Kenya – Eldoret
On our way back to Kenya, we stop by the country’s 5th biggest city, Eldoret. The presiding geographical characteristic of this area remains the Great Rift Valley whilst the altitude of Eldoret varies from 2,100 to 2,700 metres above sea level.
Eldoret is a Kenyan town established by Afrikaners in 1910. The town was initially known to the locals as 64 or Sisibo due to it being set up at the 64th mile post on the wagon course from Londiani. In the year 1908, the entire region of Eldoret has been settled by Afrikaans speaking South Africans who journeyed there from Nakuru following a trek from South Africa by sea and by rail from Mombasa. Briefly following this, further settlers and traders of European and Asian descent started to arrive. When the governor chose to set up an administrative centre in 1912, the town became officially known as ‘Eldoret’.
The town, becoming an administrative centre, resulted in a massive increase in trade within the potential city. As an outcome of this, a bank and a few shops were constructed. Eldoret is the hometown of many well-known Kenyan runners, the most famous of whom is Kipchoge Keino. The elevation of Eldoret makes for a prime training ground for plenty of middle and long distance sportsmen. The athletes from this town have contributed immensely to Eldoret’s economy by sharing their winnings from races won all around the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Naiberi River Camp or similar
Facilities: Shared ablutions, cold showers, drinkable water
Route: Jinja to Eldoret +/-320 kms
Travel Time: +/-7-8 hours plus border crossing
