Here is a list of the Best Places to visit in Nandi County. Nandi County is a land of rolling hills, green valleys, and rugged terrain. The county is named after the Nandi people, a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin community, who are known for their athletic prowess, especially in middle- and long-distance running. The county is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with various tourist attractions that showcase the Nandi people’s history and way of life.
The county’s capital is Kapsabet, a bustling town that serves as the administrative centre of the county. The town is named after the famous Nandi warrior, Kipchoge Keino, who won two Olympic gold medals in middle-distance running in the 1960s and 1970s. Keino’s success inspired many young Nandi athletes and put the county on the map as a hub of athletic excellence.
Best Places To Visit In Nandi County
1. Chepkiit Waterfalls
These falls on the Kipkaren River are impressive in the rainy season. The surrounding open woodland provides beautiful picnic sites. Driving from Eldoret, pass the Moi International Airport and then the Kipkaren River bridge and dam (prominent on the left). After a short distance, turn right onto a dirt road and drive for about 3 kilometres. Leave your car and walk the remaining space, about 1 km, to the river bank.
Chepkiit Water Falls is particularly impressive during the rainy seasons, though the dirt road leading to this place may pose a problem if it rains heavily. When it rains, the last 1 km stretch can only be accessed by 4X4 cars. They also make for a great picnic site. Bird lovers will not be disappointed; the cliffs, hanging rocks and indigenous trees are home and hunting grounds for a variety of species, including Augur Buzzard, Grey Heron, Red-billed Hornbill, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu and Cliff Chat. Be careful when clambering on the rocks. “Chepkiit” means “view from afar” and is a warning about how treacherous the rock surfaces can be.
The little-known Kapchepkuk in Mosop and Tindinyoin Emgwen are also attractive waterfalls worth visiting during your stay in Nandi.
2. Keben Salt Lick
The lick is a spring of alkaline “soda water” that emanates from rocky ground and then descends as small waterfalls over rocks. It is surrounded by unique vegetation and indigenous forest and close by there are caves that can be explored. It is located near Lessos and can be reached via the Eldoret – Kesses –Lessos route or the Kapsabet –Nabkoi highway.
3. Nandi Hills Tea Plantations
From a distance, they appear as a gently undulating sea of green. Closer, one sees the regular rows of bushes that produce the famous black tea that is unrivalled in quality throughout the world. Most of the tea estates date from the colonial era and were carved out of the vast indigenous forests. Many of the estates have, within their borders, special, even unique, sites that they may make accessible to the general public. Usually, permission must be obtained and a small fee paid.
For example, SIRWA CAVES, part of Kibabet Tea Estate, has been developed into a beautiful picnic site and nature trail. The deep caves and an impressive waterfall make a day out here memorable. Prior arrangements should be made with Eastern Produce Company (Kenya) before visiting. The EPCK offices are in Nandi Hills town.
Chemomin is another EPCK estate with a nice picnic site. CHEMOMIN PICNIC SITE is a wetland that has been conserved as a relaxation area for company staff and their visitors. To get to Chemomin, drive out (about 7 km) past Samoei Secondary School on the T2606 Tea Road.
4. Keben Springs
The springs are in a wetland near Tulon Trading Centre in Nandi District. Turn off the Eldoret-Kapsabet road at Chepterit Trading Centre and head east on Murram Road. Tulon is reached after 8 km. Continue for a further 3 km and then turn right and follow a dirt road for about 5 km. The last section can be particularly troublesome when it rains because it slopes down to the springs across black swamp soil. You are advised to bring boots or gum boots and use a 4WD vehicle.
The springs consist of a large number of variously-coloured up-wellings of water that bubble to the surface of a swamp. The water is alkaline, perhaps slightly carbonated, and, most definitely, quite tasty —but it is doubtful if any proper chemical analysis has ever been done.
5. Nandi Escarpment
This geological feature is approximately 130 km in length. It varies in steepness and height but is generally between 250 and 350 m. It is a very roughly L-shaped geophysical boundary that is also a socio-political dividing line. The vertical (N-S) line of the L separates the Nandi District from the Kakamega District and the North Nandi Forest from the Kakamega Forest. The horizontal (W-E) line of the L separates Nandi from Kisumu and Kericho Districts. Within the angle of the L, and stretching far back, is the South Nandi Forest; from which flows the mighty Yala River. The Yala drops down to the plains below at the weakest and lowest part of the escarpment —near Serem (the angle of the L).
Many of the most exciting tourist attractions are located along the escarpment; they include Bonjoge Reserve, Nandi Rock, Sheu Morobi, Sarongai and Tagessia Hills.
For those adventurous at heart, there are many places to descend and ascend the escarpment. One of the most challenging and interesting is climbing from the sugar plantations near Miwani to the top of Nandi Rock. It will be an unforgettable experience —clambering over rocks and squeezing through crevices you may doubt you can pass.
6. Nandi Rock
This is the most prominent rock formation along the whole length of the Nandi (Nyando) Escarpment and is a 30-minute walk from the KWS post at Kaptumek. It is of great cultural significance to both the Nandi and Luo and is a marker of the escarpment boundary between the tribes.
On the plains immediately below is one of the locations where barter trade took place between the two.
Branch off the main highway (D291) at Kabujoi onto a Murram road that passes St. Peter Clavers School. Pass a left branch to Kimwaren and Miwani (after 5 km); reach Maraba (further 2 km), where one enters a terrain of rounded rocks and boulders, greatly various in shape and size; descend a hill on a stretch of old tarmac to reach a junction (further 2 km); and take the right branch to Chepkobel (further 7 km). Continue straight on to reach the Kaptumek dispensary and the KWS post (further 3 km). Some sections of the road, particularly the last, can be tricky when it rains heavily.
It is good to report to the KWS rangers at Kaptumek so that they are aware of the size of your party and your plans. If the rangers are busy with other duties and you want an excellent local guide.
The walk to the Rock, over coarse-grained boulders and low-growing vegetation in rich, black soil, is not very challenging and soon one reaches rock ledges offering magnificent views across the sugar plantations of the Nyando plains towards South Nyanza, Lake Victoria and the shining buildings of Kisumu city. The clearest views are early in the morning; the most beautiful and memorable are at sunset after a hot, sunny day. To the east and west, the escarpment stretches away into the middle distance. Most of the boulder-strewn landscape to the west is part of Bonjoge National Reserve.
A number of caves, large and small, can be visited. They are home to a variety of animals, including bats, lizards and hyrax, and make a convenient refuge for humans caught by the rain. The very top of the rock can be reached via a short (30-metre) chimney but should be tackled only by an experienced climber with proper equipment.
7. Bonjoge National Reserve
Bonjoge is a designated national reserve of 21 km2, located on the undulating uplands atop the Nandi Escarpment, only 15 km north of Kisumu. It was a fertile area of great biodiversity, with rivers, swathed in riverine woodland flowing down to the Victoria Lake Basin; but, in recent times, it has undergone exploitation and depletion by human activities. It is now to be protected and restored through the agency of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Even though, in large part, the millions of stones, rocks and boulders that litter the landscape greatly outnumber the trees, it is still a fine country for walking and camping. Bird life is still abundant, particularly in the remaining patches of forest and open-glade grassland. Animals include Olive Baboons, Vervet, Colobus, Red-tailed and De-brazza’s monkeys, Bush Duiker, Bush Pig, Aardvark, Genet Cat and jackal.
It is best to access Bonjoge through the Kaptumek entrance. Follow the route as described for the Nandi Rock and report to the KWS post. You will be directed to go back 1 km and take a left turn (west) onto the access road. After 7 km, you will leave your vehicle and proceed on foot for a further 1 km to reach the boundary of the reserve.
Other entrances (“Gates”) are Kajulu (14 km from Kisumu) and Kesengei (10 km south of Serem) but they are not recommended for use as entrances shortly. Anyway, Katumek offers the added attraction of a visit to Nandi Rock. There is no accommodation in or near Bonjoge.
8. Kingwal Swamp
This is an idyllic swamp that is home to the rare sitatunga amphibious antelopes. The swamp is situated between Kosirai and Chepterit and is fed by the Keses River, while the Kingwal River drains it out towards the west. The sitatunga population here is one of the largest. This species is a rare semi-aquatic antelope that has webbed feet adapted for walking in swampy conditions. The sitatungas are extremely shy so the chance of spotting them is extremely rare, even with the help of a local guide. The antelopes spend most of their days submerged in water, with only their muzzles sticking out. They emerge during the night to feed on the soft reeds and grass.
9. Kapsimotwa Gardens
Kapsimotwa Gardens is a serene and secluded site located in Nandi Hills. The gardens, full of colourful flowers in the most vibrant shades of reds, pinks, purples, yellows, and whites, were established in the late 1950s as a community leisure retreat; where locals and visitors to Nandi Hills can be one with nature. Serene pools and dams dot the gardens, which is now a popular picnic site.
The Nandi Hills are also the burial site of the renowned Nandi seer, Koitalel Arap Samoei. Koitalel Arap Samoei, the supreme chief of the Nandi people of Kenya, led the Nandi rebellion against British colonial rule. When British colonials began building the Kenya – Uganda Railway through the Nandi area, he led an eleven-year resistance movement against the railway.
10. Ndalat Hill
If you would just like a nice walk and a nice view of the region and do not want to go too far from Eldoret, try Ndalat Hill. Cross the Sosiani River and drive south, out of Eldoret, on the C39. After a few kilometres, turn right (west) onto the D288 and pass Rivatex Factory. After 25 km, you will reach Ndalat shopping centre, where your vehicle can be parked.
The hill is 2196 m high, which is only about 130 m higher than Eldoret, so it is not a challenge to reach the top; but, its open, grassy slopes are steep in places and can be slippy, especially after rain. The local community is very friendly and will even keep you company on your hike.
11. Kipsigak Museum
Kipsigak Museum, located in Kapsabet town. The museum showcases the Nandi people’s cultural heritage, with exhibits on their traditional music, dance, and art. Visitors can also learn about the Nandi people’s way of life, including their farming techniques, social structure, and religious practices.
12. Tinderet Forest
Nandi County is also known for its natural beauty, with several parks and reserves that offer a glimpse into the region’s diverse flora and fauna. One such reserve is the Tinderet Forest, located in the southeastern part of the county. The forest is home to several species of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife, and offers excellent hiking trails for visitors.
13. Kiplolok Springs
Kiplolok is a vernacular word in Kalenjin dialect which means a place of pulping water. Spread over a 3-acre piece of land, Kiplolok consists of numerous springs pulping with salty lime water. It is believed that the springs came into existence after a ritual was performed by Maasai community warriors after losing a battle to their rival community. They murdered one of their initiates who had a kind of special human hair referred to as songonyet. They then buried his remains on the piece of land.
Water from the springs is used for domestic purposes except cooking because of its lime component which changes the taste and even the color of food. It can ferment milk if it mixes
14. Samiitui Historical Site
This is where the Nandi Royal leader Kipnyolei Arap Kurgat father of Koitaleel Samoei lived. His leadership tools were hidden from 1885 till 2006.
15. Koitalel Arap Samoei Museum
The museum was built to remember and honour Koitalel Arap Samoei, a powerful Nandi leader who led the Nandi resistance against British colonial rule. The museum houses the remains and artefacts of Koitalel Arap Samoei, as well as other materials depicting Kalenjin culture.
16. Ainob Setan
This river, located in Mosop Sub-County, is where the community believed outcasts were chased before being accepted back into the community for cleansing.
17. Mberere Shrine
It’s about two kilometres away from the Chemelil-Nandi Hills road. It is a holy shrine where Legio Maria sect members worship and pray. Members of the sect believe that the nearby Mberere stream has supernatural healing and cleansing properties.
18. Sheu Morobi
The Nandi Escarpment is a high steep overhanging cliff. It was once a suicide zone, where elderly men and women committed suicide to relieve their families of the burden of caring for them. The cliff rises more than 400 meters.
In conclusion, Nandi County is a land of champions and rich cultural heritage. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and athletic excellence, Nandi County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or sports, or just looking for a scenic getaway, Nandi County is worth exploring. The county’s welcoming people, excellent cuisine, and natural beauty will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for this hidden gem in the heart of Kenya.
