Mathews Range – Kenya’s Untamed Mountain Wilderness of Forests, Elephants & Indigenous Culture
- maria maris
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
Hidden deep in northern Kenya lies one of East Africa’s most pristine and biologically rich mountain ecosystems — the Mathews Range, also known as the Lenkiyio Hills.
Stretching across Samburu County, this ancient mountain chain rises like a green island above the surrounding semi-arid plains, creating a spectacular refuge of forest, wildlife, and traditional culture.
Remote, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful, the Mathews Range is the kind of place where time seems to stop — a sanctuary untouched by mass tourism and one of Kenya’s last great natural secrets.
Where Is the Mathews Range Located?
The Mathews Range stretches for about 150 kilometers through northern Kenya, between the Samburu and Rendille lands. It lies roughly:
120 km north of Isiolo
250 km from Nanyuki
350 km from Nairobi
This isolation has helped preserve the region’s forests, wildlife, and cultures. Access is usually through Maralal, Wamba, or Samburu National Reserve.
A Mountain Forest Oasis in Dry Country
The Mathews Range is extraordinary because it forms a cool, wet, forested region in the middle of hot, dry lowlands. This unique microclimate supports the famous Mathews Range Forest, a lush and ancient ecosystem known as a “sky island”.
Key landscape features include:
Dense montane forest
Rugged granite peaks
Crystal-clear streams and waterfalls
Bamboo thickets at higher altitudes
Rolling grasslands and cedar forests
Deep river valleys surrounded by cliffs
Some peaks rise to over 2,600 meters, offering sweeping views over Samburu and Turkana lands.
Wildlife Riches – Elephants, Leopards, and Rare Species
The Mathews Range hosts an incredible mix of wildlife rarely found elsewhere. Because the forest is so ancient and isolated, some species are endemic — meaning they occur only here.
Flagship wildlife species include:
Forest elephants
Leopards
Colobus monkeys
Greater kudu
Waterbuck
Bushbuck
Giant forest hog
The elephants in particular are famous for their intelligence and calm behavior, having lived for generations in these quiet forests.
Rare and endemic species:
De Brazza’s Monkey (very rare)
Mathews Range chameleon
Unique forest butterflies
Endemic birds like the golden-winged sunbird
The forest is also home to hundreds of medicinal plants, treasured by local communities.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Mathews Range is one of Kenya’s top, yet least visited, birding hotspots.
Common sightings include:
African crowned eagle
Hartlaub’s turaco
Narina trogon
Montane white-eye
Somali bee-eater
Shikra falcon
The mixture of forest and open woodland creates diverse habitats for both highland and lowland species.
Home of the Samburu — Culture and Tradition
The surrounding communities of the Mathews Range are predominantly Samburu, close relatives of the Maasai. Their deep connection to land, cattle, identity, and tradition makes a visit cultural as well as natural.
What visitors can experience:
Samburu homesteads (manyattas)
Traditional dances & songs
Camel herding culture
Beadwork and ornaments
Storytelling around evening fires
Many Samburu villages collaborate with conservation initiatives, making tourism beneficial to both people and wildlife.
The Famous “Singing Wells”
One of the most fascinating cultural features near the Mathews Range is the singing wells of Samburu.
During dry seasons:
Samburu warriors dig deep wells to reach water
They form long human chains
As they pass water to cattle, they sing rhythmic chants
Each family has its own unique song
It’s an ancient practice found almost nowhere else in the world.
The Mathews Range Forest – A Natural Treasure
This mountain forest is extremely important for:
Water catchment (feeding Ewaso Nyiro River system)
Climate regulation
Habitat for wildlife
Traditional medicinal knowledge
Endemic frogs, insects, chameleons, and birds
The forest canopy includes:
Olive trees
Cedar
Podocarpus
Wild figs
Mahogany
Bamboo zones
This diversity makes it one of Kenya’s most significant indigenous forests.
Activities at the Mathews Range
1. Forest Hiking and Bush Walks
Guided hikes take visitors deep into the cool mountain forest, across rivers, waterfalls, and ancient cedar trees. Trails vary from easy walks to multi-day treks.
2. Swimming in Natural Pools
The mountain streams form turquoise pools perfect for relaxing after a hike.
3. Wildlife Tracking
Local Samburu guides can track elephants, kudu, and other wildlife with exceptional skill.
4. Birdwatching
The quiet forests offer excellent opportunities for bird photography and observation.
5. Cultural Visits
Travelers can visit Samburu villages to witness dances, crafts, and traditional ways of life.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options include:
High-end Eco Lodges
Sarara Camp – famous for conservation and community partnership
Sarara Treehouses – forest immersion in treetop rooms
Kitich Camp – authentic forest camp with river views
These lodges are among Kenya’s most beautiful, offering luxury in remote nature.
Camping
Adventurous travelers can camp with guides in designated safe areas.
Best Time to Visit
The Mathews Range is accessible most of the year.
Best seasons:
June–October (cool, clear, great for hiking)
December–March (warm, dry, wildlife active)
The forest is lushest after rains, but trails can be slippery.
How to Get There
By Road:4x4 required. Most visitors travel through Samburu National Reserve, Nanyuki, or Maralal.
By Air:Charter flights or scheduled flights land at:
Kalama Airstrip
Samburu Oryx Airstrip
Sarara Airstrip (private)
From there, transfers are arranged by camps.
Why Visit the Mathews Range
The Mathews Range is one of the last genuinely wild places in Kenya. It offers:
Deep forest silence
Rare wildlife
Spectacular scenery
Beautiful Samburu culture
Zero crowds
Pure, untouched nature
For travelers craving something beyond the typical safari destinations, the Mathews Range is a revelation — raw, ancient, sacred, and unforgettable.
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