Best hotels in Taita Taveta County

best hotels in Taita Taveta county
best hotels in Taita Taveta county
  1. Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge: Located in Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy, this lodge offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
  2. Lion’s Bluff Lodge: Perched on the edge of a bluff overlooking the plains of Tsavo West National Park, this eco-friendly lodge offers breathtaking views and comfortable accommodations.
  3. Voi Wildlife Lodge: Located inside Tsavo East National Park, this lodge offers an authentic African safari experience with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and game drives.
  4. Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa: This luxurious resort offers stylish accommodations, a spa, swimming pool, and a variety of activities such as game drives and cultural tours.
  5. Ashnil Aruba Lodge: Located in Tsavo East National Park, this lodge offers comfortable accommodations and game drives to spot the Big Five and other wildlife.

Places to visit at Machakos

Machakos is a town in Kenya with a rich history and culture. Here are some places to visit in Machakos:

Places to visit at Machakos
Places to visit at Machakos
  1. Machakos People’s Park – This is a popular recreational park that offers a variety of activities such as boating, cycling, and picnics.
  2. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park – This park is located about 20 kilometers from Machakos town and offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimambogo and the surrounding areas.
  3. Machakos County Museum – This museum showcases the history and culture of the Machakos people. Including artifacts, traditional clothing, and cultural practices.
  4. Machakos Golf Club – This is a great place to relax and play a round of golf with friends and family.
  5. Fourteen Falls – This is a spectacular waterfall located about 60 kilometers from Machakos town. It is a popular spot for picnics and day trips.
  6. Mua Hills – These hills offer stunning views of the surrounding areas and are home to the famous Akamba woodcarvers.
  7. Kyamwilu Hill – The Kamba people are said to have fought against British colonial forces at this historical site.
  8. Iveti Forest – This is a great place to go hiking and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  9. Kituluni Hill – This hill is famous for its “anti-gravity” phenomenon. Where objects appear to roll uphill against the force of gravity.
  10. Masaku 7s Rugby Tournament – This annual rugby tournament is a popular event in Machakos and draws crowds from all over the country.
  11. The Komarock Shrine –  Is a religious site located in the Machakos County of Kenya. Christians frequently visit the shrine located in the Komarock area near Machakos town as it is a well-known pilgrimage site associated with miracles and healing.

Kwale is a county located in the Coast region of Kenya. It is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the top sights to visit in Kwale:

Diani Beach

This is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Kenya, located in the southern part of Mombasa. Diani Beach has clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and plenty of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

The reserve is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to see the endangered Sable Antelope.

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Kwale

This is a unique sanctuary that provides a home for rescued elephants in Kwale County. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals.

Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest

This is a sacred forest that is home to the Digo people, an indigenous tribe of Kenya. The forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and visitors can learn about the cultural practices of the Digo people.

Tiwi Beach

It has calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. It is also known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery.

It offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and sunbathing. The beach is also surrounded by a diverse ecosystem, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and marine life, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

This is a marine park that is home to a variety of marine life such as dolphins, turtles, and a diverse range of fish species. Visitors can go on snorkeling and diving trips to explore the underwater world.

Chale Marine Park Kwale

Chale Marine Park is a protected area located on the southern coast of the island of Diani Beach.

The marine park is home to a diverse range of marine species, including over 200 species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and various types of coral. Visitors to Chale Marine Park can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottomed boat rides.

Colobus Conservation

Colobus Conservation focuses primarily on the conservation of the colobus monkey, a primate species found in the forests of East Africa. The organization works to rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned colobus monkeys, and provides veterinary care, food, and shelter to these animals until they can be released back into the wild.

Jungle Snake Park

The park is situated about 30 kilometers from Mombasa and is famous for its collection of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles.The park offers visitors an opportunity to see some of the most dangerous snakes in Africa, including black mambas, spitting cobras, and puff adders, among others. Visitors can also watch crocodiles being fed and learn about the various species of reptiles found in Kenya.

Wasini Island

A small island located off the coast of Kwale. That is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Bongoyo Island

A small island located off the coast of Kwale that is known for its beautiful beaches. And stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Ukunda Airstrip Kwale

It is a popular landing strip for small aircraft that offers visitors a unique and exciting way to experience the area’s stunning scenery.

How to get to Kwale county

By Air

The closest airport to Kwale is the Ukunda Airport, which is located approximately 20 kilometers from the county. You can fly into Ukunda from Nairobi or Mombasa using domestic airlines such as Jambojet, Fly540, and Safarilink. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a matatu (local public minibus).

By Road

You can also drivefrom Nairobi or Mombasa. If you are driving from Nairobi, take the Mombasa Road towards Mombasa, and then take the Likoni Ferry to the south coast. From there, take the Diani-Kwale Road to Kwale.

By Public Transport

If you prefer to take public transport, you can take a matatu from Nairobi or Mombasa to Kwale. Matatus are available at designated bus stations, and they are a cheap and popular mode of transport in Kenya. You can also take a long-distance bus from Nairobi or Mombasa to Kwale, which are available from various bus companies.

Kilifi is a coastal town in Kenya that is known for its stunning beaches and lush green landscapes. Some of the top sights to visit in Kilifi include:

  1. Bofa Beach – This pristine white sand beach is surrounded by palm trees. And offers clear blue waters that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
  2. Mnarani Ruins – These ruins are a remnant of a once-thriving Swahili settlement. And they offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
  3. Kilifi Creek – This narrow inlet of the Indian Ocean is a great place for kayaking and fishing.
  4. Mida Creek – This creek is an important wetland area that is home to a variety of bird species. Making it a popular spot for bird watching.
  5. Mnarani Marine National Park – This marine reserve is a haven for sea turtles. Dolphins, and other marine animals.
  6. Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest – This sacred forest is a protected area that is considered to be one of the most important spiritual sites in Kenya.
  7. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve – This reserve is home to over 400 species of birds and several species of primates, Making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore the rich cultural heritage of Kilifi, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, there is something for everyone in this picturesque coastal town.

Kisumu is a city located in western Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere. Some of the top tourist attractions in Kisumu include:

Kisumu

Kisumu Museum

The Kisumu Museum is the third-largest city in Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. The museum was established in 1980 and is managed by the National Museums of Kenya. It is dedicated to showcasing the history, culture, and biodiversity of the western region of Kenya especially the Luo community.

The Museum has several galleries that exhibit a wide range of artifacts.

These includes traditional musical instruments, fishing gear, agricultural tools, and traditional clothing.

One of the highlights of the museum is the traditional Luo homestead, which is a replica of a traditional Luo home. The homestead is designed to showcase the traditional architecture and way of life of the Luo people.

Dunga Hill Forest Reserve

It covers an area of about 160 hectares and is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, including baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbucks, and several species of birds.

The Dunga Hill Forest Reserve is an important ecosystem that provides several benefits to the local community and the environment. It serves as a critical water catchment area for Lake Victoria and provides habitat for wildlife. Additionally, the reserve is a popular destination for eco-tourism, providing opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

Ndere Island National Park

Ndere Island National Park is a protected area located in Kisumu County, Kenya. It covers an area of about 4.2 square kilometers and is situated on Ndere Island in Lake Victoria. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species, including impalas, waterbucks, zebras, monkeys, baboons, and several species of birds.

Ndere Island National Park is an important ecosystem that provides several benefits to the local community and the environment. It serves as a critical habitat for wildlife, particularly for impalas and waterbucks, which are not found in any other park in western Kenya. Additionally, the park is a popular destination for ecotourism, providing opportunities for bird watching, boat rides, hiking, and camping.

Kit Mikayi

Kit Mikayi means “the stone of the first wife” in the local Luo language. It is characterized by towering rocks that create several caves and rock shelters. The site is surrounded by a lush green forest, which is home to several bird species and primates.

The cultural significance of Kit Mikayi has attracted several visitors over the years. This incudes tourists, scholars, and religious pilgrims seeking to learn about Luo traditions and beliefs. The site is also a popular destination for hiking and picnicking, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Impala Sanctuary

The Impala Sanctuary was established in the early 1990s to protect the impala population that was threatened by poaching and habitat loss. The sanctuary is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and serves as a popular destination for eco-tourism, providing opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and photography.

It covers an area of about 3.2 hectares and is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the Kisumu Impala Hotel. The sanctuary is home to several wildlife species, including impalas, baboons, bushbucks, velvet monkeys, and several species of birds.

Hippo Point kisumu

Hippo point is a private wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of about 600 acres. It is popular destination located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu County, western Kenya. It is known for its stunning views of the lake and its diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species.

In addition to wildlife, Hippo Point is also known for its stunning scenery, with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful environment or take a walk on the sandy beaches of the lake.

Hippo Point has a restaurant that serves a range of local and international cuisine, including fresh fish and seafood, made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant provides a perfect place to enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.

Dunga Beach

The beach is known for its serene and peaceful environment, which provides a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

It is a great place to relax and unwind, with its white sandy beaches and clear waters. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, go fishing, or take a stroll along the beach to explore the local fishing villages. The area is also home to several bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The camp offers a range of accommodation options, including camping, cottages, and treehouses. The camp is located on a hill overlooking the lake and provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It is also involved in conservation efforts, working with the local community to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

Dunga Hill Camp

Dunga Hill Camp is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The camp offers range of accommodation options, including camping, cottages, and treehouses.

In addition the camp offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the western region of Kenya.

Most importanty it is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a range of activities such as birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and cultural tours.

One of the main attractions of the camp is its treehouses, which are built on stilts and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Moreover the treehouses are equipped with basic amenities, such as a bed, a bathroom, and a small kitchenette. They also providing a unique and adventurous accommodation option for visitors.

Kiboko Bay

Kiboko Bay is known for its serene and tranquil environment, making it a perfect getaway from the city. It offers a range of accommodation options, including cottages, apartments, and camping sites. The cottages are equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen, living room, and private balcony, making them a perfect home away from home.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at Kiboko Bay, including boat rides on the lake, birdwatching, and fishing.

Lwang’ni Beach kisumu

The beach is known for its beautiful sandy beach, calm waters, and stunning views of the lake.

Lwang’ni Beach offers visitors a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the beach. The calm waters of the lake make it a perfect destination for swimming and water sports.

More over it is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue with family and friends, with several shaded areas and picnic tables available for use.

About

The Maasai Market is the excellent area to save in case you are searching out affordable, lovely and colourful souvenirs to take lower back home. It’s an open-air marketplace with a huge sort of merchandise along with African pots and pans, garments, footwear, earrings, footwear and bags.

You call it, you may locate it withinside the Maasai Market. It is one of the best reviews for safari-goers in Kenya. Travelers can locate paintings, drawings, curios, garments and fabric with East African prints. Hand-made earrings and wood-carvings also are available.

Maasai Market/photo

Location

The most famous Maasai Market amongst many Nairobians is the only positioned withinside the town centre at the back of the Hilton Hotel on the High Court parking lot. It is constantly open on Saturdays.

There is likewise one positioned on the Prestige Plaza alongside Ngong avenue which additionally operates on Saturdays. Note but that the Market is constantly rotating across the town at some stage in the week. It operates from approximately 8am to 7pm each day besides Mondays.

If you aren’t to be had on Saturdays, then you could visit the Yaya Centre in Hurlingham on Sundays, and at Kijabe Street Park contrary the Norfolk Hotel and subsequent to the Nairobi River on Tuesdays. The one on the Prestige Plaza alongside Ngong avenue is likewise open on Tuesdays.

Maasai Market/photo

On Wednesdays, visit the Capital Centre on Mombasa Road, the Junction Shopping Mall on Thursdays (alongside Ngong Road), or the Village Market in Gigiri and Lavington Mall on Fridays.

The Maasai Market Nairobi Items

  • Maasai Sandals
  • Jewelry
  • Shukas
  • Artwork
  • Kiondos

Maasai products/photo

The market moves around the city on different days of the week, typically operating from 8am to 6pm at each location.

  • Tuesday: Westgate Shopping Mall in Westlands (the upper car park) relocated to Kijabe Street opposite the Norfolk Hotel.
  • Wednesday: Capital Centre on Mombasa Road near the airport.
  • Thursday: Nakumatt Junction Shopping Mall on Ngong Road.
  • Friday: Village Market in Gigiri (the upper car park).
  • Saturday: The High Court parking lot in the city center (behind the Hilton).
  • Sunday: Yaya Centre in Hurlingham.

About

August 7th Memorial Park bomb blast is placed on the 1998 United States embassy bombings scene alongside Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi, Kenya. It carries a observe board list the names of each person that had been reported dead after the incident.

August 7th Memorial Park, Bomb Blast Entry Fees

The Memorial Park grounds are open daily from 7.00am to 6.00pm while the Visitors Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 6.00pm, and Sundays/Public Holidays from 1.00pm to 6.00pm. Entry fee is Kshs. 30 to tour the garden and park grounds.

History

On August 7, 1998, at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Terrorists driving in a truck detonated a large bomb in the rear parking area. Near the ramp to the basement garage, of the American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

The blast at the American Embassy resulted in the deaths of a total of 213 people. Including 44 American Embassy employees (12 Americans and 32 Foreign Service National employees). Ten Americans and eleven FSNs sustained serious injuries. The blast also caused an estimated 200 Kenyan civilians to lose their lives. While 4,000 others sustained injuries in the vicinity of the embassy.

Damage to the embassy was massive, and especially internally. And lthough there was little structural damage to the five story reinforced concrete building. The explosion reduced much of the interior to rubble–destroying windows. Window frames, internal office partitions and other fixtures on the rear side of the building.

The secondary fragmentation from flying glass, internal concrete block walls, furniture, and fixtures caused most of the embassy casualties. The majority of the Kenyan casualties resulted from the collapse of the adjacent Ufundi Building. Flying glass from the nearby Co-op Bank Building and other buildings located within a two to three block radius. Other casualties were pedestrians or motorists in the crowded streets next to the embassy.

Kit-Mikayi-The weeping rock

Kit-Mikayi additionally spelled Kit Mikayi, Kitmikayi, and Kitmikaye  is a rock formation, a tor, round 120m high located approximately 29 km west of the metropolis of Kisumu in western Kenya.

It is ready 1 km from the Kisumu-Bondo road. The signal board is at the gate of Kit Mikayi number one college and front is through N’gop-Ngeso number one college.

Kit-mikayi means “the stone of the primary woman”, or “stone of the primary wife”, in Dholuo, the Luo language. Kit-Mikayi, concept in East Seme ward, is the house to Barrack Gumba. Gumba is a expert Public Health Officer and teens advocate.

Highlights

The locals dwelling withinside the vicinity across the stones are known as the Luo-Kakello clan. This web website online is majorly related to the sacrifices in addition to the various legends belonging to the pre-Christian Timings which bring about numerous tales that designate the which means of the name.

It is a distinguished sightseeing spot in Kenya specifically among the neighboring Luo tribes. Over the years, the Kit Mikayi has additionally emerge as a distinguished nearby pilgrimage website online for the individuals who come right here to the rock to hope and rapid for numerous weeks at length.

The weeping stone

Accommodation

Where to live in Kisumu Accommodation selections are masses and that they range with finances and location. My pinnacle alternatives are the Imperial Hotel, Imperial Hotel Express (ideal for finances and commercial enterprise travelers). Impala Eco-Lodge Hotel, Acacia Premier, Sovereign Hotel, Ciala Resort, The Vic Hotel, the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel and Best Western Kisumu Hotel. Alternatively, you could live at those lovely Airbnbs.

Attractions

Ndere means ‘assembly place’ withinside the language of the nearby Luo Tribe. According to the Luo folklore, Kit Mikayi, Mother of the Tribe, rested up close to Ndere after her lengthy adventure South down the Nile valley.

The web website online is related to sacrifices and lots of legends from pre-Christian times. Specifically testimonies explaining the that means of the name.

Entrance to the rock

Kit-Mikayi is a nearby factor of Sightseeing interest. Specifically a few of the Neighboring Luo Tribes. It additionally has grow to be a famous nearby Pilgrimage website online for fans of the Legio Maria sect who come to the rock to wish and speedy for numerous weeks at a time.

Myths

Myths exist of the rock being relied in historic instances for fortune. This gave the rock loads of prominence and reputation as human beings from all walks of lifestyles visited the rock for a number of motives along with Rain making. Wealth accumulation, warfare, longevity, non secular cleaning etc.

During dry spells elders may want to converge alongside the doorway of the rock for meditation and soul searching . In which a wanderous snake referred to as Nyang’idi could determine if they might advantage passage into the rock relying on the extent of meditation and soul searching.

If allowed access the elders could participate in rituals and withinside the equal nighttime the snake could flow to the lake. Through a few underground tunnel down the rock base and create massive clouds. Complete of mist journeying withinside the shape of mist into the skies referred to as Nyakoi which later converted to rain.

 

Karura Forest is a protected forest reserve located in the northern part of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The forest covers an area of approximately 1,000 hectares and is one of the largest urban forests in the world and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as well as several attractions. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Nairobi, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets

Wildlife

Karura Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, both large and small. Here are some of the species of wildlife that visitors may encounter when exploring the forest:

  • Monkeys
  • Birds
  • Bushbucks
  • Butterflies
  • Snakes
  • Small mammals

Karura Forest Attractions and facts

Here are some of Attractions and key facts about Karura Forest:

  • Biodiversity: The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 bird species, butterflies, monkeys, bushbucks, and other small mammals.
  • Trails and Hiking: The forest has several hiking trails and nature walks that visitors can explore. Some of the popular trails include the Family Trail, the Waterfall Trail, and the Podo Trail. Visitors can also go on guided walks or rent bikes to explore the forest.
  • Waterfalls: The forest has several waterfalls, the largest being the Karura Waterfall, which is located on the Waterfall Trail.
  • History: The forest played an important role in Kenya’s political history, and parts of the forest were used as detention and torture camps during the colonial era. In recent years, the forest has been a symbol of environmental conservation and community activism.
  • Picnic Areas: The forest has several designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Environmental Education: The forest has an environmental education center where visitors can learn about the ecology and conservation of the forest.

How to get there

The park is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and there are several ways to get there. Here are some options:

  1. By car/taxi: Visitors can take a taxi or drive to the forest. The forest is located about 10 km from the city center, and the drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  2. By public transport: Visitors can take a matatu (shared minibus taxi) to the forest. The closest matatu stage to Karura Forest is at the junction of Limuru Road and Peponi Road. From there, visitors can take a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the forest entrance.
  3. Walking/cycling: Visitors who are staying in the nearby neighborhoods can walk or cycle to the forest. The forest has several pedestrian and bike-friendly entrances, including one near the United Nations complex.

Koobi Fora is an important archeological site located on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana in Kenya. The site has gained international fame for the numerous discoveries of early hominid fossils that have been found there.

Koobi Fora

It is considered one of the most important paleontological sites in the world due to the numerous discoveries of early hominid fossils that have been made there.

In addition to the hominid fossils, the site has also yielded a rich array of animal fossils, including those of extinct species such as saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and giant ostriches.

Koobi Fora Archaeological sites and artifacts

The archeological site has yielded numerous important artifacts and fossils, including:

  1. Hominid fossils: The site has yielded many hominid fossils, including those of early humans, such as Australopithecus and Homo erectus. These fossils have helped shed light on the evolution of human beings and their development over time.
  2. Animal fossils: Koobi Fora has also yielded numerous animal fossils, including those of extinct species such as mammoths, giant ostriches, and sabre-toothed cats. These fossils have helped scientists understand the ancient environment of the region and the species that lived there.
  3. Stone tools: Stone tools, such as hand axes, have been found at the site. These tools were likely used by early humans for a variety of purposes, such as butchering animals and cutting plants.
  4. Geologic formations: The site’s geology is also important and has helped scientists understand the ancient environment of the region. Koobi Fora’s sandstones and mudstones have been dated to between 4 and 2 million years ago, making them some of the oldest rock formations in East Africa.

Overall, the artifacts and fossils found at Koobi Fora have contributed significantly to our understanding of human evolution and the ancient environment of East Africa.

The site remains an important location for paleontologists and archeologists, and ongoing research continues to shed light on the rich history of the region.

How to get there

The site is in a remote and arid region, and access can be challenging. Here are some ways to get to Koobi Fora:

  1. By air: The closest airport to Koobi Fora is the Lodwar Airport, which is served by scheduled flights from Nairobi. From Lodwar, it’s about a 4-5 hour drive to Koobi Fora.
  2. By road: Koobi Fora can be reached by road from Nairobi, but it’s a long and challenging journey. The road conditions can be difficult, especially during the rainy season, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

Best time to visit Koobi Fora

The best time to visit Koobi Fora is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The dry season offers the best weather conditions for travel. It is also the best time for wildlife viewing in the surrounding areas.

Weather

However, visitors should be prepared for the hot and dry conditions in the region. The temperatures can reach over 100°F during the day.

Also, important to note that the area around Koobi Fora is known for its high levels of tsetse flies.These can be a nuisance and a potential health hazard. Visitors should take precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent.