Things To Do
in Isiolo
Isiolo is a gateway town in northern Kenya along the A2 highway, serving as a crossroads for travelers and trading communities. The surrounding area is characterized by dry savannah, with gateways to iconic safari reserves nearby. Its population reflects a rich mix of Borana, Samburu, Turkana, Meru and Somali communities, creating a vibrant tapestry of languages, dress, and music.
The climate is hot and largely arid, with seasonal rains shaping travel and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Isiolo market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. The air is filled with the aroma of spices, and you will see vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional clothing. Engage with local artisans and learn about their craft as you wander through the colorful stalls.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby eatery, head to the cultural center to explore the rich heritage of the Samburu and Borana communities. Here, you can participate in a workshop where you learn traditional beadwork or dance moves that are integral to the local culture. Spend time interacting with community members, gaining insights into their daily lives and traditions.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali. The evening can be spent at a local nyama choma joint where you can enjoy live music while mingling with locals. Wind down your day with a stroll under the stars, soaking in the warm Isiolo night.
Depart early for Buffalo Springs National Reserve, where the morning light enhances the beauty of the landscape. Enjoy a thrilling game drive as you search for wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The cool morning air is perfect for spotting animals in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable experience.
After a picnic lunch in the reserve, head to the waterholes where you can observe elephants and other wildlife come to drink. Take a guided walking safari, giving you a closer look at the flora and fauna of the area while learning about the ecosystem. Capture stunning photographs as the afternoon light casts a golden hue over the savannah.
Return to Isiolo in the evening and enjoy dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant. Reflect on your day while enjoying traditional Kenyan dishes and perhaps sharing tales with fellow travelers. End your evening with some downtime, recounting the day's adventures under the starry African sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕️Coffee in a cafe | $0.75-2 |
| 🏨1-night in budget hotel | $15-40 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short trip) | $2-6 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.25-0.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to iconic reserves (Buffalo Springs, Samburu) and diverse wildlife
- Warm, welcoming multi-ethnic culture and authentic rural experiences
- affordable costs and accessible markets for food and crafts
- Relatively short drives to major northern safari destinations
- Remote location with limited high-end amenities
- Seasonal travel logistics and heat can be challenging
- Less nightlife and organized tourist infrastructure than bigger cities
- Road conditions can be dusty or muddy depending on season
- "Jambo" - Hello
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Ndiyo/Hapana" - Yes/No
Places to Visit in Isiolo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic riverine landscapes with dramatic light, wildlife silhouettes, and reflective waters—prime for golden-hour photography.
Open savannah, termite mounds, and waterholes offer wide-angle shots of wildlife and vast skies.
Granite kopjes, canyons, and sweeping plains provide striking geological textures for dramatic landscape photography.
Colorful stalls and motion-filled scenes capture daily life, trades, and people preparing for the day.
Food in Isiolo
Isiolo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled meat served with maize porridge and a traditional fermented milk drink, often enjoyed at roadside joints and markets.
Must-Try!
A Borana/Samburu dairy delicacy kept in hollowed gourds, delivering a tangy, creamy accompaniment to meals.
A classic pairing of maize porridge with sautéed greens, commonly found in both homes and casual eateries.
Fried pastry pockets filled with meat or vegetable mixtures, a popular street snack and accompaniment to meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub where locals sell meat, produce, dairy products, spices, and prepared snacks; great for sampling fresh flavors and buying souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a handshake and a kind smile; dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to show respect for local customs.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly elders and women; some communities may prefer not to be photographed.
Respond to offers of tea or coffee with appreciation; accepting small hospitality is common and helps build goodwill.
Safety
Tipping in Isiolo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip around 5–10% for good service in restaurants and for guides; small tips to hotel staff, porters, and drivers are appreciated but not always expected.
Cash (KES) is widely accepted; mobile money (M-Pesa) is ubiquitous for transfers and payments; many shops and some services may accept cards in larger towns, but cash is safest in Isiolo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Roads can become muddy and travel slower; landscapes turn lush and wildlife activity becomes more visible, but packing waterproof gear is essential.
Best time for wildlife viewing and clearer skies; expect hot days and cooler nights; be prepared for dust and sun protection.
Intermittent showers can refresh scenery and crowds are lighter in some areas; plan for occasional rain gear and flexible schedules.
Isiolo at Night
Hiking in Isiolo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged canyons and outcrops offering scenic hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Walks along river corridors with dramatic views and birdlife.
Airports
How to reach Isiolo by plane.
Domestic flights to Nairobi and regional destinations; serves as a gateway for northern Kenya safaris.
Nearby airstrip offering domestic flights and private charters; accessible by road from Isiolo.
Main international gateway in Nairobi with onward connections to Isiolo via road or domestic flights.
Nairobi's domestic airport for light aircraft and safari flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Pastoralist community with strong traditions and dairy-focused cuisine.
Pastoralist group known for vibrant dress, jewelry, and singing, contributes to local culture.
Nomadic community present in the region, shaping trade and language.
Agrarian community with market influence across the broader region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games and local leagues occur in towns and schools.
Running and endurance activities common among youth and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Isiolo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in many eateries (stews, greens, ugali, chapati); better to request vegetable-based dishes and avoid meat-heavy broths. In markets, you can often find fresh vegetables and fruits to assemble a simple meal.