Tucked away in the remote northeastern corner of Kenya, are the best places to visit in Mandera county.
Naicef invites you to explore, book, and experience the region’s top highlights where desert landscapes, ancient rock art, and vibrant cross-border cultures converge to create a destination unlike any other.
From the best tourist attractions in Mandera County to the best things to do in Mandera County such as camel safaris every experience offers a distinct sense of discovery.
Whether you’re looking for serene desert lodges or authentic local stays, the best places to stay in Mandera County provide a range of comfort and charm.
For guided access to the best destinations in Mandera County, reach out to Naicef by calling us at +254799922277 or emailing us at [email protected]. You can also;
Book The Tour Here
Travelers will find themselves drawn to the best tourist attractions in Mandera County, where the fusion of Somali, Ethiopian, and Kenyan influences makes for unforgettable encounters.
And for those who value relaxation after a day of exploration, the best hotels in Mandera County deliver warmth, convenience, and cultural immersion at its finest.
Attractions, Things To See & Best Places To Visit In Mandera County
1. Malka Mari National Park
The most interesting about Malka National Park is its landscape and vegetation.
Being semi-arid due to its geographical location along the Daua River, the park features a mix of bushland and grassland, making it the crown jewel of Mandera’s wilderness.
It’s home to giraffes, gazelles, agama lizards, wild dogs, hyenas, and over 200 bird species.
However, it acts as a corridor and refuge, especially near water sources during the dry seasons.
In addition, the best time to visit Malka Mari is during the dry seasons, that is, December to March and July to October, for wildlife viewing.
Tsavo East, Tsavo West, and Meru National Parks in Taita Taveta and Meru Counties are also some of the wilderness unexploited parks that offer an authentic kind of experience with less crowding from visitors.
2. Rhamu Sand Dunes
Scape into the mesmerizing sea of golden sands just outside Rhamu town.
These rippling dunes are perfect for camel safaris at dawn or dusk when the silhouette of a lone camel against the sunrise feels almost spiritual. Bring a shawl; the desert chill is real.
Mambrui dunes are also some of the undiscovered dunes on the northern coast of Kenya. A fun fact about this dune is that it is referred to as the ‘little Dubai’ of Kenya due to its similarities to Dubai, with the ancient Swahili-Arab artifacts.
Explore more of the Mambrui dunes on a 3-Day Mambrui Sand Dune Package to have a real-time experience in the Coastal region.
3. El Golicha Viewpoint
Offers sweeping views of Mandera’s arid plains and the Daua River valley. It is not only a viewpoint but also a soulful escape that blends natural beauty with cultural serenity.
Suitable for a hiker craving for peaceful summit or a shutterbug chasing the sunset, this spot is just for you to connect with the Kenyan landscape.
Iten Viewpoint is also another amazing viewpoint that gives outstanding views of the Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet County. See this in our unbelievable off-road self-drive experiences below;
- 4 Days Wewo Catholic Church Self-Drive
- 5 Days Lake Logipi Self-Drive Safari Tour Package
- 3 Days Rimoi Reserve Self Drive
- 6 Days Self-Drive Kenya To Koobi Fora
- 3 Days Masai Mara Dust and Drive Safari Package
4. Arabia Village
Arabia is home to a blend of Somali and Arab cultures, offering visitors a rare glimpse into centuries-old traditions, language, and architecture.
The village reflects a traditional pastoralist lifestyle, with opportunities to witness authentic customs, attire, and community structures.
A living museum of Somali-Arab heritage, ideal for Somali cultural experiences in northern Kenya.
Samburu, Nyandarua, Narok, Kwale, and Kakamega Counties are also home to some of the ethnic communities in Kenya, from the Samburu, Agikuyu, Maasai, Swahili, Abaluhya, and the Abagusii.
Here are some of our cultural packages from those various places;
- 3 Days Samburu Cultural Tour
- 3 Days 2 Nights Aberdares Cultural Tour
- 3 Days Masai Mara Cultural Package
- Mombasa 3-Day Package Cultural Tour
- 3 Days Western Kenya Cultural Tour
5. Mandera Town Market
Mandera Town is more than just a border town, it’s a resilient, evolving center of commerce and culture.
A vibrant hub of trade and culture, perfect for sampling Somali cuisine and textiles.
Check out Busia and Migori Counties that also border our neighboring countries, Uganda and Tanzania, at the various borders, Malaba and Isebania.
Things To Do In Mandera
While exploring what nature gave Mandera County naturally beautiful landscape and diverse cultures, here are some of the activities and things to do in Mandera County to enhance your experience:
1. Camel Safaris across the Rhamu plains
Taking a camel safari across the Rhamu plains is one of the most famous things to do in Mandera. Travelers can experience traditional pastoralist lifestyles on these safaris, which offer a leisurely, meandering trek across semi-arid regions.
Camel safaris, led by local herders, offer a profound ecological and cultural experience that is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anybody looking for real adventure.
Isiolo County is one of the best counties in Kenya, where you can also experience camel safaris, just at the foothills of the snow-capped Mount Kenya. Here are some of the packages near the famous Mount Kenya, where you can experience a camel safari;
- 3 Days Samburu Safari Package
- 5 Days Samburu Aberdare Wildlife Safari
- 6 Days Kenya Safari Tour Package
2. Authentic Somali Village Tours in Arabia and El Wak
Village trips in Arabia and El Wak provide you the chance to get up close and personal with the rich Somali history of Mandera.
These immersive experiences include learning about nomadic habits, clothing, and oral storytelling, as well as touring traditional Somali homes and sampling regional cuisine.
This is a unique opportunity to have a firsthand look at cultural tourism in Mandera. Here are more of our cultural tours;
- 5 Days Samburu Aberdare Cultural Tour
- 5 Days Mara Amboseli Cultural Tour
- Mombasa 5 Days Cultural Package
3. Hiking in the Mandera Mountains and El Golicha
Hiking in the Mandera Mountains and stopping by the picturesque El Golicha overlook are musts for nature lovers, being one of the best things to do in Mandera.
These rocky outcrops provide breathtaking sweeping views of the acacia woodlands, the arid valleys of Mandera, and the far-off Ethiopian frontiers.
During the journey, hikers can discover wildlife-rich places, underground caverns, and old rock formations.
Expound more on the thrilling best hiking trails in Kenya, and also try out some of our packages;
- Full Day Ol Donyo Hiking & Fourteen Falls
- 1 Day Forest Challenge Package
- Ultimate Ngong Hills Package
- Mt Kenya 1-Day Hike
- 1 Day Mt. Longonot Hike
4. Shopping at Mandera Central Market
The busy Mandera Central Market is a must-see for any traveler to Mandera. You may purchase traditional Somali textiles, spices, handcrafted items, camel milk, and colorful baskets at this bustling market, which serves as a center for local trade.
It’s the perfect place to purchase souvenirs in Mandera and socialize with people in a lively setting.
Kisii County is also one of the best counties in Kenya where you can get to unravel the mining of Kenya’s Gold, ‘the Soapstone’, and how it is then carved into different items by the local people.
5. Birdwatching in the Mandera Conservancies
For those who enjoy animals and birdwatching, Mandera is an underappreciated paradise. There are many uncommon and migratory bird species in the Chacnabole and Banisa Plains conservancies.
These ecosystems are ideal for ecotourism and nature photography because they are home to antelopes, hyenas, and other desert animals.
Check out some of the eco-tourism-based destinations in Kenya and even some of the best birding areas in Kenya. Here are our amazing packages for epic bird spotting and endless game views that you may be interested in exploring;
- 3 Days Nakuru Birdwatching Tour
- 4 Days Western Kenya Wildlife Tour
- Nairobi Birdwatching Safari
- 3 Days Ol Pejeta Package
- 5 Days Central Kenya Circuit Package
- 4 Days Nakuru Naivasha Holiday Safari
- 3-Days Tsavo National Park
- 2 Days Lake Nakuru Safari Package Tour
- 2 Days Amboseli National Park Package
Hotels & Best Places To Stay In Mandera County
Here are some of the cozy and chill best places to stay in Mandera County.
Munderah Hotel
A reliable mid-range hotel in Mandera Town offering en-suite rooms, safe 24/7 security, and on‑site dining, ideal for business travelers or families looking for convenience and comfort.
Blue Sky Hotel
Clean, air‑conditioned rooms with Wi‑Fi and restaurant service, perfect for travelers needing a comfortable tumble‑into‑bed stay near Mandera Airport.
Nomad Palace Hotel
A locally beloved guesthouse combining Somali décor with practical amenities, offering guests cultural flavor alongside reliable lodging.
Safari Lodge Mandera
A basic lodge with spacious grounds and a restaurant, great for small groups or NGO teams who value simplicity and space.
Al‑Rashid Hotel
A budget‑friendly pick with fans or AC, parking, and private washrooms, ideal for travelers needing a clean, straightforward place without a high price.
Mandera Palace Hotel
The top-rated hotel in town (3.9/5 from ~170 reviews), offering security, central location, and reliable amenities—tourists love its consistency and liveliness.
Red Sea Resort & Suites
One of Mandera’s few newer properties, boasting air-conditioned suites and calm outdoor seating, appealing to those seeking a bit of style off the beaten track.
OASIS Hotel
Quiet, higher-rated (4.2/5) rooms in Mandera Town with modern essentials, perfect for travelers who prefer peace and a well-kept stay.
Dencity Hotel
Newest local entry (4.7/5 from ~13 reviews), drawing praise for cleanliness, comfort, and friendly service, tourists love its value and fresh reputation.
Amara Blue Resorts
A resort-style lodge offering personalized stays with gardens and tailored service is seen as the best lodging option near Mandera Town.
Malka Mari Vicinity Glamping Lodges
While formal glamping is limited, nearby ventures offer rustic tent‑style stays, perfect for adventurous eco‑tourists visiting Malka Mari National Park.
Granada Hotel
Spacious, garden‑surrounded rooms with air conditioning offer a green escape within Mandera’s dry landscape.
For a stay at any of the hotels, kindly reach out to Naicef. Check out some of our friendly hotel deals to;
Sarova Hotels, Serena Hotels, Hemingways Collection, Treetop Lodge, and PrideInn Hotels
What Makes Mandera County Unique?
Mandera is a newly popular destination in Kenya for travelers looking for genuine, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
It blends unadulterated adventure, distinctive cultures, and scenic beauty.
This border county is full of wonders just waiting to be discovered, from camel excursions to Somali heritage and picturesque mountains.
Here are some of the reasons as to why Mandera is unique.
- Birdwatching in Mandera conservancies exposes unusual desert species and migratory birds;
- Malka Mari National Park wildlife safari gives a unique, uncrowded safari experience; In northern Kenya, Somali cuisine, music, and storytelling offer a profound cultural immersion.
- Mandera’s tri-border location and striking desert landscape are among its best tourist attractions.
- Budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels with a local flair are among the best locations to stay in Mandera for safari.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring the sun-drenched landscapes or immersing yourself in its multicultural charm, Mandera County promises an experience like no other.
From the best places to visit in Mandera County that highlight its natural and historical wealth to the fun things to do in Mandera for every kind of traveler, the journey is one of discovery and delight.
Dive into the best tourist attractions in Mandera County and uncover stories that span generations.
After a day of adventure, relax in the best places to stay in Mandera County, where comfort meets authenticity.
And for unmatched hospitality, the best hotels in Mandera County offer the perfect blend of local warmth and modern convenience.
Wait no more as adventure calls unto you! Book with us and get the best experience via our contact email at [email protected] or call: +254799922277. You can also opt to;
Book The Tour Here
Check our other mind-blowing guides to other counties such as Tana River, Vihiga, Murang’a, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Bomet, Tharaka Nithi, and Turkana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mandera
1. Is Mandera safe for tourists?
Travel with local guides or tour operators. Security is improving, but caution is advised.
2. What are the best tourist attractions in Mandera County?
Malka Mari National Park, Arabia Village, El Golicha Viewpoint, and Rhamu Sand Dunes are some of the best places to visit in Mandera County.
3. What is the best time to visit Mandera?
November to February offers cooler weather and cultural festivals and hence it being the preferrable best time to visit Mandera.
4. How do I get to Mandera?
Flights from Nairobi to Mandera Airport are available. Road travel requires planning.
5. What should I pack for Mandera?
Light clothing, sun protection, modest attire, and a scarf for dust.
6. Can I experience Somali culture in Mandera?
Absolutely! Arabia and El Wak offer authentic Somali culture experiences in northern Kenya which is among the fun things to do in Mandera.
7. Which are some of the best places to stay in Mandera County?
Some of the preferred accommodations in Mandera include: Granada, Dencity hotel, Red Sea Resort, and Mandera Palace hotel.
