Where else have you ever heard of “A Church In The Sky”, one of the amazing tourist attractions in Elgeyo Marakwet County? Naicef gives you an ultimate guide of amazing best places to visit in Elgeyo Marakwet County, hotels in Elgeyo Marakwet, and things to do in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
For a curated tour to Elgeyo Marakwet, kindly contact Naicef via our contact email at [email protected] or tap +254799922277.
Now, when you think of the World’s Best Olympians, what comes to your mind? Kenya, right?
Now, Elgeyo Marakwet County, as one of Kenya’s counties, is home to some of these famous Olympians, such as Eliud Kipchoge, a world-class marathon record breaker, Vivian Cheruyiot, and Kelvin Kiptum, among many others.
Below are some more hot tea sips fascinating facts, about Elgeyo Marakwet!
Interesting Facts About Elgeyo Marakwet County & Tourist Attractions In Elgeyo Marakwet
Wewo Catholic Church, mostly referred to as the “Church in the Sky,” is an astonishing church strategically located on a high-end cliff offering amazing views over the place. It even gives the vibe of Moses and Mount Sinai, where God descended upon the mountain to give Moses the 10 commandments.
The county’s unique geographical landscapes, from the Kerio Valley, the Escarpment, and the Highlands, make the county even more special, as the Elgeyo Marakwet road meanders through.
Elgeyo Marakwet County is also home to a wide array of different wild species, such as Elephants, Monkeys, Honey Badgers, and Common Ostriches, among others.
Apart from harboring various wild species, the county is home to one of Kenya’s most ethnic communities, the Kalenjin people, among other tribes such as Luhya, Luo, and Kikuyu, among others.
Best Places To Visit In Elgeyo Marakwet County
1. Rimoi National Reserve
Rimoi National Reserve was established in 1983 and is under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It is home to different species, especially high numbers of the mighty Elephants, Baboons, Zebras, Giraffes, and over 100 different bird species among others.
It is on the west side of the Kerio River on the escarpment of the rift valley, just an hour’s drive from Iten town.
2. Iten Viewpoint
A view of the “Home of Champions” may just be the touch you need to be a great athlete like Eliud Kipchoge, and maybe this is where he used to get his inspiration to keep on fighting. This breathtaking viewpoint offers stunning views of the Kerio Valley.
3. Torok Waterfall
Torok waterfall is among the fascinating and tallest waterfalls in Elgeyo Marakwet, dropping at a height of over 200 meters. It is 21 kilometers south of Iten town and is usually a nice place to hike as hunt and treasure find this breathtaking waterfall.
4. Wewo Catholic Church
Wewo Catholic Church is one of the amazing churches in Kenya that are a must-visit, and you should place it on your bucket list. The church is 90km from Iten town and is usually the perfect spot to enjoy the views over the lush green areas and rolling hills.
It is mostly referred to as the “Church in the Sky,” or the “Church in the Clouds,” as from a distance it is as if the clouds are surrounding the high area where the church is built.
5. Tambach Museum
Tambach Museum is found in Tambach town, one of Kenya’s oldest towns, and is used to preserve the culture of the Kalenjin communities. The museum entails exhibits of the tradition and norms of the Kalenjin people, more so of the Marakwet and Keiyo people.
Are you a culture enthusiast? Check out also on Kapenguria Museum in West Pokot County, a neighboring county to Elgeyo Marakwet, a preservation area for the Pokot culture and their norms, or even the Nabongo Cultural Center and learn of the Wanga Kingdom.
If interested, you may book with us on our Western Kenya cultural tour – A 3-day Western Kenya Cultural package.
6. Chebloch Gorge
39 km away from Iten town, is yet another hidden and amazing tourist attractions in Elgeyo Marakwet, Chebloch gorge. This gorge is such an amazing place, where young people entertain visitors with their diving skills and dive into the Kerio River.
7. Kerio Valley
The Kerio Valley is usually elevated at a height of 1,000 meters, and is usually a breathtaking place to enjoy the rugged terrains and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a drive through the valley as you meander along the Elgeyo Marakwet road.
8. Kureswo Hot Springs
Kureswo Springs is one of the unique best places to visit in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where you get to witness warm waters that are naturally heated up from the ground. The springs are located south of Keiyo at an altitude of 2800 metres at Kapkut Hills.
Things To Do In Elgeyo-Marakwet County
1. Game Drive
Encounter different wild species in the various protected areas, such as herds of the mighty Elephants, Giraffes, Honey Badgers, and Baboons, among others.
2. Bird Watching
As a bird lover, Elgeyo Marakwet County is just the perfect place. Come across different bird species such as the Yellow-billed Duck, Common Ostrich, Helmeted Guineafowl, Spur-winged Goose, and Cape Teal, among others.
Lake Nakuru National Park, a park along your way to Elgeyo Marakwet County, is also considered a bird’s paradise with over 450 different bird species.
3. Hiking
Get to explore the amazing county in various scenic places such as Kipteber Mountain and Cherangani Hills, and enjoy the rewarding views of the surrounding areas.
Check out also our other best hiking trails in Kenya that will give you unforgettable moments that surely will challenge your fitness levels.
4. Cultural Experience
Enjoy interacting with the local communities in Elgeyo Marakwet County, more so the Kalenjin tribe, and get to learn more about their customs, norms, and traditions.
Are you interested in learning about a different culture? Here are some curated packages that you may opt to check out;
A 3-day Samburu Cultural Package, A 3-day Masai Mara Cultural Tour, A 3-day Mombasa Cultural Package, among others.
5. Paragliding
Enjoy gliding up above the Kerio Valley, Kapnarok Ox-bow Lake, and the Kerio Valley, and embrace the sensation of being up there.
6. Camping
At the Church in the Sky, it is usually a nice place among others to set a camp and spend the night under the stars, as you enjoy the unforgettable panoramic views.
Where Is Elgeyo Marakwet Located?
The jaw-dropping, amazing attractions and scenic views of the place may leave you in awe, wondering where is Elgeyo Marakwet located?
Elgeyo Marakwet County is in the Great Rift Valley Region in the North Rift part. It borders other counties such as Baringo to the east, West Pokot to the North, TansNzoia to the Northwest, and Uasin Gishu to the West.
This county, number 28, has 4 sub-counties, which are Marakwet West, Marakwet East, Keiyo North, and Keiyo South. The Elgeyo Marakwet road connecting most places in the area is usually therapeutic as one enjoys the views as they drive through the meanders.
From Nairobi, Elgeyo Marakwet County is about 400km away, traversing through the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, which is a 7 to 8 hour drive. 
Hotels In Elgeyo Marakwet
Some of the best hotels in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where you can spend your night as you enjoy exploring the county, include;
- Swiss Side Iten
- Samich Resort
- Kerio View
- Kechei Centre
- Ojac Guest House
- Iten Accommodation
- Sego Safari Lodge
- Kolol Hill Cottage
- Kilima Resort
To stay in any of the accommodations, reach out to Naicef, your number one travel partner.
Conclusion
Elgeyo Marakwet County is famously renowned for producing some of the World’s Best Athletes, such as Eliud Kipchoge, Vivian Cheruyiot, and Kelvin Kiptum. Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet’s capital, is among the best places to visit in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Epic tourist attractions in Elgeyo Marakwet include Torok Waterfall, Cherangani Hills, Rimoi National Reserve, Tambach Museum, Kerio Valley, and Iten Viewpoint, among others.
Some of the fun things to do in Elgeyo-Marakwet County are such as game drives, bird watching, paragliding, and cultural immersion, among others.
The amazing attractions in the county make one wonder where is Elgeyo Marakwet Located. Elgeyo Marakwet County is in the Great Rift Valley region, bordering other amazing counties such as Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and West Pokot.
Some of the hotels you may opt to stay at while in Elgeyo Marakwet County are such as Swiss Side Iten, Kerio View, Sego Safari Lodge, among others.
Reach out to Naicef for a personalized tour to Elgeyo Marakwet County via our contact: [email protected] or call +254799922277.
Always remember that with Naicef, Africa’s best blog, “Every Trip Becomes An Unforgettable Story”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elgeyo-Marakwet County
1. Where is Elgeyo Marakwet County located?
The county is situated in the Great Rift Valley region, bordering Uasin Gishu County to the west, Baringo County to the east, West Pokot County to the north, and Trans Nzoia County to the northwest.
2. Which tribe is most common in the county?
The Kalenjins, more so the Marakwet and Keiyo, are the inhabitants of the county.
3. What is the topography of Elgeyo-Marakwet County?
The county is usually divided into three geographical sections: the Kerio Valley, the Highlands, and the Escarpment.
4. What are the climatic conditions like in Elgeyo Marakwet?
The highlands, compared to the Kerio Valley and the Escarpment, usually receive a high amount of rainfall per annum. The temperatures, on the other hand, on the highlands usually range between 18 -22 degree Celsius while in the Kerio Valley they vary between 25 -28 degree celsius per annum.
5. Which crops are mainly cultivated in Elgeyo-Marakwet?
The highlands are known to grow majorly Irish potatoes, maize, and beans.
6. How many sub-counties are there in the county?
Elgeyo Marakwet does have four sub-counties, which are Marakwet East, Marakwet West, Keiyo North, and Keiyo South.
7. Which is the headquarters of Elgeyo Marakwet County?
Iten town is said to be the headquarters of the county.
