As you drive into Naivasha from Nairobi, your view is drawn to a mountain that dominates the landscape to the north. This is Mt. Eburu, the easternmost extension of the Mau Range. Eburu stands alone, bordered by Lake Naivasha to the south, the Mau escarpment to the west and Lakes Elementaita and Nakuru to the north and north-west respectively. Its highest peak, Ol Doinyo Opuru, stands over 2,700 metres above sea level. The mountain is a long massif of undulating peaks aligned east-west that towers above the surrounding landscape.
Eburu, though rich in biodiversity, is not well known as a recreational destination. It is overshadowed by the ever popular Naivasha area. The magnificent Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort is likely its only ‘tourist class’ recreational facility. Occupying a large area of the mountain, the Eburu Forest reserve is said to cover 8,715 hectares. Within this forest are myriad wildlife including a small population (7-12 animals) of the critically endangered eastern mountain bongo antelope (there are less than 100 left in the wild). There is plentiful birdlife, including raptors such as the black-shouldered kite.
A narrow track traverses the forest starting at the Eburu Forest Station, and the locals use this to access the forest to collect firewood and graze their livestock.
The indigenous forest is tranquil and beautiful, showcasing tall trees and leafy undergrowth. Moorland vegetation can be observed in forest glades at the higher elevations.
The mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding Rift Valley landscape from every side – it is a scenic tour de force.
Underfoot, Eburu is geologically active. Geothermal wells have been developed in the forest to harness the power that lies beneath. In the foothills around the Ndabibi area the locals speak with awe of the way the ground subsides from time to time, leaving yawning crevasses large enough to swallow an entire house.
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| geothermal well - capped for now |
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| terra not firma - geology at fault |
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