Things To Do
in Eldoret
Eldoret is a fast-growing city in western Kenya set on the highland plains of the Rift Valley, framed by rolling hills and farmland. It serves as a commercial hub for tea, maize, and dairy and is a gateway to the surrounding highlands and agricultural heartlands. The city blends a dynamic urban pace with a strong athletics heritage, drawing runners and visitors to its training culture and markets.
Visitors will find lively markets, welcoming communities, and easy access to Cherangani Hills and Iten’s surrounding trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the bustling Eldoret Market, where vibrant colors and lively chatter fill the air. Sample fresh local produce and engage with friendly vendors offering traditional Kenyan goods. The energy of the market provides a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Eldoret.
Explore the serene grounds of the Eldoret Sports Club, a place where locals gather to play cricket and golf surrounded by lush greenery. Visit the nearby Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital to appreciate the city’s commitment to healthcare development. Take time to stroll through the town center, admiring modern shops alongside historical architecture.
Dine at one of Eldoret’s popular local restaurants serving Swahili and Kalenjin delicacies under the soft glow of lanterns. Enjoy live music featuring traditional instruments and rhythmic beats that echo the rich cultural heritage of the region. As night falls, take a peaceful walk along the illuminated streets to experience the calm yet vibrant evening ambiance.
Visit the Kalenjin Museum to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the local Kalenjin people. Engage with interactive exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and stories passed down through generations. The museum offers a captivating starting point to understand Eldoret’s indigenous roots.
Participate in a community workshop to learn traditional beadwork and crafts directly from local artisans. Share stories over a cup of Kenyan chai, deepening your appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Eldoret. Explore nearby villages to witness everyday life and support local cooperatives.
Attend a cultural performance featuring traditional dance and song in an open-air community center. Sample homemade maize ugali and sukuma wiki, savoring the authentic flavors of the region. The evening concludes with storytelling sessions around a fire, connecting visitors to the oral history of Eldoret’s people.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🛏️One-night stay at a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (local short trip) | $3-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant markets and warm, welcoming people
- Proximity to scenic highland landscapes and hiking trails
- Seasonal rains can disrupt travel plans
- Infrastructure outside the city center can be uneven
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Ninaomba maji" - I would like water
Places to Visit in Eldoret
Visit one of these nice places.
Open lawns and tree-lined paths with collegiate architecture, ideal for classic campus photography and candid moments.
Colorful market scenes and busy street life captured from stairways or overlooks for vibrant images.
Storefronts, traffic, and pedestrians glow as lights come on, creating dynamic urban compositions.
Outskirts viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of the valley, farmlands, and distant hills.
Food in Eldoret
Eldoret Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize flour porridge served with sautéed greens and grilled meat, a quintessential Kenyan plate found in many eateries.
Must-Try!
Mashed peas, potatoes, and greens often served with meat and stews; a Rift Valley staple.
Grilled meat (beef or goat) served with sides like roasted maize or kachumbari; a favorite in casual dining spots.
Stewed plantains with beans or meat; common in local diners and family-style eateries.
Boiled maize and beans, seasoned and served as a quick, hearty meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, maize, fruits, and street snacks.
A large market with fruits, vegetables, grains, and a variety of quick bites from street stalls.
Roasted maize, potatoes, kebabs, and samosas along major avenues—great for a quick bite and local flavor.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; use polite Swahili or English; address elders with courtesy.
Modest attire is appreciated in markets and religious sites; remove shoes where appropriate and avoid overly loud behavior in public.
Ask permission before taking portraits of people or inside homes; be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Safety
Tipping in Eldoret
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service: about 5–10% in restaurants when service is not included; small tips to guides or hotel staff are common.
Cash in Kenyan shillings is widely accepted; mobile money (M-Pesa) is ubiquitous; many larger establishments accept cards, but carry cash for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Frequent showers, lush vegetation, and slower travel in some areas. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Intermittent showers with sunny spells in between. A light rain jacket is handy for exploring outdoors.
Generally dry with cooler evenings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, though evenings can be chilly.
Eldoret at Night
Hiking in Eldoret
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive hill range offering forested trails, ridge viewpoints, and wildlife viewing nearby.
Rugged, rolling highlands near Iten, popular with runners and hikers for scenic routes and altitude training.
Airports
How to reach Eldoret by plane.
Serves domestic and some international flights; a short drive from the city center with taxis and rental options available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in the region, with a rich cultural heritage and language; many residents are multilingual in English and Swahili.
Diverse communities contribute to Eldoret’s multicultural atmosphere alongside Indian and diaspora residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Rift Valley region is renowned for its running culture, training facilities, and nearby athletes.
A popular spectator and participation sport with local clubs and youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eldoret.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Eldoret, vegetarians can navigate with dishes like ugali with sukuma wiki, irio-based plates, bean curries, and vegetable stews. Look for vegetable sides, request no meat, and ask for separate starch and greens.