Tourist Attractions, Things To Do, Places To Stay & Best Places To Visit In Marsabit County

Did you know that Marsabit County is home to not any community in the country, but Kenya’s smallest ethnic tribe?

Discover this among other fascinating places to visit in Marsabit in this ultimate guide by Naicef from the Chalbi Desert dunes that stretch beyond the horizon to exciting things to do in Marsabit, such as cultural immersions.

Uncover mind-blowing Marsabit County tourist attractions or also get some of the fancy best places to stay in Marsabit County, as you are yet to know more about the mysterious northern part of Kenya.

Wondering where is Marsabit located in Kenya? Worry less, reach out to Naicef via our contact email at my@naicef.com or call: +254799922277 for a personalized tour to this untamed destination.

You can also;

Book A Marsabit Tour Here

Now, did you know that Marsabit County is home to fourteen different cultures, some of them being Samburu, Turkana, and Gabbra, each with different traditions and customs?

One interesting tribe is the Gabbra Community, known for its nomadic way of life, who usually traverse through the harsh Chalbi Desert. Fascinating, right?

Want to go deeper into the legends and learn more about these tribes in Marsabit? Stick along as we now dive into these amazing places you never knew about.

Tourist Attractions & Best Places To Visit In Marsabit County

Marsabit County is one of the most remote Kenyan regions, but here is a highlight of Marsabit County tourist attractions, which are true gems for adventurers and nature lovers;

1. Marsabit National Park

Marsabit National Park & Reserve is one of the national parks in Kenya that is situated in the northern part of the country near Marsabit town.

It is managed by KWS and is home to a variety of wild species such as Elephants, Leopards, Giraffes, Monkeys, Bushbucks, and different bird species, among others.

The park was established back then in 1949, making it one of the best places to visit in Marsabit County.

In the 1970s, the park was world-renowned for harboring Elephants with the longest tusks in the World, such as the iconic Ahmed, whose tusk was said to weigh over 300 kg.

In honour of Ahmed the Elephant, “The King of Marsabit”, the main entrance gate to the park is named Ahmed Gate.

2. Mount Marsabit

Mount Marsabit is a shield volcano situated in northern Kenya and rises to a height of 1,707 meters near Marsabit town.

The mountain features dense forests and several crater lakes, including Lake Marsabit and Lake Paradise, which are important water points for various wild animals.

Hiking up Mount Marsabit is one of the amazing things to explore and have an adventurous experience of the place with breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, Mount Longonot, Ngong Hills, and Mount Suswa are also some of the fascinating elevated places where one can explore and enjoy rewarding views.

3. Lake Paradise

Lake Paradise is an amazing crater lake that is tucked inside the crater of Mount Marsabit.

It is such a stunning lake that is a nice spot for nature walks and bird watching, surrounded by dense forest. It is usually a water spot for various wild animals, making it a nice place to observe different wildlife.

4. Chalbi Desert

This exciting desert is one of the Marsabit County tourist attractions that is situated northeast of the Jade Sea and not far from the Ethiopian border.

Chalbi Desert is said to be Kenya’s largest desert, covering an area of about 100,000 square kilometers, followed by Nyika Desert in Kajiado County. It is also believed to be the largest hot desert in East and Central Africa.

The desert is known for its windy, hot, and arid climate, featuring a vast plain of sand dunes, and it was once a lake, but now it is the homeland of the Gabbra community.

It is a perfect place for desert safaris, cultural immersion, camel rides, and even stargazing experiences.

5. Loiyangalani Rock Art Site

The word Loiyangalani basically means “a place of many trees” in the Samburu language, and thus, the rock art site is one of the fascinating cultural landmarks in Marsabit County.

The place is also known as the Marti Rock Art Site and is nestled in a small town on the southeastern shores of Lake Turkana.

Experience a deep African village tour at the place, as it is home to Kenya’s smallest ethnic group, the El Molo, among others, such as the Samburu, Turkana, Gabra, and Rendille communities.

6. Sibiloi National Park

Sibiloi National Park is also one of the interesting protected areas in Kenya that is recognized as a UNESCO site. It is home to a variety of wild species such as the endangered Northern Topi, Somali Ostrich, Leopard, and Cheetah, among others.

It is also referred to as the Cradle of Mankind, as it is famous for protecting fossil discoveries and sites such as the Koobi Fora Museum.

7. Desert Museum

This museum is tucked on a hill overlooking the famous Jade Sea, Lake Turkana, and was established in 2008.

It was started to showcase the amazing traditions and customs of various communities living around there.

Desert Museum is such a nice place to bond with different cultures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake that blend adventure and cultural immersion.

8. Lake Turkana

Imagine exploring the world’s largest permanent desert lake! Lake Turkana or also known as the Jade Sea, stretches over 250 km with its northern end crossing Ethiopia, Kenya’s neighbouring country to the North.

It is also known to be the most saline large African lake, making it the world’s fourth-largest saline lake. Three rivers drain their water into the lake, which are the Turkwel, Kerio, and Omo Rivers.

The lake also harbours the Central Island National Park on its water, making it a tourist attraction in Marsabit County.

9. Koobi Fora Museum

Koobi Fora Museum is situated within the Sibiloi National Park and is known to preserve ancient animal remains and human fossils that date back through history and the evolution of humankind.

It is famously renowned as the Cradle of Mankind, as it entails the discoveries of the “Turkana Boy,” also known as the Nariokotome Boy. This happened back then in 1984 near the Nariokotome River, where the remains of a young male of the species Homo Erectus were discovered.

Surprisingly enough, the Turkana Boy was estimated to have lived between 1.5 to 1.6 million years ago, and he stood to a height of about 1.6 meters. Shocking, right?

So, does this mean Charles Darwin’s theory of the evolution of mankind was true? Hhmmm, with Naicef, get to experience this northern part of the country and get to explore this exciting place.

See also fossils of ancient elephants, giant tortoises, and crocodiles still at the Koobi Fora Museum, which date back millions of years.Having now gone through the various best places to visit in Marsabit County, the question now remains: Are you ready to experience all that with Naicef?

Amazing Things To Do In Marsabit

1. Game Drives

Go on endless game drives in Marsabit National Park and get to see various wild animal species such as the Grevy Zebras, the massive tusked Elephants, and the elusive Leopards, among others.

See also our other fascinating African Wildlife Safari, unique for seeing various wild species.

2. Bird Watching

If you are a bird lover, spot over 350 different bird species at Lake Paradise, such as Flamingoes and Hornbills, making it one of the fun things to do in Marsabit.

To learn more about bird watching in Kenya, read this amazing comprehensive guide and even our tour;

3 Days Nakuru Bird Watching in Kenya Safari

3. Desert Safari

Explore the Chalbi Desert, Kenya’s only true desert, and get to ride camels across the salt flat, visit the nomadic Gabra village, and even have a chance to camp under the sky.

Mambrui Sand Dunes is also one of the amazing hidden gems in Kenya, tucked in the northern coast, which also gives a desert vibe, such that it is even renowned as “Little Dubai”.

Look into our amazing tour to Mambrui, which will surely amaze you.

3 Days Mambrui Sand Dunes Package

4. Cultural Tours

Marsabit County is home to a variety of communities in Kenya, and a visit to these communities is a fun thing to do, providing a chance to learn about their traditional lifestyles.

Attend their local festivals and even explore their markets to have an immersion in their way of life.

See also some of our exciting cultural tours;

5. Hiking

Bond with nature by hiking through the misty forest in Mount Marsabit, and even get a chance to spot various wild species such as Buffaloes and Elephants.

Look also into our amazing guide on: 35 best hiking places & trails in Kenya, and also try out our amazing hiking tours & even rock climbing if interested;

6. Historical Tours

Discover the archeological sites such as the Loiyangalani rock art site, Koobi Fora Museum, and Desert Museum, and learn more about the Marsabit past and even that of the Turkana Boy.Apart from historical tours, Marsabit County is also one of the best off-road self-driving places one can explore, as it is in the remote places that are yet to be unraveled.

Check out our amazing Naicef’s Dust & Drive experiences that you can book with us:

7. Stargazing

Enjoy camping under the stars in the Chalbi Desert and experience some of the clearest night skies in Kenya.

See also our amazing stargazing guide and our tour that will surely leave you in shock!

3-Day Samburu Stargazing Tour Package

Best Places To Stay In Marsabit County

1. Jirime Hotel & Resort

This hotel is nestled in Marsabit town and entails spacious rooms, making it popular with business travelers and tourists.

2. Big Tusks Hotel

Big Tusks Hotel is known to be ideal for luxury travelers, as it consists of premium amenities and is strategically located, offering a unique blend of adventure and comfort.

3. Imperial Dale Hotel

Imperial Dale hotel is ideal for overnight stays as it offers clean rooms, friendly staff, and super great food, making it one of the best places to stay in Marsabit County.

4. Ebisa Hotel Marsabit

This hotel is situated in Marsabit town and offers excellent services, nestled in a serene environment that creates a homey vibe.

5. Sand And Rock Resort

Sand and Rock Resort is one of the best places to stay in Marsabit County, offering well-equipped rooms and a quiet location near the entrance to Marsabit National Park, specifically at Ahmed Gate.

6. Nomads Trail Hotel

This hotel is usually convenient and is suitable for budget-friendly travelers, as its services are good.

7. Silvia Inn Hotel

Silvia Inn Hotel is one of the amazing stays in Marsabit that has good staff and quality services, such as warm showers and comfy rooms.

8. Harmony Spot Hotel

Harmony Spot Hotel is also known to offer budget-friendly rates with top-notch services and is situated in Marsabit town.

To book a stay at any of these best places to stay in Marsabit County, reach out to Naicef via our contact my@naicef.com or call:
+254799922277.

Look out also for our amazing hotel deals such as: Sopa Lodges, Serena Hotels, PrideInn Hotels, Treetop Lodge, Hemingways Collection, Sarova Hotels, and Neptune Hotels, among others.

Where Is Marsabit Located In Kenya?

I know now, after learning more about the fascinating places to visit, fun things to do, and nice places to stay in Marsabit, the question is: Where is Marsabit located in Kenya?

Marsabit County is nestled in the northern part of Kenya, bordering other counties such as Samburu to the South, Wajir & Isiolo to the East, and Turkana to the West. It also borders Ethiopia, a country within the East Africa region, to the North.

By road, Marsabit is about 550km to 560 km North of Nairobi, making it a 7 to 8-hour drive. However, one can access the county via the Marsabit Airstrip, whereby a flight is estimated to take between 4 to 5 hours.

Conclusion

Marsabit County is a land that promises raw beauty and rich cultural immersions, as it is yet unknown to many, making it less explored.

From the beauty of Chalbi Desert to the Cradle of Humankind, the Koobi Fora Museum, these are just but some of the best places to visit in Marsabit.

So whether you are discovering the Marsabit County tourist attractions or exploring unforgettable things to do in Marsabit, this northern part of Kenya promises to deliver.

Explore also some of the welcoming hotels and the best places to stay in Marsabit County, such as Big Tusks Hotel, Nomads Trail Hotel, and Ebisa Hotel Marsabit, as you enjoy your tour.

So if you’re wondering where Marsabit is located in Kenya, look north, toward the heart of the Rift Valley, and prepare to be amazed.

For an amazing personalized tour to the best places to visit in Marsabit County, reach out to Naicef via our contact, my@naicef.com or call: +254799922277.

You can also;

Book Any Tour Here

Check out also our other interesting stories about other counties such as: Nakuru, Mandera, Kisii, Trans Nzoia, Nairobi, Vihiga, West Pokot, Kirinyaga, Bomet, Kakamega, Nandi, Kwale, Kilifi, Nyeri, Busia, Murang’a, Kisumu, Taita Taveta, Siaya, and Mombasa, among others.

With Naicef, the best tour company in Kenya & East Africa, “Every Successful Trip Becomes A Story, Even To The Remote Areas,” as we are the best travel blog in Africa, offering you personalized luxury package tours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marsabit County

1. Which are the best places to visit in Marsabit County?

Marsabit National Park, Chalbi Desert, Koobi Fora, Lake Paradise, and Mount Marsabit are some of the key highlights of Marsabit County tourist attractions.

2. Where is Marsabit located in Kenya?

Marsabit County is in the northern part of Kenya, bordering Ethiopia to the north.

3. Is Marsabit safe?

In general, yes, but visitors are advised to seek local guides, especially in the remote areas.

4. What wild animals can I see while visiting Marsabit County?

Some of the wild species one can expect to see while in Marsabit are such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Hyenas, and a variety of bird species.

5. How can one access Marsabit?

A road drive from Nairobi takes between 7 to 8 hours, whereas one may also opt to fly to Marsabit Airstrip from Wilson Airport.

6. What communities are found in Marsabit County?

The county is home to a variety of tribes, such as Turkana, Borana, Rendile, Gabra, and Samburu, each with their different customs and traditions.

7. What should one pack for a trip to Marsabit?

Some of the things one should pack include lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes for hikers, warm clothes for the cool nights, and even snacks & water for the long drive.

8. What is the climate like in Marsabit?

The climate is semi-arid with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C and rainfall amounts receivable throughout the year range between 200 – 1,000 mm.

9. Are there places to stay in the county during a visit?

Yes. Some of the best places to stay in Marsabit County are such as Nomads Trail Hotel, Big Tusks Hotel, Ebisa Hotel Marsabit, Harmony Spot Hotel, and Sand and Rock Resort.