Elmenteita Badlands
| Elementeita Badlands | |
|---|---|
Satellite image of the surrounding area from the ASTER Volcano Archive
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,126 m (6,975 ft) |
| Coordinates | 0°31′S 36°16′E / 0.517°S 36.267°ECoordinates: 0°31′S 36°16′E / 0.517°S 36.267°E |
| Geography | |
 Elementeita Badlands
located between Lake Elmenteita and Ol Doinyo Eburru volcano
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|
| Location |
 Kenya
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| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Pyroclastic cone |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
The Elementeita Badlands, also known as the Otutu Forest or Ututu Forest, is a lava flow in Kenya that covers approximately 9,000 acres (36 km2). The area was previously covered in thick dryland forest characterized by cedar trees, (Juniperus spp.), and Leleshwa bushes (Tarchonanthus camphoratus). In addition, Wild Jasmine and Boophone are also found.
The land belongs to Njenga Karume, who bought it from Arthur Cole in 1980. Cole had bought it from Digby Tatham-Warter (famous for his role in the Battle of Arnhem) in 1968, as grazing land of low potential. The land is unsuitable for either small scale cultivation or cattle ranching as it is covered in thick bush growing from the profusion of lava boulders.
The land is punctuated by pyroclastic cones of Holocene age. The highest peak has an elevation of 2126 metres. It is located between Lake Elmenteita and Ol Doinyo Eburru volcano, on the southern boundary of the Soysambu Conservancy. Some of the prominent peaks include "Horseshoe Crater" and "Scout Hat Hill". There are some lava tube caves which show evidence of prehistoric occupation as grinding plates and stone bowls have been recovered by the local people in rudimentary excavation. These caves have been occupied by some of the refugees from the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya.
The area was heavily degraded from the 1980s onwards, being a hideout for disaffected and dienfranchised people who have resorted to charcoal burning, poaching and changaa brewing. A trading centre has been built at the northeastern corner known as "Soko Mjinga" (Fool's Market) which is the place to trade in these items.
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Wikipedia