Kabarnet Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Kabarnet with this comprehensive travel guide highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Kabarnet

Kabarnet is a small town located in the Northern Rift Valley of Kenya, in East Africa. It’s situated just 100 kilometers from Lake Baringo and surrounded by stunning scenery, including the dramatic Tugen Hills. The town itself is known for its history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for those looking to experience Kenya off the beaten path.

List of Places to Visit in Kabarnet

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kabarnet has several culturally important attractions, including:

  • Kapkatet Museum: This small museum located in the center of town has exhibitions focusing on the region’s culture and history, including displays on traditional clothing, household items, and tools used in farming and herding.
  • Sondanyi Museum: Located just outside the town, the Sondanyi Museum showcases the traditional lifestyle of the Tugen people, including their farming practices, rituals, and crafts.
  • Kipkurere Sang’alo Sanctuary: This nature reserve, set on the slopes of the Tugen Hills, is home to a number of cultural sites, including rock art, burial caves, and stone circles.

Natural Attractions of Kabarnet: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kabarnet is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top natural attractions to visit:

  • Rimoi National Reserve: This nature reserve is situated on the edge of the Kerio Valley and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and hyenas. Visitors can take guided walks or drives through the park to see the animals in their natural habitat.
  • Chebloch Gorge: A scenic gorge located near Kabarnet town, Chebloch is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching. The gorge is home to several waterfalls and pools that are great for swimming or picnicking.
  • Tugen Hills: This range of hills provides a stunning backdrop to Kabarnet, and visitors can take guided hikes through the hills to enjoy the fabulous views and learn about the local flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kabarnet

Kabarnet has some great hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore. Here are just a few:

  • Sondanyi Loop: This circular route takes walkers or bikers from Kabarnet, up through the Tugen Hills, and back down again. The trail takes around five hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Rimoi Nature Trail: This three-hour trail takes hikers through the Rimoi National Reserve, offering a chance to see a variety of wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem.
  • Iten Hills: For those who want a challenge, the hills around Iten (about an hour’s drive from Kabarnet) provide some of the best running and training routes in the world. The area is famous for producing many of Kenya’s top long-distance runners.

Best Things to Do in Kabarnet: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and visiting attractions, Kabarnet also offers several other fun things to do, including:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape around Kabarnet, offering a unique perspective on the region.
  • Cultural Visits: There are several cultural villages around Kabarnet that offer visitors the chance to experience Kenyan culture and way of life first hand, including traditional dances and food tasting.
  • Bird Watching: Kabarnet is home to a wide variety of birds, including weavers, sunbirds, and shrikes. Guided bird-watching tours are available for those who want to explore the area’s avian wonders.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kabarnet

For those who want to spend an extended time in Kabarnet, here is a sample one-week itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore Kabarnet Town and Museum
2 Hike Rimoi National Reserve
3 Visit Kipkurere Sang’alo Sanctuary
4 Take a hot air balloon ride
5 Cultural village visit
6 Hike Sondanyi Loop
7 Visit Chebloch Gorge

Food and Drink Scene of Kabarnet

Must-Try Dishes

Kabarnet offers some delicious local dishes that visitors should try, including:

  • Ugali: A mixture of cornmeal and water, ugali is a staple in Kenya and is often eaten with stews or vegetables.
  • Sukuma Wiki: This dish is made with cooked collard greens and is often served with ugali.
  • Chapati: A type of flatbread that is popular across East Africa and is often served with stews or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Kenya is famous for its tea, and visitors to Kabarnet can enjoy a cup of locally grown and prepared tea.
  • Local Brews: There are several local breweries around Kabarnet that offer visitors the chance to try traditional Kenyan beers.

Where to Stay in Kabarnet: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kabarnet has several accommodation options for visitors, including:

  • Kabarnet Hotel: This hotel is located in the center of town and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
  • Tugen Hills Guest House: This property is situated on the slopes of the Tugen Hills and offers stunning views and comfortable rooms.
  • Chepkiit Falls Eco-Lodge: This lodge is located near the Chebloch Gorge and offers eco-friendly accommodations in a peaceful setting.

What to Buy in Kabarnet: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Kabarnet can buy several souvenirs and local products to take home, including:

  • Beaded Jewelry: The Tugen people are known for their intricate beadwork, and visitors can purchase beaded jewelry and accessories from local artisans.
  • Pottery: Kabarnet is also known for its pottery, and visitors can purchase handmade clay pots and vases from local vendors.
  • Handwoven Baskets: Visitors can also buy handwoven baskets made from natural materials like sisal and grass.

Local Culture and Customs of Kabarnet

The Tugen people are the dominant ethnic group in Kabarnet, and their culture and customs are an important part of the town’s identity. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, including dress and behavior guidelines.

Best Time to Visit Kabarnet

The best time to visit Kabarnet is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the area’s outdoor attractions without worry of rain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kabarnet

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Dress conservatively
  • Seek permission before taking photographs of people

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing
  • Take photographs of people without their permission
  • Disrupt local wildlife or natural habitats

Safety and Health

Safety in Kabarnet

Overall, Kabarnet is a safe place for visitors to travel. However, visitors should take normal precautions against theft and be aware of their surroundings when walking or hiking in rural areas.

Health in Kabarnet

Visitors to Kabarnet should make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as getting additional vaccinations like typhoid and hepatitis A. Visitors should also take precautions against malaria, including using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Getting to Kabarnet: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kabarnet

The nearest major airport to Kabarnet is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is around 300 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take internal flights to Eldoret or Kitale, from where they can take a bus or taxi to Kabarnet.

Bus Stations Near Kabarnet

There are several bus stations near Kabarnet, including:

  • Eldoret Bus Station: This station is around 100 kilometers from Kabarnet and offers frequent buses to the town.
  • Kitale Bus Station: This station is around 70 kilometers from Kabarnet and also offers frequent buses to the town.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a car and drive themselves to Kabarnet, although the roads in the region can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.

How to Get Around in Kabarnet

To get around Kabarnet, visitors can either hire a driver or use public transport, including buses and taxis. Many attractions are also accessible by foot or bike.

Where to Go Next from Kabarnet: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kabarnet is located within easy reach of several other Kenyan destinations, including:

  • Lake Baringo: A stunning lake located around 100 kilometers to the north of Kabarnet, famous for its birdlife and hippopotamuses.
  • Kerio Valley: A scenic valley located to the south of Kabarnet, known for its stunning views and adventurous hiking and biking routes.

Conclusion

Kabarnet is a fascinating destination that offers visitors the chance to experience Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage in a peaceful and authentic way. Whether you want to explore the region’s historical sites, hike its stunning natural trails, or simply relax and enjoy the local cuisine, Kabarnet has something to offer for everyone.