The World War I battlefields in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, are some of the most important sites commemorating this conflict. Learn more about the history of these sites and what you can see today. The war was between the British soldiers and the Germany Troops.
For centuries, the rich history of Taita Taveta County in Kenya has been a source of fascination and mystery. Filled with rare archaeological sites and World War 1 battlefields. Whether you’re a traveler seeking adventure or a researcher studying the events from one hundred years ago, here, you will get ample of the past in this illustrious war region. Exploring some of these mesmerizing sites from WW1 that have become treasured parts of our shared history. Stories are worth telling time and time again. The war memorials are spread in villages in Bura, Taveta, Salaita, Voi, and Maktau.
Maktau World War I Heritage Sites
The cemetery was used from March 1915 to May 1916, and it contains 16 graves, including 1 unidentified. It is a small cemetery with a simple stone monument in the middle with inscriptions in Arabic and some Indian languages. The cemetery is well-maintained and is a peaceful place to remember the fallen soldiers.
The cemetery is open to the public, but it is important to note that it is not staffed. If you are planning to visit, you should contact the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to get the code to the padlock that keeps the cemetery gate closed.
The Indian Memorial Cemetry lies at Maktau, Mwatate-Taveta road, Taita Taveta County, Taveta sub-county. Maktau, in the Taveta sub-county, is believed to be a corruption of the military command “mark time.” The British held this town when the Germans, then in charge of Tanzania, tried to storm it. Today, Maktau tells us very little about its history. People in that area avoided the conflict and did not pick a side. Kenya does not care much about this history either. However, The Indian community (Now Kenyan Citizens)wanted the memorial because many are descendants of the heroic Indian Army Expeditionary Force soldiers to honor their legacy.
Kenyan citizens, many of whom are descendants of the heroic Indian Army.
At the time of construction, the casualties at this site were commemorated collectively on a memorial within the cemetery without their names. The individual graves were not marked, although the names of casualties known to be honored here were included in a cemetery register. In 2000, the names of all identified casualties within the cemetery were added to the memorial.
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The cemetery has no permanent staff, so it is locked with a coded padlock. If you intend to visit this site, book a Heritage tour with us.
Mwashoti Bridge, Maili 27
The scenic Taita-Taveta region harbors a wealth of historical monuments commemorating the battles that took place during World War I. These hallowed memorials are spread throughout villages in Bura, Salaita, Voi, and Maktau. Mwashoti Bridge, Maili 27, is one of these features. Mwashoti is a corrupted name from an Order issued by German Troops to British Soldiers. German troops sent out an order for “No More Shooting,” but due to misinterpretation by their messenger was heard as “Mwashoti” instead!
The Sniper Tree-The Hollow Baobab Tree
This legendary Sniper Tree is a hollow Baobab that looms over Salaita Hill. Importantly, this majestic tree bears witness to an incredible story from World War I, where a brave and determined German woman sought revenge for her fallen husband. The husband was killed in battle by British soldiers. For several days she ambushed British soldiers with deadly accuracy and without detection. Eventually, the British captured and later killed her in her act of heroic desperation. Her bravery lives on through this hauntingly beautiful piece of history known as The Sniper Tree! Thanks to its large size, hollow stem, and side opening.
The Sniper Tree in Voi is a fig tree located near the Voi River in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. It is said to have been used by a German sniper during the First World War to shoot at British soldiers. The tree is now a popular tourist destination, and it is said that if you stand under the tree, you can still hear the sound of gunfire.
The Sniper Tree is a large fig tree with a thick trunk and spreading branches. It is said that the sniper would climb up into the tree and use the branches for cover as he shot at the British soldiers. The tree is located in a strategic spot, as it overlooks the Voi River and the surrounding area.
The Sniper Tree is a reminder of the First World War, which was fought in East Africa from 1914 to 1918. The war was a bloody conflict, and many soldiers died on both sides. The Sniper Tree is a silent witness to this history, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made.
If you are interested in visiting the Sniper Tree, you can find it near the Voi River, just outside of Voi town. The tree is easy to find, and there is a small parking area nearby. The tree is open to the public, and there is no charge to visit.
Sarova Salt Lick Lodge
Salaita Hill is a hill located near Voi town. It was the site of the Battle of Salaita Hill, which was one of the first large-scale battles of the First World War. The hill is now a national monument and is a popular tourist destination.
Voi Commonwealth War Graves is a cemetery located next to Voi police station. It contains the graves of over 1,000 British, Indian, Rhodesian, and South African soldiers who died in the First World War.
Indian Commonwealth War Graves is a cemetery located near the Voi River. It contains the graves of over 1,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War.
Kenyatta Caves are a series of caves located in Wundanyi town. They are said to have been used by the local Maasai people as a hideout during the Mau Mau rebellion.
First Old District Commissioner’s House is a colonial-era building located in Taveta town. It is now a national monument and is open to the public.
The German Fortress is a ruined fortress located near Taveta town. It was built by the Germans during their occupation of East Africa in the early 20th century.
Maktau Picket Hill is a hill located near Taveta town. It was the site of a British military outpost during the First World War.
Indian military cemetery is a cemetery located near Taveta town. It contains the graves of over 1,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War.
Taveta ACK Holy Trinity Church is a church located in Taveta town. It was built in 1907 and is one of the oldest churches in the region.
Mahoo and Mahoo Pastor’s Residence are two houses located near Taveta town. They were built in the early 20th century and are now used as guesthouses.