Bungoma

Bungoma County lies in western Kenya, bordering Uganda to the west and Mt. Elgon to the north-east. It is a fertile agricultural region known for sugarcane, maize, and sunflower farming, and is the heartland of the Bukusu people, the largest sub-group of the Luhya community. The county's main attractions are natural: the dramatic slopes of Mount Elgon, the world's largest extinct volcano caldera, and the surrounding forests. Bungoma town, the county capital, is a busy commercial centre on the main Nairobi–Uganda highway.

The dry months of December to March and June to September are best for hiking Mount Elgon and accessing the parks. The long rains (April–June) and short rains (October–November) make roads muddy but the landscape is at its greenest.

The main A104 highway runs through Bungoma town, linking it to Kitale, Webuye, and the Uganda border at Malaba. Matatus and buses connect the main towns. For Mount Elgon National Park, a 4WD is recommended, especially in the wet season.

• Bungoma — the county capital, a busy market town with a vibrant atmosphere.
• Webuye — industrial town known for the Webuye Panafrican Paper Mills.
• Kimilili — agricultural town on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
• Sirisia — rural town near the Uganda border.
• Chwele — market centre in a fertile farming area.
• Malakisi — small town on the main highway, close to the Uganda border.
• Kapsokwony — town on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon.
• Mount Elgon National Park — a transboundary park on the Kenya–Uganda border featuring the world's largest volcanic caldera, caves, waterfalls, and unique montane wildlife.

Bukusu cuisine features ugali, fish from local rivers, and traditional vegetables like mabonde and tsimboka. Sugarcane is a major crop and fresh cane juice is widely available. Roasted maize is a popular street snack.

The Bukusu community has a rich cultural heritage, best known for the Bukusu male circumcision ceremony held every even year. The Bungoma Agricultural Show is an annual event showcasing local farming. Traditional music and dance, particularly the sikuti dance, are performed at festivals.

• Hiking Mount Elgon — trek to the caldera, explore Kitum Cave (where elephants come to lick salt), and see the waterfalls on the mountain's slopes.
• Biking or walking through the sugarcane fields and rural villages.
• Cross-border shopping at the Busia and Malaba border posts.