Kinangop Plateau
The Kinangop Plateau lies between 2400 and 2700 meters above sea level and is fringed by the Aberdare Mountains to the east and a steep bluff dropping into the Rift Valley to the west.
About this tour
The Kinangop Plateau lies between 2400 and 2700 meters above sea level and is fringed by the Aberdare Mountains to the east and a steep bluff dropping into the Rift Valley to the west.
The Kinangop plateau is one of the sections of low-relief plains formed by protracted erosion, which features a raised elongated block of the earth’s crust lying between two faults and trough valleys, characterized by differing forms of savannas depending on rainfall, relief, soil ecology, and topography.
The Kinangop plateau shelter Sharpe’s Longclaw a globally threatened grassland-specialist bird and numerous other animals and plants endemic to the mountain grasslands of Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Kikuyu people call it “gathonjo ka werũ-ini, ” meaning “a weaver-like bird that lives only in the grasslands”. The English name honors 19th-century British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe.
The Sharpe’s Longclaw is listed as Endangered on the I.U.C.N Red List of globally threatened species because of the rapid and continuing reduction in the extent and quality of its habitat. Estimates say that only 10,000 and 19,000 individuals of Sharpe’s Longclaw are roaming freely in the wild. Most of the population is restricted to three main locations: Kinangop Plateau , Mau Narok , Mount Elgon , Timau in Mount Kenya , and the Uasin Gishu grasslands
Interesting species to look for in Kinangop Plateau:
Birds you can spot
Itinerary ▼
The Kinangop Plateau lies between 2400 and 2700 meters above sea level and is fringed by the Aberdare Mountains to the east and a steep bluff dropping into the Rift Valley to the west. The Kinangop plateau is one of the sections of low-relief plains formed by protracted erosion, which features a raised elongated block of the earth’s crust lying between two faults and trough valleys, characterized by differing forms of savannas depending on rainfall, relief, soil ecology, and topography. The Kinangop plateau shelter Sharpe’s Longclaw a globally threatened grassland-specialist bird and numerous other animals and plants endemic to the mountain grasslands of Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Kikuyu people call it “gathonjo ka werũ-ini, ” meaning “a weaver-like bird that lives only in the grasslands”. The English name honors 19th-century British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe.
Locations & map
- Kinangop Plateau - Kenya (Primary map point for this public tour page; exact route is confirmed with the partner.)
Transport & stays
- Tour vehicle / transfers as quoted Vehicle, pickup and transfer arrangements must be confirmed for the selected itinerary. | Meet: Nairobi or agreed point | Pickup: On request
Policies & FAQ
Are dates and prices fixed?
Unless a current departure is confirmed in writing, dates, group size and price are provided on request by ConQuest Adventures through BirdWatch.
Are target birds guaranteed?
No. The itinerary focuses on suitable habitats and target species, but sightings depend on season and field conditions.