description Mau Escarpment Overview
The Mau Escarpment is a major escarpment along the western side of Kenya's Rift Valley. It forms part of the highland landscape associated with the Mau Forest complex and marks a pronounced change in elevation between the surrounding plateau and lower Rift Valley areas. The region is important for its forested highlands, steep terrain, and role in the headwaters of several Kenyan rivers.
help Mau Escarpment FAQ
Where is the Mau Escarpment located?
The Mau Escarpment forms the western wall of Kenya's Gregory Rift, part of the wider Great Rift Valley system. The adjacent Mau Forest Complex covers the western slopes and crest of this raised highland. [Key Biodiversity Areas](https://www.keybiodiversityareas.org/en/site/factsheet/6441)
How high is the Mau Escarpment?
The surrounding Mau highlands rise from roughly 1,800 metres to about 3,000 metres above sea level. This sharp change in elevation separates the upper plateau and forested slopes from the Rift Valley floor. [Key Biodiversity Areas](https://www.keybiodiversityareas.org/en/site/factsheet/6441)
Which rivers are associated with the Mau Forest and Escarpment?
The Mau Forest Complex is a source area for the Nyando, Sondu, Mara and Gucha rivers. The Mara continues across the border into Tanzania before reaching the wider Lake Victoria basin. [Kenya Water Resources Authority](https://wra.go.ke/lake-victoria-south-basin-area/)
Why is the Mau Escarpment important beyond its scenery?
Its forests support major water catchments and include habitat linked to the indigenous Ogiek community. The escarpment is therefore both a dramatic landform and part of a heavily managed ecological system in Kenya's highlands. [Key Biodiversity Areas](https://www.keybiodiversityareas.org/en/site/factsheet/6441)
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