In the Pokot region, hot semi-arid lowland plains contrast with cool highlands, the highest of which were clothed in indigenous forest until the recent depredations of man.

Two main rivers cross Pokot County in a rough SW to NE direction. The southernmost of the two, the Moruny, arises in the Cherangany hills and along its long winding course supports many villages, towns and agricultural projects. The northernmost, the Suam, arises from the high moorlands of Mount Elgon, flows across semi-arid plains and feeds the Turkwel (hydroelectric) Dam. Beyond the dam, the two rivers actually merge and become the Turkwel river which then flows north to Lake Turkana.

Rising high above the rivers and valley plains are beautiful mountains; and these are usually the most impressive memory carried away by visitors to the region. A few that can be mentioned are Koh, Kapchok, Kaporoch (3211 m) and Mtelo (3336 m). All provide great hiking and camping opportunities. Mtelo, the highest peak in West Pokot, is particularly attractive In having accommodation available at a convenient altitude. This is not generally the case; indeed, lack of suitable accommodation is the major hindrance to tourism in this county.

The Pokot people themselves reflect the contrasting habitats in which they live. Those of the lowlands are semi-nomadic pastoralists and the more traditional. Those of the highlands are cultivators, to a greater or lesser extent, and more influenced by surrounding communities and modern trends.
A particularly successful crop in the highlands is onions. One of the very few crops of the hot lowlands is Aloe vera. Also important for the economy of the County are various minerals, including limestone, marble, chromite and gold. Gold extraction by digging or panning is not controlled, can be quite dangerous, and is mainly a family operation.