This is a list of the best places to visit in Trans Nzoia County. This hidden gem is a haven for travelers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Known for its lush green landscapes, fertile farmlands, and pleasant weather, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Without further ado, here is a list of the best and top places to visit in Trans Nzoia County.
Best Places To Visit In Trans Nzoia County
1. Kitale Museum
Kitale Museum is located about 1 kilometre from Kitale town centre in Trans Nzoia County. In December 1974, the museum, known as the National Museum of Western Kenya, Kitale, was opened to the public. It was the first domestic museum developed in Kenya and the first regional museum in the Kenya Museum Society.
The museum houses items collected from Kenyan tribes such as the Luhya, Maasai, and Turkana. It displays traditional Kenyan weaponry, utensils, and native musical instruments used by these tribes. A nature trail located behind the museum conserves various rare plants and animals. Visitors can get a taste of what it’s like to be inside a real Kenyan rainforest. The museum also houses Nile crocodiles, leopards, tortoises, and various poisonous snakes.
2. Saiwa Swamp National Park
Saiwa Swamp National Park is located near Kitale, in Trans-Nzoia County. It is the smallest national park in Kenya, only 3 km², and was created as a habitat for the Sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope. The park covers an area of about 3 square kilometres.
Saiwa Swamp National Park was established in 1974 to protect the habitat of the endangered Sitatunga antelope. The park is home to a significant population of Sitatungas, semi-aquatic antelopes adapted to living in swamps and marshy areas. The park’s wetland ecosystem, consisting of papyrus swamps, reed beds, and forested regions, provides an ideal habitat for these unique antelopes.
In addition to the Sitatunga antelope, Saiwa Swamp National Park is home to other wildlife species, including monkeys, otters, genets, and various bird species. The park offers opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the park through its network of boardwalks and trails, which provide access to different parts of the swamp. Saiwa Swamp National Park is a peaceful and serene destination, offering a chance to experience the tranquillity of nature. It is an important conservation area, working towards preserving the habitat and biodiversity of the Sitatunga antelope and other wildlife species in the region.
3. Treasures of Africa Museum
This museum is located in Kitale and features Mr Wilson’s personal collections. A colonialist fascinated by the intriguing culture of the Karamajong, Wilson made it his mission to collect and store their artifacts. The museum displays tools such as weaponry and farming implements, as the Karamajong were primarily agriculturalists.
You can also find cooking essentials used in the pre-modern era. The guides at the museum are knowledgeable and can provide a detailed storyline for each artifact. The entrance fee is only Ksh 500 per person, and the museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, except on Sundays. So, if you plan to visit, do so between Monday and Saturday.
4. Kitale Nature Conservancy
The Kitale Nature Conservancy is a protected area located just outside Kitale’s town. It is home to many plants and animals, including many species found nowhere else. Monuments that feature Bible verses and the names of disciples are scattered throughout the area, giving visitors the impression that it is the birthplace of Christianity. The conservancy was established to protect nearly extinct animal species, including Rothschild giraffes, Sitatunga antelopes, black rhinos, and Reedbucks. It is also home to various local species, such as monkeys, elephants, and buffaloes.
The main activity at the conservancy is bird watching, with over 300 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. Some of the more notable species include the endangered Lammergeier vulture, the endangered Hinde’s babbler, and the endangered Jackson’s francolin. It is also the perfect spot for having a picnic and participating in team-building activities. The conservancy opens at 8 am and closes at sunset
5. Cherangani Hills
The Cherangani Hills are spectacular. Hiking is the most popular activity here, so pack your hiking shoes and prepare for the challenge. It is ideal for beginners. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the vast Trans-Nzoia County and its lush green scenery.
The Cherangani Hills are ideal for picnics. They also have dense tropical forests suitable for therapeutic nature walks and birdwatching activities. Try camping in the hills to make your experience more adventurous; it is highly recommended. Sleeping outside, listening to the birds chirp, and staring at the stars at night is an unforgettable experience. All you need to bring is your camping gear and some warm clothing, and you are ready to go.
5. Aturukan Hotel
This is the largest hotel in Trans-Nzoia County. It is a state-of-the-art facility that exudes luxury. Although the prices may be steep, the experience is worth it. The rooftop restaurant specializes in barbecues, and the hotel boasts a bistro, bar, swimming pool, and cafe lounge.
The hotel’s pool is amazing and perfect for cooling off on hot days. The hotel offers luxurious suites and deluxe rooms with 24/7 room service available. The hotel’s chefs are highly skilled in local and international cuisines, and it’s worth trying something new. The hotel also has conference facilities for corporate meetings. If you want to relax and have a good time, the hotel’s bar has a wide selection of drinks. On-site activities include darts, cycling, golf, massage, a fitness centre, spa and wellness centre.
6. Kitale Golf Club
Located in the lush countryside, this golf club offers a fantastic experience for golf enthusiasts and visitors seeking a serene environment. It features a well-maintained and beautifully designed 18-hole championship golf course, the only 18-hole golf club in the Lake Victoria and Rift Valley region.
Golfers can enjoy playing amid stunning scenery, with views of rolling hills and manicured greens. The course suits all skill levels, making it an enjoyable and inclusive experience for players of all abilities.
In addition to golfing, the Kitale Golf Club offers various amenities and facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences. The clubhouse provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a refreshing drink. The on-site pro shop stocks a wide range of golfing accessories and equipment.
The club offers golf lessons and coaching from professional instructors for those new to golf or who wish to improve their skills. Beyond golfing, the Kitale Golf Club is also ideal for events, including weddings, conferences, and social gatherings. Its picturesque surroundings make it a perfect backdrop for memorable celebrations or corporate meetings.
7. Barnleys Guest House (Sirikwa Safaris)
The home of Sirikwa Safaris is a unique place to explore the wonders of African nature and culture. Sirikwa Safaris offers day trips and excursions throughout the highlands, Ornithological tours, trout fishing, and golfing outings tailored for visitors led by highly trained staff—the place best suits nature lovers who love picnics.
8. Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the border of Kenya and Uganda. It is home to Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world. The park boasts breathtaking landscapes, including rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and expansive moorlands. From 1,500 to 4,321 metres, it offers panoramic views of Kenya’s western plains and Uganda’s Karamoja plains.
Mount Elgon National Park is a haven for hikers and trekkers. It features various trails of different difficulty levels and covers diverse ecosystems. The most famous trek is the Sasa River route to the summit. As you ascend, you’ll witness stunning waterfalls, natural caves, and bamboo forests.
The national park has many wildlife species, including elephants, colobus monkeys, buffalos, bushbucks, and duikers. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to spot over 300 bird species, including the rare Lammergeier.
The park’s main highlight is Mount Elgon’s stunning caldera, one of the largest intact calderas in the world. Trekking within the caldera takes visitors through lush vegetation and spectacular viewpoints, including the famous Endebess Bluff.
Mount Elgon National Park offers the opportunity to explore ancient caves such as Kitum Cave, famous for its salt-licking elephants. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the incredible beauty of Jackson’s Pool and the stunning cliffs of Chepnyalil and Makingeny Caves.
9. Saiwa Cultural Centre
Located on the outskirts of Kitale town, this cultural centre takes pride in preserving and showcasing the traditions and customs of the local Sabaot community. The main highlight of the Saiwa Cultural Centre is the Saiwa Swamp National Park, home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope. Visitors can explore the park through well-maintained boardwalks and trails, providing an opportunity to spot various bird species and other wildlife.
Besides the wildlife, the cultural centre offers interactive experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in the Sabaot culture. Traditional dances, storytelling sessions, and workshops on beadwork and pottery are frequently organized for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the tribe’s heritage.
The Saiwa Cultural Centre has a well-maintained visitor centre with knowledgeable guides who provide insightful information about the Sabaot culture, history, and traditions. Additionally, a cultural museum displays artifacts, traditional clothing, and crafts, giving visitors a glimpse into the community’s rich cultural heritage.
10. Trans Nzoia County Stadium
This stadium is a sporting facility and a great recreational spot for visitors. It boasts a spectator capacity and annually hosts various local and national sporting events. Visitors can enjoy watching the stadium’s thrilling football matches, athletic competitions, and other sporting events. The facility is well-maintained and offers modern amenities, including comfortable seating, concession stands, and restrooms.
The stadium’s well-designed layout ensures spectators have unobstructed views of the playing field and a lively atmosphere during matches. Trans Nzoia County Stadium is popular for sporting events and serves as a venue for community gatherings and cultural celebrations. It often hosts music concerts, exhibitions, and trade fairs, providing local artists and businesses a platform to showcase their talent and products.
11. Kapolet Forest
Kapolet Forest, on the slopes of Cherengany, is not only the source of the River Nzoia, which drains into Lake Victoria, but it is also rich in indigenous tree species, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and much more. The forest is the home of the Indigenous Sengwer community, whose culture is alive through the Sengwer Cultural Centre. Activities at Kapolet include nature hikes, camping, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.
12. Kitale War Cemetery
During the 1939-1945 War, several small military units and a military hospital were near Kitale. The cemetery contains the graves of 60 East African soldiers who died during the 1939-1945 War. Kitale War Cemetery is open Monday-Friday between 6 am and 6 pm. Outside of these hours, the cemetery is locked with a coded padlock.
The cemetery is located on the western outskirts of the town and is somewhat difficult to find. If coming from Eldoret, follow the road past the railway station, then turn left to take the rough road parallel to the main road (used as a market) as far as the northwestern side of town. At the end of this bumpy road, turn left at the direction sign and follow the very rough track approximately 2 kilometres to the cemetery.
