Best places to visit in Kericho county - All You Must Know Before You Go

Kericho County is home to the best Kenyan tea, recognized for its brightness, appealing color, crisp flavor, and aromatic leaf textures that serve as a tourist draw.  Green carpets of farmland dot the high viewpoints, allowing you to stop and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. As far as the eye can see, the hilly countryside is lush green with tea plantations all over.

Without further ado, take a quick look at the best places to visit in Kericho, from historical landmarks to sacred sites, delicious 

List of best places to visit in Kericho county

Discover the best places to visit in Kericho County, from rolling tea plantations and waterfalls to scenic viewpoints and cultural attractions.

Kericho Tea Plantations

The first on our list of best places to visit in Kericho is Tea Plantation. Kericho is famous for its tea production and visiting a tea plantation is a must. Visit a tea plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and taste some of the freshest tea in the world. 

If you like walking in nature, green is one of your favorite colors and you enjoy photography, then this activity is for you. Kericho Tea Plantations are usually a meter and a half high, so you can see a whole tea plantation between the steep mountains of the Kericho region.

You can also visit numerous tea factories such as Kabianga factory, Mau tea factory, and Ketepa tea factory to have an idea of how tea is processed.

Tea Plantation is a popular attraction in Kericho for tourist

Nature lovers visiting Kericho can also explore the world-famous places to visit in Masai Mara, where spectacular wildlife sightings, vast savannahs, and unforgettable safari adventures showcase some of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes.

Kapkatet Museum

The museum was established in 2008 to appreciate and preserve the rich culture of the Kipsigis people. It is located in the town of Kapkat. It features galleries and exhibitions of handicrafts and other traditional goods used by the Kipsigis in their early years. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kericho at the weekend

Chagaik Arboretum

This arboretum is a botanical garden showcasing over 200 species of trees and plants. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gardens, learn about the different species of trees, and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.  It is one of the most popular Kenya attractions that lure tourists to explore its historical monuments, pristine beaches, and extensive corals.

Chagaik Arboretum is one of the best holiday destinations in Kericho that makes your trip memorable

While Kericho is famous for its rolling tea plantations and scenic highlands, travelers seeking a coastal escape can also explore the best places to visit in Kilifi, where beautiful beaches, historic sites, and outdoor adventures await.

Fort-Ternan Museum

Fort Ternan, a peaceful settlement in Kipkelion West constituency, hides some of Kericho County's most interesting historic and tourist landmarks. This ancient location is about 19 miles from Kericho and 15 km from Fort Ternan. It is not just the place where Dr. Louis Leakey discovered a 14 million-year-old fossil, but it is also home to Wicker Caves, a lengthy railway tunnel and bridge, and a hot spring. Dr. Leakey found the Kenyapithecus wickeri fossil at Fort Ternan. The fossil is currently housed in the National Museum in Nairobi.

Chebulu Conservancy

It is located in Sigowet. It consists of the Chebulu rainforest covering an area of about 21 kilometres. The reserve is classified as a community property and a water tower for the Chebulu River. Notable attractions in the reserve include: monkeys, baboons, different species of birds, campsites, and rocky outcrops suitable for hiking activities 

 Chebulu Conservancy is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kericho

Travelers exploring Kericho’s scenic tea estates and natural attractions can also discover the many good places to visit in Kajiado, where dramatic landscapes, wildlife experiences, and rich Maasai culture offer a unique Kenyan adventure.

Mau Forest

The Mau Forest is one of the few remaining native forests in Kenya. It is home to several species of birds and butterflies. Endemic birds such as the Hartlaub's Thrush, Jackson's Partridge and Hunter's Fan-tailed Warbler are famous visitors to the area. There are also mammals such as the forest elephant. Many rivers as well as waterfalls originate from this forest. This forest is perfect for visitors interested in bird watching and nature walks.

The forest borders Kericho County to the west, Narok County to the south, Nakuru County to the north and Bomet to the southwest. It is divided into seven districts including South West Mau (Tinet), East Mau, Odoniopuro, Transmara, Maasai Mau, West Mau, and South Mau. The complex forms part of the upper catchment area and is the source of catchment for Lake Victoria and the White Nile. Many more rivers originate here and transport Mau's waters throughout western Kenya, from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Natron in the south. These rivers support agriculture, hydropower generation, urban water supply, tourism and wildlife habitat in most parts of Kenya.

The Mau Forest is one of the most beautiful forests in Kenya

The Kipsigis Museum Kapkatet

The Kipsigis Museum of History, Art, and Science, located in the heart of the Cappucet Trading Centre in the Brady constituency of Kericho County, is a jewel of the community. Established on 20 October 2008, the facility attracts researchers, learners, and visitors from around the world. Every day of the week, its doors are open from morning to night.

The museum's collection includes tools for cultivating, harvesting, and providing food, herbs and amulets for various ailments, and weapons used for defense. It also has a collection of traditional Kipsigis musical instruments, such as the single-string kimeng'eng, the five-string chepkesem, the six-string chemonge and the eight-string ketuba.

Kipsigis Museum is an ethnographic museum showcasing Cultural artifacts of Kenyan communities

Visitors enjoying the lush landscapes of Kericho can also experience an unforgettable Laikipia safari, where private conservancies, exceptional wildlife viewing, and luxury safari lodges showcase some of Kenya’s finest wilderness adventures.

Tulwap Kipsigis

It is among the best places to visit in Kericho at the border between Kipkelion and Londiani. It is an important monument in the history of the Kipsigis, a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin. It is an important place for the Kipsigis to rekindle and revisit their ancient cultural practices of circumcision and worship of God.

Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary

Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary has to be among the first few famous places in Kericho for families. This sanctuary provides a natural environment for primates. It has trees, water features, and plenty of space to run and play. The Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary also works to educate the public about the value of primate conservation. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary to learn about the behavior and habits of various primates. In addition, the sanctuary works with the local community to promote sustainable living practices to help conserve primate habitats.

The Tagabi Monkey Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of Kiptetan, Kenya, offers a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts

After exploring Kericho’s rolling tea plantations and scenic countryside, travelers can unwind at the best places to visit in Watamu, where pristine beaches, marine parks, and crystal-clear waters offer the perfect coastal escape.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral Chruch

This cathedral is the second largest church in Kenya and is located just a few kilometers from the town of Kericho. The structure is 25 meters high and can accommodate 1,500 people. According to the community, the structure was specifically designed to complement the surrounding landscape. It is a striking building that stands out amongst the mountains and lush green plantations.

The cathedral has since won three awards. In 2017, the Civic Trust, which organizes Europe's oldest built environment awards for projects that provide cultural, social, economic or environmental benefits, presented the Kericho Cathedral team with a special award. In addition, the project won the Lighting Design Award at the Surface Design Awards and a Special Jury Award at the 2016 British Construction Industry Awards.

This cathedral is the second largest church in Kenya and one of the famous places to visit in Kericho County

Travel Guide to Kericho Tourist Places in Kenya 

Where is Kericho located?

Kericho County is one of 47 counties in the Republic of Kenya. It is located in the South Rift of the Great Rift Valley, approximately 256 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. The county covers a total area of 2,479 square kilometers and is split into 6 sub-counties, 30 wards, 85 locations, and 209 sublocations. The county is ideally positioned to profit from the numerous markets given by adjacent counties due to its strong national and county roadways that connect it to the rest of the counties

How to get to Kericho

Kericho may be accessible in a variety of methods, including road and air transit from Nairobi metropolis to Kericho.

• By air transport: Kericho has an airstrip, but flights are uncommon, so guests should arrive via Kisumu International Airport and then take an airport cab or bus to Kericho. Kenya Airways, fly540, and East African Safari Air service Kisumu International Airport via regular flights from the national capital, Nairobi.
• By road transport: Kericho is connected to numerous significant cities in the country via bus, including Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nairobi.

Because of the nature of the Kenyan tropical environment and the volcanic soil in which Kericho Gold's tea is cultivated is rich in antioxidants and important for a healthy digestive system, sip into smart weight reduction with the Detox tea, created to help cleanse your body and increase your metabolism.

Get to Kericho from anywhere in the world by train, bus, car and more

Best time to visit Kericho

Kericho's climate is classified as warm and temperate. Kericho has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. This is true even for the driest month. The best time to visit Kericho is from January until March, June until September and November and December, that's when you can have a pleasant temperature and limited till mediocre rainfall, the highest average temperature in Kericho is 780 F in February and the lowest is 680 F in June.

The best time to visit Kericho

Travelers exploring Kericho’s lush tea-growing landscapes can also discover fascinating tourist attractions in Kitengela, where wildlife experiences, cultural centers, and scenic outdoor activities provide a unique addition to any Kenya itinerary.

Where to stay in Kericho?

If you're planning a trip to Kericho, you'll find a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Here are some of the best hotels and guesthouses in Kericho:

• Sahara Garden Kericho: Sahara Garden Kericho is a comfortable hotel offering well-equipped rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and outdoor barbecue facilities. Guests can relax in the garden setting while enjoying convenient access to the town's attractions.
• Crown Hotel Kericho: Located approximately 2 km from Kericho Golf Club, Crown Hotel Kericho provides modern accommodation with a restaurant, bar, and free private parking. It is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
• Sunshine Hotel Tengecha: Situated near Kericho Golf Club, Sunshine Hotel Tengecha offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a terrace. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, airport transfer services, room service, and a 24-hour front desk, making it an excellent option for a comfortable stay.
• Sunshine Hotel Upperhill: Located in the heart of Kericho Town, Sunshine Hotel Upperhill combines classic elegance with modern amenities. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality, the hotel provides a relaxing retreat for travelers exploring the region.
• Mwananchi Hotel: Conveniently located close to the famous Kericho Tea Plantations, Mwananchi Hotel offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk. Its central location makes it a practical base for visitors looking to explore Kericho's scenic attractions.
• Comfort Guest House Kericho: Comfort Guest House is a budget-friendly accommodation option that provides clean rooms and essential amenities for travelers seeking affordable lodging in Kericho.
• Taidys Suites Kericho: Taidys Suites offers modern serviced accommodation with spacious rooms and convenient facilities, making it suitable for both short and extended stays in Kericho.
• Comfort Guest House: Another affordable option in the town, Comfort Guest House is known for its convenient location and basic yet comfortable facilities, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Best hotels to stay in Kericho

Conclusion

Kericho offers visitors a peaceful experience with captivating beautiful scenes. So don't wait, start planning your trip by checking out the best places to visit in Kericho today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the most attractive destinations in Kenya. However, you need to apply for a Kenya ETA online before traveling to Kenya. To get a Kenya ETA, travelers just need to submit the necessary documents, fill out an application form, maybe have an interview if asked, and meet some specific requirements.