Things To Do
in Garissa

Early morning and late afternoon light on the river and its riparian vegetation make for strong landscape and bird photography; watch for pastoralist activity and fishing scenes.

Colorful stalls, textiles, spices and busy shoppers provide documentary-style street photography — ask permission before photographing people, particularly women.

Architectural details of the mosque and scenes of daily prayers convey the town’s religious character; again, respect worshippers and avoid busy prayer times for photography inside.

With a guide and permission, capture pastoralist life — camels, goats and herding on the plains are iconic images of the region.

A fragrant rice dish often cooked with spices, meat (goat, beef or camel) and sometimes vegetables; available in local restaurants and at family meals.

Must-Try!

Deep‑fried triangular pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables — a popular snack sold at markets and by street vendors, especially during afternoons and evenings.

Fresh or boiled camel milk is consumed plain or in tea; found at local households and small cafes — a regional specialty not commonly seen elsewhere in Kenya.

Small cubes of meat quickly fried or stewed with onions, tomatoes and mild spices, eaten with rice or flatbread; common in homes and eateries.

The busiest hub for fresh produce, spices, dried fish and household goods — try fresh fruits, roasted maize and samosas here; markets are busiest in the morning and late afternoon.

Street stalls near transport hubs sell quick bites like sambusas, grilled meat skewers and sweet tea — convenient for travelers but choose busy stalls with high turnover for safety.

Garissa is conservative and predominantly Muslim — dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees; women may choose to cover hair) to show respect and avoid unwanted attention.

Use polite greetings (e.g., 'Salam aleikum' or 'Habari') and greet elders first. Accepting hospitality is valued — if offered tea or food, it’s polite to accept at least a small amount.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious settings. Avoid photographing security or military personnel, checkpoints and sensitive infrastructure.

Be aware of prayer times and Ramadan — avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours in some areas out of respect.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. For restaurants a small tip (5–10% of the bill) is polite when service is good. Tip guides, drivers and hotel staff modestly; local service workers often appreciate cash directly.

Cash (Kenyan shillings) is the primary method for markets and small vendors. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is widely used for payments and transfers. ATMs are available in larger towns but carry sufficient cash when traveling outside Garissa town.

This period brings the heaviest rains; roads can become muddy or impassable, and some rural areas may be difficult to reach. Temperatures are slightly cooler but humidity can rise—carry waterproofs and check local road conditions before travel.

Shorter, less intense rains that still improve grazing and cool the heat; travel is generally easier than during the long rains but puddles and localized flooding can occur.

Clear, dry weather with hot days and cooler nights; this is the most reliable time for travel, outdoor activities and road access. Carry sun protection, water and plan activities for cooler morning and late afternoon hours.

Overall the area is hot year‑round. Expect daytime highs often above 30°C (86°F) and large diurnal swings in the dry season — lightweight breathable clothing and hydration are essential.

Football is the most popular sport — informal neighborhood matches and local clubs are common and draw community interest.

Camel care, racing and livestock trade are culturally and economically important activities in the pastoralist lifestyle, though organized races are less common than community herding events.