Garissa - Discovering Kenya

Travelling to Garissa

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Garissa, a pretty good destination in Kenya (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Garissa and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Garissa, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Kenya, here's everything to know about Garissa for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Garissa

Garissa is a town located in the northeastern region of Kenya, about 350 kilometers from the capital city of Nairobi. It is the capital of Garissa County and it is situated on the banks of the Tana River. The town has a population of around 120,000 people and is predominantly inhabited by the Somali ethnic group. Garissa is known for its colorful markets and camel herding, and it also serves as a gateway to the popular wildlife reserves such as the Tsavo East National Park, which is about a 2-hour drive away. However, it is important to note that Garissa has faced security concerns in the past due to its proximity to the Somalia border.

What to visit in Garissa

Garissa is a city in northeastern Kenya and though not as popular as other tourist destinations in Kenya, it has some unique attractions to offer. Here are some of the tourist attractions of Garissa and some information about them: 1. Garissa National Reserve - This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, zebras, and giraffes, as well as different bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the reserve to see the animals up close.
2. Tana River - The Tana River is the longest river in Kenya, and it flows through Garissa. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride down the river and take in the breathtaking scenery of the area.
3. Garissa Cultural Centre - This centre showcases the traditional culture of the Somali people who reside in Garissa. Visitors can see exhibitions of traditional clothing, art, and music.
4. Garissa County Museum - The museum provides a glimpse of the history of Garissa County, including exhibits on the region's colonial and cultural history.
5. Masalani Beach - The stunning Masalani beach is a serene getaway that presents an ideal spot for beach activities, swimming, and scenic viewing.
6. Lagdera Forest - This forest reserve covers an area of about 4400 hectares and is home to different wildlife species, such as vervet monkeys, hyenas, and baboons. Visitors can take walks or go hiking in the forest to experience nature's beauty.
Overall, Garissa offers visitors an opportunity to experience different aspects of Kenya's culture and wildlife, making it a worthwhile tourist destination.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Kenya, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Garissa.

When to go on holiday to Garissa

Garissa, Kenya has a dry and hot climate throughout the year, with little variation in temperatures from season to season. Therefore, the best time to visit Garissa is during the months of January to March, and July to October. During these months, there is little to no rainfall, giving visitors relatively mild and dry weather. However, it is important to note that being a predominantly Muslim town, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the month of Ramadan as most businesses and attractions may be closed or have limited hours of operation.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Garissa

The easiest way to get to Garissa, Kenya would be to take a flight. There are daily flights from Nairobi to Garissa provided by several airlines including Fly540, SafariLink, and AirKenya Express. The flight from Nairobi to Garissa takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also get to Garissa by road. You can take a bus from Nairobi to Garissa via the A3 highway. The distance between Nairobi and Garissa is approximately 370 kilometers and the journey takes about 6 hours. There are several bus companies that provide services to Garissa, including Modern Coast, Easy Coach, and Moyale Raha.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Garissa, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Garissa

Garissa is a city in Kenya with a unique blend of cultures that influence its cuisine. Here are some typical foods of Garissa with a short description: 1. Mandazi: This is a popular street food in Garissa, which is a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry. It is usually served hot and is best enjoyed with a cup of tea.
2. Bhajia: This is another street food that is popular in Garissa. It is a deep-fried snack made with potatoes, onions, and flour batter, seasoned with spices such as turmeric and cumin.
3. Chapati: Chapati is a type of flatbread that is a staple in the Garissa cuisine. It is made with wheat flour, water, and salt and served with curries or stews.
4. Wali wa Nazi: This is a traditional dish in Garissa made with rice and grated coconut. The rice is cooked with coconut milk and spices, giving it a unique flavor.
5. Mukimo: Mukimo is a popular dish in Garissa made with mashed potatoes, corn, peas, and beans. It is usually served with meat dishes.
6. Biryani: This is a flavorful rice dish that is popular in Garissa. It is made with basmati rice and a mixture of spices, vegetables, and meat.
7. Nyama Choma: Nyama Choma is a popular grilled meat dish in Garissa. It is usually made with goat or beef and served with ugali and a side of kachumbari (a Kenyan salad made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro).
These are just a few of the many delicious foods you can enjoy in Garissa.
You can find general info about typical foods in Kenya here.

Is Garissa an expensive destination for tourists?

Garissa is not typically considered a major tourist destination in Kenya, but it still has some attractions that draw visitors. In general, Garissa is not considered an expensive destination for tourists compared to other popular destinations in Kenya like Nairobi or Mombasa. However, prices may vary depending on the type of accommodation, transportation, and activities you choose to do during your trip. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Where to find accomodation in Garissa

As Garissa is a relatively small town, the areas for finding accommodation are limited. The best places to look for accommodations in Garissa are within or close to the central business district. Some of the most popular areas for finding lodging include Garissa Road, 3rd Street, and Uhuru Street. These areas offer a variety of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses that provide comfortable accommodation for visitors to Garissa.
You can check hotel prices at Garissa here:
Booking.com

Is Garissa a safe destination for tourists?

Garissa is generally not considered a safe place for tourists due to the security risks associated with terrorism and crime in the area. In the past, there have been incidents of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed banditry.
The Kenyan government has implemented security measures to address these issues, but travelers are advised to heed the warnings of their governments and local authorities, and to avoid non-essential travel to Garissa.
It's recommended that you seek the advice of a reputable tour company or local travel agency for up-to-date information on travel to the region.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Kenya here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Garissa.

What type of travelers will enjoy Garissa the most?

Garissa is a town located in eastern Kenya, which is predominantly Muslim. Therefore, visitors to Garissa should be accepting of and respectful towards the local customs and traditions. The town is known for wildlife watching, cultural experiences and outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking and bird watching. As for who would enjoy the most Garissa, it may not be the most suitable destination for young people looking for fun due to the town's conservative culture. However, it can be a wonderful place for couples or families who are seeking adventure and cultural experiences. Garissa can be a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture whilst experiencing some of Kenya's natural beauty.

How to get around Garissa

The most common modes of transportation in Garissa, Kenya are Matatus, Boda-bodas (motorcycles), and Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles). However, taxis and private vehicles are also available for hire.

What to see around Garissa

Sure thing! Here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Garissa, Kenya: 1. Lagdera Forest - A beautiful forest with hiking trails and picnic areas located only 20 km from Garissa.
2. Galmudug Elephant Sanctuary - A sanctuary that offers visitors an opportunity to see elephants up close, it's 132km from Garissa.
3. Bura Irrigation Scheme - A large-scale irrigation project that showcases sustainable agriculture practices. It's only 35km away from Garissa.
4. Arid Lands Resource Management Project - A project that promotes sustainable livelihoods and conservation efforts in the arid region of Kenya. It is located 105km from Garissa.
5. Tana River Primate Reserve - A primate sanctuary that is home to a variety of monkeys and baboons. It is located approximately 140km from Garissa.
6. The Manderasatul Ballooning Activity - Float over the desert in a hot-air balloon and discover the magnificent views of the barren Eastern Kenya savannahs.
7. The Garissa Museum and Cultural Center - located within Garissa city, this is a great place to learn about the different cultures and traditions of the Kenyan people and their history.
Enjoy your trip!
For every travel information about Kenya you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.