Kitale Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Kitale, including information on places to visit, food and drink, accommodations, local culture, safety, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Kitale

Located in Western Kenya, Kitale is a small town known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its proximity to Mount Elgon National Park and the Cherangani Hills, Kitale is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town also boasts a rich history, with several museums and historic sites dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Kitale

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kitale Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Kitale and the surrounding region. The museum also has a botanical garden that features a variety of indigenous plants.
  • Saiwa Swamp National Park: This park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Sitatunga antelope and the De Brazza’s monkey. Visitors can take guided walks through the park to see these animals up close.
  • Kapenguria Museum: This museum is located in the nearby town of Kapenguria and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Kalenjin people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya.
  • Kitale Nature Conservancy: This conservancy is home to a variety of indigenous animals, including giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Visitors can take guided tours of the conservancy to learn about these animals and their behavior in the wild.

Natural Attractions of Kitale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Elgon National Park: This park is located just outside of Kitale and is home to Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano that rises to over 14,000 feet. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Saiwa Swamp National Park: In addition to its cultural significance, Saiwa Swamp National Park is also known for its natural beauty. The park features over 2,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
  • Kipkunurr Hill: This hill is located in the Cherangani Hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike to the summit or take a guided tour to explore the area.
  • Fourteen Falls: Located about an hour’s drive from Kitale, this waterfall is one of the most impressive in Kenya. Visitors can take guided tours to view the falls up close and swim in the pools at the base of the falls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kitale

  • Mount Elgon Hiking Trail: This trail leads hikers to the summit of Mount Elgon and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is challenging but rewarding, with several campsites and lodges along the way for overnight stays.
  • Cherangani Hills Hiking Trail: This trail leads hikers through the beautiful Cherangani Hills and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is less challenging than Mount Elgon but still requires a good level of fitness.

Best Things to Do in Kitale: Activities and Tours

  • Cultural Tours: Visitors can take guided tours of Kitale and the surrounding area to learn about the history and culture of the region. These tours often include visits to museums, historic sites, and cultural demonstrations.
  • Outdoor Adventures: With its proximity to Mount Elgon National Park and the Cherangani Hills, Kitale is a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
  • Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can take guided safaris to explore the natural beauty of the area and view the indigenous wildlife up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kitale

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Kitale Museum and Botanical Gardens
Day 2 Hike to the summit of Mount Elgon
Day 3 Explore the Cherangani Hills
Day 4 Take a guided tour of Saiwa Swamp National Park
Day 5 Visit Kapenguria Museum
Day 6 Go on a wildlife safari
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the local food and drink scene

Food and Drink Scene of Kitale

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ugali: This is a staple food in Kenya made from maize flour and water. It is usually served with a vegetable stew or meat and is a must-try when visiting Kitale.
  • Sukuma Wiki: This is a vegetable dish made from kale or collard greens, tomatoes, and onions. It is often served as a side dish with other Kenyan dishes.
  • Chapati: This is a flatbread made from wheat flour, oil, and water. It is often served hot and is a popular breakfast food in Kitale.

Local Beverages

  • Chai Tea: This is a spiced tea made from black tea, milk, and spices like ginger and cardamom. It is a popular drink in Kenya and is often served hot or cold.
  • Busaa: This is a traditional Kenyan beer made from fermented maize or millet. It is often served in small cups and is a popular drink among locals.

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

  • The White Horse Inn: This historic inn is located in the heart of Kitale and offers comfortable rooms and excellent food.
  • Rimoi Game Ranch: This eco-friendly ranch is located just outside of Kitale and offers comfortable rooms and guided tours of the adjacent game reserve.
  • Kitale Club: This members-only club offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and dining facilities.

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

  • Handmade Crafts: Kitale is known for its skilled craftsmen who make a variety of handmade crafts like pottery, baskets, and woodcarvings. These make great souvenirs and gifts.
  • Local Food Products: Visitors can buy locally produced foods like honey, coffee, and tea to bring home as souvenirs.
  • Beaded Jewelry: Kitale is home to many Maasai women who create beautiful beaded jewelry. These pieces make great souvenirs and support the local community.

Local Culture and Customs of Kitale

Kitale is home to several distinct ethnic groups, including the Kalenjin, the Luhya, and the Maasai. These groups have their own unique cultures and customs, which are celebrated through music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. Visitors can learn about these cultures by visiting local museums, attending cultural events, and engaging with locals.

Best Time to Visit Kitale

The best time to visit Kitale is between June and September when the weather is dry and mild. The rainy season in Kitale runs from March to May and from October to December, which can make outdoor activities more challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kitale

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites.
  • Engage with locals and learn about their culture and customs.
  • Explore the local food and drink scene.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Wander alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kitale

Kitale is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take common-sense precautions like keeping their valuables safe and being aware of their surroundings. It’s also a good idea to hire a local guide when exploring the area to ensure that you stay safe.

Health in Kitale

Visitors to Kitale should ensure that they are up to date on their routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and flu. Visitors should also take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and avoid drinking tap water.

Getting to Kitale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kitale

The closest airport to Kitale is the Kitale Airport, which receives limited domestic flights from Nairobi and other major cities in Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the largest airport in the country and serves as a hub for international flights.

Bus Stations Near Kitale

Kitale has several bus stations that connect it to other major cities in Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret. Visitors can take these buses to Kitale from other cities in the country.

Other Options

Visitors to Kitale can also hire a car or take a taxi to get around the area. It’s important to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi to avoid being overcharged.

How to Get Around in Kitale

The best way to get around Kitale is by taxi or hired car. Visitors can also take the local buses, known as matatus, although these can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Where to Go Next from Kitale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Mount Kenya National Park: This park is located about 200 miles east of Kitale and is home to Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa. It offers stunning landscape and wildlife views.
  • Masai Mara National Reserve: This reserve is located about 250 miles southwest of Kitale and is famous for its wildlife, including lions, elephants, and zebras. Visitors can take guided tours through the reserve to view these animals up close.

Conclusion

Kitale is a hidden gem of Kenya, with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re interested in learning about local culture, hiking to the summit of a mountain, or simply relaxing and enjoying the local food and drink scene, Kitale has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Kitale.