Are you looking for places to visit in Garissa, the heart of the northeastern frontier of Kenya and home to the World’s rarest Antelope species, the Hirola? Naicef gives you an ultimate guide to the top 10 attractions in Garissa places, what to do in Garissa, hotels in Garissa County, and where is Garissa County located.
For a personalized tour to Garissa County, reach out to Naicef via our contact email my@naicef.com or tap: +254799922277.
Now, let’s dive into this amazing hidden gem!
Top Best Places To Visit In Garissa County
Below are some of the top 10 attractions in Garissa places that you surely should check out.
1. Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy
Ishaqbini Hirola is a community-based conservancy covering an area of 72 km2 and provides shelter to the world’s rarest antelope species, making it one of the best places to visit in Garissa.
It was established in 2013 to protect the critically endangered Hirola, among other wild species such as the Hooded Vulture, Saddle Billed Stork, Crested Francolin, and White Throated Bee Eater.
2. Arawale National Reserve
Gazetted in 1974, Arawale National Reserve was established as a haven for the critically endangered Hirola Antelope. It is also home to other wild species such as the Mighty Elephant, the Cheetah, Hippos, the Grevy Zebra (one of the Special Five members), the African Wild Dog, among others.
Do you know any of the Special Five members? These members can only be best spotted in the Samburu National Reserve, which you should check out.
If interested in visiting Samburu for the Special Five, or more so referred to as the Big North, here is a curated 3-day package to this great destination.
3. Garissa Giraffe Centre
Garissa Giraffe Centre is a community-based conservation area that was established purposefully to protect over 60 Giraffes, more so the Reticulated Giraffe. The Giraffe Centre usually serves as an educational centre on the importance of conservation and allows people to have up-close views of these wild species.
4. Boni National Reserve
It was established in 1976 as a sanctuary for Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Topis, Wild Dogs, Zebras, Gerenuks, and over 150 different bird species. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and is situated in the southern part of Garissa County.
5. Tana River
River Tana is considered the longest river in Kenya as it runs from the Mount Kenya Region and drains its water into the Indian Ocean in the coastal region of Kenya. The river is said to feed the various Seven Folks dams constructed along its course line, such as Kindaruma, Masinga, and Kiambethe Dams.
Tana River cuts across Garissa as it meanders, serving as a welcome to the adventures of the beautiful county to anyone new, and usually is infested with crocodiles and snakes, among others.
6. Rahole National Reserve
Rahole National Reserve was established in 1968 and is home to a wide array of wild species. The reserve is under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service, and it covers a vast plain of 870 square kilometers, 92 km north of Garissa town.
Some of the wild species to see in the reserve, do include the Lion, Elephant, Crocodile, Eland, Dik-dik, and over 100 different bird species, especially the migratory ones.
7. Garissa Culture And Heritage Center
Garissa Cultural Center is such an amazing place to learn and get to know the tribes in Garissa, especially the Somali, which is the largest ethnic community in Garissa.
At the cultural center, which is within the Garissa town, you get to see the traditional artefacts, and they usually hold annual cultural festivals.
8. Garissa Solar Power Station
The power plant is located 20km north of Garissa town, and is considered Kenya’s and East Africa’s largest solar farm, which is worth visiting.
9. Garissa Hill
The hill provides a breathtaking view over the whole area within Garissa town, and you sure wouldn’t wanna miss out on such a chance.
What To Do In Garissa County
1. Game Drives
Experience a game drive into the various protected areas, such as Arawale National Reserve, and get to come across different wild species such as Lions, Elephants, and Giraffes, among others.
2. Bird Watching
Are you a bird lover? Visit Garissa County and get to explore the various bird species found in the area, such as the White Throated Bee-eater, the Saddle Billed Stork, and the Hooded Vulture, among others.
3. Hiking
Hike up the Garissa hill and enjoy the rewarding panoramic views over the town. Here are more places in Kenya you may opt to take up the challenge, just for the therapeutic, rewarding views up there on top.
4. River Rafting
Experience exploring the Tana River as you raft through its course and enjoy the views of the surrounding area.
5. Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, rich customs and traditions of different tribes found in Garissa County, such as Somali and Borana, among others.
6. Camel Riding
Enjoy riding on a Camel and exploring the vast areas of Garissa with your guide as you interact with the local people.
Where Is Garissa County Located?
Garissa County is in the eastern region of Kenya, and borders Somalia to the east, Isiolo & Wajir Counties to the north, Lamu County & the Indian Ocean to the south, and Tana River County to the west.
It is about 350 km east of Nairobi and is linked by road with Alanga Arba, Mombasa, and Nairobi.
Hotels In Garissa County
1. Palm Oasis Resort
The hotel is among the top luxurious hotels in Garissa County, being well-renowned for having the largest and cleanest swimming pool in the area. The resort does encomprise of 23 superior rooms and 52 standard rooms that are all comfy and customizable.
2. Nomad Palace Hotel
This hotel offers top-notch service quality with well-spaced rooms, an outdoor pool & a swimming pool, a bar, among other amenities.
3. Almond Resort Limited
Almond Resort is 0.7 miles away from Garissa center is Almond Resort, offering a luxury kind of hotel services such as well-ventilated spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, free parking, among others.
4. White Rose Hotel
White Rose hotel offers varying room services such as single, double, VIP, and family-friendly room options, a restaurant, free parking, and a free breakfast, and surely should make a stopover sometime.
For a stay at any of the hotels in Garissa County, book with Naicef and get the very best only personalized for you.
Conclusions
Garissa County is among the hidden gems in the eastern part of Kenya, which is a must-visit. Some of the best places to visit in Garissa is Garissa town itself, a town full of vibrant energy.
Among the top 10 attractions in Garissa places is Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy, home to the world’s rarest antelope species, Hirola.
Wondering where is Garissa County located and what to do in Garissa? Worry not, Garissa County is in the eastern part of Kenya, bordering Somalia to the east, and some of the amazing things to do include game drives, camel riding, and cultural experiences.
Some of the hotels in Garissa County where you can spend your night include Nomad Palace and Palm Oasis Resort.
For a personalized tour to Garissa County, reach out to Naicef via our email at my@naicef.com or call +254799922277.
Check out also our guides to other counties such as Busia County, Bomet County, Embu County, Bungoma County, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Garissa County
1. What are the best places to visit in Garissa County?
Some of the best places to visit include the Garissa War Memorial, Arawale National Reserve, Rahole National Reserve, Garissa Museum, and Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy, among others.
2. What are some of the hotels in Garissa County?
They include Nomad Hotel Garissa, Landmark Park Resort, Lantern Resort, Palm Oasis Resort, and Tana Garden Garissa, among others.
3. Where is Garissa County located?
Garissa County is in the eastern part of Kenya, bordering Somalia to the east, Isiolo & Wajir Counties to the north, Tana River to the west, and Lamu County to the south.
4. What is the climate in Garissa County, Kenya?
Garissa County’s climate is usually hot and arid, with two rainy seasons with minimal rainfall.
5. Who are the people who live in Garissa?
Garissa County is mostly inhabited by Somali people who are muslims.
6. How far is Garissa County from Lamu County?
From Garissa to Lamu, it is usually a 5 to 6-hour drive, making it a distance of 492 km.
