Things To Do
in Kitale
Kitale is a Kenyan city tucked into the highlands of Trans-Nzoia, about 380 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. It sits among rolling hills and rich farmland, giving the town a cool, temperate climate that contrasts with Kenya’s savannah plains. As a regional market hub, it serves as a gateway to Saiwa Swamp National Park and the foothills of Mt. Elgon.
Visitors come for a relaxed pace, welcoming communities, and a chance to experience vibrant markets and agricultural life up close.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kitale and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the local market to experience the vibrant daily life and sample fresh fruits. Enjoy a breakfast at a local café, soaking in the town's atmosphere.
Visit the Kitale Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Explore the nearby farms and plantations to understand the agricultural richness of the area. Have lunch at a traditional Kenyan restaurant, tasting local delicacies.
Relax at your lodge and enjoy the sunset views over the rolling hills. Engage with locals at a community center or nearby pub to experience Kitale's nightlife. Prepare for the upcoming adventurous days with a restful night.
Head early to Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya’s smallest national park, known for its swampy terrain and forest animals. Take a guided walk to spot the endangered sitatunga antelope among lush vegetation. Enjoy birdwatching in the cool morning air.
Picnic lunch within the park while listening to the sounds of nature. Continue exploring trails to see monkeys, duikers, and various bird species. Take photographs and learn about the unique ecosystem from the park guide.
Return to Kitale and dine at a local restaurant featuring grilled fish or Nyama Choma. Reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters around a cozy campfire. Rest early to prepare for the next day’s activities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local transport (matatu/taxi) within town | $1-4 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🧺Grocery staple (fresh fruit/veg, 1 kg) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool highland climate and scenic green landscapes
- Close proximity to Saiwa Swamp and Mt. Elgon foothills
- Vibrant markets and welcoming, friendly communities
- Affordable travel with accessible local cuisine
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some rural routes can be rough in the rainy season
- Medical facilities are adequate for routine care but require travel to Eldoret for advanced services
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Ningependa maji" - I would like water
- "Habari ya asubuhi" - Good morning
Places to Visit in Kitale
Visit one of these nice places.
A serene boardwalk through Kenya’s smallest national park, offering excellent bird photography and reflections on calm waters.
Wide water, golden-hour skies, and distant hills create classic landscape photos from a protective viewing area.
Rolling-green hills and farmlands provide sweeping panoramic shots and dramatic silhouettes at sunrise.
Colorful market scenes, stalls, and a touch of colonial-era architecture make vibrant street photography opportunities.
Colorful textiles, traditional performances, and portrait opportunities with local artisans.
Food in Kitale
Kitale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A maize meal porridge served with sautéed collard greens; a staple that pairs with many stews.
Must-Try!
A hearty mash of potatoes, maize, and leafy greens often served with meat or fish.
Mashed beans and greens with maize, frequently served with meat or fish.
Grilled meat (goat or beef) shared among friends at local eateries.
Fluffy flatbread great with stews or as a breakfast staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample fresh produce, baked goods, and street snacks while watching daily commerce unfold.
Samosas, mandazi, roasted maize, and fried potatoes are common bites sold along busy corners and markets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; use the right hand for giving and receiving anything. Elders are respected—wait to be acknowledged before engaging in deeper conversations.
Dress modestly in public spaces; avoid overly loud displays of affection in conservative areas. Ask before taking photos of people or performances.
Swahili is widely used; English is common in towns and businesses. Be patient and polite; direct confrontation is usually avoided in favor of calm discussion.
Safety
Tipping in Kitale
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and with guides, a tip of about 10-15% is appreciated for good service. Small tips (KES 50–100) are common for hotel staff and drivers if service was helpful.
Cash (KES) is widely used; M-Pesa mobile money is the most common payment method for many vendors, transport, and small shops. Some hotels and larger venues accept card payments; always carry small denominations for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool, dry days with clear skies are great for hiking and outdoor photography. Evenings can be crisp, so bring a light jacket.
March to May brings heavy showers and muddy trails. Plan indoor activities or flexible outdoor days with rain gear.
October to December can bring sudden showers. Pack a light rain layer and be prepared for quick weather shifts.
Kitale at Night
Hiking in Kitale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hikes with scenic viewpoints and opportunities to observe wildlife and native flora.
Short to half-day treks near the Uganda border offering lush forests and panoramic valley views.
Floating boardwalks and marshland paths ideal for nature walks and bird photography.
Airports
How to reach Kitale by plane.
The nearest major airport, roughly 70–120 km from Kitale depending on route; accessible by road and domestic flights connect to Nairobi and other destinations.
Kenya’s primary international gateway; most travelers fly here and then take a domestic flight or overland journey to Kitale.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major cultural group in the region, contributing to language, cuisine, and traditions found around Kitale.
Diverse residents in the area, reflecting a mix of languages and cultural practices in the town's markets and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular local sport with matches often watched in town bars and on makeshift fields around neighborhoods.
Track and field activities are common, with community events and school-level competitions drawing local interest.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kitale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can navigate by ordering ugali with sukuma wiki, mukimo, irio, bean stews, and fresh vegetables. Request dishes without meat stock and confirm ingredients, as some broths and gravies may contain animal products.