Safari ya Baringo

Kenya's side of Lake Jipe: A pose with the elephants

2016-01-26T05:05:00.001-08:00

Lake Jipe is a trans-boundary ecosystem; bordering Tanzania's Pare mountains to the North and South of Tsavo East National park on the Kenyan side

A view of Lake Jipe from the Kenyan side. Across are the series of Pare Mountains in Tanzania

From the Lake, one gets a magnificent view of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially in the early morning

Like Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro is snow capped. Its view is magical, you always develop an illusion that it is suspended from the sky!

The Lake ecosystem hosts a lot of wildlife biodiversity, ranging from plants to birds; insects to mammals and many more...

...... But of them all, sight of elephants in their herds, is a guarantee on lake shores every afternoon.

As the environmental temperature rises, each of the countless groups descend from the Savannah plains inland, to the lake. They quench, feed and and groom.

Later, near the evening after full satisfaction, they head back deep into the woods

Lake Jipe is among the few spots where non-bothered elephants come close enough to humans....

..... and if you are that brave, you can pose or take selfies with them!

The Silvery-cheeked hornbill

2013-09-11T23:10:00.001-07:00

The Silvery-cheeked hornbill is known scientifically as Bycanistes brevis. It is a large bird at 75 to 80 centimeters in length with a very large creamy casque on the beak. The female has a smaller casque and reddish skin around the eyes. The head is silver-grey and the rest of the plumage is iridescent black, except for the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent and tip of the outer tail-feathers. Silvery-cheeked Hornbills are residents of the tall evergreen forests of East Africa. Disappearance of these birds in your nearby forest is an indicator of disturbance. It visits Nairobi during the cold season. They also breed between September and October; no wonder a couple was sighted yesterday enjoying a meal of Croton megalocarpus fruits at the National Museums of Kenya. Check the photos below!

Birds of Baringo; Lake Baringo, a classified Important Bird Area (IBA)

2013-04-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

Baringo is a well-known destination for birdwatchers and over 500 bird species have been recorded only in and around lake Baringo. In fact, several localities including area around Lake Baringo, has been classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for the high diversity of birds it has. IBA's are world recognized areas for bird diversity and conservation, normally selected by BirdLife international. Currently, there are about 10,000 IBA's worldwide.

A colony of up to 20 Goliath heron (Ardea goliath) has nested on one of the islands in the lake.While the diversity of water birds is considerable, Several of the Somali–Masai biome species are found at few other sites, most notably the uncommon Jackson’s hornbill (Tockus jacksonii) and Hemprich’s hornbill (Tockus hemprichii), the latter frequenting the cliffs, and Bristle-crowned starling (Onychognathus salvadorii).

Goliath heron

Jackson’s hornbill

Bristle-crowned starling

Regionally threathened!!
A number of regionally threatened species are also recorded, namely Great Crested Crebe (Podiceps cristatus) (no recent records); African darter (Anhinga rufa)- (small numbers resident, has bred on Ndau Island in the lake); Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)

Great Crested Crebe

African darter

Great Egret

Globally threatened!!
Globally threatened species include Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni)- (a passage migrant in small flocks), Lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)- (an occasional visitor, usually on passage), Madagascar Pond-Heron (Ardeola idae)- (a rare non-breeding visitor) and Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)-(a regular passage migrant) however Lake Bogoria is a key feeding ground for the itinerant Rift Valley population of the Near Threatened Phoenicopterus minor (Lesser Flamingo). Spectacular congregations (estimated at up to 2 million birds) occur at times, and several hundred thousand birds are often present, with numbers fluctuating less than on other Rift Valley lakes. This is just a drop of what you can enjoy in entirely Baringo.

Lesser kestrel

Lesser flamingo

Madagascar Pond-Heron (Non- breeding look)

Madagascar Pond-Heron (Breeding look)

Edible indigenous plants within forests of Baringo

2013-04-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

Early each day, deep inside Baringo, herds boys, medicine men, adventurers, the religious and tourists venture into the cool, refreshing, relaxing, healing, food-rich and quenching forests, for various useful activities...

...these forests are satisfying and addictive that whoever ventures is caught by the dusk unawares. For food, nature provides to satiety. Fruits are plenty and water is reachable and free!

Safari ya Baringo takes note of some of the edible forest fruits inside forests of Baringo, occuring within Tarambas, Chemasusu, Kipng'ochoch, Katemok, Lembus, Mochongoi and Kinyo forests; and within other forested community lands, East and West of the Tugen Hills, from Cheploch to Arabal, from Bartabwa to Cheberen.

Botanic name: Uvaria scheffleri Diels
Family: Annonaceae
Local name: Taminget
Distribution: Mid to low altitudes of the county (700-900 meters asl). It is a liana (woody climber) which grows well in association with other shrubs. It barely exceeds a height of 3.5 meters.
The fruits of this plant is pulpy and uniquely sweet and a boy wouldn't mind a boring herding day in exchange of it.

Uvaria scheffleri

Botanic name: Dovyalis macrocalyx (Oliv.) Warb.
Family: Flacourtiaceae
Local name: Tabirbiryek/ Kapchapeniek
Distribution: High altitude montane or dryland forests. It is a shrub to a tree with spines/ thorns. Fruit is sweet when ripe and sour when raw. It takes a lesser effort to swallow the fruit pulp alongside the seed. This tree normally fruits twice annually after the long rains.

Fruits of Dovyalis macrocalyx

Botanic name: Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl
Family: Apocynaceae
Local name: Likitityek/ Likititwo
Distribution: Mainly at high altitude parts of the county but also distributed to the mid altitude areas. This is the famous Loliondo plant! Fruit and leaf parts of this plant has milky latex, which is medicinal and poisonous in equal measures. Ripe fruits are glossy black while unripe ones are green-to-reddish.

Carissa edulis

Botanic name: Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf.
Family: Apocynaceae
Local name: Kelwek/ Kelwonde
Distribution: Mainly at high altitude parts of the county but also distributed to the mid altitude areas. Its fruit is poisonous if eaten in large amounts. It is also only edible when fully ripe. It is speculated as an active ingredient in the arrow poison but considering the conservative nature of the Tugen blacksmiths, I may not give a reliable assurance. Indeed, the common names for this plant include Common poison bush and arrow-poison tree (english)

Acokanthera schimperi

Botanic name: Flacourtia indica (Burm.f) Merr.
Family: Flacourtiaceae
Local name: Tangururyek/ Tangururwo
Distribution: Mid altitudes of the county. The fruit is sweet when ripe, but sour when raw. The fruits are well guarded by the long, sharp thorns the plant possesses. It leaves you desperately thirsty after a real eating.

Flacourtia indica- unripe fruits

Flacourtia indica- ripe fruits

Botanic name: Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.
Family: Rutaceae
Local name: Ketemek/ Ketemwe
Distribution. Occur in a bit disturbed or open parts of high altitude forests. Fruits are irritatingly coarse when eaten in large amounts. It is mainly eaten because it is medicinal and therefore only consumed by those with such a perspective. The plant is a creeping liana with curved hooks and is not fancied by many.

Toddalia asiatica

Botanic name: Physalis peruviana L.
Family: Solanaceae
Local name: Tolyok
Distribution: It can be found in disturbed localities with much humus. It belongs to same family with tomatoes, Solanum sp. and Managu (Sochik). It is a favourite to many as it has minute seeds and a mouthful of juice per fruit.

Physalis peruviana

Botanic name: Rhus natalensis Krauss
Family: Anacardiaceae
Local name: Siryek/ Sirwe
Distribution: Plant is shrub to a tree liana growing rarely in an upright orientation. It is distributed along edges or areas with open canopies throughout mid altitude forests within the county. It is also widespread elsewhere. Fruits can be munched or soaked to produce juice.

Rhus natalensis

Botanic name: Vangueria madagascariensis J.F.Gmel.
Family: Rubiaceae
Local name: Komolik/ Komolwo
Distribution: It is of same family with coffee. It is a tree found in varying habitats throughout mid and high altitude forests in the county. In an undisturbed forest, it is capable of growing above 12 meters. Its ripe fruit has a thick, sweet pulp which can be eaten as such or fermented to make juice.

Vangueria madagascariensis

Botanic name: Ziziphus mucronata Willd.
Family: Rhamnaceae
Local name: ?
Distribution: Found in low altitude arid localities of the county. Has a unique sweet taste however becomes hard and less juicy when ripe and ones struggles with its large seeds.

Ziziphus mucronata

Botanic name: Tamarindus indica L.

Family: Caesalpinaceae
Local name: Aryek
Distribution: It is widely distributed in lowlands and mainly along river beds. It is a legume tree, which can easily be confused for an acacia. Its ripe fruits are sour-sweet and produces world class juice. In fact at Kenyan coast towns, tamarind juice is a common feature in menus at restaurants.

Tamarindus indica

Botanic name: Rubus pinnatus Willd.
Family: Rosaceae
Local name: ?
Distribution: This is a fruit berry plant from same family with rose flower. There is a widespread of this plant in high altitude, moist forests. A variety of plants of this genus are also found in our Baringo forests, for instance, Rubus niveus, Rubus keniensis, Rubus friesiorum. Elsewhere, culivar varieties of this plant is commercialized and you are unlikely to miss its packed berries in grocery sections of supermarkets. Its highly palatable and nutritious; I cannot wait longer for my next visit to the forest!

Rubus pinnatus

Botanic name: Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh.
Family: Caesalpinaceae
Local name: Mindililwo?
Distribution: This is leguminous plant distributed in mid altitudes of Baringo county. This plant differ a bit with the rest from its edible parts. While fruits of a majority are the edible parts, the terminal ,soft and fresh leaves of this plant is chewed for its sour sap. It is nutritional as well. It is liked mainly by children herding in graze lands.

Piliostigma thonningii

Botanic name: Lantana trifolia L.
Family: Verbanaceae
Local name: Sekechew/ Sekechewo
Distribution: It is a shrub occurring in disturbed areas, open canopies or grasslands of high altitude forests. Its fruits are clustered but easily pip off with little pressure. Fruits are pink colored when ripe.

A fruiting Lantana trifolia

Lantana trifolia in flower

Botanic name: Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC.
Family: Myrtaceae
Local name: Lamaek
Distribution: Describing indigenous fruits is always incomplete without a mention of this plant. It is an enormous tree growing majorly on river valleys. It is often used as indicator of a shallow water table. Ripe fruits are pink to black. It takes an effort of a careful experienced climber or a sharp shooting catapulter to reach the fruits. It is a motivator for anyone willing to take up the chore of herding the livestock to the river for watering. Other species of same genus, for instance Syzigium cuminii is commercialized and are on sale in famous fruit markets like Nairobi's Ngara.

Syzygium guineense in flower

A fruiting Syzygium guineense

Top schools of Baringo county: Landscapes and structures

2012-07-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

When you visit the schools of Baringo, the most noticeable features are the magnificent architectural designs and the beautiful landscapes in which structures are located. Natural forests and plantations are beautifully maintained in the most strategic parts of the compounds. These provide the best learning environment for their students; no wonder they are among Kenya's best performers!

Kabarnet High School

Kabarnet boys school is arguably one of the oldest schools in the country. It was established during the British rule in Kenya. The School is a center for excellence and it boasts to have nurtured a significantly high number of respected Kenyans hitting headlines today. It has always ranked among the top 100 schools nationally. The outstanding design of the administration block became a recognizable landmark when it was selected as the main feature in the ten shillings note, now out of circulation. Several other buildings in the school compound have a monumental touch in them and have withstood test of time. Like Sacho, a notable amount of land has been dedicated to preserve native plants and you can literally feel a change in climate as you enter the compound.

Above is the front view of the school's administration building and below is a ten shillings note showing the rear view.

Sacho High School:

It was established in 1982 by the second president of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi, and is being sponsored by the AIC. It is a mixed boarding school situated in a quiet hilly terrain within Sacho division. Viewing its compound from above, the well planned structures integrate harmoniously with the forest. Tracks and roads in the compound are paved.

Ranking national performance, the school has constantly been emerging top in Baringo and among the best in Kenya

Kapropita Girls High School

Kapropita girls is among the best performers in the province and nationally. Over the times, it has played a key role in instilling knowledge and societal morals to girls who have grown to become among the respected leaders, entrepreneurs and civil servants in todays society. The institution is habitat for special plants that grow on moist rocky environment that the school compound is. Not only has the school maintained this habitat by preserving and enriching the plant density in the compound, it has also made use of the forest to add an ornamental value to its modern buildings.

Kituro High School

As old as Kabarnet, Kituro High was established by the catholic missionaries who settled in Kituro area in the 1940's. It is a mixed boarding public school. Owed to the early year it was established, the school was among the few and therefore served education seekers from far and wide. It has excelled in its educational goals and and other objectives including recreation and community service. The schools administration has contributed significantly in conservation of the environment through maintenance of a community water catchment and by dedicating a large portion of its land to forestry.

Tabagon girls School

Tabagon is a relatively new girls school situated in Sacho division. Despite it being a young entity, it has courageously competed with giant schools and without disappointment excelled in education and co- curricular activities. The school is located in a serene and quiet environment, conducive for learning. Its new buildings, blending well with the adjacent forest, adds glamour to the usually silent neighborhood. It is being looked upon by the community to become a beacon of hope for girls from within the county and also nationally.

Pemwai Girls High School

Pemwai is a beautifully designed girls school situated on the edges of Katemok forest. The girls industrious nature and the management commitment to excel, have handed them the much deserved success in education and and extra-curricular activities. Tracking their KCSE performances over the years, the school has constantly been improving and is therefore deservedly among the best schools of Baringo county.

Baringo High School

It was until recently a mixed boarding school before the management changed it, for a good reason, to a boys school. It is situated in Eldama Ravine and is the school bearing the name of the county. It has a state-of-the-art architecturally designed administration block, which also serve as class rooms. The school has been performing pretty well in all disciplines but in the recent 2011 KCSE results, Baringo surprised many by becoming among the most improved schools in the country. It is also determined to shatter records in the next exam series.

All said, the interesting bit is that all these schools have a prick red roof! Maybe it is the charm behind their excellence!

Photos Courtesy: Ndumia, Robert, Chris, Baringo HS

Taita Hills: The eastern most of the Eastern Arc Mountains

2012-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Safari ya Baringo took its recent expedition to Taita Taveta County, Coast province of Kenya.Taita Hills is the destination....

....Taita Hills is a section of the Eastern Arc, a chain of ancient mountains covered by rain forests which stretches in a curved orientation from Southern Tanzania to Southeastern Kenya.

Map courtesy: Eastern Arc Conservation Endowment Fund

Taita hills are mainly inselbergs, i.e, rock hills isolated after they withstand a long time exposure to erosion- at times through tens of millions of years.

Taita Taveta is a lowland dry savanna lying on the eastern plateau of Kenya. Altitude at these plains ranges from 500- 900 meters above sea level. Taita hills are isolated mountains surrounded by these plains. From the scorching temperatures of the low elevated areas such as Voi, Mwatate, Campi ya Bibi and Tsavo, Taita hills shoots to an amazingly cool 2,200 plus meters.

A bird's view of Rukanga area as seen from Rukinga hill, an example of the lowlands surrounding Taita hills; and below are cloud forests in Wundanyi and Mbololo areas, examples of high altitude and heavily forested areas of Taita Hills.

The Weso rock!

Above is a thick, moist forest; and below is an illustration of its sun-proof canopy

Taita hills is a hotspot for biodiversity, and has continually attracted researchers and tourists!

Above is an example of Taita as a research station; and below are examples of unique flora and fauna in the forest

Taita hills is also a water tower, a reason for life in the harsh climate below

Above is a water source and a pan in the hills; and below a reservoir, source of domestic water for the communities living adjacent

Taita too has a culture. The best resting place for elders are some caves found in forest!

Fatigue of a tiresome climb to Taita Hills can be properly erased by few shots of whisky and the breathtaking sunset!... Justice for the body and soul

Photos Courtesy: Chesire Chris & Ken Wambua

Safari ya Baringo in February 2012- photos!

2012-02-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

Safari ya Baringo traversed Elgeyo- Marakwet and Baringo counties and collected photos of beautiful sceneries!

Cherangani Hills in Marakwet county, which rises to above 3300 metres asl, is an important water tower. It is the source of Nzoia river and greatly contributes to Kerio river.Its peaks and forests include Lelan, Kipkunurr, Embobut, Kapyego, Kapchemutwo, Kipkanyar, Cheptongei and others.

As the road snakes down the breathtaking escarpment to Baringo, you are able to sample an array of spectacular glimpses, including....
... Torok falls

... Lake Kapnarok game reserve

... Cheplooch gorge

... the famous snake-road near Kabarnet at Kapsigorian area

Kabarnet Museum

Kabarnet museum opened its doors to the public in 1996 in the former District Commissioner Residence. It has four main public galleries featuring the Rift Valley people, their culture, its environment, indigenous knowledge and science for education.

In Kabarnet Museum the main attraction include, the exhibits especially on the culture of the Keiyo / Marakwet, Samburu, Pokot, Nandi and Kipsigis. In addition an overview of the history of the district, from pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence era are on display. While the playground, homesteads and park provides visitors with attractive outdoor scenes.

Kabarnet is a forested town. Above is an aerial view, from Seguton hill, of Baringo divisional police headquarters

The Tugen hills is quit scenic. Pechwa series of hills stretch from Kapng'elel to Ng'etmoi on the lower side and to Kaptorokwo on the upper range.

Morop hill, visible from as far as Mokwo in Keiyo to the west, and Mochongoi to the east has historical, religious and mythical attachments to it.

Above is an aerial view of Kituro area & Kirandich dam from Morop hilltop and below, is Manach valley

Lake Baringo

Shores of L. Baringo are beautiful and worthy to relax in

In L. Baringo, there are hundredths of birds species and other wildlife, including Ostriches as seen in the above photo inside the Soi safari club compound

Lake Bogoria

The flamingos of L Bogoria

After marvelling the flamingos, other wildlife and the scenery of Bogoria, a sauna in the hot springs of the lake will do the body justice

Exiting Baringo to Nakuru, a stop- over at the equator crossing in Mogotio, summarizes Safari ya Baringo this February.

How God reshaped some places later...

2010-05-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

In the beginning,God made the universe. It was a solid thing sidelined in one corner of the sea. Then God thought, ' it needs to be widespread and separate'. With that, he contracted other earth shaping processes- Tremors, volcanos, faulting, folding and the rest. The earths crust was cracked and it tectonically separated into the now continents!

Meanwhile in Baringo, folding, a geological process where the earth's strata bends and then sink took place millions of years and still takes place...

... it has made neighbours now villagers separated by horror valleys...

... and leaving others hanging

Reaching water points (and bathrooms), a young male descends for four hours, and an average one and half days for 60 year old female, stopovers at relatives included.
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.
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In the same world, several hundred kilometers away in Chyulu, a different process reshaped the earth.It was volcanic with the most recent eruption occurring only 500 years ago. Some of its hills are still bare uncolonized rock and rills formed by melting away magma seen from far.

Picturing red hot, lava ash was thrown widespread; from Kiboko to Kibwezi to Mtito andei over 150 kilometers apart, where lava rock outcrop is now evident everywhere- a no license to go out barefoot.

Chyulu range stretches over 58 kilometers...

...they form series of cone hills, each characteristic with craters on peak...

...and forests occurring in the now very fertile craters on hill tops

The intensity of the eruption in chyulu formed real piles of elevation on a naturally lowland to an extent when you are uplands, it is so misty...

... and scorching dry when are down hill

The entire eye reaching surrounding of Chyulu has or had volcanic activities burning under. No wonder Kilimanjaro is its neighbor

This mountain's top seems so level, it gives me an ambition to take my football skills there!

This Forest and its history

2010-05-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

A walk in Tarambas forest is surely cool...

... it is rich and at intervals cries a river...

... has rich history, and this guy claims his ancestor lived here!

His granny discovered this cave two centuries ago. It forms on the base of this rock (or cliff)...

... they dressed like this...

... and grazed their goats over theeere...

... later, their goats drink from here- the three hills River (Bemoi)...

... a century later in 1940,when religion arrived, and it was catholic, they believed and professed then chose Morop hill as their Easter pilgrimage site.
If you have never climbed this famous second highest point of Tugen hills, you have never been challenged by topography; neither have you!

Well, I am not always fond of beating my chest about issues but because this is important for your information, I have hiked Morop a record 50 times... and Mt. Kenya as well! (Right in photo, I was the leader as you can see... but do i say [write])

Cheers! Enjoy your present moment to the full, tomorrow has never been predictable!

Tugen in pictures

2010-04-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

A close range view of Morop hill, the second highest point of Tugen Hills after Saimo. It is over 2,270m high

Kikojo falls on its way to Lake Baringo. On the foot of the water fall, there's a 50m cave where the Tugen rain god used to live before it was evicted by a courageous Arap Tarno. You have to penetrate the water fall to gain entry.

The house of thunder: Since the infamous shooting of the rain god, one can now enter the cave which has seven compartments inside. The rain god succumbed to the wounds inflicted along Kerio valley in Keiyo. Lucky it was pregnant by the time and it's generation line never died.

Before the Kipkokel forest was cut down to pave way for the construction of the multi billion Kirandich dam, the rain god used to wander here. Red mercury used to drip though fissures of gorges inside the forest... the mercury story though is for another day!

This is the aerial view of Kirdam from the roof of Tarambas forest westwards...

... and gazing eastwards is a magnificent view of Lake Baringo. You can observe the 350km distant Mt. Kenya from here when the sun is in the equator.

Finally, you are here either birding...

... picnicking...

... or hiking.

Tugen Hills; origin of the early man

2010-04-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

Courtesy: Safari ya Baringo & www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/article
Following several excavations of ancient hominids and other material in Tugen Hills, researchers now are convinced that this area is the cradle of modern mankind.
Located in the north rift region of Kenya, the Tugen Hills consist of a series of tilted blocks in the Gregory Rift Valley. Deposits have accumulated in the resulting tectonic depressions dating to between 16 mya and the present day. In 2000, in the Lukeino Formation, which dates back to 6 mya, the remains of a bipedal hominid, Orrorin tugenensis, were found. This has had the effect of completing altering concepts about our distant origins. Our efforts have thus focused on this geological formation, and we have been rewarded with the discovery of a form closely resembling the gorilla on the Kapsomin site.

Palaeontology

 Fig. 35: tusk of hippopotamid

A rich and very diversified fauna was recovered in the Lukeino Formation (Fig. 35), including numerous bovids (impalas, duikers, tragelaphini), tragulidae, tree hyraxes, cercopithecidae (colobinae), galagos, rodents, leporids and a number of carnivores including tree civets, suids, rhinocerotids, hippopotamids, birds and crocodiles. At Cheboit, the site that supplied the first hominid tooth of the formation in 1974, we found a further chalicothere alongside traditional Lukeino fauna.

Geology

The almost continuous sequence at the Tugen Hills spans the period between 16.5 mya and the present day and is the most complete series currently identified in Africa for the period in question (Fig. 31).

 Fig. 31: dating of Lukeino Formation

Human palaeontology

Hominids
Following the first discovery in 1974 by M Pickford of a hominid lower molar in the Lukeino Formation at Cheboit, work understandably began on this formation, where the remains of the first bipedal hominid dating to 6 mya were uncovered in three other locations (Kapsomin, Aragai, Kapcheberek) in autumn 2000.
The Orrorin mandible has quite a high body (primitive feature) with no diastema. The fairly small and quadrangular molars are covered with thick enamel, and the enamel-dentine junction is fairly flat. The premolars have offset roots, as in the great apes, and the modestly sized canines are also similar to those of the great apes. The characteristics of the premolars and canines are not, however, similar to those of chimpanzees but rather are inherited features from their Miocene ancestors who already displayed these traits. As for the lower incisors, they appear to be closer to hominid incisors.
The skeletal remains suggest that the hominid displayed adaptations to bipedalism and arboreal locomotion. Bipedalism is suggested by the morphology of the femur neck, its extension, the cortical bone distribution (thicker at the base of the neck and less so at the top), muscular insertion of the gluteal and obturator externus muscles, and the orientation of the femoral head (Fig. 37).

 Fig. 37: Thighbones of a chimpanzee (left) and Orrorin tugenensis (right)
Great apes
In the Middle Miocene levels of the Ngorora Formation (12.5 mya), a molar that is morphologically similar to that of the chimpanzee was uncovered. The resemblance to the European Dryopithecus (about 9 to 11 mya) suggests that the latter are probably not ancestors of the African hominoids, but their descendants. On the Kapsomin site, an upper incisor and a lower-molar fragment, which are similar to those of the modern gorilla, were discovered recently (Fig. 39).

 Fig. 39

Palaeoenvironment

The Lukeino Formation was formed in a wet environment as indicated by faunal remains which include water chevrotains, palm civets, fruit bats, tree hyraxes, and numerous types of colobus and impala. These faunae suggest a fairly wooded and wet environment. The existence of a forest is confirmed by well-preserved plant remains in diatomaceous layers. In particular, a number of leaves in the process of precise determination have been found, some of which are of significant size, at around 10cm or so, with clearly defined dripping points. They are also extremely diversified with almost 15 or so identifiable types. Lastly, a hot and wet environment is suggested by significant deposits of rubified palaeosols in the upper levels of the Lukeino Formation. The first bipedal hominids were therefore not associated with dry environments.
In addition, a number of petrified-algae limestone blocks found in the formation indicate that there were hot springs in the environment, as confirmed by the thin film of bacterial sediment covering certain specimens of mammal (hominids included). The environment in the Tugen Hills 6 million years ago must have been fairly similar to the current environment in the Lake Bogoria region of Kenya with lower cliffs and more dense forest coverage around the edges of the lake (Fig. 42).

 Fig. 42

Taphonomy

At Kapsomin, a number of fossils showed traces of predation, which suggests that a large feline was responsible for the build-up of bones. The only modern feline that kills its prey and carries it back to a chosen spot is the leopard. It carries mid-sized prey, such as antelopes, up trees, where it keeps them for later meals. Scraps occasionally fall to the ground where hyenas and jackals either eat them immediately or make away with them. However, if pieces fall into water, then they have a better chance of being preserved, and that is why we find fossilised bones particularly at Kapsomin. One possible scenario to explain this is that a tree was growing on a low basalt cliff at the foot of which there was a shallow body of water. A leopard or similar beast hid its prey in a tree, and pieces fell on occasion into the water where they were perfectly preserved. During other periods, the water level receded and pieces fell onto dry ground where they were damaged by carrion feeders, by desiccation (the hominid mandible is cracked similar to Bovid mandibles) and by being trampled or even carried away.

Museology

In the context of collaboration with Community Museums of Kenya, a new museum was established in association with the French Natural History Museum, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of local sponsors (Banque Crédit Agricole IndoSuez, Bamburi Cement, the Commercial Bank of Kenya, the French Embassy in Nairobi, Michelin). Located in Kipsaraman, 6km from the fossiliferous sites, it is intended for the protection of existing and fossil heritage. It is divided into two major parts: one part is devoted to the protection of existing biodiversity (presented via a series of panels; this part was provided by the French Natural History Museum in Paris), and the other part presents the geological and palaeontological history of the region with reference to local legends. The museum receives schools, students from the university in Eldoret and tourists alike. It is a source of information and education for local people.

Following several excavations of ancient hominids and other material in Tugen Hills, researchers now are convinced that this area is the cradle of modern mankind.
Located in the north rift region of Kenya, the Tugen Hills consist of a series of tilted blocks in the Gregory Rift Valley. Deposits have accumulated in the resulting tectonic depressions dating to between 16 mya and the present day. In 2000, in the Lukeino Formation, which dates back to 6 mya, the remains of a bipedal hominid, Orrorin tugenensis, were found. This has had the effect of completing altering concepts about our distant origins. Our efforts have thus focused on this geological formation, and we have been rewarded with the discovery of a form closely resembling the gorilla on the Kapsomin site.

Palaeontology

 Fig. 35: tusk of hippopotamid

A rich and very diversified fauna was recovered in the Lukeino Formation (Fig. 35), including numerous bovids (impalas, duikers, tragelaphini), tragulidae, tree hyraxes, cercopithecidae (colobinae), galagos, rodents, leporids and a number of carnivores including tree civets, suids, rhinocerotids, hippopotamids, birds and crocodiles. At Cheboit, the site that supplied the first hominid tooth of the formation in 1974, we found a further chalicothere alongside traditional Lukeino fauna.

Geology

The almost continuous sequence at the Tugen Hills spans the period between 16.5 mya and the present day and is the most complete series currently identified in Africa for the period in question (Fig. 31).

 Fig. 31: dating of Lukeino Formation

Human palaeontology

Hominids
Following the first discovery in 1974 by M Pickford of a hominid lower molar in the Lukeino Formation at Cheboit, work understandably began on this formation, where the remains of the first bipedal hominid dating to 6 mya were uncovered in three other locations (Kapsomin, Aragai, Kapcheberek) in autumn 2000.
The Orrorin mandible has quite a high body (primitive feature) with no diastema. The fairly small and quadrangular molars are covered with thick enamel, and the enamel-dentine junction is fairly flat. The premolars have offset roots, as in the great apes, and the modestly sized canines are also similar to those of the great apes. The characteristics of the premolars and canines are not, however, similar to those of chimpanzees but rather are inherited features from their Miocene ancestors who already displayed these traits. As for the lower incisors, they appear to be closer to hominid incisors.
The skeletal remains suggest that the hominid displayed adaptations to bipedalism and arboreal locomotion. Bipedalism is suggested by the morphology of the femur neck, its extension, the cortical bone distribution (thicker at the base of the neck and less so at the top), muscular insertion of the gluteal and obturator externus muscles, and the orientation of the femoral head (Fig. 37).

 Fig. 37: Thighbones of a chimpanzee (left) and Orrorin tugenensis (right)
Great apes
In the Middle Miocene levels of the Ngorora Formation (12.5 mya), a molar that is morphologically similar to that of the chimpanzee was uncovered. The resemblance to the European Dryopithecus (about 9 to 11 mya) suggests that the latter are probably not ancestors of the African hominoids, but their descendants. On the Kapsomin site, an upper incisor and a lower-molar fragment, which are similar to those of the modern gorilla, were discovered recently (Fig. 39).

 Fig. 39

Palaeoenvironment

The Lukeino Formation was formed in a wet environment as indicated by faunal remains which include water chevrotains, palm civets, fruit bats, tree hyraxes, and numerous types of colobus and impala. These faunae suggest a fairly wooded and wet environment. The existence of a forest is confirmed by well-preserved plant remains in diatomaceous layers. In particular, a number of leaves in the process of precise determination have been found, some of which are of significant size, at around 10cm or so, with clearly defined dripping points. They are also extremely diversified with almost 15 or so identifiable types. Lastly, a hot and wet environment is suggested by significant deposits of rubified palaeosols in the upper levels of the Lukeino Formation. The first bipedal hominids were therefore not associated with dry environments.
In addition, a number of petrified-algae limestone blocks found in the formation indicate that there were hot springs in the environment, as confirmed by the thin film of bacterial sediment covering certain specimens of mammal (hominids included). The environment in the Tugen Hills 6 million years ago must have been fairly similar to the current environment in the Lake Bogoria region of Kenya with lower cliffs and more dense forest coverage around the edges of the lake (Fig. 42).

 Fig. 42

Taphonomy

At Kapsomin, a number of fossils showed traces of predation, which suggests that a large feline was responsible for the build-up of bones. The only modern feline that kills its prey and carries it back to a chosen spot is the leopard. It carries mid-sized prey, such as antelopes, up trees, where it keeps them for later meals. Scraps occasionally fall to the ground where hyenas and jackals either eat them immediately or make away with them. However, if pieces fall into water, then they have a better chance of being preserved, and that is why we find fossilised bones particularly at Kapsomin. One possible scenario to explain this is that a tree was growing on a low basalt cliff at the foot of which there was a shallow body of water. A leopard or similar beast hid its prey in a tree, and pieces fell on occasion into the water where they were perfectly preserved. During other periods, the water level receded and pieces fell onto dry ground where they were damaged by carrion feeders, by desiccation (the hominid mandible is cracked similar to Bovid mandibles) and by being trampled or even carried away.

Museology

In the context of collaboration with Community Museums of Kenya, a new museum was established in association with the French Natural History Museum, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of local sponsors (Banque Crédit Agricole IndoSuez, Bamburi Cement, the Commercial Bank of Kenya, the French Embassy in Nairobi, Michelin). Located in Kipsaraman, 6km from the fossiliferous sites, it is intended for the protection of existing and fossil heritage. It is divided into two major parts: one part is devoted to the protection of existing biodiversity (presented via a series of panels; this part was provided by the French Natural History Museum in Paris), and the other part presents the geological and palaeontological history of the region with reference to local legends. The museum receives schools, students from the university in Eldoret and tourists alike. It is a source of information and education for local people.

About Lake Baringo National Reserve

2010-04-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

Courtesy: Safari ya Baringo & http://www.africapoint.com/lake-baringo-national-park.php

En route to Tugen hills, a visitor can take a day or two enjoying nature at Lake Baringo national reserve. It is the home to world’s biggest bird species population. It is believed that these birds always migrate between the lowland and Tugen hills as they feed and breed, making Tugen hills a possible bird hotspot as well.
Necessary information on Lake Baringo are listed below.
1. General Information 
This is a fresh water lake found in Rift Valley, 200km north of Naivasha. The lake is home to a huge mix of marine life and bird species. Scholars of the earth's underground activities can base their research on this lake, as its shorelines are dotted with steam jets, boiling geysers and fumaroles.  Fishing is a widely practiced activity carried out by the Njemps community as a source of livelihood. The lake has an average depth of only 8m(25ft) and has three islands i.e. Ol Kokwa, Teddy Bear and Gibraltar, which can be accessed by the boat trips, provided by the lake's administrative authority.  
2. Getting There A popular tourist destination frequented both by local and international visitors; the lake can be reached by road directly from Nakuru, 157km northwest of Nairobi 
3. Major Attractions The lake is thought of as a good stopover site whilst on a long safari across the Great Rift Valley. It offers an extraordinary variety if bird life and is renowned for this reason, infact it is known as the bird watching center of Kenya. Different species have been spotted on Lake Baringo. Flamingoes with a lighter shade of pink inhabit the lake along with the rare Greater Kudu.  The lake is also home to crocodiles and hippos. For viewing purposes, there exist boat trips that are efficient for going to the islands. KAMPI YA SAMAKI is the center of exploration, which gives one good sitings.  The Njemps community is also a fascination and offer entertainment in the form of song and dance enabled by the excursions provided, to their villages. The surrounding environment of the lake is arid, red- soiled with sparse vegetation offering a good atmosphere for setting up picnics or just meditation  
The best accommodation facility available in this national park is the Lake Baringo Club.

TOURISM AND WILDLIFE IN THE NORTHWESTERN TOURIST CIRCUIT.

2010-04-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

Courtesy: http://www.kvda.go.ke/tourism.html & Safari ya Baringo

Tugen Hills in the northwestern circuit of the Kenya Tourist Federation is strategically placed along the main route of the tourist route leading one from Nairobi, the capital, through world famous sites. They include the great Rift valley, the volcanic Mt. Longonot, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo and Tugen Hills itself, where one will sample a wide array of serenity accompanied by rich culture and paleontological history. Leaving Tugen Hill for Lake Victoria and Kakamega forest, one will enjoy passing by other famous sites in the Kerio Valley including world’s largest fluorspar mine Cheploch gorge and others.
The region abounds with tourism potential as enumerated below

LANDSCAPES
The region has picturesque landscapes that include among others;
• Waterfalls: - Torok and Kessup in Keiyo district, Arror and Embobut in Marakwet district.
• Cliffs: - Rondinin (Simut) and Kipngochoch in Baringo district and Kamriny in Keiyo district.
• Valleys: - The great rift valley (Kerio valley and Suguta valley)
• Hills/Escapement: - Cherangany hills in Marakwet and West Pokot district, Elgeyo Escapement in Keiyo district, Seker hills in Westpokot district, Tugen hills in Baringo district and Mogila hills in Turkana district.
• Gorges: - Turkwel gorge in West Pokot district and Chebloch in Baringo and Keiyo districts border.

WILDLIFE
The region is home to wide rage of wildlife which is a major tourism attraction.he main reserves and sanctuaries are lakes Bogoria, Baringo, Kapnarok, Nasolot, Saiwa swamp, Rimon and lake Turkana. The main type of wildlife  includes Elephants, Buffaloes, Crocodile, Hippos and various birds. These are fond in national parks and reserves.
The game reserves and other attraction are popular both to local people and foreigners. Average numbers of annual visitors to game reserves in atypical year are averagely appreciating annually

OTHER ATTRACTIONS  
Lakes
The region has three natural lakes namely: - Turkana, Baringo and Bogoria. Water sports such as boat and canoe tours have been introduced in Lakes Turkana and Baringo and attract non-residents tourists.
• Lake Bogoria in Baringo district is a popular tourist attraction site due to its active geyser. The geysers produce stream reach in sulphur compounds, which are believed to be medicinal. In the same area are not – which have been harnessed by the local noted industry.
• Kabarnet Museum
Artifacts depicting the cultural history of the regions communities have been collected and is played in museums. Visitors to museums are over 2000 annually. These museums are strategically located along the northwestern tourist circuit.
Tourist Accommodation Facilities
Most of the hotels in the region providing tourist – class facilities are situated in Baringo and Keiyo districts. They have combined bed capacities of more than 300.

The forests of the Tugen Hills

2010-04-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

CHALLENGES FACING FORESTS OF THE TUGEN HILLS

Baringo district, Rift valley, Kenya is one of Kenya’s ASAL classified regions. It is almost entirely arid except for the Tugen hills North West and Central of the district.

The population in the lowland areas of Baringo are pastoralists and practice bee keeping whereas those of Tugen hills are subsistence farmers.

Being a highland that is agriculturally productive, the Tugen hills is a lifeline of the whole Baringo district as it is a source of foodstuff especially horticultural products and cereals.

The Tugen hills experience a fairly good rainfall pattern, with fertile soils and once boasted feeding the entire district. The reliance of the rest of the district on Tugen hills as its food basket has sharply declined that that supplements has to be sourced from elsewhere. The poor harvests experienced in the recent decades are due to changing rainfall patterns, combined effects of climate change and massive erosion.

Initially when the vegetation was still intact, the rainfall pattern was consistent and therefore the food security was reliable.

Currently, the forest coverage has drastically declined by approximately 20% and hence, one of the measures to check the problem is ensuring the stop of further destruction of the existing four main forests namely; Katemok, Tarambas hill, Kipng’ochoch and Kinyo forests and restoring their initial coverage through re- forestation.

All the four of Tugen hills forests are under management of the county council of Baringo and protected by Kenya Forestry Service

Approximately 80% of the Tugen hills forests are composed of indigenous plant species with the remaining being exotic plantations, some established in the early 1970’s on lands where illegal settlers had invaded in the 1950’s.

There are sections of savannah grassland vegetation in the Tugen hills, for example the region around Kapchomuso and Kapkut areas. The higher most points of the hills are rocky, with scorch vegetation. These regions include areas around Kabarnet town, seguton hill, Tarambas hill and Kator all in Baringo central.

The Tugen hills forests are of great importance to the communities living around it for it’s socio- economic and cultural benefits.

Long before and after the introduction of modern medicine, the local communities have relied on especially the indigenous plants for their medicinal value.

These forests are also a source of energy (firewood), as the cheapest and readily available form. It is a source of wood for construction of houses, making of furniture, household items and traditional artifacts.

The forests of Baringo have a great significance as water catchment areas and a reason for the existence of flowing streams. They include Kinyo, Endao, Kerio, Kapkiamo, Bemoi, Emkong, Sogom, Kimogombel, Ruwamoi, Toiwon, Smood falls, Kapkong and Enso Rivers.

These Rivers supply the districts’ all important water reservoirs including Lake Baringo, Lake Kapnarok, Kirandich dam which supply domestic water for Kabarnet municipality, Chemeron dam which supply Marigat town, Kimao dam which is to suppliment Chemeron in supplying Marigat, Toiwon dam which supply Kabartonjo town and Kaptimbor dam. Most of these streams are also tributaries to the main Rivers -Kerio and Endao Rivers

During times of drought and shortage of grass for livestock, some forest plants like Trichocladus ellipticus become alternative fodder.

For Bee farmers, these forests are ideal locations for placing beehives.

The Tugen hills though still is home to wild animals and protected plants, the wildlife population has notably reduced by the time.

There are culturally significant plants that the Tugen people use during traditional ceremonies. These plants may not be available in their farmlands thus the forestlands are quite important as a source for them. These plants include Warburgia ugandensis, Acocanthera schimperi, Euclea divinorum, among many others.

With the low economic empowerment of the surging population, the declining crop harvests and lack of other business avenues, people have resulted to trading in wood products to meet their day-to-day needs. There also been an increased reliance of forest resources lately, owed to their high value products. More harvesting of these plants have resulted to their depletion at an alarming rate.

Rampant harvesting of Juniperus and Olives for their high quality building material; Podocarpus and Warburgia for their high quality furniture production; Garcinia jonstonii as an important medicinal plant and the increasing illegal trading of Osyris lanceolata (East African Sandalwood), have made these and others endangered.

Deforestation and logging remain the main cause of these forests destruction. Communities living around the forests cut trees for firewood, charcoal burning, building material and carvings production. There are traders who supply saw millers with logs from these forests, especially Katemok and Kipng’ochoch, for timber production.

Improper harvesting of wood for the production of carvings, household items and for medicine has left these important plants vulnerable to possible elimination. Lately, the trading in endangered plant species like the Sandalwood has increased in the region, with wealthy businessmen and influential leaders forming the cartels.

Illegal as well as licensed logging constitutes a bigger proportion of the forests destruction than the domestic usage does.

Overcoming the problem is quite cumbersome since the wealthy traders in this business, who also harvest in large scale, offer handsome bribes to the low earning forest security. Therefore, corruption among the forest authorities and people trading in forest products is one of the factors contributing to the destruction of the Tugen hills forests.

The award of forestland for human settlement and ‘community projects’ including construction of schools, churches and health centers by influential leaders in government, as has been the case in Baringo in the past, has contributed to massive destruction of forests.

Similar settlements in other forests like the Mau, Mochongoi and Timboroa forests have caused destruction whose effects of decreasing volume of main Rivers of Baringo have been felt.

Erosion, a consequence of deforestation has caused siltation of Baringo’ s water reservoirs, soil infertility and massive floods that have caused destruction of infrastructure and loss of life.

Down the slopes of Tugen hills to the West is the Kerio valley and Mokoswok valley to the East. These are arid lands, where a sign of desertification is evidently encroaching towards the uplands. This is fueled by massive charcoal burning, land clearance due to population pressure, overgrazing and the effects of climate change. Entirely all the charcoal consumed in Baringo’ s urban centers and elsewhere is produced in the arid parts of the district and while the main economic activity is livestock rearing, overgrazing and hence erosion is rampant.

The change of climate has been noted from the inconsistent rainfall patterns and forms, rising temperatures and re- emergence of diseases for example the Rift Valley Fever that was attributed to the unusually long rains in the year 2006.

The numerous challenges facing the existence of forests in the Tugen hills can be overcome if measures are put in place the soonest to curb it’s destruction and initiate the process of restoration.

The most important measure to change the existing trend could be starting a re- forestation and tree-planting program.

This involves first creating awareness of the danger and consequence of depleting forests and instilling a sense of responsibility in the people so as to be in the forefront in the conservation of these forests.

The involvement of relevant authorities including the Kenya Forestry Service, Local authorities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Kenya wildlife Service, local administrative and political leaders as well as community development groups is important in mobilizing financial and human resource support.

This will eventually pave way for the forestation program, which entails identification and reclamation of depleted zones in the forests with the aim of replanting them. The community will also be encouraged to plant trees in their homes, and if possible dedicate to establish private forests.

Encouraging the local community of the need to venture into alternative energy sources such as solar, wind power and most of all biogas can drastically reduce the overdependence of firewood, which is a forest resource.

The use of energy saving stoves in homes and cultivation of fast growing softwood plants like Croton and Griffelia for firewood dependency should also be encouraged.

Medicinal plants and plants with cultural and economic importance should be protected to ensure their continual usage among the community. Healthy harvesting of these plants should be encouraged to avoid unnecessary destruction and possible wastage. The medicinal importance of Garcinia jonstonii (Muikutwe - Tugen), has left the plant vulnerable to extinction. Every single plant of the few remaining (as observed in Tarambas and Kinyo forests), have been debarked and could dry up soon. The problem facing its natural propagation is the fact that its seeds are edible and due to the few plants available, the fruits are harvested premature hence the chance of it’s seeds maturing fully is quite minimal. Several other plant species that have to be used by the community are facing the same risk of being exhausted.

Generally, the decline in vegetation cover in the Tugen hills can represent a feature that is characteristic the world over. To arrest the situation, there is need to concentrate and dedicate resources on the smaller units of the entire global forest cover like this to ensure maximum protection. By doing so, the prospects of combined efforts will see the worlds future generation live in a better world.

By Chesire Chris