Mandera - Discovering Kenya

Travelling to Mandera

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Mandera, 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 Mandera 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 Mandera, 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 Mandera for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Mandera

Mandera is a town located in the northeastern part of Kenya, near the border with Somalia and Ethiopia. It has a population of around 60,000 people and is the capital of the Mandera County. The town is predominantly inhabited by Somali ethnic groups and is known for its livestock markets. Mandera experiences a semi-arid climate, with temperatures averaging around 28°C during the day and dropping to around 13°C at night. It is a remote and relatively undeveloped area with limited infrastructure and services, making it a challenging destination for travelers, particularly for those unfamiliar with the region.

What to visit in Mandera

Mandera, located in northern Kenya, is known for its unique blend of Kenyan, Somali, and Ethiopian cultures. Although it is not a typical tourist destination, there are still a few noteworthy attractions worth checking out: 1. Elwak Museum - This museum showcases the history and heritage of the Somali community in Mandera. It highlights their traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, and musical instruments.
2. Dandu Forest Reserve - The reserve consists of dense vegetation, unique flora, and fauna. Visitors can hike and explore the forest, enjoying sightings of wildlife such as elephants, monkeys, baboons, and many bird species.
3. Malka Mari National Park - The park is named after the River Malka which runs through it. It's home to a variety of endangered species such as painted hunting dogs, the Hirola antelope, and the Grevy's zebra. Visitors can take a game drive throughout the park to observe the wildlife.
4. Mandera Main Market - This bustling market is the heart of the city, where local fruits, vegetables, clothing, and textiles are sold. Visitors can taste the fresh mangoes, papayas, and the delicious mandazi pastries.
5. Mandera Mosque - The mosque is a significant religious landmark for the Somali community of Mandera. It is a famous place of worship where visitors can experience the traditional Islamic culture and rituals.
6. The Desert - The vast desert found near Mandera is an ideal spot for adventure lovers. Visitors can go on camel rides and explore the wilderness, enjoying magnificent views of the horizon sunrise and sunset.
Mandera offers a unique blend of history, wildlife, culture, and landscape, making it a perfect destination for those looking to explore the less-trodden path of Northern Kenya.
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 Mandera.

When to go on holiday to Mandera

Mandera is located in the northern part of Kenya, and the weather is generally hot and dry throughout the year. The best time to visit Mandera is during the dry season, which runs from December to March, and July to October. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
However, it is important to note that Mandera is a remote region, and travel advisories may be in place due to security concerns. It is essential to check with your local embassy or travel advisory before planning a trip to Mandera.

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

How to get to Mandera

To get to Mandera in Kenya, you can take a flight from Nairobi to Mandera Airport. There are daily flights operated by airlines such as Fly540, SafariLink, and AirKenya. The flight takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nairobi to Mandera. The journey by bus takes around 24 hours and is not recommended due to safety concerns. It's always best to check with your travel agent or airline for the latest updates and schedules.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Mandera, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Mandera

Mandera is a town in northeastern Kenya with a unique blend of cultural influences from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Here are some typical foods of Mandera: 1. Kabaab - This is a popular meat dish that is made with marinated and skewered pieces of lamb or goat meat. The meat is grilled over an open flame and served with a side of rice or flatbread.
2. Sambusa - Sambusa is a delicious and savory snack that is similar to an Indian samosa. It consists of a crisp, fried pastry shell filled with spiced meat or vegetables.
3. Githeri - Githeri is a hearty stew made with beans, corn, and various vegetables. It's a staple dish in many parts of Kenya and is often eaten with chapati or ugali, a type of maize flour porridge.
4. Biryani - Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is popular in Indian and East African cuisine. In Mandera, biryani is typically made with chicken or lamb and a blend of aromatic spices and herbs.
5. Maraq - Maraq is a traditional Somali soup that is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. It's often served as a main course with a side of bread or rice.
6. Chapati - Chapati is a delicious and versatile flatbread that is commonly eaten in Mandera and other parts of East Africa. It's made with flour, water, and oil, and is cooked on a griddle or skillet. It can be eaten plain or used to scoop up curries and stews.
You can find general info about typical foods in Kenya here.

Is Mandera an expensive destination for tourists?

Mandera is generally considered an expensive destination for tourists, especially when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Kenya. This is because Mandera is situated in an arid and remote area and thus has limited tourism infrastructure. The cost of transport, accommodation, and food tends to be higher in Mandera compared to other destinations in Kenya. However, if you plan your trip well and book in advance, you can find affordable accommodation and transportation options. It is also recommended to engage a local tour operator who can give you a better idea of the costs and help you save money during your trip.

Where to find accomodation in Mandera

Mandera is a county located in the northeastern region of Kenya. The county consists of several towns, but Mandera Town, Elwak, and Banisa are the most popular destinations for visitors. Therefore, it is best to find accommodation in these areas. Mandera Town is the largest town in the county, and it offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Elwak is a smaller town compared to Mandera, but it also has a few hotels and guesthouses for visitors. Banisa is a small town located near the Ethiopia border, and it has a few basic guesthouses where visitors can stay. It's worth noting that accommodation options in Mandera county may be limited compared to other popular tourist destinations in Kenya.
You can check hotel prices at Mandera here:
Booking.com

Is Mandera a safe destination for tourists?

While Mandera has been relatively safe for locals, it is currently not recommended for tourism due to security concerns. The area has seen occasional violent conflicts in the past, and the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping is relatively high. As a precaution, it is advisable to avoid all non-essential travel to the region and consult the most up-to-date travel advisories before planning a trip to Kenya.
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 Mandera.

What type of travelers will enjoy Mandera the most?

Mandera is primarily a business hub as well as an administrative center in Kenya. Due to the nature of the region, it is more suitable for business travelers and government officials rather than tourists. However, if you are interested in exploring the local Somali culture, you can visit the Eastleigh suburb in Nairobi, which is known as "Little Mogadishu" and has a high Somali population. Overall, Mandera and the surrounding areas are not recommended for tourists, especially for couples, young people looking for fun or families, due to security concerns and lack of tourist infrastructure.

How to get around Mandera

In Mandera, the most common mode of transportation is by motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis). Buses and taxis are also available. However, it's important to note that the road network in Mandera is largely underdeveloped and may not be suitable for large vehicles. Therefore, it's recommended to use a motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk for short distances and buses or taxis for longer distances.

What to see around Mandera

Mandera is located in the northeastern part of Kenya and has many interesting places nearby that you can visit in a day trip. Here are some suggestions: 1. El Wak: A town located on the border of Kenya and Somalia, El Wak is known for its rugged terrain and beautiful scenery. You can take a hike to the top of El Wak Hill to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
2. Bisanadi National Reserve: A wildlife reserve located east of Mandera, Bisanadi National Reserve is a great place to see animals such as elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and lions.
3. Daua River: Located in the northeastern part of Kenya, the Daua River is a natural landmark that offers breathtaking views. You can also go fishing or take a boat ride on the river.
4. Fafi Hills: A range of hills that offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the Fafi Hills are great for hiking and bird watching.
5. Takaba: A small town located in the northern part of Kenya, Takaba is a great place to experience the local culture and see the traditional way of life of the Somali people.
6. Kulan Dam: A popular spot for picnics and camping, Kulan Dam is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
For every travel information about Kenya you can click here.

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