Things To Do
in Kericho
Kericho, Kenya sits high in the Rift Valley’s tea country, offering expansive green hills, cool air, and a welcoming small-town vibe. The town blends colonial-era architecture with a bustling market scene and a deep tea industry that shapes daily life. It serves as a gateway to scenic highland landscapes, nearby reserves, and approachable day trips from Western Kenya.
With comfortable lodgings and friendly locals, Kericho makes a relaxed base for exploring the region without the crowds of larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kericho and settle into your accommodation, enjoying a warm welcome from the local staff. Take a leisurely stroll around the nearby tea plantations to get your first glimpse of the lush greenery that defines this region. Indulge in a traditional breakfast featuring local dishes at a nearby café.
Visit the Kericho Tea Museum to learn about the history and significance of tea farming in the area. Participate in a guided tour that showcases the processing of tea leaves, followed by a delightful tea tasting session. Engage with local farmers to understand their daily routines and the challenges they face.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring a menu rich in Kenyan cuisine. Relax in the peaceful ambiance of Kericho, where the sounds of nature create a calming backdrop. End the evening with a short walk under the stars, soaking in the fresh, cool air.
Wake up early and have breakfast at your accommodation before heading to one of Kericho's renowned tea estates. Join a guided tour to explore the expansive fields and learn about the different types of tea grown here. Marvel at the stunning landscapes filled with rolling hills and endless rows of tea bushes.
After a morning of exploration, relax at a nearby café with a scenic view and enjoy a traditional Kenyan lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting a local community where you can engage in cultural activities, such as art and craft making. This immersive experience provides insight into the daily lives and traditions of the Kikuyu and Kipsigis communities.
As evening falls, return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for a delightful dinner. Opt for a restaurant that serves locally sourced ingredients, giving you a true taste of Kericho. Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk through the town center, where you can experience local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $20-50 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride within town | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic tea-country
- Affordable lodgings and warm people
- Good base for exploring western Kenya
- Relatively uncrowded compared to bigger cities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Public transport can be infrequent
- Less English signage outside town centers
- Roads can be winding and slow during rain
- "Hujambo" - Hello (singular)
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Nisaidie tafadhali" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Kericho
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive, neatly arranged tea terraces with misty mornings ideal for wide, serene landscape images.
Colonial-era station with arched verandas and vintage signage, striking at golden hour.
A high vantage point over the town and tea-country offering sweeping Rift Valley scenery.
Dawn light bathing rows of tea bushes, with workers silhouetted against the rising sun.
Food in Kericho
Kericho Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Kenyan staple—maize meal served with sautéed kale and vegetables, a common, comforting pairing in Kericho households.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat often served with ugali or chapati and a tangy tomato-onion salsa.
Maize and beans stewed together, sometimes enriched with vegetables or spices.
Soft flatbread paired with stewed beans and vegetables for a filling, shareable meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling daily market offering fresh produce, roasted maize, samosas, fruit, and everyday Kenyan snacks.
Street vendors selling roasted corn, fried potatoes, and fruit slices—great for a quick, flavorful bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; show respect to elders and authorities; use polite language.
Ask for permission before photographing people, homes, or culturally sensitive sites.
Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; avoid loud behavior in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Kericho
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in restaurants (around 5-10% if service isn’t included). For guides or drivers, round up or give a small extra depending on service.
Cash in KES is widely used; mobile money (M-Pesa) is ubiquitous; many hotels and larger establishments accept cards, especially in towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies, comfortable day temperatures, and great visibility for outdoor activities; carry sunscreen and water; occasional dust.
Frequent showers, lush green landscapes, but trails can be muddy; perfect for photography after rain; bring rain gear and waterproof bags.
Intermittent rain with variable sunshine; plan flexible outdoor plans and layer clothing for cool evenings.
Kericho at Night
Hiking in Kericho
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hikes along estate boundaries with scenic ridge views over tea hills.
A scenic loop through highland grasslands and viewpoints; best with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Kericho by plane.
West of Kericho; connects to Nairobi and other regional hubs; typically a 3-4 hour road drive from Kericho.
Northeast of Kericho; larger airport with more international and domestic flights; often used for connections to Nairobi and Mombasa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant community in Kericho, part of the Kalenjin group, with a strong tea-farming heritage and rich cultural traditions.
A mix of workers from tea estates, students, traders, and visitors from across Kenya and beyond.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town; local leagues and friendly matches are common in the evenings.
Kenyan runners train in highland conditions; local clubs host road races and fitness events.
Played in schools and community grounds; occasional local matches draw families.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kericho.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in most eateries; look for ugali, chapati, vegetables, beans, and sukuma wiki; ask for oil-free or dairy-free preparations when needed.