11 Fun Things To Do In Eldoret On A Budget!

Happy Thursday! 😀 Are you craving an adventure? As promised, here’s part two of our Jambojet experience with ideas of Fun things to do in Eldoret on a budget!

 

Today, I invite you on a different kind of journey as we explore the less traveled paths to Eldoret…

Think of landing in Eldoret as ‘point zero’, with access to endless possibilities of things to do in Eldoret & the greater North Rift region…

So in this post, we’ll travel across 4 Counties: Uasin-Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet & Trans-Nzoia. After all, why explore 1 county when you can visit 4, right? 😀

 

But first… check out Part 1 of our Jambojet in Eldoret Experience: HERE!

 

11 Fun Things to do in Eldoret & The North Rift Region!

 

P.S. In light of Covid-19, remember safety comes first. Before indulging in any of these activities: keep your mask on, maintain social distancing & sanitize frequently.

 

Visit a Tea Estate in Nandi!

Where Eldoret is dubbed the ‘City of Champions‘, Nandi County is  the ‘Source of Champions!’

It boasts of top athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Janet Jepkosgei & Kipchoge Keino. Nandi is also home to some of the most beautiful tea estates you’ll come across in Kenya!

 

The 1 hour drive from Eldoret floats by as the stunning Nandi Hills & rolling tea gardens come into view… You can almost feel the sweat & hard work that’s poured into these plantations.

 

>>You might enjoy coming here for the crisp, clean and refreshing air, or to learn tea-picking from the friendly locals… and most certainly for the views! 🙂

 

Play a round of Golf at Nandi Bears Club

Legend has it that once upon a time, a bear-like animal used to terrorize the residents in the area… Though it was never found, the name stuck thus earning Nandi Bears Club its identity.

The club was established in the 1920’s, initially for tennis and rugby games… They later constructed a 9-hole golf course with the longest hole at 530 yards.

 

The club makes for a good escape not only for a game of golf, but also the peaceful & pristine green environment.

>>Nandi Bear Club is open to new members, with costs as indicated below.

 

Picnic at Kapsimotwa Gardens

Kapsimotwa Gardens, in Nandi, is a charming picnic site hidden in what feels like a concave of lush greenery, trees and surrounding tea farms… It is the perfect place to picnic with your family and friends.

 

You have the option of bringing your own food, cooking on site or try their buffet (on request at about Kes.800 per person.)

• The entrance fees are Kes. 100 for Kenyans and Kes. 500/- for foreigners.
• Sport fishing is available at Kes. 500/- while camping on their grounds costs Kes.1,000 per tent.
• Call +254 721 745931 for bookings.

 

Visit Chepkiit Waterfall

Our visit to Chepkiit Waterfall remains one of my favourite experiences! If you enjoy the sound of water, then you’ll want to make a date with Chepkiit. 🙂

 

Since the road to Chepkiit is quite rocky, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle… You’ll find various viewpoints to watch River Sosiani majestically drain its waters over colossal rocks, down the escarpment…

 

P.S. >>I must emphasize the need for caution as there’s been fatal incidents here, in the past.

>>The entrance fee for adults is Kes. 200/- and Kes. 50/- for kids.

 

Wind down with Dinner At Naiberi River Resort

After an adventure-filled day, dinner at Naiberi River Campsite & Resort is exactly what the doctor ordered! 😀

Naiberi Resort is located about 16km away from Eldoret town. From its stone-age-like structures, to the wild undergrowth by the river it feels like you’ve stepped into the calming palm of Mother Nature. 🙂

 

We had dinner at their Stone Cave restaurant… The ambient lighting coupled with great food and fantastic company made for a memorable evening!

 

You can also visit the Sirikwa caves (holes)… It’s believed that these caves were originally home to the Sirikwa people, in prehistoric times.

• Jambojet has great flying packages to Eldoret… Check out their website for more details.

 

Race With Champions in Elgeyo Marakwet!

Heads-up! 😀 You’ll require a tonne of patience and a dash of good humor for the long road-trip… Elgeyo Marakwet County, aka the ‘Home of Champions‘, is about 3 hours’ drive away from Eldoret.

Luckily for us, with bright & humorous personalities like Samantha & Adagala, there was hardly ever a dull moment in our van! 😀

 

Eric Maiyo, the Coach, welcomed us graciously to Kapsait Training Camp, along with veteran athletes: Simon Biwott, John Kemboi & Vincent Kipkemoi.

These former champions established Kapsait Training camp to support young, upcoming athletes from the region…

 

The weather was quite shifty that day, so we retreated into one of the rooms to meet the upcoming athletes…

With the freezing cold, everyone was clad in heavy jackets. Yet, there was something electric in the air… Perhaps it was our amazement at the athlete’s humble demeanor or how touching their stories felt!?

In a room filled with such greatness, lined with humility & determination, you can’t help but feel inspired! 🙂

 

Fun Fact:Brigid Kosgei, the 2020 London Marathon Women’s Champion and World record holder trains at Kapsait.

 

Travel Tips:

• It’s a whole day-trip, so carry packed lunch & water.
• Dress warmly as it gets really cold. Waterproof hiking boots or gumboots will come in handy.
• Other attractions in the area: Mt. Koisungur Conservancy & hiking at Chergoit.

 

Chororget Church Rock View Point

This definitely tops my list of things to do in Eldoret! If you’ve ever doubted Kenya’s beauty, Chororget Church Rock will do the trick! 😀

 

Located in Kerio Valley, about 40min. from Eldoret, this viewpoint offers the most spectacular views of the Rift Valley! They named it ‘Church Rock’ as it’s situated right next to a church.

Chororget is the ideal place to go for a quiet retreat while also reveling in the joys of nature. 🙂

 

P.S. Exercise caution since there are no barriers, at the rock edges

>>Entrance is free.

 

Scenic Lunch at Samich Resort

If you want both the views and a spot to relax while having lunch, then Samich Resort is your perfect stop… Strategically built at the edge of the Kerio Valley, you get magnificent undisturbed views!

We got to have a picnic lunch on the grass, with the Rift Valley sprawling out generously before us, as far as the eye can see… It honestly doesn’t get better! 🙂

 

• Entrance fees: Kes. 200/- for adults, redeemable at the restaurant.
• Samich Resort is currently closed as they get their Covid-19 protocols in place, and will reopen soon.

 

Visit the Mt. Elgon National Park

Did you know?? The Mt. Elgon National Park covers about 1,279km², sitting squarely at the Kenya-Uganda border.

It is rich in indigenous trees, vegetation, natural caves, waterfalls, wildlife & birds… The mountain’s highest Peak lies in Uganda, at 4,321m above sea level.

 

The Mt. Elgon National Park, located in Trans-Nzoia County, is about a 2 hours’ drive from Eldoret. And for the most part, the road is tarmacked with a manageable rough road section…

 

As you enter the park gates, you’ll catch wildlife grazing leisurely without a care in the world.

 

After a quick debrief with KWS and County officials, we ventured into the Park for a short hike to Kitum Caves…

 

Fun Fact: Kitum cave contains volcanic rocks that wild animals like Elephants, bushbuck, and buffalo lick or ‘mine’ for its minerals.

 

Though it was rainy, the cool forest air felt refreshing! We found beautiful mini-waterfalls at the mouths of the cave…

Kitum cave is about 160m deep and it’s said to be 15 million years old. Apparently, the indigenous Sabaot tribe used to take refuge in Kitum cave from raiders.

 

When you visit Mt. Elgon, allocate a few days to get the full park experience: mountain climbing, biking, waterfall chasing and hiking up the trails…

You can also visit the other caves like: Making’eny, Chepnyalil and Ngwarisha.

• Affordable self-catering bandas and campsites are available for guests.
• They intend to build tented camps in the near future.
• Entrance fees: Kes. 250/- and Kes. 200/- for adults & kids respectively.

 

Other Things To Do In Eldoret and its Environs:-

• Visit Kipkaren River resort for zip lining and archery.
• Visit one of the 300 dams in Uasin-Gishu County like Kesses Dam for boat rides, swimming & sport fishing.
• A boat ride at Kesses dam costs Kes. 100/-

 

***

Many thanks to Jambojet for showing us that Eldoret & the North Rift region is #NowTravelReady.

And a huge thanks to William Kimosop who tirelessly showed us around, sharing his love for the region!

Photography By:

Denver Karubiu * TurnUp In Motion Crew

&

Marion Mithamo

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Thank you for reading! 😀 I’d love to hear your feedback! Do leave a comment down below with your input/questions!

 

<<Stay. Inspired. Always>>