Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kitui County. The drive to Kitui County is on average three hours long and the amazing part of the drive is that you get to observe the Yatta Plateau, which is the world’s longest lava flow and runs along the western boundary of Tsavo East National Park above the Athi River. Its 290 km length was formed by lava from Ol Doinyo Sabuk Mountain and when driving through during sunset, it offers a great backdrop.
When visiting the county, you might get the chance to treat yourself to some wood carving, basketry and pottery products you will see being sold by the Akamba population, who are known for their fine artistry work in these products that you might often find on display in many craft shops and galleries in the major cities and towns of Kenya.
Best Places To Visit In Kitui County
1. Nzambani Rock
Locally known as Ivia ya Nzambani, is a stone outcrop standing approximately 600 feet above the ground. The rock is situated about 8 kilometres from Kitui town along the Kitui-Mutitu road at Nzambani Market, Kenya. Next to it are St. Peters Nzambani Boys’ Secondary School and Nzambani Primary School. It is believed that anyone who goes around the rock seven times changes into a member of the opposite sex This tale has been passed from one generation to another but it is clear that no one has ever tried to go around the rock seven times. There are two tales as to how the rock came into being.
One is the name of the rock, which is based on a girl who was called Nzamba, who had come near where the rock is to look for firewood and she found a piece of stone that she put by her breast. It is rumoured that she then began turning into stone and the locals tried to help her but she, in the end, formed into the gigantic rock, which we now know as Nzambani. The locals believe the rock has a part of it that resembles a breast and that in 1952, one rock that resembled the breast fell off and now only one can be seen.
2. South Kitui National Reserve
Located to the north of Tsavo National Park, South Kitui National Reserve was established in 1979 and occupies an area of approximately 1,833 square kilometres. The reserve is home to various wild animals that move to and from Tsavo National Park, including lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and the lesser kudu. South Kitui National Reserve is a hidden gem that offers opportunities for bird watching, game viewing, and camping.
3. Mwingi Game Reserve
The reserve spans an area of around 745 square kilometres. To access it, you need to travel via Thika to Mwingi and then head northeast through Kyuso village. Mwingi National Reserve is one of the three Kenya reserves located in the Mount Conservation Area (MCA) in north-eastern Kenya. This reserve shares borders with Kora National Park located in Tana River County, Meru National Park located in Meru County, and finally, Bisandi National Reserve located in Isiolo County.
The total area covered by the Mwingi reserve is 745 square kilometres in a landscape that primarily comprises open savannah, acacia woodlands, commiphora, luggas, and rivers. The total area covered by the Meru Conservation Area is estimated to be 4400sq km
One of the striking features is the George Adamson Picnic site. The site is located next to the Adamson Bridge, overlooking the Tana River. The site is well developed and currently used for picnics and photoshoots mainly by schools, colleges and International visitors across Meru National Park.
Presently, the County government of Kitui is in the process of rehabilitating this reserve with a security camp at Kaningo Hqs and other satellite offices in Masyungwa and Ngomeni. Efforts are underway to improve the area’s road access network.
4. Kaningo Campsite
The campsite in Mwingi North sub-county hosts visiting tourists in Kitui County. Game rangers ensure security and comfort.
5. Ikoo Valley
Ikoo Valley is an extensive scenic site to behold, offering a beautiful getaway from an otherwise busy town life. It’s located 30 km from Kitui town and 20 km from Mwingi. The valley also forms the origin of the River Ikoo, which runs eastwards towards the Mui Basin. The valley overlooks the Kea area to the south, the Mutitu Hills and the Zombe area to the far east. The valley has several viewing points, with three popularly used by locals.
The Kaluu viewpoint is at the Kaluu sublocation at the top of a hill. This viewpoint overlooks the Ikoo River, which meanders magnificently on the floor of the valley on its way to Mutitu, then to Zombe, where it joins the Thua River. Rock climbers will also enjoy it because, to get to the top of the hill, it’s purely rock climbing. As one sweats up there, there is also a refreshing breeze that is felt, which is very refreshing. Additionally, from up there, one can see baboons jumping from one tree to another
6. Kalundu Eco Park
Kalundu Eco Park is about 1.2 km from Kitui town, it is the place where you can find Kitui manmade beach, which is the first dry land beach in Kenya. Unfortunately, there is no cycling allowed but you can, however, fish or enjoy a boat ride. There is also a restaurant adjacent to the park where you can go to eat and/or drink. This gated manmade beach is a quiet and peaceful area, a place where you can have a reflective day on a nice walk around the park, sit by the dam while enjoying a picnic or read a book while basking in the sun.
Kitui is still a developing county and has a lot of room for growth. It is not the place you get a way for vibrant nightlife but is suitable when desiring a relaxing, quiet weekend.
Entry Cost: Free; Boat ride: Ksh 200
7. Kitui Public Park
Kitui Public Park is situated near the Kitui Law Courts, just before the office of the Governor. It’s a good place to have a rest, especially after a busy day. You can have delicious free mangoes from the mango trees in the park while relaxing there.
8. Mutha Hills
Located in Kitui South, it is a hiking and birding destination where visitors can spot various species of birds in the hills covered by forests and thorny bushes.
9. Muumoni Hills Forest
The forest is ideal for Bird Watching, Hiking, Nature Walks, and Camping. It is home to some of the unique bird species in Kenya, such as the Hindes Babbler. It is the highest point in Kitui County.
10. Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary
The botanical garden I’m referring to is located approximately 75 kilometres south of Kitui Town. This sanctuary boasts over 100 species of indigenous trees and plants, all believed to have medicinal value. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy bird-watching, camping, nature walks, and picnicking.
11. Ngomeni Rock
It is a scenic, rocky outcrop located in Mwingi. The rock is surrounded by thorny bushes and numerous caves, which you need to explore when visiting Mwingi. A large dam is also located near the rock. You need to visit this place for hiking adventures and sightseeing in Mwingi Town and its environs.
12. Kanyoonyoo Wildlife Conservancy
It is located about 45 km from Kitui town and at the junction of Garissa Road, Embu Road and Machakos-Thika-Nairobi Road. It is Ideal for a game drive. Animal species include giraffes, zebras, African buffalo, lesser kudus, and Impala sp, among others.
13. AIC Ikutha Church
Africa Inland Church Ikutha was one of the sites where the first missionaries to Africa arrived. The missionaries reached Ikutha in 1885 and built a church, their house, a swimming pool, the Pastor’s house, and a house for the workers.
Ikutha Africa Inland Church (AIC) was one of the sites where the first missionaries to Africa arrived and settled. The man known as Johannes Hoffmann from Germany came to Ikutha in the company of others riding in chariots from the coast. The missionaries reached Ikutha in 1885, where they built a church, their house, a swimming pool, the pastor’s house and a house for the workers. The missionaries built a church facing the east. The second church they built in 1886 still stands in the church compound today, though in a dilapidated state. Hoffmann left Kenya after the First World War when he was already old. His children and workers who died during this period were bought and buried in a cemetery, which is still intact within the church compound.
14. Gai Rock
The famous Gai rock is in Kyuso Kitui and stands iconically.
15. Ithumba Camp
The epitome of understated luxury, Ithumba Hill Camp offers guests a unique retreat to explore Tsavo East National Park. Designed to preserve the integrity of the wilderness and support conservation within Tsavo National Park, Ithumba Hill offers increased comfort for guests exploring Tsavo East’s remote northern area, with spacious and elegant accommodations with 180-degree panoramic views of Ithumba’s stunning vistas.
16. Kalundu Eco Park
Kitui Man-Made Beach at Kalundu Eco Park in Kitui town. The first dry land beach in Kenya
17. Mutomo Reptile Park
18. George Adamson Bridge
The George Adamson Bridge is on the Tana River and the George Adamson Picnic Site is located just next. The site is well-developed and currently used for picnics and photoshoots.
19. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya, at 13,747 square kilometres. Situated in a semi-arid area previously known as the Taru Desert, it opened in April 1948 and is located near the town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta County of the former Coast Province. The park is divided into east and west sections by the A109 road and a railway. Named for the Tsavo River, which flows west to east through the national park, it borders the Chyulu Hills National Park, and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania.
The park can be accessed by three main gates, from Voi through the Manyani gate, from Mombasa through the Bachuma gate or from Malindi through the Sala gate. There are also several airstrips in the park that allow chartered light planes. Inside the park, the Athi and Tsavo rivers converge to form the Galana River. Most of the park consists of semi-arid grasslands and savannas. It is considered one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds, and its popularity is mostly due to the vast amounts of diverse wildlife that can be seen, including the famous ‘big five’ consisting of lions, black rhinos, cape buffalo, elephants and leopards. The park is also home to a great variety of bird life, such as the black kite, crowned crane, lovebird and sacred ibis.
The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Tsavo West National Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. It is known for its birdlife and its large mammals. It is also home to a black rhino sanctuary.
20. Kitui Beach
This is Kitui’s man-made beach, the first dryland beach in Kenya located in Kalundu Eco Park in Kitui town. The 30.9-acre recreational facility includes a nine-acre, man-made dam and paved walkways. It is billed as the epitome of Kitui’s tourism attractions.
The Kitui Beach was opened in December 2020. Man-made dam creates a lake for boating, yakking, jet skiing. It will have a floating restaurant and walkways.
