Wondering what to place in your travel bucket list as you step and unravel, the hidden gems, Isiolo tourist attractions? With Naicef, discover the best places to visit in Isiolo with friends, places to stay in Isiolo, things to do in Isiolo County, and get an answer to your question, Where is Isiolo located in Kenya?
Book with Naicef for a curated tour to Isiolo County via our contact email at [email protected] or call +254799922277.
Do you know that Isiolo County is among the few counties in Kenya where you can get to come across all the Special Five members? The Special Five include the Grevy Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich, the Beisa Oryx, and the Gerenuk.
Stick along and let’s explore these epic tourist attractions in Isiolo County!
Best Places & Isiolo Tourist Attractions To Visit In Isiolo With Friends
1. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Established in 1948, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is home to a wide array of wild species, such as the special five members, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo, among other wild species. The reserve also entails a swimming spot within its vicinity, making it one of the best places to visit with friends.
It is in the southern part of the Samburu National Reserve, one of the yet most visited parks in Kenya, being separated from each other only by the Ewaso Ngiro river. This thus allows the animals to be able to navigate through both the reserves unrestrictedly without having to remain in the same area.
2. Sarova Shaba National Reserve
Sarova Shaba National Reserve is among the Isiolo tourist attractions that is home to a wide array of wild species, from over 400 different bird species, herds of Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, and the Special five.
It is on the east side of the Samburu National Reserve in Samburu County, and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve is still in Isiolo County.
3. Isiolo War Memorial
Isiolo war memorial is yet a remarkable, sad story where 19 African soldiers died and were honored after being part of the warriors who fought during the 1939 -1945 war. Of all the 19 soldiers, 16 were identifiable, but the three remained unknown, and to this day, their names are still unknown.
4. Merti Plateau
Merti plateau is also such an amazing tourist attraction in Isiolo County that offers breathtaking views over the Merti town and a nice area to hike. It is a large inselburg and is about 140 km northeast of Isiolo town, making it a venture safari to wanna try out.
5. Bisanadi Conservancy
Bisanadi National Reserve is an unspoiled paradise lying north of Meru National Park in Meru County. It is home to different wild species such as Elephant, Buffalo, Cheetah, Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra, over 350 varying bird species such as the Lilac-breasted roller, Marabou Stork, and Vulture.
6. Gotu Falls
The Gotu falls is among the stunning hidden gems in Isiolo County. This waterfall is also known as Chanler’s Falls and is usually fed by the Ewaso Ngiro River.
It is among the lesser-known waterfalls in the region and is such a nice spot for photo sessions and for occasional spotting of various wild species, such as pods of Hippos.
Things To Do In Isiolo County
1. Game Drives
Enjoy epic wildlife safaris into the various protected areas within Isiolo County, such as Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves, and encounter various wild animals, more so the Special Five members.
Ever thought of having a different angle view of the wild species, such as an aerial view while riding in a hot air balloon? Here is a 3-day Mara Amboseli Hot Air Balloon safari package that you may check out, and also an interesting story of how hot air balloons came to be.
2. Bird Watching
Are you a bird lover? Isiolo County is a haven for over 450 different bird species, such as the Secretary Bird, the African Fish Eagle, the African Sacred Ibis, and the Marabou Stork, among others.
A 4-day Lake Nakuru and Naivasha Holiday Tour also gives you a chance to visit one of Kenya’s most premium bird’s paradise with over 500 different bird species, Lake Nakuru National Park.
3. Camping
Ever dreamt of camping under the stars in the wild, far away from the busy towns and cities, and just enjoying watching the stars as you put a bonfire and surround it?
Isn’t that amazing! Buffalo Springs National Reserve, among other places, is such a perfect area to camp and set up your tents and enjoy watching the sunset, and as it rises the next morning.
4. Cultural Experience
Enjoy the cultural tapestry within Isiolo County and interact with different communities such as Somali, Gabbra, Samburu, Borana, Turkana, and Meru, among others.
Get to learn more about the famous “Singing Well” of the Samburu people and see as young energetic men sing as they draw water from wells, among other traditions.
Check out our 3-day Samburu Cultural tour package and get to have a deeper immersion in the ancient traditions of the Samburu people.
5. Camel Riding
Enjoy a slow and rhythmical camel ride as you immerse yourself in the traditions of the Isiolo and Samburu people, all in Isiolo County.
6. Hiking and Guided Nature Walks
Experience the protected areas on foot with your expert guide or even take a challenge hiking through the nature trails within Isiolo County.
Here is a more comprehensive guide on the top best hiking trails in Kenya that you may also choose to place in your travel bucket list.
Where Is Isiolo Located In Kenya
Isiolo County is in the eastern part of Kenya, about 285 kilometers away, north of Nairobi. It is located north of Mount Kenya and borders Meru County to the south, Samburu County to the west, and Marsabit County to the north.
This thus makes it a major getaway to Marsabit and Moyale towns, and also to our neighboring country, Ethiopia, via the A2 road.
Places To Stay In Isiolo County
Some of the amazing and luxurious places to stay in Isiolo County include;
- Surana Buffalo Springs
- Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
- Kisimani Eco Resort
- Bomen Hotel
- Northern Galaxy Hotel
- SaalaHouse
- El Boran Hotel
- Iman Hotel
- Isiolo Landmark Hotel
- Hotfoot Homestay
- Northgate Resort
- Grande Hotel
To book any of the accommodations, reach out to Naicef, your number one travel partner.
Conclusion
Isiolo County, located in the eastern region of Kenya, borders neighboring counties such as Meru to the south and Marsabit to the north, making it 285 km north of Nairobi.
Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are among the Isiolo tourist attractions and amazing best places to visit in Isiolo with friends.
Things to do in Isiolo County are such as wildlife safaris, hiking, bird watching, camel riding, guided nature walks, and camping, among others.
Some of the fine places to stay in Isiolo County you may consider include Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Surana Buffalo Springs, Bomen Hotel, Kisimani Eco Resort, and Northern Galaxy Hotel.
For a personalized, unforgettable tour to Isiolo County, reach out to Naicef via contact, email:[email protected] or call +254799922277.
Naicef, the leading tour company in Kenya, is the best travel blog in Kenya & Africa, giving you luxurious tour packages, customizable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Isiolo County
1. What are the main tourist attractions in Isiolo County?
Some of the notable Isiolo tourist attractions include Sarova Shaba National Reserve, Sera Conservancy, Gotu Falls, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Bisanadi Conservancy.
2. What wild animals can be seen in Isiolo County?
In the protected areas in the county, you may come across the Big five members, the Special Five members, antelopes, and different bird species, among others.
3. When is the best period to visit Isiolo destinations?
It is best advisable to visit during the dry seasons from June to early October and January to March, for epic game views and easy accesibilty.
4. What are some of the fun things to do in Isiolo County?
They include amazing game drives, bird watching, hiking, rock climbing, cultural experience, camel riding, and stargazing, among others.
5. Where is Isiolo located in Kenya?
Isiolo County is in the northern frontier part of Kenya, north of Mount Kenya, and serves as a highway connecting Kenya and Ethiopia. It borders Samburu County to the west, Marsabit County to the north, and Meru County to the south.
6. Which are the best places to stay in Isiolo?
Some of the top-notch places to spend your nights include Surana Buffalo Springs, Kisimani Eco Resort, Bomen Hotel, and Northern Galaxy hotel.
7. Is Isiolo a safe place to visit with friends?
Isiolo County is usually a safe destination to visit, but visitors are normally advised to avoid isolated places at night.
8. Which are the tribes found in Isiolo County?
Isiolo is among the best places in Kenya that offers a mix of different cultures, such as Borana, Samburu, Somali, Gabra, Meru, and Turkana, among others.
