Luxury in Turkana, Kerio and Uasin Gishu

Turkana

Not only is Turkana among the largest counties in the country, it is also home to a strong heritage of man. In 1984, a more than one million year old human skeleton popularly known as the Turkana Boy, was discovered in Koobi Fora referred to as the cradle of mankind.

The county also hosts the world’s largest desert lakes, Lake Turkana which runs for 250 kilometres. Access to the heritage sites is possible by road through Kitale town though there is an option of flying into the airport at Lodwar.

The Oasis Lodge near Lake Turkana has 16 ensuite double rooms that can accommodate 38 people. The lodge established in the 1950’s has featured in films like The Mountains of the Moon and The Constant Gardener.

Two people can get a double room for Sh10,000 a night on full board.

Eliye Springs Resort is located on the western shores of Lake Turkana and it is easy for one to assume for a moment that they are on the sandy beaches at the coast.

The resort offers a variety of accommodation options from the basic manyattas that try to mimic the lifestyle of the locals with the bath and toilet located outside, to the more luxurious bandas.

Accommodation in the self-contained bandas is charged at Sh18,020 per person on  full board, while the manyattas go for Sh4,400 per person on full board.

The resort also has  rooms that can sleep up to four people  in which each is charged Sh6,200 but one can also opt for the affordable Sh3,600 per night camping.

Desert Rose consists of five unique houses that accommodates up to 12 people, two cottages with double beds, two twins and a family house. All the design elements, from furniture and fireplaces to baths and toilet paper holders are hand-made in the ecolodge.

And each individual has to part with $375 dollars to spend the night at the establishment that brings luxury to the desert.

Lake Turkana Lodge next to Ferguson’s Gulf on Lake Turkana comprises 16 simple rustic cabins, with en-suite shower rooms and flush toilets with its water being sourced directly from the lake.

The lodge offers basic accommodation and guests can come with their own food and drinks though delicious breakfast lunch and dinner are available.

Lobolo Camp is located in an area of natural springs whose waters have given rise to a verdant oasis of foliage and distinct animal and birdlife.

The camp has eight en-suite safari tents each with spring water showers, flush toilets and washbasins. They are structured in such a way that each provides a unique view of the sandy beach and the lake.

Baringo

Lying to the north of Nakuru is destination Baringo which offers a scenic view of the Tugen hills.

Apart from visiting Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria, conservancies like Ruko on the north eastern side of Lake Baringo and Kaptuya on the upper slopes of the Laikipia escarpments are good tourist sites.

In addition to this is the Karbanet museum which used to be a residential house for the district commissioner during the precolonial period and the Kisparaman community museums which houses the bones of the second oldest humanoid fossils ever found. These are perfect places for heritage lovers.

Soi Safari Lodge has standard  single, double and triple rooms whose nightly accommodation on full board basis costs Sh9,200, Sh14,200 and Sh19,800 respectively. The executive single rooms go for Sh12,500 a night while the executive double rooms cost Sh18,400.

There is also an option of self-catering on the private home that sits on the 30 acre Samatian Island on Lake Baringo.

The four-roomed house provides exclusivity for those seeking a quiet holiday for just Sh4,000 per person per night and a similar amount for the boat ride across the lake.

Lake Bogoria Spa Resort uses the hot springs of the lake to naturally heat its spa pool. The resort has a variety of accommodation  from different ranking rooms to cottages and even an option of camping.

Other accommodations include the Robert’s camp, the Tamarind Gardens, Hotel Sinkoro and Camp David.

Elgeyo-Marakwet

This destination is home to several athletics training centres of global repute including the Tegla Lorupe Foundation, the Lorna Kiplagat Athletics Camp and the Kapsait High Altitude Athletics Camp.

The Cherangany Hills, Torok Waterfall, Kapenguria Museum and Turkwel Gorge are also sites to behold.

Kerio View Hotel is the place for one to relax, the hotel has a number of self-contained cottages and bandas whose pricing starts at Sh12,500  for a double on full board, with a scenic view of the Kerio Valley escarpment and the Tugen hills.

If you are an adventurous traveler then this is also the place for you to try out paragliding in January for just 100 euros.

Samich Resort is located in the heart of Elgeyo Marakwet and integrates luxury and comfort into the beautiful scenery. The hotels has VIP suites that include two rooms, a large governor’s room and deluxe rooms.

Sego Safari Lodge is the perfect spot if you are looking to spend your holiday in a tranquil location on a small budget with prices starting from Sh4,000 for a double room, bed and breakfast.

The lodge has 32 rooms with some sharing an interconnected door making it perfect for those travelling as a family. Other hotels include Kaptagat hotel, Lelin Campsite, Too Guest House and Mtelo View Campsite.

Uasin Gishu and Nandi

Apart  from the IAAF high altitude training camp,  this  destination is home to the Lessos Dam where  you  can  go  canoeing  as  well as  golf  clubs  like the Nandi  Bears Club in Nandi hills and Eldoret club.

The spring of alkaline soda water at Keben, the Chepkiit Waterfalls and the Nandi escarpment are also interesting sites.

Naiberi River Campsite & Resort

It aims to satisfy the accommodation-needs of a wide range of visitors with Stone cottages, log cabins and a timber dormitory for large groups as well as the outdoor camping option for you to come with your tents and self-catering. 

Timber dormitory charges are sh4,500 per person, the log cabins  go for sh9,000 while stone cottages  are  going for sh11,000 a night.

Starbucks Hotel & Restaurant

With a heated outdoor swimming pool, executive suites, gym and sauna this hotel in Eldoret is the perfect spot for a weekend, business travel or those looking for new locations.

The 103 guest rooms show the expansive accommodation capacity for you and your family. The prices are also quite affordable starting from sh8,000.

Boma Inn

The four star hotel which opened its doors last year has attracted politicians, businessmen and athletes alike. The 68 rooms consist of 6 deluxe, two suites and 60 superior rooms and can accommodate up to five hundred people.

From just sh17,000 you too can enjoy the touch of class and sophistication in Eldoret.

Poa place

The establishment is best suited for families not just with accommodation but also with the amusement park. Their family cottage units can accommodate two parents and three children and for just sh15,000 a night for bed and breakfast while ordering other meals from the restaurant.

Other accommodations in the region include Tindinyo Falls Resort, Kips Eco Resort, Blue Hills Hotel, Sirikwa hotel, Cicada hotel, Marriott hotel and Pine Tree Gardens.

Trans Nzoia

Apart from being the country’s bread basket, Trans Nzoia is also home to beautiful sites like Saiwa Swamp National Park. Kitale Nature Conservancy and Mount Elgon National Park Kitale Museum.

Aturukan hotel

Located in the outskirts of Kitale, the hotel has 92 guest rooms in different categories including Deluxe, Executive rooms, Superior Rooms and even a Presidential Suite.

With three different restaurants, you are spilt for choice with the cuisine. The basic accommodation pricing starts from just sh12,500 on full board basis.

Mount Elgon Lodge

The lodge, with 14 en-suite rooms, is located within the proximity of Mt Elgon National Park. It is the perfect destination for lovers of tranquility and fresh mountain air.

Apart from game viewing, visitors can opt to go mountain climbing and cave exploring while at the lodge. The triple room is available for just sh7,200 for those willing to explore Endebess with their families.

Other hotels in the regions include Iroko Twigs Hotel, Barnleys Guest House and Transzoia County Resort.