photos.