The area is isolated, and holds forests of juniper and cycads. It is home to rhinos, elephants and other large mammals, as well as some Samburu people.

The highest point is Warges, at 2,688m above sea level, near the southern end of the range while Ol Doinyo Lenkiyo mountain (which means the mountain where the child got lost) dominates the middle range as the highest peak rising to 2,375m high.

Often elephant, buffalo, leopard and other forest animals are spotted through the thick forest cover.

Matthews Range is particularly popular with bird and butterfly watchers. The Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust has created a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the mountains. Many of the ancient cycads are only found in the Matthews area and nowhere else on earth. Make sure you see the breast-shaped hill locally known as Sweet Sixteen in the range.

A team of scientists recently uncovered more than 100 species of plants and animals never before recorded including tiny rats, bats and butterflies.