Sergoit Hill: A Hidden Gem in Uasin Gishu County

Sergoit Hill is a rock outcrop that stands above the Moiben, Plateau, in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. It is located on the west side of the Great Rift Valley, standing tall at an impressive elevation of about 6,857 feet (2,090 meters) above sea level. You can find it just 20 kilometers northeast of Eldoret town, a short distance off the Eldoret – Iten road towards Moiben. This hill is not only a landmark, but it also has a lot to offer to visitors.

Wildlife Sanctuary: Sergoit Hill is not just a hill, it’s also a wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for a diverse range of wildlife, including the Rothschild Giraffe, a highly endangered species that is a top priority in wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to antelopes, duikers, and a wide array of bird species.

A Unique Plant: Did you know that Sergoit Hill is home to a special plant called Aloe Sergoitensis? This plant is different from other aloes because it has forked teeth on its leaves and smaller coral-red flowers. It’s a unique plant that you won’t find anywhere else.

Amazing Views and Hiking:  If you visit Sergoit Hill, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, the Nandi Hills, and the Cherangany Hills. It’s also a great place for hiking, although the terrain can be challenging.

The Formation of Sergoit Hill: Geologists believe that Sergoit Hill was formed from lava and other materials that came from the South-East. These materials spread over the land millions of years ago and created this unique hill.

A Place with a Rich History: Sergoit has a fascinating history. It was once an open grassland until the Maasai people started using it as grazing fields. Later on, white settlers took over the land, pushing the Maasai people away. Sergoit Hill is also a sacred site for the Kalenjin communities living nearby.

The Name of the Hill: The name “Sergoit” comes from the Kalenjin language and means “good luck ahead.” According to legend, the hill got its name after a severe drought. Elders from the neighboring Elgeyo Marakwet traveled to the hill to offer sacrifices, and as soon as they returned home, the rain started to fall. They called the hill “Seree koit” or “Tulwop Sergoit,” which means “our mission was fruitful.” Another legend has it that Sirkoit was a name that was given to the hill because of hieroglyphics or sacred writing on the rocks—Sir koita i.e. to write on the rocks.

A Home for Afrikaners: In the early 1900s, Sergoit became a new home for Afrikaners who migrated from South Africa. They settled in this area and started farming. Their arrival was witnessed by an English settler named Arthur Cecil Hoey, who was amazed by the sight of their ox-drawn wagons.

A Place of Adventure: Sergoit has attracted many adventurers throughout history. Arthur Cecil Hoey himself went on a safari near the Sergoit River and later established his own farm in the Cherengani Hills. It’s a place where people can explore and create their own stories.

A Training Ground for Elite Athletes: The area around Sergoit Hill is renowned for being a training ground for Kenya’s elite athletes. The flat high-altitude zone provides a challenging yet favorable environment for athletes to push their limits and enhance their skills. One of the key attractions for athletes is the Moiben tarmac road, which offers an ideal training surface due to its smoothness and minimal morning traffic. Whether it’s long-distance running, hill sprints, or endurance training, Sergoit provides the perfect backdrop for athletes to hone their abilities. Every morning, you’ll get to meet renowned athletes training and their presence brings the shared motivation to excel making Sergoit a dynamic and inspiring training location.

The Mysteries of Sergoit Hill

Sergoit Hill’s allure lies not only in its rich cultural heritage but also in the captivating myths and legends that have been woven into its tapestry. As a cherished and sacred place, it continues to captivate the imagination of both locals and visitors alike, serving as a testament to the profound connection between folklore and the human spirit.

The Story of Chebo Wangola, a fascinating Maasai woman from the early 19th century, is believed to have lived atop Sergoit Hill, alone in splendid solitude, accompanied only by her vast herd of cattle. According to this Marakwet folklore, a courageous Marakwet man defied the odds, reached the summit of Sergoit Hill, and chanced upon Chebo Wangola. With the guidance of Orgoiyot, the man employed shrewd tactics to win Chebo Wangola’s heart, and through his charm and wit, he managed to capture her affection. Over time, Chebo Wangola accepted him as her beloved husband, blending seamlessly into the vibrant tapestry of Marakwet society. Their union not only formed a bond between them but also marked the fusion of different cultures and traditions. To this day, the tale of Chebo Wangola and her enchanting abode on Sergoit Hill continues to captivate the hearts and minds of those who delight in stories of resilience, ingenuity, and the timeless pursuit of love.

The Legend of the Radiant Snake tells the story of a massive snake that once lived on Sergoit Hill. This extraordinary creature is said to have possessed magical abilities and would emit a radiant glow during the night. Every night, the snake would slither down from the hilltop to drink water from a nearby dam. To ensure their safety, children were repeatedly warned against being enticed by any nocturnal lights, as they could potentially be ensnared by the cunning snake.

The Enigmatic Maasai Warriors: Another captivating tale surrounding Sergoit Hill revolves around the appearance of three enigmatic Maasai warriors, or Morans, who were spotted atop a rock, brandishing their spears. These figures were later discovered that they were merely watermarks that had formed on the rock’s surface. Regrettably, this remarkable feature has since vanished, leaving behind only the memories of its awe-inspiring presence.

The Legendary Kerit or the Nandi Bear: This was a creature that had been the subject of many legends. It is said  that the Kerit or the Nandi bear lived in Sergoit in the early years of the century and was first spotted by European settlers in Uasin Gishu in 1906 and 1911. 

This creature is described as resembling a spotted hyena, although is was much larger and more fearsome. It had a bear-like head, sloping hindquarters, with no visible tail, and small ears, and could stand on its hind legs. It was also said to had fur and whiskers.

One of the most notable features of the Kerit was its unique way of moving. It could sit back on its haunches with its forepaws resting on its knees and moved sideways at an incredible speed. At night, Kerit was said to emit a chilling wailing sound that settlers compared to a steam whistle. The Kerit was also known for its ability to easily penetrate thick enclosures or bomas and could effortlessly jump over them.

Interestingly, the local people, who were known for their bravery in hunting lions armed only with spears, were genuinely terrified of the Kerit. Its presence instilled fear in the hearts of even the most courageous hunters. With the increased farming activities in the Uasin Gishu around 1930s, Kerit was driven to extinction. 

The Sergoit Annual Pilgrimage (December 25th and January 1)

The Sergoit Annual Pilgrimage is a remarkable tradition that takes place every Christmas and New Year’s Day. This event draws in residents and visitors alike, who gather around Sergoit Hill to partake in this unique and captivating experience. Since its inception in the 1970s, the pilgrimage has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of people from the surrounding areas and even beyond. What was once a small gathering has now become a significant cultural event for the Sergoit community. Although the pilgrimage does not hold any specific religious or cultural significance, it has become an integral part of Sergoit’s identity. The pilgrimage offers participants, particularly children, the opportunity to witness breathtaking views of the area and discover the fascinating features that adorn the hilltop. This annual tradition has evolved into something more than just a recreational activity, and many individuals now find solace and a sense of upliftment through this unique practice, fostering a deep appreciation for nature during the festive season.

Recent Pilgrims (2016)

The Sergoit River

The River Sergoit stretches approximately 96.42 km in length. It originates from the western slopes of the Kerio Escarpment near Iten and converges with the Chepkoilel River near Kuinet, ultimately emptying into the Sergoit River basin. The Chepkoilel River, in turn, is fed by three tributaries: Chepkosom, Chepkoilel, and Koitoror, all of which contribute to the flow of the Sergoit River. Additionally, the Kisonei River serves as a tributary to the Chepkosom River.

As the Sergoit River progresses downstream, it merges with the Sosiani River, followed by the Kipkaren River. Eventually, these rivers unite with the Nzoia River, which ultimately finds its way into Lake Victoria. The catchment area of this river system is bordered by the Cheranganyi Hills to the northeast and the Kerio Valley to the east.