Kenya is not just famous for its wildlife and scenic beauty but also for its mysterious caves filled with rich history and enchanting sights. Discover the hidden treasures as we take you through some of the most famous caves in Kenya.
The Great Rift Valley.
Journey through the Great Rift Valley and witness the majesty of its prehistoric caves. Explore the famous Hyrax Hill caves that dates back to the Neolithic period where you will find ancient artifacts and human remains. Hyrax Hill is characterized by its rocky spur that rises to an elevation of about 1,900 meters above sea level. The area is named after the hyraxes that inhabit its rocky crevices. Hyrax Hill is accessible to visitors interested in archaeology and history. Activities include hiking trails around the hill, exploring open archaeological sites, and viewing live exhibits featuring local fauna such as tortoises and guinea fowls
The Leviathan Cave
Located in Chyulu Hills, The leviathan cave, also known as Kitangenyi cave was formed by volcanic activity, specifically through the flow of hot lava beneath a cooled crust. As the molten rock drained away, it left behind a hollow tube structure. It has the largest cave passage in Kenya and spans over five kilometers. This cave has an incredible maze of tunnels and boasts of beautiful limestone formations and underground waterfalls.
The Kisula Cave
Unlike other caves, Kisula cave is a lava tube cave. It is as a result of volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. The caves are situated in the picturesque Chyulu Hills, which rise to an altitude of about 2,188 meters (7,200 feet). Accessing Kisula Caves typically involves a hike or a drive through the park. Visitors can start their journey from the Chyulu Hills National Park headquarters or nearby campsites, with trails leading to the caves being moderately challenging due to uneven terrain. The caves contribute to the ecological diversity of Chyulu Hills National Park, which is known for its lush forests and rich wildlife habitats.
Mau Escarpment.
The escarpment was formed as a result of tectonic activity associated with the East African Rift system. It comprises a series of cliffs and ridges that provide a dramatic landscape, characterized by lush forests on its crest and drier plains below. The Mau Escarpment is part of the larger geological structure of the Great Rift Valley, which extends from Ethiopia down to Mozambique.
Mount Elgon
For the adventure seekers, Mount Elgon has one of the best cave systems in Africa. The enchanting Kitum Cave is famous for its resident elephants that come here to mine salt.Take one of our guided tours inside the cave and explore the unique ecosystem that thrives within including bats, baboons and hyenas.
Poa Caves
The Poa Caves is a series of underground tunnels located in the Lembus Forest in Kitui County. The caves are lined with beautiful limestone curtains and columns. A highlight of this cave includes the “Time Passage,” a narrow tunnel that is believed to be over 100 million years old.
Hell’s Gate National Park.
Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable national park located near Lake Naivasha in Kenya, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Established in 1984, the park covers an area of approximately 68.25 square kilometers (26 square miles) and is part of the Great Rift Valley ecosystem. The park is characterized by dramatic geological formations, including red-walled cliffs, volcanic plugs such as Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower, and the scenic Hell’s Gate Gorge. These features were shaped by millions of years of geothermal activity. The park also contains hot springs and geysers, adding to its unique geological appeal.
