Guide to Rimoi National Reserve

Rimoi National Reserve hosts the greatest elephant herds in East Africa. The reserve was reopened on March 8, 2016. The wildlife reserve is situated in the center of the Kerio Valley in Elgeiyo Marakwet County. The reserve, located 40 km from Iten, the global athletics hub, is safeguarded by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The park adjoins the residences of the Kalenjin people, renowned as the “running tribe,” who also engage in agriculture. Lake Kamnarok is situated adjacent to Rimoi and is part of the same ecosystem, located on the opposite bank of the Kerio River. Lake Kamnarok is a seasonal lake located in Kenya, at the foot of the Kerio Valley. In addition to the abundant species present in this game reserve, the park serves as a sanctuary for birds.

Overview – Contextual information regarding Rimoi National Reserve

The Rimoi National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The area is rather small, measuring only 66 km², however it is situated within a conservation zone five times larger. It is located 30 kilometers from Iten town along the Kabarnet – Eldoret route at the base of the Kerio Valley. It borders the eastern bank of the Kerio River.

The entrance is located 3 kilometers from the Biretwo – Arror route and 26 km from Biretwo. Rimoi Game Reserve is gradually transforming into a tourist destination, particularly due to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The park is recognized as a habitat for smaller mammals such as dikdik, impala, bush pig, warthog, monkeys, civet, genet, and pangolin.

Elephants are the sole huge animals present in the park. The elephants at the reserve congregate in a collective of approximately 100, in contrast to other elephant herds that travel in pairs or in groups of three to five. Nevertheless, they are most visible at night during their feeding activities. Rimoi Reserve hosts distinctive fauna, including the world’s rare white crocodile at the campsite along the Kerio River, as well as various reptiles such as Agama lizards, tortoises, and many snake species.

Bird life is plentiful and diverse, notably featuring weavers, sunbirds, pigeons, honeyguides, hornbills, and turacos. During the wet season, a seasonal lake known as Tabar emerges in a depression, attracting various water birds, including occasional unusual migrants.

Activities at Rimoi National Reserve

Game viewing

The reserve is famous for its extensive elephant populations, but it also hosts many smaller mammals and creatures, including buffalo, zebras, impalas, giraffes, monkeys, bush pigs, warthogs, dik-diks, pangolins, civets, genets, snakes, tortoises, agamas, and porcupines, among others. Reptiles encompass crocodiles, agamas, various lizards, tortoises, and several snakes.

Outdoor camping

Numerous campsites are accessible both within and outside the park, allowing guests to pitch tents and awaken to the sounds of birds in the forest; tents and other camping amenities are also available for rental.

Guided nature walks

The park features walking routes where visitors can explore fauna, avian species, and various tree types, as well as the arid Kilmarnock Lake. Tourists should refrain from participating in this activity unaccompanied by an armed ranger, as the elephants are often quite unpredictable. Strolls may be undertaken to the historic campsites.

Birding

Birdwatching can be conducted at Rimoi reserves, which are home to numerous avian species, including turacos, honeyguides, pigeons, sunbirds, weavers, and hornbills. Some of these species are migratory, while others are resident. The optimal location for this activity is Lake Tabar.

Explore Cheptarit Hill

Tourists who appreciate natural beauty can trek to Cheptarit Hill, where they will encounter breathtaking views of the valley and exquisite hot springs; the location is also rich in culture and history.

Explore the Chebloch Gorge

Chebloch Gorge is a prominent tourist destination in the region. The Kerio River, originating from the adjacent Elgeyo Escarpments, carves into the gorge, particularly during the wet season, reaching depths exceeding 20 meters. This creates a stunning vista of the gorge against the Elgeyo escarpment. The young men, as a tourist attraction, amuse visitors by diving into the crocodile-infested river for a price.

Directions to Rimoi National Reserve

By road: utilize your personal automobile, public transportation, or a tour van. The Rimoi National Reserve in Elgeyo Marakwet County is around 300 kilometers from Nairobi, requiring a five to six-hour trip. The Iten Kabarnet road offers a breathtaking perspective of the picturesque surrounding area. A 40-kilometer drive from Eldoret town to Iten town, the capital of world athletics. The reserve is accessible by flight, with bookings available online. Upon arriving in Eldoret, proceed to Rimoi National Reserve, approximately an hour’s drive away.

Via Road Transportation.

You may utilize your personal automobile, public transportation, or the tour van. The reserve is around 300 kilometers from Nairobi, requiring a travel of nearly five hours. The Iten Kabarnet road offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque countryside, located 40 kilometers from Eldoret town en route to Iten, the world athletics center.

Via Air Transport.

The reserve is accessible by air travel, which may be arranged online. Upon arrival in Eldoret, you will be transported to Rimoi National Reserve, approximately a one-hour drive away.

Rimoi National Reserve offers distinctive geological landscapes and biodiversity, and is among the limited protected regions within the remarkable Kerio Valley. The primary attractions in the reserve are the elephant herds, the cultural heritage, and the landscapes of the Kerio Valley. The reserve features a network of earthen and gravel roads, providing an exciting experience.