Lake Baringo in Western Kenya
Lake Baringo is located in The Great Rift Valley, Western Kenya. Together with Lake Naivasha (and the minuscule piece of Lake Victoria), this is Kenya’s only freshwater lake. It is nestled in the beautiful, desolate, African landscape and surrounded by rolling hills. The calm water of Lake Baringo has a milky glow and mist-like effect in daylight; with large crocs and thick hippos, while sea eagles dominate the sky. Best of all? There is wildlife all around the lake.
Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya
It is one of the oldest, most mysterious forests in Kenya. This isolated piece of forest in Western Kenya is a remnant of a jungle that once went from Congo to Kenya. It is a beautiful dense tropical forest, but it is evident how much blood, sweat and tears go into its maintenance. Fortunately, there are a handful of dedicated guides who are committed to this task. Kakamega is a jungle as you know it from the books and it is home to various mammals, insects and bird species. With relaxing forest sounds and shiny eyes in the dark bushes, it vibrates with life! This is the ultimate adventure for both flora and fauna lovers.
Kericho Valley & Mount Elgon in Western Kenya
Just a thought to keep in mind when travelling to Western Kenya: Did you know that Kenya is the fourth largest tea producer in the world? You may think of Indonesia when thinking of tea plantations, however, East Africa also has an abundance of tea plantations to offer!
On route to Mount Elgon, the landscape begins to change. Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano, divided by the Kenyan-Ugandan border. On the Western Kenya side, there is an amazing National Park with a few special sights! Mount Elgon offers quiet and serene walking trails for you to enjoy. You can combine this with a visit to the salt caves of Western Kenya. There are two large caves, Kitum and Makingeny cave. An interesting fact about these salt caves is that they are frequently visited by wildlife. Elephants, buffalo and other large mammals who have mineral deficiencies due to their vegan diet compensate by licking salt from the walls of the caves: a delicious dessert after a day of grazing!
Mount Elgon is the second-highest peak In Kenya!
Mt. Elgon (at 4,321 meters the second-highest peak in Kenya) is famous for a number of reasons. First, its cool climate, hilly and exceptionally green environment…this is something different from Kenya’s drier climate. Take to that the flat landscape: great conditions for farming!
Mt Elgon is a special mountain, located on the border with Kenya and Uganda. Uganda is the popular side to climb this mountain (including with our own team at Charlie’s Travels), but make no mistake: the Kenyan side is at least as beautiful. But perhaps for a different reason.
One of the oldest horticultural farms in Kenya, The Elgon Collection rose nursery is located in this area of the same name. Founded in 1920 by a Swedish botanist. Over the years, the nursery has grown many different products such as coffee, avocado, apples and peaches.
Rose production only began in 1993 and over the next 20 years the farm developed into a place where one of Africa’s largest collections of roses is grown for export around the world. The cool climate makes the area the perfect place to grow roses. With more than 900 employees from both Uganda and Kenya, The Elgon Collection is the largest employer in the region.
Mount Elgon Trust
Because of all the growth and success of the rose nursery, owners Bob Andersen (the grandson of the Swedish botanist who once started his farm here) and his wife Bea Andersen-Schipper decided to start a trust in 2006. The trust aims to stimulate the area around Mt. Elgon in the areas of medical improvement, education and social development.
Basic facilities such as a small school and hospital were the first step, but now the real area has been developed to the point where there are several elementary schools, a high school and a technical university that provide wonderful opportunities for the families of the area to develop well. There are also social facilities such as a clubhouse and a large track is being built for runners. In this way, the trust wants to give back to the community and thus build a sustainable and strong community.
Mount Elgon Guesthouse
In 2017, the trust received permission to build a beautiful guesthouse, which also serves as an institute for learning professions in the hospitality business. The guesthouse is entirely built in a Middle Eastern style, which you also recognize on the African coast (such as the beautiful island of Lamu). The goal is to attract more tourists to this area to create more jobs.
You will notice that hospitality is a high priority here. Upon arrival you are warmly welcomed by the manager Orlando and the team. You are completely pampered and everything is thought of. The rooms are modern, spacious, clean and the beds sleep great!
In addition, delicious local dishes are available in the kitchen and a cup of coffee is waiting for you in the morning. And there is absolutely no need to get bored here. In fact, you can easily go from the guesthouse into the beautiful area and, for example, climb Mt. Elgon, hike towards the Ugandan border, visit the rose nursery or just take a drive through this beautiful area. We are fans!
