Garissa, city in Kenya, Tana river, predominantly Muslim, food aid programs,
This is the main town of Garissa district. Garissa is a predominantly Muslim (Somali) town. Garissa lies on the Tana River and is the geographic gateway to the interior of the northeastern province. It is a hub in the ongoing humanitarian food aid program into the northeast of Kenya.
Get in[edit]
There are daily bus services from Mombasa to Garissa. The road to Garissa is hard surfaced and in good condition. By car, the journey takes about 4 to 5 hours. Garissa has an airfield but no scheduled flights
Get around[edit]
Garissa is small enough to get around on foot, but taxis can easily be hired. Beyond Garissa itself the roads are unsurfaced and frequently become impassable even by 4-wheel drive vehicles during the rains.
Transport from Garissa is good if heading for Nairobi. However, when trying to reach the coastal towns, such as Malindi or Mombasa, be aware that transport is very limited, with buses leaving only at 5 AM. The Garissa - Mombasa road currently has an unsurfaced gap of around 60km, on which travel is fairly difficult without a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Plan at least a day to travel this route.
See[edit][add listing]
Garissa is off the tourist trail and offers insight into the Somali way of life without crossing into Somalia itself. The town has attractive side streets with traditional brightly-painted shop fronts. Out of town the landscape is thorn scrub. Wildlife to be glimpsed from the road includes eagles, dikdik, baboons, giraffes, warthogs, garnoogs and meerkats. Large herds of camels are often seen being moved by families between seasonal village sites.
Do[edit][add listing]
You can go shopping at suuq mugdi ( the dark market as it is known locally). Lots of stuff and all the prices are negotiable. Gym there is one at Jihan centre. You can also kick some football at Garissa primary football field in the evening that is when it is mostly alive. You can also play volleyball right there. Giraffe centre - there is a giraffe sanctuary where you can take pictures of giraffes and admire them. it is located south of Garissa probable 5 km from Nomad hotel going towards Korkora.
Buy[edit][add listing]
You can buy traditional Somali curio items such as dhiil, ameel and an array of calabashes
Eat[edit][add listing]
Most internationals eat at the Nomad Hotel and there are several small hotel cafes around town.
Drink[edit][add listing]
This is a mainly Muslim town so alcohol is not widely sold. The Maji Club opposite the Nomad Hotel is the most popular gathering place for non-Muslim locals and visitors to town. There are also quite a number of other places to socialize and have a cold tusker, like the Government Guest House, Jamhuri Club and Town Club. There is a new classic hotel on board.
Sleep[edit][add listing]
The Nomad Hotel is the most popular accommodation for visiting internationals including UN and other aid agency staff. There are two other hotels in the main street (one is the Halgan) that offer modern air conditioned rooms with en suite facilities for less than US$10 per night. There are also Hidig and Ainulqamar which offer good accommodation, meals, and services.
Almond. Brand new five star hotel with 75 modern air-conditioned rooms with WIFI, swimming pool, gymnasium. edit
Stay safe[edit]
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