Located at the heart of Trans Nzoia county and to the Western part of Kenya is the famous Kitale town.
Its strategic location between Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills make it the perfect spot for leisure visits to wind down after long periods of backbreaking work schedules.
You could travel by road, whether public or private if you wish to enjoy the sceneries along the route, and you can also get there via a flight, although they are seasonal.
Predominantly a land of the Western Bantus, revellers get to enjoy endless interaction with the unique culture of the Abaluhya.
Agricultural activities are in plenty, leaving visitors with the option of equipping themselves with knowledge on different crops and how they’re grown.
The natural vibe that Kitale has to offer is quite splendid as well. If you’re looking for the ideal place away from chaos and a place filled with tranquillity, look no further.
Kitale will leave you spoiled for choice, so brace yourself for a trip full of diverse and fun filled activities.
Treasures of Africa Museum
This state-of-the-art facility is located within Kitale town, and it comprises personal collections from Mr Wilson, a colonialist who got fascinated by the intriguing culture of the Karamajong and decided to make it his personal mission to store their artefacts.
Tools such as weaponry, farming implements since the Karamajong were primarily agriculturalists, and cooking essentials used in the pre-modern era are found here.
This should be your first stopover if you wish to get acquainted with diverse cultures and learn a thing or two about ways of life.
The guides are quite versed with everything at the museum and will give you a detailed storyline of each and every artefact.
The facility charges an entrance fee of only Ksh. 500 per person, which is pretty affordable. Don’t forget to tip the guards at the museum for their exemplary services.
The museum is open daily from 8 am to 5 p.m except for Sundays, so if you’re hoping to stop over, do so between Monday and Saturday.
Saiwa Swamp National park
Saiwa Swamp has to be in the conversation for the smallest national park in the country.
Stretching over an area of about 3 square kilometres, the park was initially started as a rescue facility for the endangered Sitatunga breed of antelopes but gradually became home to different wildlife species such as monkeys among others.
The park is located about 20 kilometres from Kitale town.
Saiwa Swamp is the perfect muse for nature lovers with their amazing collection of plant species.
The nature trail found within the park is ideal for treks and walks to wind down, listen to the chirping birds and breathing in the fresh crisp air, a clean break from all the noise in town.
It’s open daily from 5 am to 8 p.m and the charges vary where citizens pay Ksh. 350 for adults and Ksh 200 for children, residents pay Ksh. 600 for adults and 350 for children, and non-residents pay USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children.
The whole scenery at the park, from the flowers, to the trees, birds and animals make it perfect for photo sessions to stock up on the memories.
Kitale Nature Conservancy
This conservancy is quite the sight with their unique architecture, where monuments containing Bible verses and names of disciples are spread all over, making it seem like the origin of Christianity.
The conservancy was also started to rescue the almost extinct animal species; Rothschild giraffe, Sitatunga antelopes, black rhinos and Reed bucks, but is also home to different local species including monkeys, elephants and buffaloes.
Bird watching is the top activity at the conservancy, and it’s actually therapeutic listening to their chirping, not to mention how beautiful they are.
If you’re thinking of a group date, then this is the perfect spot to take a picnic and bond over team building activities.
Play parks are plenty for you to let loose and burn some calories.
The conservancy opens at eight in the morning and closes at seven, and the entrance fee is USD 10 per person.
Mount Elgon National park
If you’re thinking that Kitale has an endless list of parks to visit, then you’re absolutely right.
The vast Mt Elgon National Park is home to a wide variety of local and rare animal species, ranging from monkeys, antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, name them.
The first activity you should do is going on a game drive and have the guides take you through the park and showing you the animals at close quarters.
The activity is simply thrilling, so don’t forget to take plenty of photos.
Apart from wildlife viewing, guests have the option of going on nature trails and getting acquainted with the different plant species and simply wind down.
Rock climbing and hiking is another top activity at the park, so be sure to bring along some comfortable shoes and get that adrenaline rush.
Along the hiking routes are plenty of waterfalls and springs, perfect for site seeing and water activities such as swimming and rafting.
Camping is also recommended at the park, so you don’t have to worry about accommodation.
To top it all, located within the park is the famous Kitum cave that is quite scenic, you should stop by.
The cave is frequented by animals like elephants that search for salts, should you decide to pass by make sure to bring a guide along.
Cherangani Hills
The Cherangani hills are quite spectacular, so you should make a point of visiting them.
Hiking is definitely the top activity to engage in here, so bring along those hiking shoes and get ready to take on the challenge.
It’s quite beginner-friendly, so you need not worry about falling or getting injured.
Once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with an unrivalled view of the vast Trans Nzoia county and its lush green scenery.
The Cherangani Hills are ideal for picnics, so feel free to bring along your group of friends and spend quality time together, marvelling at the beauty of nature.
The hills also consist of dense tropical forests, perfect for nature walks which are therapeutic, and bird watching activities.
If you wish to make your experience a little wild, you should try camping at the hills, it’s highly recommended.
Sleeping out, listening to the chirping birds and staring at the stars at night is definitely an unbeatable experience, all you have to do is bring along your camping gear and some warm clothing, then you’re good to go.
The Kitale Museum
Apart from being a museum, it’s also a historical site, since it was among the first inland museums to be set up in the country.
It’s located within Kitale town, about one kilometre from the CBD.
The museum is home to different artefacts that tell about the rich cultural heritage of the Western Bantus.
It’s actually quite intriguing to see their way of life, and how willing they are to hold on to their culture.
The Kitale Museum houses farm implements, ornaments that were worn in different occasions, weaponry and cooking tools.
The guides will take you through a detailed historic class of the origin of the Western Bantus, their settlement and way of life.
They also have a large collection of different types of insects and a snake park as well, so if that interests you, you should make a stop.
Furthermore, a nature trail is found within, giving you the perfect opportunity to wind down and get lost in the thrills of nature.
Aturukan Hotel
We all know a visit would not be complete without some good food and a place to stay and relax, and the Aturukan hotel offers you all that.
The state-of-the-art facility oozes plenty of luxury vibes, with a price that will dent your pocket a little, but it’s all worth it.
First, their pool is to die for, so if the temperatures get too hot all you have to do is jump in the pool.
Accommodation is offered in luxurious suites and deluxe rooms with 24/7 room service in case you need anything even in the middle of the night.
The chefs at the hotel possess top tier culinary skills in both local and international cuisines, you should try and sample a dish you’ve never eaten before.
Conference facilities are also found here, in case you have one of those corporate meetings, you get to have them in style.
Should you wish to indulge a little and let loose, their bar has you covered with their wide assortment of drinks, you’ll be spoilt for choice, although a little responsibility will go a long way.
Once you have had your fill of Kitale, Eldoret lies a mere 70 km away while Kakamega also lies relatively close by at 100 km
