Kericho

The heart of Kenya's tea-growing region, Kericho offers lush green rolling hills dotted with tea plantations and a cool highland climate. Visitors can tour working tea estates, learn about tea production, and enjoy the region's scenic beauty and fresh mountain air.

Things to do

• Tea Estate Tours — Visit working tea plantations like Kericho Tea or Unilever's estates to see tea picking, processing, and learn about Kenya's tea industry from expert guides.
• Kericho Tea Museum — Explore the history and heritage of tea production in Kenya through exhibits, machinery displays, and tasting rooms at this informative museum.
• Hiking in the Tea Hills — Trek through scenic highland terrain among verdant tea plantations, enjoying cool mountain air and panoramic views of the rolling green landscape.
• Sigowet Falls — Visit this picturesque waterfall set within lush vegetation, offering a refreshing natural swimming spot and photo opportunities in the highland forests.
• Tea Tasting Experience — Sample freshly brewed Kericho tea varieties at local estates or tea houses, learning the proper tasting techniques and flavor profiles of different grades.
• Visit Kipchoge Keino Stadium — Tour the training grounds and facilities named after Kenya's legendary runner, offering insight into Kenya's running culture and athletic heritage.

Food to try

• Ugali with Sukuma Wiki — A staple dish of maize meal served with collard greens, commonly eaten with local vegetables and grilled tomatoes in Kericho households.
• Nyama Choma — Grilled meat seasoned simply with salt and served with ugali or rice, a beloved local favorite found at numerous roadside grills throughout the region.
• Chapati — Thin, fried flatbread that accompanies almost every meal, served warm with beans, vegetables, or as a standalone carbohydrate.
• Tea with Fresh Scones — Enjoy Kericho's freshly harvested tea paired with warm scones and locally made jam, a quintessential highland experience at tea estates.
• Githeri — A traditional dish of maize and beans cooked together with onions and tomatoes, representing authentic highland Kikuyu cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Tea Estate Workers — Tea pickers work long hours in challenging conditions; be respectful during estate visits and consider purchasing tea directly to support local livelihoods.
• Dress Warmly — Kericho's highland elevation means cooler temperatures year-round; bring a sweater or jacket even during warmer months for comfort during outdoor activities.
• Tea is Sacred — Tea is central to Kenyan hospitality and daily life; accepting a cup of tea when offered is a sign of respect and connection to local culture.
• Shop at Local Markets — Visit Kericho Town market to buy fresh produce, locally made goods, and tea directly from farmers, supporting the community economy directly.

Nearby

• Tea Plantation Homestays (Southwestern Highlands) — 6 km
• Chemosit Peak (Southwestern Highlands) — 23 km
• Sotik (Southwestern Highlands) — 28 km
• Lake Nakuru National Park (Nairobi & Central Highlands) — 63 km