North Rift Kenya’s #1 Sports’ Tourism Destinations
North Rift Kenya provides an enchanting blend of jaw-dropping landscapes, the perfect backdrop for unforgettable adventure. Whether you love to navigate roaring rapids or scale majestic peaks, or you would rather soar across epic terrain and explore hidden waterfalls, there’s something here for everyone. Here are the best adventure ideas and destinations for sports’ tourism in the North Rift:
Paragliding
Iten
One of the best places to enjoy an airborne adventure in the North Rift is in Iten. Located in Elgeyo Marakwet County between Eldoret and Kabarnet, Iten sits at an altitude of about 2,400 meters (8,000 ft.) above sea level.
The best time to paraglide here is between January and March. However, you can enjoy the aerial adventure any other time of year when conditions are favorable.
From here, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Great Rift Valley. In addition to the dramatic landscapes, you might also be fortunate enough to spot Lake Kamnarok and the elephants in the adjacent Rimoi Reserve. On a clear day, you will also spot Cherangani Hills on the northern horizon and possibly even Uganda’s Mount Moroto.
Kerio Valley
Located between Elgeyo Escarpment to the east and Tugen Hills to the west, Kerio Valley is a branch of the famous Great Rift Valley. It drops a spectacular 1,219 meters (4,000 ft.), stretches about 80 kilometers (50 miles), and at its widest, is only about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi.). This picturesque region straddles the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, and is home to deep gorges and dramatic cliffs.
Paragliding over Kerio Valley offers an unforgettable aerial experience over two ridges; the upper ridge drops about 200 meters (656 ft.) while the second one drops 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.), all the way to the floor of the valley. During certain periods of the year, you can book a tandem flight.
For the perfect soaring experience, the best time for this adventure is between December and February. Some of the most memorable sights here include two of the Big Five, buffalo and elephants, the sacred Tiati Hills, and the meandering, crocodile-infested Kerio River.
Ziplining
Lobaran Zipline, Kirandich Dam, Baringo County
Baringo County is a paradise of natural beauty and adventure, a treasure trove of wonders for outdoors lovers. Located in the Rift Valley, it is the ultimate adventure destination, with plenty of activities to cater to a wide range of interests.
One of its best-kept secrets is the Lobaran Zipline, which takes you 300 meters (984 ft.) across Kirandich Dam. During your adrenaline-packed aerial expedition, you will enjoy stunning views of the majestic artificial reservoir below, the expansive Great Rift Valley and stunning natural scenery all around.
Whitewater Rafting
Yala River, Kakamega Forest
For a thrilling and immersive river rafting experience, you have to visit this hidden gem in the heart of Kenya’s lush Kakamega rainforest. Kakamega rainforest is in fact the last remaining part of a jungle that once covered a vast area, all the way from West Africa to East Africa.
The Yala River, whose source is in the North Rift’s Nandi Escarpment, provides a mix of moderate and challenging rafting terrain thanks to varying water levels. This makes it an ideal destination for adventurers of all skill levels. As you enjoy the adrenaline-packed ride down the rapids, you might spot a variety of colorful birds and monkeys, a charming addition to your adventure.
Pro Athlete Training Camps
High Altitude Training Center (HATC)/Lornah Kiplagat Sports’Academy
The High Altitude Training Center in Iten provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run with world marathon champions. Located in Iten along the Elgeyo Escarpment, this facility is the brainchild of multi-award winning marathoner Lornah Kiplagat.
It sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level (7,900 ft.) and is open year-round both to elite runners and recreational athletes. Outside of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, this is the only place in the country with an all-weather tartan track. Amenities include a 25 meter swimming pool, a fully-equipped state of the art gym and a sauna.
The Swiss Side
Another high-altitude running camp in Iten is the Swiss Side, a homely camp that seeks to balance athletic training and adventure. Also situated 2,400 meters above sea level, this center provides expert coaching, state-of-the-art facilities and a serene environment for both amateur and professional athletes.
Runners appreciate the opportunity to train on diverse terrains including well-maintained tracks and challenging mountain trails. Amenities include a cryotherapy ice bath, high-tech gym, sauna and traditional massage center.
Hiking
Kessup Falls
This stunning natural attraction is set in Elgeyo Marakwet County, providing captivating views and a moderate hiking adventure. The three-hour tour takes you from an altitude of slightly over 1,900 meters (6,233 ft.) to nearly 2,200 meters (7,200 ft.) above sea level at the highest point.
The exquisite waterfall sits in the heart of an untouched, indigenous forest, cascading down steep rock faces for a breathtaking sight. It is surrounded by scenic trails and at the very top, you get to enjoy panoramic views of the Rift Valley.
Cherangani Hills
Home to the Marakwet and Sengwer people, Cherangani Hills is a popular destination for avid hikers and trekking enthusiasts. It covers an area of about 1,800 square kilometers (1,118 sq. mi.) with the highest peaks rising to about 3,580 meters (11,745 ft.).
One of the highlights of this adventure destination is that it still remains vastly unexplored. The terrain is relatively challenging and it takes about half-a-day to reach the Nakugen (Kamelogon) Summit, which is over 3,500 meters (11,581 ft.)above sea level.
Mt. Elgon
Enjoy scenic views and a variety of trails on Mt. Elgon, an ancient volcanic hill that rises to 4,321 meters (14,177 ft.) at its highest. Straddling the border between Kenya and Uganda, this mountain is home to a rich biodiversity including numerous bird species and wildlife such as elephants, the endangered bongo antelope, duikers and buffalo.
There is something for everyone in the diverse trails that offer different perspectives of the picturesque landscape and varying difficulty levels.
Menengai Sleeping Warrior
Another exhilarating hiking adventure awaits close to Lake Elmentaita, where you can tackle the Sleeping Warrior, a rock formation that resembles a reclining man. The hike takes you through a mix of moderate and challenging terrain, with rocky paths and steep sections to test your endurance.
Along the path, occasional wildlife sightings of zebras and a variety of birds will make the effort worthwhile. When you get to the summit, about 2,086 meters (6,844 ft.) above sea level, breathtaking vistas of the lake and Great Rift Valley make it one of the most memorable hikes in the North Rift.
Torok Waterfall
For waterfall lovers who enjoy hiking, Torok Waterfall offers the perfect blend of both. Located on the South side of Iten, Torok sits on the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and the falls plunges 200 meters (656 ft.) into the Kerio River.
While you can view the majestic falls from Kolol viewpoint, taking the moderate hike down to the floor of the Rift Valley is well worth your while. It takes you down a dirt track with lush vegetation and farms all around, some river crossings, and the dramatic escarpment straight ahead. Once you get to the bottom, enjoy a cold dip in the inviting pool at the base of the falls.
Explore Kenya’s North Rift Region
If you are an outdoor lover who enjoys the occasional adrenaline pump, these are some of the best places to visit in the North Rift and beyond. It is one of few places in the country where awe-inspiring landscapes and the thrill of adventure awaits around every corn
