Tucked away in the Rift Valley Province, Rimoi National Reserve is a petite yet precious conservation area, spanning 66 square kilometers. Nestled adjacent to Lake Kilmarnock, this reserve is a crown jewel of the Kerio Valley, boasting an incredible array of biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
Rimoi National Reserve is renowned for its impressive elephant populations, with large herds migrating from as far as Turkana and Samburu to breed in this sanctuary. The reserve’s unique location makes it a melting pot of various species, creating an unforgettable adventure for visitors.
What sets Rimoi apart is the impressive size of its elephant herds, with up to 100 individuals roaming together. This is a rare sight, as most elephant herds elsewhere tend to be much smaller, often consisting of just 5-10 members.
Rimoi National Reserve is situated near the ancestral home of the Kalenjin tribe, a community celebrated for producing some of Kenya’s most renowned athletes, particularly distance runners. This unique cultural context adds another layer of fascination to the reserve’s appeal.
After a period of closure, Rimoi National Reserve reopened its gates on March 8, 2016, inviting visitors to experience its natural beauty and incredible wildlife. While the reserve may be small in size, it packs a big punch in terms of its conservation significance and tourist appeal. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for visiting the reserve, especially during the rainy season.
What to do in Rimoi National Reserve.
Rimoi National Reserve offers a wide range of exciting activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the reserve’s stunning natural beauty and incredible wildlife.
Game Viewing
Embark on a thrilling game viewing adventure, exploring the reserve’s vast expanses in search of its incredible wildlife. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a diverse array of fascinating creatures, including large herds of elephants, Bush pigs, warthogs, and dik-dik, Pangolins, genet, and impalas, Monkeys, snakes, tortoises, agama, and porcupines, adding to the reserve’s incredible biodiversity
As you explore the reserve, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery, with rolling hills, grasslands, and forests stretching as far as the eye can see. With its incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes, game viewing at Rimoi National Reserve is an unforgettable experience.
Camping
Spend a night under the stars, camping in the reserve’s stunning wilderness. With numerous campsites available, both within and outside the park, you can pitch your own tent and wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, surrounded by the reserve’s incredible wildlife. Visitors can hire tents and other camping facilities for a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the reserve’s natural beauty
As you camp in the reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the incredible beauty of the African wilderness, with its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and vibrant culture.
Nature Guided Walks
Explore the reserve’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife on a guided nature walk. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife, including birds, trees, and other vegetation, and learn about their unique characteristics and adaptations. Visit the dry Kilmarnock Lake and take in its stunning scenery, with the surrounding hills and forests stretching as far as the eye can see
Birding
Rimoi National Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a diverse array of bird species calling the reserve home. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the reserve’s incredible bird species, including Turacos, Honey guides, Pigeons, sunbirds, weavers, and hornbills. The reserve also hosts Migratory birds, visiting the reserve from far and wide, and residential birds, calling the reserve home year-round
Visit Cheptarit Hill
Take a hike up to Cheptarit Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below, with the surrounding hills and forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Explore the Stunning hot springs, bubbling up from the earth and creating a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, rich cultural and historical heritage, with insights into the reserve’s unique cultural context and the traditions of the local community
Getting to Rimoi National Reserve
Rimoi National Reserve is accessible by both road and air, offering visitors a range of options to suit their needs.
By Road
The reserve is approximately 300 kilometers from Nairobi, a 5–6-hour drive. From Eldoret town, the reserve is just 40 kilometers away, making it an ideal day-trip or weekend getaway destination.
By Air
For those preferring to fly, the reserve can be accessed through an airstrip located in Eldoret. This convenient option allows visitors to skip the long drive and arrive at the reserve in style.
Accommodation Options
Rimoi National Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From camping to luxurious hotels, visitors can choose from Samich Resort, Sego Safari Lodge, Too Guest House, Koiklebel Homestay, Elgeyo Sawmills Guest Houses, Lelin Campsites and Bandas
Best Time to Visit
Rimoi National Reserve can be visited all year round, with each season offering a unique experience. Whether you prefer the warmth of summer or the coolness of winter, the reserve’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife are always on display.
