Things To Do
in Rumuruti
Rumuruti is a small market town in Laikipia County, central Kenya, sitting on the high Laikipia Plateau with wide views over rolling ranchland. It functions as the administrative centre for the county and is known locally for its large livestock market and ranching economy. The town is a practical base for exploring nearby conservancies, Mount Kenya approaches and rural cultural communities.
Life in Rumuruti is low-key and practical, with basic services, simple hotels and a strong sense of local community.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Kenyan dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Rumuruti town, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and colorful market stalls selling fresh produce and handmade crafts. Don’t forget to visit the local shops to pick up souvenirs that reflect the culture of the area.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the nearby Rumuruti Forest, which is rich in flora and fauna. Spend time observing the diverse wildlife and listening to the sounds of nature as you trek through the lush greenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the towering trees, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the tranquility of the forest.
As the sun sets, return to town and dine at a local restaurant known for its traditional dishes. Savor the flavors of Kenyan cuisine while mingling with locals and enjoying lively discussions. End your evening by strolling through the vibrant streets, experiencing the community spirit and perhaps catching a local music performance.
Commence your day with a visit to a nearby Maasai village to learn about their customs and lifestyle. Participate in traditional activities such as beadwork or preparing local dishes, offering a glimpse into their daily life. The interaction with the villagers allows for meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of their heritage.
After a fulfilling morning, head back to Rumuruti for a traditional lunch prepared by the villagers, experiencing their homestyle cooking. Post-lunch, engage in a storytelling session with an elder, listening to captivating tales and legends from the Maasai culture. This is a unique opportunity to see how stories are woven into the fabric of their lives.
Return to the town for an evening supper at a restaurant featuring local entertainment. Enjoy traditional dance performances that will leave you enchanted and offer a glimpse of the vibrant culture of the region. Conclude the day by mingling with fellow travelers, sharing experiences, and planning for tomorrow's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at café | $1-2 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse nightly rate | $25-50 |
| 🚕Short taxi or boda-boda ride (local) | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Good base for conservancies and Mount Kenya excursions
- Authentic market life and cultural interactions
- Clear plateau skies for photography and stargazing
- Affordable local food and basic services
- Limited high-end accommodation and dining options
- Basic healthcare facilities; transfers needed for serious cases
- Unpaved secondary roads can be rough, especially in rains
- Low-key nightlife and few tourist amenities in town
- "Habari?" - How are you?
- "Asante / Asante sana" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Naomba maji" - May I have water?
Places to Visit in Rumuruti
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic action shots of cattle, goats and traders at dawn — a prime spot for ethnographic and action photography; always ask permission before close portraits.
Wide panoramic views at sunrise and sunset with acacia silhouettes and distant ridgelines — perfect for landscape and golden-hour shots.
A short drive away, the forest offers waterfalls, a canopy walk and dense greenery for intimate nature and macro photography.
Day trips to nearby conservancies deliver wildlife photography opportunities (rhinos, elephants, plains game) with experienced guides.
Scenes of daily life: food stalls, barazas (local sitting areas), and roadside mechanics — great for candid street photography.
Food in Rumuruti
Rumuruti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali (maize porridge) served with sukuma wiki (collard greens) is a daily staple; try it at local eateries and market stalls for a filling, inexpensive meal.
Must-Try!
Grilled goat or beef cooked over open coals — the quintessential Kenyan social meal; best at roadside grills and small ‘nyama choma’ joints around town.
Mashed potatoes mixed with peas, corn and greens — a comforting dish sometimes offered at homestead meals and local hotels.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is the hub for fresh vegetables, milk, roasted maize and small food stalls; mornings are the best time to sample fresh mandazi, samosas and chapatis.
Scattered along main roads and near the market; they serve grilled meat with kachumbari (tomato-onion salad) and are social evening spots for locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important — a simple 'Habari' (How are you?) or handshake is customary when meeting someone. Always greet the eldest or most senior person first in a group.
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting rural homesteads or religious sites; avoid revealing clothing. Practical, modest attire is appreciated by locals.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially pastoralists and children. Be prepared to offer a small tip if you take close-up portraits.
If invited to a local home, bring a small gift (sugar, tea or soap) and remove shoes if asked. Accept hospitality graciously and follow your host’s lead.
Safety
Tipping in Rumuruti
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; for hotel staff and guides, 5–10% or a few dollars for good service is common. Tip locally: porters, drivers and guides usually expect small cash tips in Kenyan shillings.
Cash (Kenyan shilling, KES) is the most widely accepted form of payment in Rumuruti. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is very commonly used for local payments; some hotels and larger businesses accept cards but do not rely on them in small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers, greener landscapes and some muddy secondary roads. Wildlife viewing at nearby conservancies can be quieter; bring waterproof gear and check road conditions for travel delays.
Intermittent rains that freshen the landscape; days are pleasant but pack a light rain jacket. Birdlife is active after rains, making it a good time for birdwatching.
Cooler mornings and evenings, clear skies and excellent visibility for photography and conservancy visits; this is peak dry-season travel for nearby wildlife areas. Nights can be chilly—bring layers.
Generally warm, dry and dusty with low rainfall; good for outdoor activities but carry sun protection and water. Road dust can reduce visibility on unpaved tracks.
Rumuruti at Night
Hiking in Rumuruti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short forest trails with waterfalls, pools and a canopy walk near Nanyuki — a good half-day excursion for wildlife, birding and cool forest scenery.
Mount Kenya trekking routes are accessible from Nanyuki within a couple of hours’ drive; day hikes on lower slopes or full-mountain treks are possible if you have time and a guide.
Private ranches and conservancies around Laikipia offer guided walks and longer hikes across open savanna and hills — these must be arranged through conservancies or lodges for safety and permits.
Airports
How to reach Rumuruti by plane.
Approximately 45–70 km (1–2 hours by road) depending on route; serves charter and some scheduled domestic flights and is the closest airstrip for conservancy transfers and Mount Kenya access.
A growing regional airport to the north-east with domestic services; useful for connections to northern Kenya and some conservancy access but further by road than Nanyuki.
The main international gateway to Kenya, roughly 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic; most international travelers will arrive here and continue by road or domestic flight to Nanyuki.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are from central Kenyan communities who farm and run local businesses; they form much of the town population and commerce.
The wider Laikipia area includes pastoralist groups and ranching households whose livelihoods centre on livestock; interactions with these communities are common around markets.
Laikipia attracts ranch owners, conservancy staff and a small expat community involved in tourism, wildlife conservation and ranching enterprises.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — informal matches are common in fields and school grounds and local teams play competitively in regional leagues.
Distance running and athletics are popular in highland Kenya; locals enjoy running for fitness and competition, and training routes around the plateau are common.
On ranches and conservancies, horseback riding and mounted activities are part of local leisure and tourism offerings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rumuruti.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited: order ugali with sukuma wiki, beans, or vegetable stews. Ask cooks to skip meat or fish and be clear about no meat broths; carrying snacks or supplements is wise in case choices are sparse.
Vegan choices exist but are less common; stick to plain ugali and vegetable dishes, and confirm that ghee or milk isn’t used in preparation.
Maize-based dishes (ugali) are naturally gluten-free; avoid chapati and some processed snacks. Communicate restrictions clearly — English or basic Swahili works well.