Kajiado County is situated at the southern edge of the former Rift Valley province, approximately 107 kilometers from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The county boasts a diverse and picturesque topography that includes volcanic hills, valleys, and vast plains. Kajiado covers an area of 21,293 square kilometers and shares its borders with Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kiambu to the north, Narok to the west, Makueni and Machakos to the east, and Taita-Taveta and Tanzania to the south.
The name “Kajiado” originates from the Maasai word ‘Orkejuado,’ which translates to ‘the long river,’ referring to a seasonal river that flows west of Kajiado town. This region is rich in tourist attractions, including:
- Amboseli National Park: Located approximately 260 kilometers from Nairobi, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most sought-after safari destinations. It provides excellent opportunities to observe African wildlife such as lions, elephants, zebras, hyenas, and more.
- Ngong Hills: Situated about 22 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, Ngong Hills are a popular weekend getaway for both locals and tourists. The peaks of Ngong Hills offer a scenic walking trail that provides an exceptional walking safari experience. In the mornings, you can often spot athletes running up and down the slopes.
- Nyiri Desert: Located approximately 80 kilometers east of Lake Magadi, between Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Nairobi National Parks, the Nyiri Desert lies in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. It features dense growth of thorny trees that serve as a habitat for a significant population of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, impalas, and more.
- Lake Magadi: Situated roughly 106.4 kilometers from Nairobi, Lake Magadi is the most mineral-rich of the Rift Valley soda lakes. This lake offers a stunning landscape and excellent birdwatching opportunities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site: Located around 70 kilometers from Nairobi, Olorgesailie is known to be a camping site of early humans. The site contains an accumulation of ancient human tools that were used approximately 200,000 years ago, providing valuable insights into our prehistoric past.
Kajiado County’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for travelers looking to explore Kenya’s diverse landscapes and history.
The Following Itinerary outlines an 8 days safari within Kajiado County for sight-seeing in different tourism attraction locations/sites. There are hundreds of sites and activities to do in Kajiado county but however due to time specified, only a few highly recommended sites and activities are outlined in the itinerary below.
PATCH OF HEAVEN; A home away from home, a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The family friendly house is tastefully furnished, giving visitors a homely ambience with clean amenities and spotless linen. The pleasant cook and his assistant are available round the clock for the guests. The house is built on top of a hill which overlooks the famous Ngong hills and the Great Rift Valley and the view from the living room and the Patio is simply breathtaking! In the night the whistling wind will soothe you to sleep.
