Hotels FAQ

Question:

Does anyone know anything about Kitale Kenya? I am having a hard time looking up accomadations as far a Hotel to stay in when we go. If you can help, I would be grateful. Thanks, jen

Response:

>Does anyone know anything about Kitale Kenya? I am having a hard time >looking up accomadations as far a Hotel to stay in when we go. If you >can help, I would be grateful. >Thanks, >jen

Jen, I`ve also found nothing on the web for Kitale! The best source for everything about Kenya I find  is the Rough Guide to Kenya. There is a list of accommodation  in  the guide  and I can tell you the recommended ones if you like. You won`t find any four star ones. There are no email addresses! The best is said to be The Lantern( good food too) PO Box4566, Kitale Tele. And Fax number, 054 30360 Also, Alkara hotel, Kenyatta street, PO Box 1984. Tele.054 20395 Fax 054 30298. The Lantern is also Kenyatta street. If you can get a copy of the Rough Guide it`s worth it. Pat — Pat Anderson

Response:

In Kitale- Call the numbers below and ought to offer you some direction about locations in Kitale.  I think it would be interesting enough to try climb Mt Elgon. History and location Mt. Elgon is a huge dormant volcano on the Kenya-Uganda border. Its highest peak in Kenya is Koitoboss at 4,155 m. Elgon is a Maasai word, "ol doinyo ilgoon" for "mountain shaped like human breast." The park covers 169 km2 of diverse habitats with topography ranging from 7,700 ft (2,160 m) to 13,852 ft (4,155 m). Many rivers, such as the Nzoia, Suam and Turkwell feeding Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana originate from the park. The park’s history is embedded in the lifestyles and culture of the native community. The vast unique caves have been venues for traditional ceremonies and cattle salt lick areas for the local Sabot community. The mountain peak has been used as a sacred worship place and considered a home for gods (who are still consulted by members of the native community entering the park). Fauna and Flora The park has a rich, unspoiled, botanical diversity of tropical moist forests, bamboo, and moorlands containing stands of some of the most rare and threatened species like the great Podos, Elgon Teak, and Cedars. The many streams, waterfalls, rivers, cliffs, and diverse habitats are ideal havens for a variety of mammals and over 240 species of birds. Big game includes an estimated 400 Forest elephants, also referred to as "cave elephants," and buffaloes. Other common and endemic species are oribi, giant forest hog, bushbuck, impala, and bush duickers. Predators such as leopard, civet, genet and wild cats, and hyenas are not often seen, but may be heard. Visitors can have spectacular sightings of rare and endangered indigenous primates including blue Debrazza, and black and white Colobus monkeys. Bird lovers will enjoy the rarer species like montane francolins and guinea fowl, black and white casqued hornbills, red-headed parrots and turacos. Special Attractions Together with the fauna and flora, the park is endowed with variety and breathtaking scenery of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas, hot springs, and the mountain peaks. The most popular areas are the four (4) explorable, vast caves where frequent night visitors such as elephants and buffaloes come to lick the natural salt found on the cave walls. Kitum cave, with overhanging crystalline walls, enters 200 m into the side of Mt. Elgon. The breathtaking natural beauty of the park can be best appreciated from the Endebess Bluff where one gets a panoramic view of the areas’ escarprnents, gorges, mesas, and rivers. The highest peak of Mt. Elgon on the Kenya side, Koitoboss, measures 13,852 ft (4,155 m), and is easily reached by hikers in about two hours from the road’s end. Activities Vehicle circuits leading to animal viewing areas, the caves and Koitoboss peak. Self-guided walking trails (Ask for the Kitum Cave guide book at the gate) Hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitoboss Peak Primate and bird watching Cave explorations Camping Photography Facilities/Accommodation Picnic sites at Elephant Platform and Endebess Bluff 3 campsites: 2 public campsites and one "salt lick" special campsite, strategically located to view salt licking by animals like elephants, while enjoying the natural quiet atmosphere by the river side. Fresh water and toilet facilities are available at the campsites. Kapkuro Bandas, sited in a forest glade near the park headquarters that offer privacy in a wild environment. They are designed to accommodate 8 guests in a self-contained setting. Barbecue facilities are located nearby. Entrance gate at Chorlim where you can obtain information about the park and guide services. Airstrip that can serve light planes Mt. Elgon Lodge, which accommodates 35 people, situated 0.5 km. outside the park gate. How to Get There Arrive in Kitale from Nairobi (385 km) or from Eldoret International Airport (70 km) on the tarmac road. The park is situated 15 km from Kitale off the Endebess road. Roads within the park are motorable and signposted, however a 4WD vehicle is advisable between April and November. Associated places of interest include Kakamega Forest, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Nasolot/South Turkana Reserves, lake Bogoria, and Ruma National Park. Wildlife code