KENYA EXPERIENCE
Plan your trip
Isiolo County, Kenya

Njia

Njia means the way.

Isiolo County

Isiolo is the northern gateway for Kenya's Vision 2030 plans and protects rare species such as Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.

Capital
Isiolo
People
268k
Area
25,336 km²
Altitude
1,150 m

Isiolo is a land of hot, semi-arid plains crossed by the Ewaso Nyiro River and the gateway to northern Kenya. Its main communities are the Borana, Somali and Sakuye, alongside Turkana, Samburu and Meru.

Why it matters

Isiolo is the northern gateway for Kenya's Vision 2030 plans and protects rare species such as Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.

The economy

Herding of cattle, camels, sheep and goats dominates, and the camel-milk trade supplies Nairobi.

Must-see in Isiolo

  • Buffalo Springs National Reserve

    Riverine forest and plains with 365+ bird species.

  • Shaba National Reserve

    Rugged volcanic country linked to Joy Adamson of Born Free.

  • Bisanadi National Reserve

    A remote wilderness bordering Meru National Park.

  • Magado Crater

    A volcanic crater among the county's natural sights.

  • Lorian Swamp and Merti Plateau

    Wild landscapes of the far east.

  • Isiolo Jamia Mosque and St. Eusebius Cathedral

    Landmarks of Isiolo's mixed heritage.

Parks and wildlife in Isiolo

Peoples of Isiolo

Communities with a historic home in Isiolo. Today people from every part of Kenya live and work here.

Music, food and culture

Borana, Somali, Samburu and Turkana traditions meet here, and beadwork is central to identity. The Isiolo Cultural Diversity Festival celebrates this mix, and camel milk is the signature product.

Best time to go

June–October and January–February, when animals gather along the Ewaso Nyiro.

Isiolo and its neighbours. Tap a county or a place to read about it.

Hover a county or a dot. Click to open it. Locations are approximate.

Your questions

When is the best time to visit Isiolo?

June–October and January–February, when animals gather along the Ewaso Nyiro.

What is Isiolo County known for?

Isiolo is the northern gateway for Kenya's Vision 2030 plans and protects rare species such as Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.

Where is Isiolo and what is its capital?

Isiolo is a land of hot, semi-arid plains crossed by the Ewaso Nyiro River and the gateway to northern Kenya. Its main communities are the Borana, Somali and Sakuye, alongside Turkana, Samburu and Meru. The county capital is Isiolo, and the 2019 census counted 268,002 people across about 25,336 square kilometres.

A giraffe and acacia tree silhouetted against a Kenyan sunset

Put Isiolo on your map.

A Kenya specialist replies within two business days with dates, lodges and flights from the USA.

Book a trip