Natural Landmarks in Kitui
Yatta Plateau: World’s Longest Lave Flow?
One of Kenya’s notable volcanic formation, Yatta Plateau, rising 150 metres over the surrounding landscape from near Ol Doinyo Sabuk National Park in Machakos County to Manyani in Tsavo East National Park, covers a total distance of 210-290 km. As such, it is one of the most extensive lava flows in the world. The plateau was formed by highly fluid pahoehoe lava from volcanic eruptions of Ol Doinyo Sabuk around 1 million years ago. The summit of the Yatta Plateau extends on and on, unbroken in sections for many kilometres, marching south with the western boundary of Tsavo East Park. For the whole of this protracted distance it hardly exceeds 5-7 km in width and is fairly homogenous in structure and appearance.
The lava rim forms a vertical cliff at the summit of a steep-escarpment on both the eastern and western flanks. This makes it easily identifiable as a narrowed flat to gently undulating bush-covered ridge with a maximum altitude of 450 metres above sea level. The slope of the Yatta Plateau’s lava floor is only about 12 feet per mile to the southeast parallel to the Athi River, but about 35 per mile to the east in its east-west portion, so that at its eastern end it almost merges into the low end-Tertiary erosion surface. The change in the slope, according to geologists, may be explained to differential uplift or may be possible faulting. Bearing in mind the vast plains about it, Yatta acts as a natural barrier influencing local drainage patterns.
Along the A109 Nairobi-Mombasa Road or train, shortly after the turnoff towards Kibwezi, the striking upland of Yatta Plateau can be easily sighted; to the far left if heading to Mombasa and to the right if heading toward Nairobi; first appearing as a perfectly sketched line in the distance and as a wooded range as you near Voi or contrariwise. River Athi traverses its western side while River Tiva flows along the eastern side. It is rarely inspected at close quarters mainly because it occurs in the less developed northern area of Tsavo East Park that is less accessible, but it can be toured by crossing River Galana on a causeway at Lugard’s Falls where the trail extends via Mopea Gap north to River Tiva near Wathoni, and east of the Lali Hills.
Kenya is blessed with a diverse range of natural landmarks, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. These natural landmarks represent Kenya’s breathtaking beauty and ecological diversity, making it a top destination for safari adventures, outdoor, and wilderness exploration.
Index of Natural Landmarks Around Kenya
Baringo County - Paka Volcano, Metkei Ridge, Tugen (Kamasia) Hills, Silale Crater, Bomet County - Motigo Hill, Bungoma County - Kabuchai Hills, Luucho Hills, Busia County - Samia Hills, Namenya Hill, Namenya Hill, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Escarpment, Mektei Ridge, Cherangani Hills, Embu County - Karue Hill, Kianjiru Hill, Mumoni Hill, Garissa County - Merti Plain, Homa Bay County - Asego & Kasarua Hills, Ruri Hills, Gembe Hills, The Gwassi Hills, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Isiolo County - Merti Plateau, Nyambene Range, Mlima Tatu Kula Mawe, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Suswa, Ol Doinyo Orok, Chyulu Hills, Kericho County - Tinderet Mountain, Kiambu County - Kijabe Hills, Kilifi County - Marafa Gorge, Kisumu County - Kajulu Hills, Kitui County - Yatta Plateau, Laikipia County - Laikipia Plateau, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mandera County - Dandu Hills, Marsabit County - Mount Nyiru, Nabuyatom Cone, Mount Kulal, Mount Marsabit, Hurri Hills, Sololo Escarpment, Mount Forore, Meru County - Kierra Ridge, Mount Kenya, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru Mountains, Menengai Crater, Nandi County - Nandi Hills, Nyando Escarpment, Kamulat Hill, Nandi Scarp, Narok County - Nguruman, Loita Hills, Siria Ridge, Nyamira County - Kibugat Hill, Emanga Hills, Kiabonyoru Hill, Nkoora Hill, Nyandarua County - Aberdare Range, Mount Kipipiri, Samburu County - Scared Mount Ololokwe, Ndoto Mountain Range, Mathews Range, Mount Nyiru, Samburu Hills, Loroghi Plateau, Siaya County - Got Ramogi, Taita Taveta County - Taita (Range) Hills, Mount Sagalla, Ngulia Hills, Mount Kasigau, Tharaka Nithi County - Kijegge Range, Turkana County - Mogila Hills, Loima Hills, Vihiga County - Bunyore Hills, Maragoli Hills, Wajir County - Mansa Guda Range, Malabar Hill, West Pokot County - Mount Murpus, Koh Hill, Sekerr Range
Kitui County is a hidden gem for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and nature. With better infrastructure and marketing, it could become a key destination in Kenya’s tourism map. Known for its arid and semi-arid landscapes, rich Kamba culture, and untapped tourism potential, it is home to many unique attractions, hillscapes, scenic rock formations and valleys ideal for hiking and photography.
You Are Here: Yatta Plateau
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Yatta Plateau
A Guide to Kitui County
A Summa Digest of Kitui
About Kitui Way Back When
33 Destinations in Kitui County, arranged as one would visit these - north to south - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Revelation Recreational Park, Kanyonyoo Wildlife Conservancy, B2 Yatta Ranch, Ukasi Hill, Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Forest Reserve, Gai (Muruu) Rock, Kiambere Dam, Mwingi National Reserve, Adamson Bridge, Ngomeni Rock, Kitui War Monument, Kitui Villa, Kalundu Public Park, Kitui Hills, Nzambani Rock, Ikoo Viewpoint, Mutito Hills, Mui Basin, Nuu Hills, Mutomo Hill Sanctuary, Mutomo Reptile Park, South Kitui National Reserve, AIC Ikutha, Tsavo East National Park, Athi-Galana River, Kanderi Swamp, Yatta Plateau, Ithumba Camp, Ithumba Hill Camp, The Man-eaters Bridge, Man-eaters Camp
Know More About Kitui County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.15?
Kitui County has a low-lying topography with arid and semi-arid climates. The general landscape of Kitui is flat with a plain that gently rolls down towards the east.
What’s The Air Like In Kitui?
Climate in Kitui is generally hot and dry with little rainfall. Temperatures are high year-round, ranging between 14°C-34°C. The hotter months are September, October, January.
Abiri Kenya 