Bungoma County

Elephants and more than 300 bird species, hills and waterfalls are as much a part of Bungoma County’s character as its historical and cultural themes. The history of Bungoma Town offers a perspective of its own; the county’s natural features and attractions appeal to other interests. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Town history and cultural influences

According to tradition, Bungoma was a gathering place where Bukusu elders summoned people with engoma drums. This tradition is associated with the name Bungoma. Bungoma Town emerged as a trading centre in the early 20th century; its founding in 1925 is linked to the arrival of the railway. The story behind the name and the town’s founding belong to different historical contexts: one recounts a traditional gathering place, while the other places Bungoma Town in the history of the railway, in 1925.

Cultural traditions are also part of the travel experience in Bungoma County: circumcision ceremonies are among its cultural tourism attractions. Historical attractions in the county include the ruins of Chetambe Fort, the Sudi Namachanja Mausoleum and the Elijah Masinde Shrine. Together with the tradition associated with Bungoma, these offer different historical perspectives—from the story behind the name to named sites of regional heritage.

Landscape in Bungoma County

Bungoma County’s natural profile includes Mt. Elgon National Park and the Chepkitale National Forest Reserve. Their flora and fauna include elephants and more than 300 bird species. Mt. Elgon has caves considered attractive; caves on Sang’alo Hill are also described as attractive. These landscape features offer a different focus from the town’s history. You can distinguish between two nature-related interests when choosing a theme: are you mainly interested in wildlife, such as elephants and the more than 300 bird species, or in caves as landscape features? Both perspectives are part of the county, but they focus on different aspects of nature.

Chetambe, Sang’alo and Kabuchai are among the notable hills in Bungoma County. Its other important physical features include the Nzoia, Kuywa, Sosio, Kibisi and Sio-Malaba/Malakisi rivers. Nabuyole and Teremi are waterfalls in the county. Together, these names paint a varied landscape—from hills and caves to rivers and waterfalls.

Choosing the right focus for your trip

Historical attractions and cultural traditions also feature across the county. Consider whether you’re mainly interested in history, culture or landscape; this can help you tailor your holiday-rental search to the aspects that matter most to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Webuye, Myanga.

Return to the main travel overview: Bungoma.