Garissa County is found in the northeastern part of Kenya. It is one of the most interesting counties in the region, though not many people visit it. The biggest town here is Garissa Town, which is also the county’s capital. This area has many places that are fun and exciting to visit.
Garissa County is along the Tana River, which is the longest river in Kenya. Many people in this county are from the Somali community, especially the Ogaden clan. They still follow their culture and traditions, which makes visiting this place even more special. In this blog, we will look at the best places to visit in Garissa County.
How to Get to Garissa County by Road
If you are coming from Nairobi, the drive to Garissa takes around five and a half hours. You will start on Thika Road and pass towns like Mwingi and Bangale. After Thika, the green trees and busy life of Nairobi change into dry lands with few people and many bushes.
As you go further, you will see dry rivers, big open lands, and small villages. Near the end of your journey, you will pass through the last checkpoint by the Tana River. Once you pass it, you will arrive in Garissa County.
Garissa Community Giraffe Sanctuary
A special place for giraffes
Only 3 kilometers from Garissa Town, you will find the Garissa Community Giraffe Sanctuary. It is located in Bour-Algi village and is run by local people. The sanctuary has many Rothschild giraffes, which are not found in many places.
Other animals and birds
Besides giraffes, the sanctuary also has other animals like the gerenuk, which is a long-necked antelope. You can also find 26 types of wild animals and over 450 bird species here. The place is green and full of acacia trees.
Fun things to do
Visitors can walk on nature trails, watch birds, and even feed the giraffes. The guides are friendly and explain everything about the animals. There is a small entrance fee that helps in taking care of the sanctuary. You can also tip the workers if you want to support them more.
Lake Ishaqbini and Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy
Protecting rare animals
The Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy was started by local people to protect the endangered Hirola antelope. This animal is very rare and found only in a few places in the world.
What you will see
Apart from Hirola, you will see warthogs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and kudu. The zebras here are special because they do not have manes. The conservancy also has many young people working as scouts to protect the animals day and night.
Enjoy nature
There are nice walking paths inside the conservancy where you can go bird-watching or enjoy the trees and flowers. Lake Ishaqbini is also inside this conservancy. It is a great place to take photos and relax with friends or family.
Garissa University
A place of learning and history
Garissa University is a well-known school in the region. Students from many parts of Kenya come here to study. Sadly, the university is also remembered for a terror attack that happened in April 2015.
A place to remember
During that attack, 148 students lost their lives and many others were injured. A monument with their names now stands at the school. If you visit, take a moment to pay your respects.
Garissa Culture and Heritage Centre
Learn about Somali culture
If you are interested in learning about different cultures, then the Garissa Culture and Heritage Centre is a great place to visit. It is in Garissa Town and shows the way of life of the Somali people.
Fun activities
Every September, a cultural week is held where people dance, sing, share food, and tell stories. You will see old tools like farming equipment and cooking pots. The guides will explain how each tool was used in the past.
Beautiful items for sale
The Somali people are good at making baskets and jewelry. You can buy these items at the center. They make great gifts or memories to take home with you.
The Mighty Tana River
A big and powerful river
Tana River is the longest river in Kenya. It flows through Garissa County and is one of the first things visitors see when entering the area. The river is brown in color and full of life.
Animals near the river
You can see camels, which are very important in northern Kenya. You may also spot giraffes, zebras, and tiny antelopes called dik-diks. Inside the river, there are crocodiles and snakes. This makes it a good place for those who love adventure and nature.
Arawale National Reserve
A home for rare antelopes
Arawale National Reserve is about 77 kilometers from Garissa Town. It was started in 1974 to help protect the Hirola antelope. Now, it is managed by a group called the Hirola Conservation Program, with help from the local people and Garissa County Government.
Things to do
In this park, you can go on game drives to see animals like elephants, wild dogs, hartebeests, and buffalo. You can also go bird-watching or take guided walks. The park is also good for learning about local plants and animals.
Boni National Reserve
A wild and natural area
Boni National Reserve is located to the south of Garissa, near Lamu County. It is a big area of dry forest that was protected in 1976 for elephants to use during the dry season.
Wildlife and birds
You can see many animals here like elephants, giraffes, bush pigs, and wild dogs. There are also over 100 kinds of birds. It is a great place for taking photos and enjoying nature.
Nature walks
Visitors can walk on the nature trails and see many types of plants, insects, and birds. It is peaceful and a good way to connect with nature.
Nomad Palace Hotel
A cool and quiet place
Located along the Garissa-Dadaab road, Nomad Palace Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Garissa County. It was the first hotel in the area to offer internet and modern services.
What to expect
The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms. You can choose from deluxe twin rooms, double rooms, or suites. There is also a restaurant, a business center, and a conference room. The green garden and cool air help you forget the heat outside.
Palm Oasis
A modern resort
Palm Oasis is a lovely hotel near Garissa Town. It was once called Almond Resort and is now one of the top places to stay. It has everything you need, like big rooms, cable TV, air conditioning, and even a swimming pool.
Great for business and fun
This hotel is perfect for both business travelers and families. There is a gym, spa, outdoor garden, and a business center. The hotel has 75 rooms and is just 5 kilometers from Garissa Airport.
Lantern Resort
Stylish and comfortable
Lantern Resort is another great place to stay in Garissa County. It is on Lamu Road and offers beautiful rooms with great views. The hotel also has a swimming pool and good food from both local and international kitchens.
Great services
There is strong Wi-Fi, lots of parking space, and very good security. Whether you are in Garissa for work or fun, Lantern Resort is a great choice.
Kora View Hotel
A small and cozy place
Kora View Hotel is a smaller hotel compared to others, but it offers warm service. It is named after the nearby Kora Game Reserve, which lies across the Tana River. If you like quiet places, you will enjoy staying here.
Garissa Solar Power Plant
A visit to green energy
Just 20 kilometers north of Garissa Town is the Garissa Solar Power Plant. It is one of the largest solar energy projects in East Africa. It provides electricity to many homes and is helping Kenya move toward clean energy.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Garissa County
Garissa County is full of natural beauty, history, culture, and friendly people. From exciting wildlife in sanctuaries and reserves to peaceful hotels and cultural centers, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, a student, a businessperson, or just someone who wants to explore, Garissa County is a good choice.
Make sure to take your camera, carry enough water, and dress for warm weather. Also, remember to tip the local guides and support their work.
If you want to learn more about beautiful places like Garissa County, be sure to check out Travel With Bony for more travel ideas and guides.
