Things To Do
in Garissa
Garissa is a town in northeastern Kenya, located along the Tana River. It serves as the capital of Garissa County. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of Somali, Borana, and Orma ethnic groups.
Garissa is known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and as a transportation hub connecting Kenya to neighboring countries.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $2
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local market where you can enjoy traditional Kenyan breakfast options. Engage with local vendors to learn about their crafts and produce.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the Garissa National Park to view its unique wildlife and natural beauty. Make sure to carry water and sunscreen for a comfortable experience.
Wrap up your day by enjoying a sunset dinner at a local restaurant. Relish authentic cuisines while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Visit the beautiful Masjid Ufanisi to appreciate its architecture and the role it plays in the community. Participate in a morning prayer session if you're inclined.
Explore the Garissa Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Discover ancient artifacts and engage with knowledgeable curators.
Head to a local café for some refreshments and to sample traditional Kenyan snacks. Reflect on your day while enjoying the lively ambience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse communities
- Strategic location for trade and commerce
- Growing agricultural potential, particularly in farming and livestock
- Community-oriented population with strong social ties
- Expansion of infrastructure and services
- Security concerns due to proximity to conflict zones
- Limited access to quality healthcare and education facilities
- Economic challenges and high levels of unemployment
- Inadequate infrastructure, particularly in remote areas
- Environmental issues, including drought and food security risks
Best Activities in Garissa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the wildlife of Garissa County on a safari and have the chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and other animals in their natural habitat.
Tana River, located in Garissa County, offers excellent bird watching opportunities with the chance to spot a variety of bird species including kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles.
Enjoy the adrenaline-pumping experience of river rafting or the tranquil beauty of canoeing along the Tana River, surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Garissa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Garissa
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides a panoramic view of Garissa town and the surrounding landscape, offering great photo opportunities.
Offers a picturesque view of the Tana River and its surroundings, ideal for capturing nature's beauty.
Food in Garissa
Garissa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant dish featuring rice and tender goat meat, cooked with a mix of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cumin, and turmeric. It's often served during festive occasions and family gatherings.
Must-Try!
Samosa-style pastries filled with seasoned minced meat or vegetables, typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Look for these at local eateries and street food vendors.
A flavorful soup made from camel meat, vegetables, and a variety of spices. It's a comforting and popular dish among locals, especially during colder months.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Garissa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local spices, and a myriad of street food stalls offering dishes like mandazi, grilled meats, and bhajias. It's an immersive way to experience the local food culture.
While not a traditional market, Mamulka Restaurant is a notable spot to savor authentic flavors. It offers a variety of street food options such as roasted camel meat and chapati, reflecting the local culinary heritage.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Garissa, it is important to greet people respectfully using phrases such as 'As-salamu alaykum' and to shake hands with the right hand.
Respect for elders is a significant cultural norm in Garissa, and it is customary to show deference and listen attentively when speaking with older individuals.
It is important to dress modestly in Garissa, particularly for women, in order to show respect for the local cultural norms and values.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Garissa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Garissa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Garissa, Kenya, tipping is not a common practice. However, if you receive exceptional service at a hotel or restaurant, a small tip of 5-10% may be appreciated.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Garissa, Kenya. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, so it's important to carry enough cash when visiting. Some larger hotels and businesses may accept card payments, but it's always best to have cash on hand.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Garissa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Garissa as wildlife is easier to spot, and the weather is generally pleasant with minimal rainfall.
Expect heavy rainfall during this time, which can make wildlife spotting more challenging, but the landscape becomes lush and green.
Garissa at Night
Hiking in Garissa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Although a bit farther from Garissa, Mount Kenya offers various trails for hiking enthusiasts, rich biodiversity, and stunning landscapes.
Located near the western region of Kenya, Kakamega Forest offers hiking trails and an opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna.
A lesser-known area that offers scenic views and hiking trails, located not far from Garissa.
While primarily known for wildlife, Tsavo features walking safaris which allow for a unique hiking experience in a natural environment.
Though a bit of a drive from Garissa, this reserve offers lush green landscapes and trails suitable for hiking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Garissa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Garissa by plane.
Located in Nairobi, approximately 330 km southwest of Garissa, it is the largest and busiest airport in East Africa.
Situated in Kisumu, around 500 km to the west of Garissa, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located in Mombasa, roughly 650 km to the south of Garissa, it is the second largest airport in Kenya, catering to international and domestic air traffic.
Found in Eldoret, approximately 370 km northwest of Garissa, serving both international and domestic routes.
Located in Nairobi, about 330 km southwest of Garissa, primarily used for domestic flights but also offers some regional international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Garissa, the Somali community predominantly follows Islam and has a rich cultural heritage.
A significant ethnic group primarily involved in pastoralism, the Borana people also have a strong cultural identity in the region.
The Swahili community in Garissa contributes to the region's cultural diversity, with historical ties to trade and coastal influences.
Other Kenyan ethnic groups, including Kikuyu, Luo, and Luhya, also reside in Garissa, albeit in smaller numbers, contributing to its multicultural landscape.
The Soul of Garissa
Discover the essence of Garissa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Garissa, often played in local communities and schools. It is a major part of social activities and regional competitions.
Basketball is gaining popularity among the youth in Garissa, with several courts established in urban areas, and local teams participate in regional tournaments.
Rugby is also becoming popular in Garissa, with various clubs forming and engaging in friendly matches and competitions with neighboring regions.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and community centers, featuring teams from different schools competing in various tournaments.
Running, particularly long-distance running, is popular among athletes in Garissa, with many participating in regional and national competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Garissa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-based dishes are prevalent, many restaurants and cafes in Garissa offer vegetarian options like lentil stews, vegetable curries, and salads. Vegan choices may include plantains, coconut-based dishes, and samosas filled with vegetables.
Those with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes such as pilau, biryani, or rice with grilled fish or vegetables. Additionally, traditional dishes like fah-fah, made with camel meat and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Garissa with these cultural adventures.
