Things To Do
in Iten
Iten is a small town in Kenya's Rift Valley known as the world’s “Home of Champions” for producing elite long-distance runners. Perched on the Elgeyo Escarpment, it offers dramatic views over the Kerio Valley and cool highland air ideal for training. The town blends a vibrant athletics culture with quiet rural life, local markets, and training camps where international athletes gather.
Visitors come for running, hiking, cultural encounters, and to experience a tight-knit community centered on sport and tradition.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise view over the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local cafe while taking in the panoramic views of the escarpment. After breakfast, embark on a guided hike to explore the stunning landscapes and unique geological features of the valley.
During the afternoon, visit the nearby Kerio Valley National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery. Take a leisurely walk along the trails, keeping an eye out for various bird species and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
As the sun sets, return to Iten and visit a local restaurant to savor traditional Kenyan cuisine. Engage with the friendly locals and learn more about their culture and traditions over dinner. End the evening with a relaxing stroll through the town, enjoying the cool night air.
Begin your day with a visit to a local primary school to engage with children and learn about the Kenyan education system. Participate in a few activities or games with the students, creating joyful memories. Afterward, enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by a local family, experiencing authentic Kenyan hospitality.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby village where you can interact with local artisans and learn about their crafts. Participate in a workshop to create your own piece of art or craft, guided by skilled artisans. Experience the richness of the local culture through storytelling and traditional music performances.
Return to Iten for dinner at a local eatery known for its nyama choma (grilled meat). Share stories with fellow travelers and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Wind down your day by enjoying a bonfire under the stars, listening to folk tales from the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/Tea and snack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local matatu/short bus fare | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi/boda-boda ride | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse room (per night) | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class altitude training environment and unique running culture.
- Spectacular escarpment and valley scenery for photography and hiking.
- Friendly, tight-knit community and opportunities for authentic cultural exchange.
- Limited dining and nightlife options compared with larger towns.
- Basic services and fewer card payment options; occasional travel logistics to reach the town.
- "Jambo / Habari?" - Hello / How are you?
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sina nyama" - I don't eat meat
- "Gari hadi Eldoret?" - Is there a vehicle to Eldoret?
Places to Visit in Iten
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers dramatic panoramic views of the Kerio Valley, especially at sunrise and sunset — excellent for wide landscapes and silhouette shots of locals and runners.
Forest trails and rolling hills provide intimate nature shots, misty mornings, and athletes training against scenic backdrops.
Colorful produce stalls, vendors, and daily life scenes provide authentic street photography opportunities — ask permission before photographing people.
Capture athletes in motion on tracks and hills; approach coaches and athletes respectfully to request permission to photograph training sessions.
Food in Iten
Iten Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali (maize porridge) with sukuma wiki (stir-fried collard greens) is a staple and filling choice — you'll find it at most local eateries and guesthouses.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat, often goat or beef, served with sides; best at small local joints or on market days when families grill outdoors.
Sweet fried pastries (mandazi) and strong Kenyan tea (chai) are ubiquitous and perfect for breakfast or a snack from tea stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market sells fresh produce, maize, legumes, and small cooked stalls where you can try local dishes, fresh fruit and mandazi — great for authentic flavors and budget meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important: say 'Jambo' or 'Habari' and shake hands. Ask about health/family as part of extended greeting in rural settings.
Dress modestly, especially in villages and at community events; smart casual is fine in town but avoid overly revealing clothing.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially elders and children; many will agree if asked politely.
Be respectful around training camps and athlete routines — approach coaches first if you want to observe or photograph sessions, and avoid interrupting.
Safety
Tipping in Iten
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Leave small tips for helpful guides, drivers or hotel staff (a few hundred KES or rounding up) rather than fixed percentages.
Kenyan shilling (KES) is the local currency; cash is king in Iten, especially for markets and small eateries. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is widely used locally; card acceptance is limited — withdraw cash in Eldoret if needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers and muddy trails; lower visibility on hills but lush, green landscapes. Some secondary tracks may be slippery — waterproof footwear and rain gear recommended.
Generally the best time to visit for stable weather, cool sunny days and clear views; ideal for training, hiking and photography. Nights can be chilly, so bring layers.
Intermittent rains with quick showers and warm afternoons; trails recover quickly and the countryside is green with fewer visitors than peak season.
Warmer daytime temperatures and drier conditions, though mornings remain cool at altitude; a popular time for international athletes to train when flights and travel are easier.
Iten at Night
Hiking in Iten
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails through rolling hills and patches of forest used by runners and hikers — good for morning runs, birdwatching and quiet nature walks.
Scenic routes along the escarpment rim offering dramatic views over the Kerio Valley; ideal for photography, sunrise/sunset hikes and more challenging treks.
Shorter walks connecting rural villages and ridgelines that provide cultural insight, interactions with locals and accessible countryside exploration.
Airports
How to reach Iten by plane.
The closest major airport (about 60–90 minutes by road). It has domestic and some regional flights; from Eldoret you can take a taxi or arrange a transfer to Iten.
Major international airport serving Kenya; domestic flights to Eldoret and road transport options are available to reach Iten (approximately 5–6 hours by road from Nairobi to Iten).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the area is Kalenjin, including subgroups like Keiyo and Marakwet, with deep local cultural traditions and strong running heritage.
Iten attracts a steady population of national and international athletes, coaches and support staff year-round for high-altitude training.
Local populations primarily engage in small-scale farming of maize, potatoes and vegetables, with market activity centered around agricultural produce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Iten is globally renowned for producing elite long-distance runners and is a hub for endurance training, camps and competitions.
Cross-country running and organized road races are common, with local events attracting athletes of all levels.
Soccer is popular at community level with informal matches and local teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iten.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; stick to vegetable stews, ugali, chapati and beans. Communicate clearly (use 'sina nyama' = I don’t eat meat) and ask for portions without meat or fish.
Vegan meals are possible but require requests to omit dairy (milk in tea) and meat-based broths; fresh fruits, chapati, ugali and legumes are safe choices.
Maize-based ugali is naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with chapati (wheat) and processed foods; explain needs clearly in advance at restaurants.