In this article, we will cover the best places to visit in Kajiado County. Kajiado is a rich county with several tourist attractions. It has a combination of wildlife, deserts, historical sites, and hiking destinations.
Whether you are into nature, archaeology, or the great outdoors, the county has something in store for you. Some of the county’s major towns include Kitengela, Ngong, Kajiado, Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Magadi, Isinya, and Oloitokitok. Below is a list of the best things to do and places to visit in Kajiado County.
Best Places To Visit In Kajiado With Family
1. Maasai Ostrich Farm
Maasai Ostrich Farm is just 37 kilometres from Nairobi, a half-hour drive from the city centre, and only 10 minutes from the Kitengela-Namanga highway. Sitting on almost 200 acres, the farm is home to different species of ostrich.
The Maasai Ostrich Farm is East Africa’s largest commercial hub for ostrich farming and was established in 1991. Named after the semi-nomadic ethnic group living in the area, the farm ships feathers, meat, skins, and ostriches throughout Kenya and abroad. Around 1000 birds of two breeds are maintained: the blue-neck or Somali ostrich and the Maasai ostrich, which has a pink neck and legs.
The first thing you do when you visit the ostrich farm south of Kitengela town is pick up an egg and marvel at its heaviness. You’ll watch these birds grow from tiny hatchlings to mighty avian titans in one powerful thwack. The tour concludes with an optional ostrich ride around the farm. Unfortunately, the restaurant has been closed for quite some time, so you won’t be able to have an ostrich steak for lunch. Plans are to reopen in the fall, making it more accessible for day trips. A tour of the farm costs Ksh 300 per adult and Ksh 150 per child, while an ostrich ride costs Ksh 500.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is situated near Oloitoktok, a border town with Tanzania. It’s one of Kenya’s most visited national parks, with great views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The key sights in the park include elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and over 600 species of birds.
The area surrounding Amboseli is inhabited by the Maasai people, which is also an opportunity for an authentic cultural experience. Amboseli is also a perfect setting for capturing Kenya’s classic postcard, with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro lurking behind herds of elephants.
3. Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is a unique attraction located in the small town of Magadi, Kajiado. The temperatures in the area can be quite high, so it is important to wear light clothing and bring water to stay hydrated. One of the top things to do in the area is bird-watching, as pelicans and flamingoes are known to flock to the waters, creating a beautiful sight. Visitors can also observe the mining of soda ash, which is a major activity in the region.
The lake is usually not crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the space to themselves. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. Occasionally, Maasai women come to sell their handmade crafts, such as belts and jewellery, which reflect their culture. Be sure to purchase some of their creations to support the local community.
Due to the high temperatures in the area, the lake has natural hot springs, which can be a great attraction. Watching the sunset at dusk is an unforgettable experience. The sun sets in a golden orange hue, creating a stunning horizon that reflects beautifully on the waters.
4. Fred’s Ranch and Resort, Isinya
There are a few places to eat down along the Namanga Road, but Fred’s Ranch in Isinya (look for signs on the left as you head south from Isinya) makes an effort to be appealing. Everything is ranch-style, even the waiters who wear rancher hats. Tables are set up in a lovely garden, with a children’s playground nearby. They also provide lead-rein pony rides. It can get busy on weekends and is a good place to get some nyama choma, but it’s worth calling ahead to make sure it’s not booked out for a wedding.
5. Ol Doinyo Orok Mountain
Located close to the Namanga border, this is the perfect destination if you want to burn some calories and engage in physical activity. The mountain is great for hiking, even if you’re a beginner, and the terrain is quite manageable, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the vast Kajiado and beyond. Trekking is also an option if you prefer something less strenuous. Guests have the opportunity to explore and learn about various plant species and their benefits. The mountain is also a popular spot for bird-watching, giving you an unforgettable nature experience. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated, as temperatures can get extremely hot during the day.
6. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village
Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village & Museum is the first genuine Maasai Boma in Kenya, and it also features a Maasai Museum and accommodations near the Tanzanian border.“Olpopongi” is a one-of-a-kind Maasai and wildlife safari in West Kilimanjaro.
In the traditional Maasai village of Olpopongi, you can spend a full day and night mingling with locals. Enjoy a museum and village tour, a traditional Maasai lunch, a walking safari across Maasai territory, a lesson in Maasai hunting skills, a look at some remarkable natural and herbal medicine, an evening programme complete with Maasai rites, a campfire and barbecue, and a hearty breakfast the following morning.
7. Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site
This prehistoric site, situated along Magadi Road, is known as the cradle of mankind and attracts visitors from all over the country who are interested in learning about the origins of human existence. The site boasts a vast collection of artefacts, including stone tools dating back thousands of years. Additionally, the remains of early humans are preserved here for visitors to see. The guards at the site are knowledgeable about the history of early humans, so feel free to ask them any questions you may have.
Camping is allowed on the site if you wish to extend your stay beyond a day, and security is highly prioritised. The area is also popular for bird watching, with a diverse range of species migrating seasonally. So, apart from learning, you can also engage in bird watching. Take nature trails in the expansive land and lose your thoughts in the tranquillity and fresh, crisp air.
8. Lerruat Log Resort
This is a bit of an unusual find. On the Namanga road between Kajiado and Bisil, take a very steep road to this Swiss-style cabin hotel. The location is extraordinary, with one of the best views we’ve seen in the area. Accommodation is in cottages or rooms, either with their own or a shared outdoor deck. The interior decor, though, is a little unimaginative – gaudy wallpaper, brown bed throws, and tiled floors. Nevertheless, it’s a fun place to visit, even if just to ogle the view, and the unlikely log pile structure. The restaurant is open all day. Rooms start from Ksh16,500 full-board.
9. Olepolos Resort
If you’re visiting Kajiado, it’s a must to try the famous dish of Nyama Choma. The Nilotes culture is known for their meat-eating habits, and you shouldn’t miss out on it. Olepolos Resort is the perfect place to experience this, with beef and chicken cooked to your liking—boiled, fried, or roasted. The meat is seasoned with traditional herbs that give it an amazing flavour. The resort is peaceful, and the vast land is perfect for group activities like seminars, family outings, or a solo trip. You can also have a picnic here and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool to cool off after a day full of fun.
10. Ol Doinyo Orok Mountain
It’s about 170 kilometres south of Nairobi in the town of Namanga, which also serves as the country’s border. It is located 2,548 metres above mean sea level. It also has a diverse flora and fauna, with plants, herbs, and hundreds of animal species. The Ol Doinyo Orok Mountain is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks, wildlife viewing, and bird watching, making it ideal for nature lovers.
11. Lake Magadi Sports Club
If you are planning to extend your stay at Lake Magadi, you should consider camping at Lake Magadi Sports Club. The charges are affordable, starting at USD 80 per night. The camping tents are well air-conditioned, with double beds, and the services are top-notch, giving you value for your money.
At night, they light bonfires, providing their guests with the ultimate camping experience in the wilderness. You can also enjoy unlimited swimming in their pool for only USD 3, which will come in handy as the temperatures get unbearable during the day.
Food is also available at Lake Magadi Sports Club, although they mostly specialise in local dishes. If you want to make your stay more adventurous, you can try setting up camp at the lake shores, and and falling asleep staring at the starry skies, with the rushing waters as your background music. You don’t have to worry about your safety, as you can pay the guards at the club to keep watch throughout the night.
12. Tumaini Gardens
Tumaini Gardens is a hotel in Kajiado with a 24-hour front desk, free public Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and room service. This B&B provides air conditioning for those cooler evenings, in addition to a common lounge, a bar, and an outdoor pool. Guests can unwind in clean, comfortable rooms while enjoying a continental breakfast and views of the surrounding area. Tumaini Gardens’ playground, which is well-equipped with various eye-catching play items, is suitable for children of all ages.
13. TLV Rooftop Lounge
TLV Rooftop Lounge is about 3.5 kilometres from the Namanga Border on the Tanzania side as you drive towards Arusha, Tanzania. A timely stopover for lunch with friends if you have time to spare. They have great food, ambient spaces on the ground floor, a rooftop, and a back garden that has a swimming pool. When at the club, you enjoy a spectacular view of Mt OlDonyo Orok, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Mt Meru. Local beers at TLV cost an average of Ksh 150, and you don’t have to worry about currency barriers; they accept payment in Kenyan shillings. They also have a Lipa na M-PESA Till.
But before you proceed to TLV, please note that you are not allowed to use professional cameras on the clubs’ premises. To use it, you will have to pay 100 USD. Also, if you plan on having a cake-cutting party there, you must pay for it if the cake was not purchased on the premises. The cake rates are about Ksh 1,000 for a 1kg cake. The lounge is generally beautiful, with good service. Save for border control processing, you can set off from Nairobi, have lunch there, and make it back home in good time.
14. Tandala House
Tandala House in Bisil is a unique bush home just 100 km from Nairobi in the rolling Mparasha Hills. Owned by an old Kenyan family, this incredible house has five bedrooms and a gorgeous swimming pool, set on a huge plot where you can climb the hills to admire even more of a view. Two of the double en-suite bedrooms connect to two twin bedrooms, making it a great family destination. The third double bedroom lies “under” the swimming pool. A rooftop terrace provides a wonderful sundowner spot with views over the beautiful African landscape, and throughout this wonderful family home are spaces to relax. Next to the pool, a small gazebo and barbecue area make a great spot to gather and cook together, unless you want to take advantage of the chef or fully equipped kitchen. The minimum stay is two nights, but we are sure that’s going to seem too short. There is also a spa room at Tandala, and you can either request a masseuse to come to the house as you book or convert into another twin for a bigger group.
Nearby activities include visits to Amboseli National Park, known for large herds of elephants and striking views of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
15. Shompole Conservancy
If you’re in search of a place to experience nature, this privately owned conservancy is a great option to consider. You’ll find a wide variety of animal species here, including common ones like zebras, antelopes, and monkeys, as well as rare ones like the oryx and generuk antelope. For a fee, you can take a game drive and get up close to the animals, or even take photos of them.
In addition to game drives, bird watching is also a popular activity at the conservancy. Watching hundreds of flocks of birds fill the sky is an awe-inspiring sight. You can also explore nature trails and go on treks, taking in the stunning beauty of the surroundings and enjoying unparalleled views of the vast lands beyond.
16. Ammodump Kwenia
This is a shooting range in Magadi, Kajiado West, 19 km from Kiserian-Kisamis Road. They also offer quad bike rides, rock climbing, and access to a waterfall.
17. Selenkay Conservancy
This is a community-driven project that was initiated by the local Maasai community with the primary objective of conserving wildlife. Initially, the Maasai people used to farm on these lands, which resulted in the degradation of the environment. However, they later decided to shift their focus towards wildlife conservation.
Today, the Conservancy provides a natural habitat for various animals, such as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and monkeys. During the migration season, the expansive piece of land becomes a haven for different bird species that flock to the area.
If you’re interested in engaging with nature, taking walks within the conservancy is a great way to do so. Additionally, the terrain is ideal for small hiking expeditions, which provide an unbeatable view of the vast lands in Kajiado.
There’s a small entrance fee that needs to be paid when you enter the conservancy, and all the proceeds go towards developing and maintaining the sanctuary. Therefore, it’s recommended that you tip the guards before leaving.
18. Rolf’s place
The perfect accompaniment to a trip to Kitengela Glass is a stop at the picturesque Leopard Cliff Mansion, also known as Rolf’s Place. Situated approximately 20 km from Nairobi’s city centre, Rolf’s resembles a mediaeval fortress built onto the side of the cliff that it overlooks.
The only way to reach the hotel from the parking lot is via a suspension rope bridge, which those with a fear of heights may struggle with, but trust me, the view from the other side is well worth biting the bullet and facing your fears.
A stop at Rolf’s following your Kitengela adventure allows for either a coffee/drink break or, for those a little more hungry, a lunch break. Although they have an extensive menu, including cold and hot entrees, salad dishes, steaks, seafood, and other main courses, be sure to ask what is available first.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a leopard, after all, Rolf’s doubles as a leopard cliff. Those looking for a longer getaway than just a day trip can opt to stay at Rolf’s, as they have some boutique hotel rooms on offer as well as a pool for the warmer days.
19. Nyiri Desert
Nyiri Desert, also known as Taru Desert or Nyika, is a desert in southern Kenya. It lies approximately 80 km east of Lake Magadi, extending to the south border of Kenya. Nyiri covers the Amboseli National Park, including the northern half of Lake Amboseli. Tsavo West National Park lies at its southern border, and Nairobi National Park lies at its north edge. A vast section of Kajiado County’s land area is part of the Nyiri Desert. The rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro causes its aridity.
Several parts of Nyiri have dense but enormously diverse growths of small trees, some poisonous and thorny. There are noticeable game trails among them. Water is scarce except in a few widely spaced riverbeds and large springs.
During the occasional rainy season, the trees have green leaves and flowers. Still, during the dry season, they are bare and entangled by hornlike fronds of spiky euphorbia and grayish-green creepers. Baobab trees are sparsely found in Nyiri, some as old as two thousand years, their gray trunks often as much as 3 m wide.
