About 280 kilometres north of Nairobi in the country’s Eastern region lies Isiolo county, one of the least populated places in the country, and without a doubt, one of the most unexplored places, yet it offers numerous places with spectacular views and thrilling activities to engage in.
A quiet retreat or weekend getaway would surely thrive in this kind of environment, full of serenity and simplicity, away from the chaos of daily life and the monotony of routine, though a solo trip would suffice as well.
Whether you are looking for outdoor activities such as safari tours or more laid-back places to visit, the place will give you the holiday of a lifetime.
You can get to Isiolo via air transport using the Isiolo International airport, if not, just use road transport, which is not only a cheaper alternative but gives you the opportunity to make stopovers and sightsee.
Isiolo is dominantly inhabited by the Borana community, who are Cushitic speakers. Interact with their way of life, you might even borrow a leaf.
Below is a list of places to visit and activities to engage in when in Isiolo
1. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
This is among the top attraction sites in the region, so if you fancy some outdoor and nature experiences, make this your first stop.
Started in 1948, the reserve is currently run by the Isiolo County Council.
A safari tour is definitely something you should engage in and see giraffes, zebras, antelopes and the big five in their natural habitat.
Within the reserve is a seasonal river that is inhabited by crocodiles and hippopotamuses during the rainy season, adding to the aura of the place.
A nature trek will give you the chance to physically exercise, have proper views of the place, get lost in the beauty of nature and help you rejuvenate so have the guides take you on one, or simply find your way in the dense vegetation.
If you are looking to spend a day or two, camping is allowed, which only spices up your experience as you fall asleep in the wild, surrounded by animals which is both exciting and scary.
The sleeping tents are tastefully furnished and spotlessly clean, and the security is tight, so you need not worry about stumbling upon a herd of buffaloes in the middle of the night.
2. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
This sanctuary, established in 1995 and located a few kilometres from Isiolo town, is where humanity meets nature.
Run by the local community, the conservancy also comprises the Rangelands Trust, a partnership that has seen communities donating their land towards the preservation of wildlife.
The Conservancy is now home to hundreds of animal species like the big five, monkeys, antelopes and buffaloes.
It also has quite a steady number of endangered black rhinos and has the highest single population of the Grevy’s Zebra in the country.
To see these animals, sign up for a safari tour, best done in the early mornings and gain thrilling insights into the life of wild animals; be sure to carry a good camera and binoculars with you.
The wardens give details about every animal you encounter on the way, so feel free to ask questions.
There is no better place to have a picnic other than amidst nature, you can carry packed food and dine as you watch the animals and flock of birds.
Afterwards, go on nature trails and have a proper tour of the vast lands.
3. Shaba National Reserve
Scattered vegetation, acacia trees, and riverside forests all define this spectacular yet dramatic sanctuary.
The place particularly bears historical significance, as it is where the widely recognized ‘Born Free’ film, and Karen Blixen’s popular film, ‘Out Of Africa’ was shot.
Aside from that, the reserve hosts a wide variety of animals such as foxes, hyenas and gazelles that tourists go to see.
Sign up for game drives and have the wardens take you through the vast reserve, explaining about the animals as you stop to take pictures.
Bird watching is another activity to engage in, with the hundreds of different species that flock during the migration season.
The rare William lark species can be spotted here, among other rare breeds like the martial eagle and white-headed vulture.
The Ewaso Nyiro river, teeming with water, and infested by crocodiles, passes by the northern part of the reserve, giving the place a wilder kind of look.
Vast nature trails, perfect for adventure walks and treks, are in plenty, giving you the chance to burn those calories and delve deeper into nature.
The terrain also gets hilly along the way, ideal for hiking expeditions.
4. Malka Cultural Center
For the newlyweds and those looking for a romantic getaway, you should definitely try this center.
Malka, loosely translated to mean ‘Queen’ is a village in the inner parts of Isiolo that seeks to bring a whole perspective to romantic retreats while incorporating values from the Borana culture to prevent erosion.
The honeymoon suites are built on a couple’s wedding night using barks of acacia trees, creating the most simple but elegant structure. The suits are locally known as Min Arossas.
Naturally scented stones, sourced from within are used to fill up the house, instantly elevating the mood.
Once the couple arrives, they are treated to local delicacies of the Borana tribe, their speciality being camel meat and milk, cooked in herbs and bearing the most exquisite taste.
Afterwards, visitors warm up by the lit bonfire, listening to stories from the locals.
Cultural dances to welcome the visitors are then performed, with the troupes donning traditional regalia, and the women in their conspicuous jewellery.
Finally, guests are free to retreat to their suites and enjoy the night away.
Bordering the Meru National Park, visitors can be taken on game drives at a small fee. The charges for the suites are only 20 USD a night, for a most in-depth interaction with culture and a night you are unlikely to forget.
5. Bisanadi National Reserve
Located adjacent to the Meru National Park, the reserve acts as a migration point for animals during the rainy seasons and hosts different animals like the big five and other wild species.
The place also doubles up as a bird haven, with close to 400 types that flock in search of shelter.
Game drives can be arranged upon your request, so you can tour the vast place and interact in-depth with nature.
After the tour, get entertained by local dancing troupes putting up an epic show of culture, and some even sell their traditional artefacts to act as souvenirs.
River Tana that passes through the reserve complements your tour by giving you the chance for fishing expeditions; you are better off bringing your fishing gear with you.
If this does not entice you, try swimming in the teeming waters, this will especially come in handy with the searing temperatures.
Take an excursion across the deep lake on a boat, giving you the chance to see the expansive reserve and beyond.
Accommodation facilities are not yet offered at the place, but if you wish to put up for a day or two, bring camping gear with you and get it on with.
The terrain in the area is a bit unstable, so you will need a good drive to the place, but once you get there, your experience will be nothing short of epic.
6. Northgate Resort
About two kilometres from Isiolo town, along the airport road, lies this four-star state-of-the-art facility, ready to accommodate you for about 100 USD a night as you enjoy your holiday in Isiolo and the surrounding areas.
With a staff that is very respectful and pays unwavering attention to detail, enjoy unlimited facilities and get value for money.
An amusement park, complete with amenities that would interest a child, is available, so they do not get bored.
An outdoor pool, well heated in case the weather gets wintry, is also within, and what better way to wind down other than take a dip as you sip an ice-cold drink?
Choose from any of the rooms offered, either single, double or suites, all lavishly furnished with the option of an exquisite breakfast served in bed, giving you the top-tier treatment that you deserve.
The rooms are well-positioned, overlooking a well-mowed garden that instantly adds to the glamour of the place.
Enjoy evening entertainment by watching a troupe of dancers jam to traditional songs, or simply retreat to the bar and indulge in your favourite drink as you enjoy the breezy air and tranquil environment.
Finally, having had enough Isiolo, Marsabit is around 250 km North, offering you a great chance to experience the North Eastern region of Kenya
