The Magical Kenya Mountain Run and Trail Series is gearing up for its riveting second edition in April 2025, spotlighting the breathtaking landscapes of Kakamega. Known for being a tourism gem in the western region of Kenya, Kakamega Forest is ready to offer visitors a unique blend of adventure and cultural exploration. As preparations reach the final stages, stakeholders are enthusiastic about the event’s potential to redefine the region’s tourism appeal and focus on environmental sustainability and visitor engagement.
Revitalizing Kakamega Forest for Eco-Tourism
One of the pivotal components of this initiative involves enhancing the Kakamega Forest, the only remaining segment of what was once a formidable tropical rainforest stretching across Africa. According to Karen Ndiema, a senior warden with the Kenya Wildlife Service, significant improvements are underway. A 13-kilometer road within the park nears completion, alongside a 34-kilometer fence, boosting both conservation efforts and visitor accessibility.
The introduction of these infrastructural developments aims to foster a richer visitor experience. Adventurers can look forward to well-marked trails for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. “Kakamega Forest is best experienced on foot, and thus, enhancements are tailored to promote activities like rock climbing and hiking,” Ndiema noted, underscoring the forest’s capability to attract nature enthusiasts eager for immersive exploration.
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Broader Western Circuit Tourism Potential
The event is not merely confined to Kakamega. It represents a strategic effort to highlight the broader western tourism circuit, encapsulating counties like Siaya and Homa Bay, and culminating in a grand event in Nyamira on May 4th. The CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, June Chepkemei, emphasized the event’s role in shining a light on these often unexplored regions, positioning them as prime destinations for adventure tourism.
“Through the series, we aim to offer a refreshing take on tourism, especially as it caters to the rising interest among millennials and Gen Z for cultural immersion and adventure,” Chepkemei explained. As part of this strategic outlook, the event aims to highlight unique regional attractions, such as Homa Bay’s Ruma National Park, home to Kenya’s last haven for the roan antelope and significant populations of Rothschild giraffes.
Collaboration and Sustainable Tourism
The successful orchestration of the run and trail series hinges on collaboration among various stakeholders. Local county governments in Kakamega and Vihiga, the Kenya Roads Board, and conservation organizations like Rhino Ark are all key partners working toward sustaining and promoting the forest’s allure. This cooperative framework underscores the event’s environmental consciousness and its alignment with broader sustainability goals.
William Omamo Junior, Executive Director of the Utonga Nature Conservancy, lauded these efforts, pointing to their potential to “enhance the exposure of the unsung western corridor of Kenya, including regions like Turkana and Bungoma.” He posits that such initiatives meet current tourism trends oriented towards climate action and heritage preservation.
Cultural and Nature Experiences Await
The event also involves promoting cultural tourism by spotlighting community-based projects like those in Siaya County’s Utonga Nature Conservancy. This site focuses on rehabilitating damaged ecosystems due to commercial logging and poaching. Through these varied attractions, the event looks to deliver not just competitive running, but also profound cultural and natural experiences.
The first edition earlier this year, which traversed counties such as Laikipia, Nakuru, and Elgeyo Marakwet, set a vibrant precedent for the upcoming endeavors. The excitement around the Magical Kenya Mountain Run and Trail Series continues to build, promising an exhilarating mix of sport, conservation, and cultural celebration in 2025.
