Things To Do
in Kajiado
Kajiado, Kenya lies just south of Nairobi in a sweeping semi-arid savannah belt. The county is renowned for the Maasai people, vast wildlife reserves, and endless grasslands that roll toward distant horizons. Visitors experience vibrant culture, dramatic viewpoints, and easy access to Amboseli National Park and Rift Valley panoramas.
The area blends traditional pastoral life with growing lodge and tourism infrastructure, offering wildlife encounters, landscapes, and communities in a quintessential East African setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in Kajiado, you will be greeted by the warm Kenyan sun and the friendly locals. Take time to settle into your accommodation as the local sounds blend harmoniously with the scenic surroundings. A traditional Kenyan breakfast will set the stage for your adventure ahead.
Explore the vibrant local market where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Kajiado people. Engage with artisans and perhaps pick up some unique handicrafts as souvenirs. This lively atmosphere is filled with the colors and flavors of Kenya.
After a day filled with new experiences, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. Sample authentic dishes such as ugali, nyama choma, and fresh vegetables. As night falls, take a moment to stargaze and absorb the beauty of the Kenyan night sky.
Start your day with an early morning drive to the Maasai Mara, one of the most iconic wildlife reserves in the world. Witness the sunrise over the savannah, illuminating the landscape in brilliant hues. Look out for herds of wildebeest and elephants making their morning trek.
Enjoy a guided safari tour, where you will have the opportunity to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the wildlife and their behaviors. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst the beauty of the Mara, surrounded by chirping birds and rustling leaves.
As the sun sets, take in the breathtaking views while on an evening game drive. The golden hour brings animals into the open as they prepare for the night. Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner, sharing stories of the day’s adventures around a roaring campfire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $1-3 |
| 🥪Lunch at casual eatery | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Dinner at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Maasai culture and welcoming communities
- Proximity to Amboseli and dramatic savannah scenery
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options outside lodges
- Rural road conditions can be challenging, especially in rains
- "Hujambo" - Hello/How are you?
- "Sijambo" - I am fine
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Pole" - Sorry to hear that / I feel for you
- "Naomba maji" - Could I have some water?
Places to Visit in Kajiado
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic wide-open savannahs with elephants and distant Kilimanjaro; best at golden hour for dramatic silhouettes and light.
Ridge overlooking the Nairobi plains; sweeping landscape shots with dramatic valleys and hikers passing along the trails.
Savannah stretches near the Kenya-Tanzania border; captures a sense of frontier life and pastoral settlements.
Dusty streets and acacia silhouettes during sunset provide moody, characterful urban-rural contrasts.
Food in Kajiado
Kajiado Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled meat (often goat or beef) served with ugali or chapati and a tomato-onion relish. A staple at roadside grills and many local restaurants.
Must-Try!
A traditional Maasai fermented milk drink, sometimes flavored with ash or ash-infused grains; best enjoyed at cultural centers or lodges that showcase Maasai hospitality.
A classic Kenyan pairing: cornmeal porridge with sautéed kale, commonly served with meat or beans in casual eateries and homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main town market offering fresh produce, grains, and prepared foods; great for tasting local flavors and picking up crafts.
Border market with Kenyan and Tanzanian influences; try mahindi choma (roasted corn), mandazi, and other quick bites while exploring cross-border trade.
Community market with bead stalls, goat meat, and staple produce; a good place to observe daily life and taste simple street fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a respectful 'Shikamoo' and receive the response 'Marahaba.' Use Swahili basics like 'Habari' and 'Asante' to show politeness.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially Maasai in traditional dress or private homes; respect privacy and cultural norms.
Dress modestly in towns and villages. In sacred sites or villages, follow local guidance and avoid loud behavior or behavior that could disrupt daily life.
Safety
Tipping in Kajiado
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and cooks. Budget small daily tips (in USD or KES) for each staff member depending on service quality; safari guides and drivers often receive higher tips.
Cash in Kenyan Shillings or US dollars is widely accepted in markets and lodges. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is extremely common for on-the-go payments. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at lodges and larger establishments; ATMs are available in towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with cooler evenings. Wildlife often concentrates around water sources; carry sun protection, plenty of water, and light breathable clothing.
Long rains may begin (Mar–May) with muddy roads in some areas. Lush landscapes attract birds and herbivores; flexible plans recommended.
Cool mornings and evenings; dry conditions can persist, offering clear wildlife viewing, especially in early mornings. Pack layers for chilly starts.
Short rains (Oct–Nov) with intermittent showers. Warmer days and green scenery; rain can affect travel times but enhances photography opportunities.
Kajiado at Night
Hiking in Kajiado
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular one- to two-hour hike with panoramic views of the Nairobi plains and surrounding scenery; moderate difficulty.
Rugged day hikes and ridgeline routes offering dramatic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days, with varying levels of challenge.
Airports
How to reach Kajiado by plane.
Nairobi's international gateway; major hub for arrivals and onward travel to Kajiado and southern Kenya; road or air transfer to lodges and reserves.
Nairobi's domestic airport; convenient for short flights to Amboseli and other nearby parks via charter or scheduled light aircraft.
Smaller airstrip near the Namanga border, used by some regional and charter flights; practical for border-crossing itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant cultural group in the area, renowned for beadwork, cattle herding, and distinctive dress. Swahili and English are widely spoken alongside Maa.
A mix of neighboring Kenyan communities (e.g., Kalenjin, Kikuyu, and others) in market towns and trading hubs, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed in towns and villages; local leagues and informal matches are common evenings and weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kajiado.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can order ugali with sukuma wiki, githeri (maize and beans), vegetable stews, lentil curries, and salads. Ask for cooking oil or ghee to be kept minimal if avoiding animal fats, and specify no meat broths when possible.