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Eldoret
ℹ️Practical info — Eldoret
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit one of the athletics training camps, preferably in the early morning hours in nearby Iten.
- The high altitude can be taxing at first; take it easy the first few days.
- Matatus (minibuses) are the main mode of transport; agree on a fare before traveling if it's not a fixed route.
- Shop for fresh produce at the main market to experience the local hustle and bustle.
- Check out local running events that happen in the 'City of Champions' almost every weekend.
🍽 Food
The quintessential Kenyan staple, available in any local restaurant.
Traditional fermented milk, a Kalenjin specialty found in local markets.
Grilled meat; try it at popular barbecue spots on the outskirts of the city.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy high-quality local brands in supermarkets or specialty shops.
Handcrafted Maasai or Kalenjin jewelry in curio shops or the main market.
A peaceful retreat just outside the city with small nature trails along the river.
Features quiet gardens and a small nature park away from the bustling center.
Water temperature…
Eldoret is a rapidly growing city in western Kenya and serves as the administrative headquarters of Uasin Gishu County. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters in the Rift Valley highlands, the city provides a cool climate that has made it world-famous as a premier training ground for long-distance runners. The town was founded in 1910 by Afrikaner settlers and was originally known as 'Farm 64' before being renamed after the Maasai word 'Eldore' for the nearby river. Eldoret's economy is highly diversified, anchored by large-scale agriculture, particularly maize and wheat farming, as well as thriving industries such as textile manufacturing and food processing. As an educational hub, it is home to Moi University, one of Kenya's leading academic institutions. The city's transport infrastructure, featuring Eldoret International Airport and its position along the main highway to Uganda, makes it a critical logistical hub for East Africa. Eldoret's cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the Kalenjin community, whose heritage significantly shapes the city's social landscape.
- Location: Kenya
- Top sights: Roman Catholic Diocese of Eldoret · Uasin Gishu County · Uasin Gishu District
- Nearby: Kapsabet (34 km)
- Population: ~475.716 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 36 | 92 | 235 | 185 | 116 | 119 | 139 | 109 | 152 | 147 | 76 |
Geography
Facts
- Eldoret was founded in 1910 and initially called 'Farm 64'.
- The city sits at a high altitude of 2,100 meters.
- The name Eldoret is derived from a Maasai word for 'stony river'.
- It is home to Moi University, which was established in 1984.
- Eldoret International Airport was officially opened in 1995.
- The city is famously known as the 'Home of Champions' for its athletes.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Eldoret (3)
Frequently asked questions
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