Journey through Kenya’s hidden tourism gems
The country’s scenic beauty is unfolding with each turn of the ongoing Kenya Tourism Board’s Magical Trail, that has crisscrossed the landscapes of Laikipia, Nyandarua, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties, revealing Kenya’s vast, untapped tourism potential.
From the majestic Tugen Hills, through the mesmerising waters of Lake Bogoria, to the heart-stopping dives at Cheploch Gorge and the rich history of Tambach Town, tourist attractions are in abundance in the regions.
Cheploch Gorge
Cheploch Gorge, sitting on the border of Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties, is a must-go for thrill-seekers.
Young fearless divers leap from heights of about 70 metres into the waters of Kerio River, providing a spectacle that is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Scenic Views
For those in love with natural beauty, the hills and escarpments of Elgeyo Marakwet County offer a stunning visual feast. Widely known for its world-class athletes, the region’s hills and escarpments provide unmatched panoramic views, offering a glimpse into some of Kenya’s most beautiful sites.
Tambach Heritage Town
Tambach, one of Kenya’s oldest towns, provides a deep historical dimension to the “Magical Kenya” narrative.
Established in the 1920s by British colonial administrators, the heritage site is nestled on the Elgeyo Escarpment with spectacular views of the Kerio Valley. The town’s museum and historical buildings offer insights into Kenya’s colonial history.
Adventure thrill
The spirit of adventure is palpable as the trail, which features cyclists explore the various “magical points”. The cyclists have endured challenging terrains as they immerse themselves in Kenya’s beautiful natural wonders.
Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) team, led by CEO Lilian Kimeto, is documenting the trail, showcasing the convergence of adventure, culture and history to celebrate the diversity and beauty of Magical Kenya.
KYEB, in Chapter 21 of the Kenya Yearbook 2024, which is accessible on www.kenyayearbook.go.ke, highlights the developments in the tourism sector during the period.
The Chapter breaks down the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife interventions to diversify tourism.
These include the Government’s focus on niche tourism markets, including sports, adventure and cultural tourism and highlights the emphasis on marketing Kenya as a desirable travel destination — especially through the “Magical Kenya” brand.
Yearbook 2024 also shows the recovery of the Kenya’s tourism, where the sector registered an improved performance in 2023 and 2024. Tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 stood at 1.02 million, an increase of 21.3 per cent as compared to a similar period in 2023, earning the country Sh142.5 billion.
The Government during the period also unveiled new tourist circuits that map all the 47 counties across the country.
The circuits cover Kenya’s traditional tourism offerings such as wildlife safaris as well as new niche products including adventure and sports tourism.
The ongoing Magical Kenya Trail showcases the unique flora and fauna, scenic viewpoints and landmarks as part of the new niche tourism products.
KYEB is mandated to document Government programmes and initiatives to showcase the immense resources of Kenya and the potential still to be tapped as well as sustain and speed up the progress towards the kind of society Kenyans desire.