The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has officially launched the second edition of the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, this time shining a spotlight on the scenic and culturally rich Western Kenya region.
Dubbed the Magharibi Trail Series, the multi-day adventure kicked off today at the iconic Kakamega Forest and will run until June 1, 2025. The event is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and position the Western tourism circuit as a premier destination for adventure travel.
Unveiling the event, KTB CEO June Chepkemei said the series will highlight the region’s unique blend of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and unspoiled landscapes.
“The Magharibi Trails will showcase the extraordinary biodiversity and cultural richness of what Western Kenya offers to global adventure seekers,” said Chepkemei. “In choosing Kakamega Forest as our starting point, we are highlighting Kenya’s only tropical rainforest — a biodiversity hotspot and a key symbol of our commitment to sustainable tourism.”
The three-day expedition features hiking, cycling, and cultural immersion, taking participants across Kakamega, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties. Adventurers will explore the Buyangu Hills and Isiukhu Falls in Kakamega Forest, traverse the serene shores of Lake Victoria in Siaya, and culminate their journey on Rusinga Island in Homa Bay County, where they will engage with the Suba community’s cultural heritage.
The event, which has attracted at least 40 participants, is also a platform for environmental conservation, with tree-planting activities incorporated to boost the region’s carbon sink capacity.
Chepkemei noted the global shift toward experience-driven travel and highlighted the economic potential of adventure tourism.
“We are witnessing a fundamental shift where travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer both physical challenges and meaningful cultural connections,” she remarked. “Kenya’s diverse topography and rich cultural tapestry position us perfectly to capitalize on this trend.”
Adventure tourism in Africa is projected to reach USD 18.4 billion by the end of 2025, and Kenya aims to attract 200,000 adventure tourists within the next five years.
This Western edition follows the successful Heritage Trails and Tinderet-Barng’etuny Mountain Run held in January. The trail series is part of six planned editions throughout 2025 under the Magical Kenya Adventure Brand, which was launched earlier this year at ITB Berlin.
Other upcoming editions include:
Aberdares Trails (June)
Mt. Kenya Trails (August/September)
Central Rift Trails (November)
Mt. Elgon Mountain Run (December)
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is among the key partners in the initiative. Speaking during the launch, Josephat Erupe, Senior Assistant Director of the Western Conservation Area at KWS, emphasized the untapped potential of the Western region.
“This trail series is a strategic promotion that will open up the Western Circuit, one of Kenya’s most overlooked tourism regions,” Erupe said. “Adventure as a tourism offering is quickly gaining traction in this region, especially among the youth who are looking for fun, health-conscious experiences.”
He encouraged more Kenyans to visit and explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural wealth.
“Kakamega Forest, with its pleasant climate and evergreen environment, is an all-year-round destination ideal for adventure,” he added.
The initiative also underscores community involvement, with local populations playing an active role in planning and execution to ensure economic benefits are equitably shared while preserving cultural authenticity.
Organizers say the trails cater to various fitness levels, making the event accessible and inclusive to a broad spectrum of adventure seekers, both local and international.
As Kenya targets 3 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025, the Magharibi Trail Series marks another milestone in repositioning the country as Africa’s premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism.