Narok County (033) is one of the 47 Counties in Kenya. The county is situated along the southern part of the Great Rift Valley. And its name is derived from Enkare Narok – a river flowing through Narok town. The dominant communities in the county are Maasai and Kalenjin ethnic groups.
The county is made up of six sub-counties namely, Kilgoris, Emurua Dikirr, Narok East, Narok West, Narok North, and Narok South. It borders Tanzania and the counties of Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Kajiado, and Nakuru.
Located along the Mai Mahiu-Bomet road (B3), Narok town is the capital and largest center in the county. However, there are other notable town centers in the county including Eoret Narasha, Ntulele, and Kilgoris.
List of 10 Best Places to Visit in Narok County
Besides wheat farming and gold mining, the county is a popular tourist destination. Being home to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and other attractions makes Narok a worthy contender for the best places to visit in Kenya. If you are planning a trip to Kenya, the following is a list of things to do in Narok county – including Massai Mara.
- Go on a Hot Air Balloon adventure in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Stay at the Ololaimutiek Village.
- Watch the spectacular wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara.
- Explore the Narok Museum and learn about the Maa people.
- Go for a game drive in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
- Visit the Olare Orok Conservancy and see the Ntiakitiak Gorge.
- Explore the Mara Triangle.
- Visit the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and stay at Porini Mara Camp.
- Go for a hike or camping trip at Mount Suswa Conservancy.
- Visit the Enonkishu Conservancy for a memorable game viewing experience.
- Explore Loita Hills while staying at Maji Moto – Eco Tented Camp.
How to Get There
Road: The cheapest way of getting to Narok town from Nairobi is by road. Several upcountry buses are plying the route. You can also self-drive or join a group tour van to Narok County. The most popular destinations in the county are Maasai Mara, Narok town, and Kilgoris.
Air: There is an airstrip in Narok town. Although there are no scheduled airline services, travelers can charter a flight from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Narok Airport.
Railway: If you are only visiting Mount Suswa, the best way to get there is by road. However, there is a train from Nairobi to Suswa town running three days a week. It costs only Kshs 200 and is worth a ride.
Where to Stay in Narok County
Narok County is home to some of the most luxurious and idyllic tented camps in the World. Almost all these accommodation facilities are located inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Although there most of them are expensive, you can still experience luxury on a budget. There are many campsites inside the reserve and also guesthouses and hotels in Narok town.
Some of the best accommodation facilities in Maasai Mara National Reserve include the following.
List of top 20 Camps in Maasai Mara
- Angama Mara
- Mahali Mzuri
- Naboisho Camp
- Richard’s River Camp
- Little Governors’ Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
- Porini Cheetah Camp
- Topi Mara Bush House
- Governors’ Il Moran Camp
- Elephant Pepper Camp
- Cottar’s 1920s Camp
- Rekero Camp
- Saruni Mara
- Sanctuary Olonana
- Mara Expedition Camp
- Sala’s Camp
- Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
- Mara Intrepids Camp
- Ol Seki Hemingway’s Mara Camp
- Elewana Sand River Camp
From hotels and eco-lodges to luxury tented camps and even community guesthouses, explore more inspiration on where to stay in Narok County.
Featured Image: Hot air balloons take off during sunrise photo by Boopathi Rajaa Nedunchezhiyan on Unsplash