Uncover the wonders of the Matthews mountain range in Samburu County, Kenya. Encounter elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos in this protected wildlife conservancy.
Matthew’s Mountain Range, christened “a sky island,” is located in Samburu County. It is in the northern frontier plains, between the plains of Laikipia to the south. Likewise, it borders the desolate desert towards Lake Turkana. The range stretches over 150km from the south to the north axis. This is marked by the flat-topped Ololokwe in the south and the Ndotto Mountains in the north. Correspondingly, it is locally referred to as Oldoinyo Lenkiyo.
Numerous river valleys, springs, and several peaks exist. Warges is the highest at 2,688 metres above sea level. Situated at the southernmost point of the range, a valley divides it from the remaining portion of the mountain. Oldoinyo Lenkiyo stands at 1,809 metres, and Mathew’s Peak is at 1,890 metres. While Ilpisyon stands at 1,491 metres, Lolgek at 1,184 metres, Lomolok at 1,472 metres, Tipito at 1,861 metres, and Ilmara Muroi at 1,289 metres. All are located in the middle of the range. Known locally as Sweet Sixteen, there is also a breast-shaped hill inside the range. In addition, others include Oldoinyo Sabache at 1,963 metres, Lekat at 1,625 metres, and Namanyaraboo at 1,216 metres.
Matthews Mountain Range is in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, operated by the Samburu community to protect its natural forest and the resident wildlife, which includes elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, among others. Aside from the local wildlife, the Matthews range, due to its remote location, is home to some endemic plant species in its natural forest and the magnificent rock pools that fill up with crystal clear water in the months following the rainy season.