Travel & holidays
Things to do in the North Rift: Eldoret, Iten, Kerio Valley and Baringo
Iten's running camps, the Kerio Valley, Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, Saiwa Swamp and Mount Elgon: what to see and do in Kenya's North Rift.
North Rift covers 6 counties: Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, West Pokot. Highlights include Eldoret, Iten, the Home of Champions, Nandi Hills tea country.
About the region
The North Rift is the home of Kenyan distance running. Eldoret became a city in 2022, and nearby Iten, at about 2,400 metres, is where many of the world's best runners train. The Kerio Valley escarpment offers some of Kenya's most dramatic views, while Lakes Baringo and Bogoria are known for birdlife, hot springs and flamingos.
Getting there and around
Eldoret has an international airport with regular flights from Nairobi, and good roads link it with Iten, Kitale and Kapsabet. Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria are reached via Nakuru or Kabarnet.
County by county
Uasin Gishu
County 27 · headquarters: Eldoret
- Eldoret: Kenya's newest city and a hub for athletes training at altitude.
- Kipchoge Keino Stadium: Athletics meets and training in the home of champions.
Elgeyo-Marakwet
County 28 · headquarters: Iten
- Iten, the Home of Champions: Watch elite runners train on red-dirt roads at about 2,400 metres.
- Kerio Valley: Dramatic escarpment views and paragliding.
- Torok Falls: A waterfall on the Kerio Valley escarpment.
Nandi
County 29 · headquarters: Kapsabet
- Nandi Hills tea country: Green tea estates and cool highland walks.
Few formal attractions are listed yet. Local research is needed.
Trans Nzoia
County 26 · headquarters: Kitale
- Saiwa Swamp National Park: Kenya's smallest national park, home of the rare sitatunga antelope.
- Kitale Museum: A National Museums of Kenya site with nature trails.
- Mount Elgon (eastern side): Caves, forest and moorland on an extinct volcano.
Baringo
County 30 · headquarters: Kabarnet
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve: Hot springs, geysers and flamingos.
- Lake Baringo: A freshwater lake famous for birdwatching and boat trips.
West Pokot
County 24 · headquarters: Kapenguria
- Kapenguria Museum: The prison where the Kapenguria Six were held, now a museum.
- Cherangani Hills: Remote highland hiking.
Before you go
Opening hours, entry fees and event dates change, so check them with the operator, the Kenya Wildlife Service or the county government before you travel. Places in this guide were last checked on 19 Oct 2026. If something has changed, tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors watch athletes train in Iten?
Yes. Runners train on the roads and tracks around Iten most mornings, and some camps welcome visitors. Ask before taking photos.
What is Lake Bogoria known for?
Hot springs and geysers along the shore, and large flocks of flamingos when conditions suit them.
Where can I go paragliding in Kenya?
The Kerio Valley escarpment near Iten is Kenya's best-known paragliding spot.
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service — park entry fees
- National Museums of Kenya
- Magical Kenya — Kenya Tourism Board
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.