Things To Do
in Eldoret
Eldoret is a vibrant city located in western Kenya, known for its athletic culture and high-altitude training facilities. The city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the stunning Rift Valley escarpment and lush agricultural fields. Eldoret is a major transportation hub, with an airport and well-developed road networks connecting it to other parts of the country.
The bustling town center offers a variety of markets, shops, and restaurants where visitors can experience the local culture and cuisine.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local market to experience the vibrant culture and buy fresh produce. The morning sun makes for great photos and a lively atmosphere.
After lunch, explore the Kesses area, known for its lush landscapes and scenic views. You can also visit local farms to observe agricultural practices.
End your day with a relaxing stroll at the local park, enjoying the fresh air. Have dinner at a local restaurant to savor Kenyan cuisine.
Visit the Eldoret Museum to learn about the region's history and heritage. The museum offers insights into the diverse cultures present in the area.
Spend your afternoon at a local cultural center participating in workshops and learning traditional dances. It's a great way to engage with the community.
Savor a delightful dinner while enjoying live traditional music. This experience will deepen your appreciation for Kenyan culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Eldoret has a favorable climate, with mild temperatures and plenty of rainfall supporting agriculture.
- The town is a hub for sports, particularly long-distance running, attracting athletes and coaching opportunities.
- Eldoret has a growing economy with increasing investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
- The town features diverse cultural activities and communities, promoting a rich social experience.
- Eldoret faces challenges with traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation facilities.
- There is a potential for social and ethnic tensions due to the diverse population.
- The town has issues with waste management and environmental concerns resulting from rapid urbanization.
- Security concerns can arise, particularly in specific regions or during political events.
Best Activities in Eldoret
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the scenic views and peaceful environment while hiking around Kesses Dam.
Explore the beautiful nature trails and diverse wildlife at Ziwa La Ng'ombe.
Experience a refreshing run amidst the lush greenery of Chepkoilel Arboretum.
Embark on a thrilling cycling adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Kerio Valley.
Tours
Uncover the best of Eldoret with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Eldoret
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Eldoret town and the surrounding areas.
Features a variety of local market stalls and offers colorful photo opportunities.
Provides a scenic view of the Nandi Hills and the Great Rift Valley.
Food in Eldoret
Eldoret Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali, a maize-based staple, paired with sukuma wiki (collard greens) is a quintessential Kenyan dish. It can be savored at various local eateries and restaurants across Eldoret, such as Mama Oliech Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Nyama Choma, which translates to 'grilled meat', is a popular dish in Eldoret. For an authentic experience, head to the famous Kenmosa Market for some delicious Nyama Choma.
Chapati, a type of flatbread, is a beloved accompaniment to many Kenyan meals. You can find excellent chapatis at Kawaida Kiosk or Mama Oliech Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Eldoret better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Kenmosa Market is a bustling hub of street food and local delicacies, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Eldoret food experience. You'll find everything from Nyama Choma to chapatis and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Eldoret, it is important to greet people with respect, using phrases such as 'Habari yako?' (How are you?) and 'Shikamo' (a sign of respect for elders).
Respecting elders is a key cultural norm in Eldoret. It is important to show deference and use appropriate forms of address when interacting with older individuals.
Punctuality is valued in Kenyan culture, including in Eldoret. It is respectful to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Eldoret with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Eldoret
Ensure a smooth experience
In Eldoret, Kenya, tipping is not always expected but is appreciated, especially in restaurants and for services such as tour guides or taxi drivers.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Eldoret, Kenya, and some smaller establishments may not accept credit or debit cards. Mobile payment methods such as M-Pesa are also widely used for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Eldoret.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Eldoret due to clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. Perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Expect occasional showers, but the landscape is lush and green, making it a good time to witness the region's natural beauty.
Expect heavy rainfall and muddy conditions, not ideal for outdoor activities but good for those interested in experiencing the local farming activities and cultural events.
Eldoret at Night
Hiking in Eldoret
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking spot featuring rolling hills and beautiful views, ideal for both experienced hikers and beginners.
Known for its picturesque landscapes, Kasilof Hills offers a variety of trails for hiking and nature walks.
A lush forest area with hiking trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching and wildlife.
A region with diverse ecosystems, offering hiking trails that vary in difficulty and provide a great outdoor experience.
While primarily a conservation area, it features hiking trails to explore local wildlife and natural habitats.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Eldoret through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Eldoret by plane.
Located in Eldoret, this is the closest international airport serving the area.
Situated in Nairobi, approximately 300 kilometers from Eldoret, it is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya.
Located in Mombasa, roughly 500 kilometers from Eldoret, this airport serves as a gateway to the coastal region of Kenya.
Approximately 150 kilometers from Eldoret, this airport serves the Kisumu region and offers several domestic and limited international flights.
Situated in Nairobi, around 300 kilometers from Eldoret, this airport primarily handles domestic flights and charter services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Kalenjin are the largest ethnic group in Eldoret, known for their rich cultural heritage and dominance in athletics.
The Luhya community is significant in Eldoret, contributing to the region's agricultural activities and businesses.
The Kikuyu community is actively involved in trade and services within Eldoret, bringing diversity to the local economy.
The Luo community in Eldoret is known for its involvement in commerce and education, adding vibrancy to the city.
The Maasai community, though smaller, has a presence in Eldoret, contributing to cultural diversity and tourism.
Various other ethnic communities, including the Asian communities, add to the multicultural tapestry of Eldoret.
The Soul of Eldoret
Discover the essence of Eldoret through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Eldoret is renowned as a hub for long-distance runners and has produced numerous world-class athletes, making athletics one of the most popular sports in the region.
Football is widely played and followed in Eldoret, with numerous local clubs and teams competing in various leagues.
Rugby has gained popularity in Eldoret, with several clubs and teams participating in regional competitions.
Basketball is a popular sport among the youth in Eldoret, with various schools and community teams engaging in the game.
Cricket has a dedicated following in Eldoret, with local teams playing in local leagues and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eldoret.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kenyan cuisine traditionally features a lot of meat-based dishes, many restaurants in Eldoret offer vegetarian and vegan options. Places like Java House and Kulan Restaurant have a variety of plant-based dishes on their menus.
Locating strictly gluten-free options can be challenging, but some restaurants in Eldoret, like Java House, offer gluten-free choices and are accommodating to special dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Eldoret with these cultural adventures.