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County curiosities: fascinating facts from across Kenya

Kenya is made up of 47 counties which are bursting with stories, surprises and historical gems. From volcanic craters to camel races, here are some fun facts that will make you want to explore every corner of this beautiful country!

1. Baringo County

Fun fact: Home to multiple freshwater and saline lakes supporting flamingoes and hippos.
Top attraction: Lake Baringo, ideal for bird watching and boat rides, hosts over 400 species.
Best time to visit: October to March, when migratory birds arrive.

2. Bomet County

Fun Fact: Hosts the beautiful Tenwek Waterfalls and lush tea plantations producing some of Kenya’s finest tea.
Top Attraction: Tenwek Waterfalls, a perfect spot for nature.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

3. Bungoma County

Fun Fact: Famous for its bullfighting culture and the mysterious Kitum Cave on Mt. Elgon, where elephants dig for salt.
Top Attraction: Cultural festivals featuring traditional bullfighting events.
Best Time to Visit: December.

4. Busia County

Fun Fact: The busy Busia border town allows you to walk right into Uganda, blending cultures.
Top Attraction: Busia border market, a hub of cross-border trade.
Best Time to Visit: January to March.

5. Elgeyo Marakwet County

Fun Fact: Home to the dramatic Kerio Valley, a paragliding paradise and training ground for elite athletes.
Top Attraction: Kerio Valley, offering stunning views and adventure sports.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

6. Embu County

Fun Fact: Known for Nthenge and Kirimiri Waterfalls and the celebratory Kirinyaga dance.
Top Attraction: Nthenge Njeru Waterfalls, a serene spot for picnics and hikes.
Best Time to Visit: April to June.

7. Garissa County

Fun Fact: Home to the massive Dadaab Refugee Camp and traversed by the Tana River, Kenya’s longest river.
Top Attraction: Bura Irrigation Scheme, showing agricultural development in arid areas.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.

8. Homa Bay County

Fun Fact: The only place in Kenya to find the rare roan antelope, and rich in Luo culture and ancient rock art.
Top Attraction: Ruma National Park, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.

9. Isiolo County

Fun Fact: Hosts both Christian and Muslim communities living harmoniously side by side. It’s a gateway to northern Kenya’s vast wilderness.
Top Attraction: Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, known for their unique
landscapes and wildlife. The stunning buffalo springs national reserve as well.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.

10. Kajiado County

Fun Fact: Amboseli National Park offers postcard views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Home to the vibrant Maasai culture.
Top Attraction: Amboseli National Park, renowned for elephant herds and stunning vistas.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.

11. Kakamega County

Fun Fact: Features Kenya’s only tropical rainforest.
Top Attraction: Kakamega Forest, a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. Also home to the rare De Brazza’s monkey.
Best Time to Visit: April to July.

12. Kericho County

Fun Fact: Kenya’s tea capital, with picturesque plantations.
Top Attraction: Tea estate tours and scenic landscapes.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

13. Kiambu County

Fun Fact: Home to Karura Forest, one of the world’s largest urban forests, and the spectacular Fourteen Falls.
Top Attraction: Karura Forest, perfect for hiking and picnics.
Best Time to Visit: January to March.

14. Kilifi County

Fun Fact: Hosts the Gedi Ruins from the 13th century and glowing plankton in the sea.
Top Attraction: Gedi Ruins, an archaeological site of a Swahili-Arab city.
Best Time to Visit: December to March.

15. Kirinyaga County

Fun Fact: The fertile slopes of Mt. Kenya grow excellent Arabica coffee.
Top Attraction: Sagana, known for white water rafting and adventure sports.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

16. Kisii County

Fun Fact: Globally recognized for exquisite soapstone carvings.
Top Attraction: Tabaka soapstone workshops.
Best Time to Visit: January to March.

17. Kisumu County

Fun Fact: The only Kenyan city on Lake Victoria, with hippos and impalas at its sanctuary.
Top Attraction: Dunga Hill Camp, offering panoramic views of Lake Victoria.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.

18. Kitui County

Fun Fact: Famous for women-led pottery and limestone used in cement production.
Top Attraction: Nzambani Rock, a massive outcrop with panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

19. Kwale County

Fun Fact: Home to sable antelopes in Shimba Hills and the snorkeling paradise of Wasini Island.
Top Attraction: Shimba Hills National Reserve, offering coastal rainforest and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.

20. Laikipia County

Fun Fact: Wildlife sometimes outnumbers people. A leader in conservation.
Top Attraction: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last two northern white rhinos.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

21. Lamu County

Fun Fact: Kenya’s oldest town and host of the Lamu Cultural Festival.
Top Attraction: Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best Time to Visit: December to March.

22. Machakos County

Fun Fact: Known for a gravity hill and a vibrant local art scene.
Top Attraction: Kitu Luni Hill.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

23. Makueni County

Fun Fact: Mbooni Hills and Kibwezi Forest offer rare flora and great hiking.
Top Attraction: Mbooni Hills, offering scenic trails and views.
Best Time to Visit: April to June.

24. Mandera County

Fun Fact: Sits at the tripoint of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, and features striking red rock formations.
Top Attraction: River Daua.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.

25. Marsabit County

Fun Fact: Home to Lake Paradise and the Chalbi Desert.
Top Attraction: Marsabit National Park.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.

26. Meru County

Fun Fact: Home of Elsa the lioness from the book and movie “Born Free.” Also famous for miraa (khat), a stimulant crop that is a major economic activity.
Top Attraction: Meru National Park.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

27. Migori County

Fun Fact: Hosts the ancient Thimlich Ohinga, a UNESCO listed archaeological site believed to be over 500 years old.
Top attraction: Thimlich Ohinga.
Best time to visit: June to August.

28. Nandi County

Fun Fact: Called the “Source of Champions” and home to Nandi Rock, a massive rock formation with breathtaking views.
Top Attraction: Nandi Hills, offering scenic landscapes and ideal for hiking.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

29. Narok County

Fun Fact: The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Top Attraction: Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: July to October, during the wildebeest migration.

30. Nyamira County

Fun Fact: Tea and banana farming dominate its scenic hills.
Top Attraction: Nyamira Tea Estates.
Best Time to Visit: March to May.

31. Nyandarua County

Fun Fact: Hosts the Aberdare Ranges and the elephant bathing pools.
Top Attraction: Aberdare National Park.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

32. Nyeri County

Fun Fact: Final resting place of Lord Baden-Powell and home to rare bongo antelopes.
Top Attraction: Outspan Hotel, which houses the Baden-Powell Museum.
Best Time to Visit: January to March.

33. Samburu County

Fun Fact: unique Samburu culture and home to the “Samburu Special Five”.
Top Attraction: Samburu National Reserve.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.

34. Siaya County

Fun Fact: Birthplace of Barack Obama’s father, and rich in Luo cultural heritage, with traditional fishing practices still thriving along Lake Victoria.
Top Attraction: Kogelo Village, offering cultural insights and historical significance.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.

35. Taita-Taveta County

Fun Fact: Over 60% of the county is occupied by Tsavo National Park, leading to human-wildlife conflicts. It is also known for gemstone mining, particularly tsavorite, a rare green garnet.
Top Attraction: Tsavo East and West National Parks.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.

36. Tana River County

Fun Fact: Characterized by frequent flooding that affects agriculture, the county is also home to the Pokomo people, who have a rich tradition of storytelling and music.
Top Attraction: Tana River Primate Reserve, home to rare primate species.
Best Time to Visit: December to March.

37. Tharaka-Nithi County

Fun Fact: Known for its rich cultural traditions and indigenous music. The county also has unique rock formations, including the famous Mugwe Rock, which holds deep cultural significance.
Top Attraction: Chogoria Gate, a popular entry point to Mount Kenya.
Best Time to Visit: January to March.

38. Trans-Nzoia County

Fun Fact: Referred to as Kenya’s “breadbasket” due to its extensive maize farming, and home to Mount Elgon, which has caves where elephants dig for salt.
Top Attraction: Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya’s smallest national park and home to the rare sitatunga antelope.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

39. Turkana County

Fun Fact: Hosts Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake. The Turkana people are known for their elaborate beadwork and traditional dances.
Top Attraction: Central Island National Park, featuring volcanic islands and diverse birdlife.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.

40. Uasin Gishu County

Fun Fact: Eldoret, the county’s capital, is a hub for athletics training. The county hosts the annual Eldoret City Marathon, attracting top athletes from around the world.
Top Attraction: Iten Viewpoint, offering panoramic views and popular among athletes.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.

41. Vihiga County

Fun Fact: One of Kenya’s most densely populated counties, known for its traditional isukuti dance, a vibrant and energetic performance.
Top Attraction: Maragoli Hills, offering hiking opportunities and cultural experiences.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.

42. Wajir County

Fun Fact: Predominantly arid, with challenges in water accessibility. The county also has ancient rock art sites dating back thousands of years.
Top Attraction: Wajir Museum, displaying the region’s cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.

43. West Pokot County

Fun Fact: Known for its scenic landscapes and cultural diversity, and home to the stunning Turkwel Gorge, a scenic spot with a hydroelectric dam.
Top Attraction: Kapenguria Museum, offering insights into Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

44. Nairobi County

Fun Fact: Kenya’s capital city, hosting the only national park within a capital city worldwide, as well as the renowned Giraffe Centre.
Top Attraction: Nairobi National Park, offering a unique safari experience within the city.
Best Time to Visit: July to October.

45. Mombasa County

Fun Fact: Kenya’s oldest and second largest city, rich in Swahili culture. It hosts the famous Mombasa Tusks, a landmark symbolizing the city’s history.
Top Attraction: Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site with great historical significance.
Best Time to Visit: December to March.

46. Kisumu County

Fun Fact: Kenya’s third largest city, located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Top Attraction: Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, home to various wildlife species.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.

47. Nakuru County

Fun Fact: Hosts Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo population, and also home to the Menengai Crater, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
Top Attraction: Lake Nakuru National Park, offering diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
Best Time to Visit: June to September.