Part of Bomet County lies within the expansive Mau Forest, home to various tree species, wildlife and birds. Transmara Forest is part of the Mau Forest Complex and is also the only national reserve in Bomet County. The landscape therefore brings two scales into focus: the larger forest complex and a specifically named reserve within the county.

Wildlife in Transmara Forest includes bongos, giant forest hogs, Cooper's-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, elephants, leopards and buffalo; many bird species are also found there. The presence of species can vary. The selection ranges from mammals such as bongos, elephants and buffalo to the monkey species mentioned and the birdlife.

Caves, Waterfalls and Rivers

Natural sites also shape Bomet beyond its forests. Caves and waterfalls are located in the sub-counties of Konoin, Bomet Central, Bomet East and Chepalungu, along the Itare, Nyongores, Amalo and Chepkulo rivers. Thus, several river areas and sub-counties are in focus alongside the forest areas. The nature-related attractions are spread across different geographic points of reference within the county.

For choosing what interests you, there is a clear comparison: the Mau and Transmara forests bring together the themes of forests and wildlife, while caves and waterfalls are associated with several sub-counties and named rivers. You can start by considering whether you would rather focus on forests and wildlife or on waterways, caves and waterfalls.

Tourism Development in Bomet

Tourism development is also part of the picture in Bomet. During the reporting period, the county administration completed the development of Iria Maina as a tourist attraction; check whether it is open to the public before visiting. A section of Chepalungu Forest was fenced off for ecotourism activities during the reporting period; check whether the section is accessible and activities are taking place there before visiting. The two approaches differ: Iria Maina focuses on the completed development of an attraction, while Chepalungu Forest has a fenced section associated with ecotourism.

A Wider Look at Kenya

At the broader destination level of Kenya, the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests show a distinctive connection between forests and culture. The ten separate forest sites stretch for around 200 kilometres along the coast and contain the remains of fortified villages belonging to the Mijikenda, known as Kayas. The Kayas were established from the 16th century and abandoned by the 1940s. They are considered sacred places and homes of the ancestors, and are cared for by councils of elders. This Kenyan context complements the nature-related attractions with a historical and cultural perspective.

The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is also part of the broader destination of Kenya. It is considered the world's most important feeding ground for lesser flamingos; around 1.5 million birds move between the lakes, although numbers can vary. The system also includes the most important nesting and breeding sites for great white pelicans in the Great Rift Valley. The two roles these birds play offer a distinct perspective on the area: lesser flamingos use it as a feeding ground, while it is important for great white pelicans to nest and breed.

Discover more destinations: Siongiroi, Bomet, Lamu, Kajiado District, Elgeyo Marakwet, Narok District, Isiolo, Turkana County

For the broader travel overview: Kenya.