Things To Do
in Kakuma
Kakuma is a remote town in Turkana County, Kenya, perched near the border with South Sudan. The area is arid and challenging, with a population that blends local Turkana communities and refugees from several neighboring regions. This is a humanitarian hub with limited infrastructure, where resilience and cross-cultural exchange shape daily life.
For visitors, Kakuma offers stark landscapes, a unique mix of cultures, and opportunities to learn about displacement, aid work, and desert living.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where you will have the opportunity to interact with residents and learn about their diverse cultures. Engage in storytelling sessions that reflect the rich histories of various communities, offering insights into their traditions and lifestyles. Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by local chefs, highlighting the flavors of the region.
Participate in workshops led by local artisans, where you can try your hand at crafts such as beadwork or weaving. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the camp to explore the markets and local shops, where you'll find handmade goods and unique souvenirs. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to a community garden to learn about sustainable farming practices in the region.
As the sun sets, gather around a communal fire for an evening of music and dance showcasing the various cultural expressions of the camp’s residents. Enjoy a dinner featuring traditional dishes, shared with your hosts as you listen to stories that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of the community. End the evening with a reflective discussion about the importance of cultural exchange and understanding.
Start your day with a guided nature walk in the nearby Kakuma National Reserve, where you can spot various species of birds and wildlife. The early morning light provides perfect conditions for photography, so be sure to capture the stunning landscapes and unique flora. Listen to your guide share insights about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts in the area.
After your nature walk, enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot within the reserve, taking in the tranquility of your surroundings. Continue your exploration by visiting a nearby waterhole, where you might catch sight of elephants, antelope, and other wildlife. The afternoon is perfect for a leisurely hike along the trails while appreciating the natural beauty of the region.
Return to Kakuma and refresh yourself before heading out for an evening meal at a local restaurant. Relish the flavors of Kenyan cuisine, sampling dishes such as ugali and sukuma wiki, while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. As the day winds down, enjoy a calm evening stroll under the stars, reflecting on the vibrant wildlife experiences of the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥤Tea or coffee | $0.50-2 |
| 🥙Street food (samosa/mandazi) | $0.25-1 |
| 🍽️Ugali with greens and protein | $2-5 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cultural diversity and rich humanitarian context
- Stunning desert landscapes and starry skies
- Limited infrastructure and services
- Heat and travel logistics can be challenging
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Wapi choo?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Nisaidie tafadhali" - Help me, please
Places to Visit in Kakuma
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide, arid plains with the harsh beauty of the Turkana region; best at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
Desert silhouettes and silhouettes of the market roofs as the sun dips behind the horizon.
Candid street scenes and vibrant cultural interactions; obtain photography permission from camp authorities.
Food in Kakuma
Kakuma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kenya’s staple maize porridge served with collard greens; commonly found at market stalls and canteens.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, served with greens or ugali at local eateries.
Fried pockets with meat or vegetable fillings; a popular snack in refugee camps and town stalls.
Millet or maize porridge (uji) with chai; a common breakfast or snack.
Occasionally available from traders who bring fish from nearby lakes or markets; great with ugali.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Center of daily life with stalls selling maize, greens, dried fish, and basic staples; try roasted corn and fried dough.
Samosa, mandazi, roasted peanuts, and fried plantains are common quick bites around the town and camp entrances.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake and a smile; address elders with respect; use the right hand for gifts or handshakes.
Ask permission before photographing people or camps; respect privacy and cultural norms.
Cover shoulders and knees in public spaces; avoid provocative clothing and public displays of affection.
Safety
Tipping in Kakuma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service; small sums (e.g., 50–200 KES) are common for guides and drivers.
Cash is preferred; MPesa/mobile money is widely used for larger purchases or NGO transfers where available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
January–February and July–September are dry and hot; prepare for intense sun, bring water, sunscreen, and light clothing.
April–May bring showers that can affect travel; some roads may become muddy; plan extra time.
October–November can bring brief showers; humidity can rise and temperatures stay high.
Daytime heat is intense; nights can be cooler in the desert—pack a light jacket.
Kakuma at Night
Hiking in Kakuma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Desert landscapes offering expansive horizons and dramatic light; best with a guide and proper equipment.
Rugged hikes in the surrounding hills and dry river corridors; require good navigation and water.
Airports
How to reach Kakuma by plane.
Local airstrip serving humanitarian flights and small charter planes; access to larger hubs via Lokichogio or Lodwar.
Regional airport near Lokichogio; used by humanitarian organizations for air transfers.
Major international airport in western Kenya; possible gateway for longer trips, though far from Kakuma.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse population living in Kakuma Refugee Camp and surrounding towns, with Kenyan hosts and international NGO staff.
Turkana and other Kenyan residents who work or trade in Kakuma.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games and tournaments around town and camps.
Distance running and culturally specific activities observed in Turkana communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kakuma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many canteens; request vegetables with ugali or rice, and avoid meat-based dishes when possible.