Community elder Mohamed Hassan explains to the tourists how fermented
milk is prepared/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A local tourist from Nairobi enjoys camel milk in Bula Adey village, Korakora, Garissa subcounty/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa County, long overlooked and often associated with insecurity, is slowly but surely transforming into a promising eco-cultural tourism hotspot.
For decades, the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage remained largely untapped. But that is beginning to change.
On Monday, 16 local tourists visited Bulla Adey village in Korakora, about 25km from Garissa town, to enjoy the Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary and immerse themselves in authentic Somali culture.
The community welcomed the visitors with traditional songs, dances, and delicious local foods. Craftspeople displayed their handmade creations, offering the tourists a genuine glimpse into life beyond Kenya’s usual coastal and safari destinations.
For many residents, this was a historic moment. Mohamed Hassan, a 65-year-old village elder, expressed his joy with visible pride. “I have never seen anything like this in our quiet village. Having visitors come just to explore our home is truly special. It shows that we have untapped tourism potential,” he said.
Mohamed Abdullahi, another elder, highlighted the community’s unique strengths: “What sets us apart is our focus on cultural heritage and community-led wildlife conservation. We are proud to welcome our brothers and sisters from across the country. This is a great boost for domestic tourism.”
Leading the group was Moses Owiti from Bazenga Safaris, who shared his excitement at being part of the first team to explore Garissa’s hidden gems.
“It’s time to break away from the usual tourist circuits. Here, we’ve discovered the rich Somali culture, traditional dances, unique artifacts like the collapsible herio huts, the stunning River Tana and its lush thickets, boat rides, herds of reticulated giraffes, and camels roaming freely,” he said.
Owiti admitted he had long believed the common narrative about Garissa’s insecurity and unfriendly communities but was pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality he encountered.
His discovery was made possible through Garissa County Ecotourism Conservation, a local organisation promoting eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. GCEGA is a member of Ecotourism Kenya.
“Many safari companies avoid Garissa because of fears around security. But we decided to take a chance and explore the real potential here. Now, both local and international visitors are eager to come. We’ll be sharing our experience to encourage more tourism,” Owiti said.
Fellow tourist Joe Odeny recalled his unforgettable moments—camping and enjoying a bonfire at Bulla Iftin campsite, witnessing captivating cultural dances, visiting giraffe conservancies, and engaging warmly with local people.
“It was a thrilling adventure. I will be sharing the untold stories of Garissa with many Kenyans who may be held back by fears of insecurity,” he said.
Mukami Gitonga was equally inspired by the boat rides, the vibrant culture, and the unique flora and fauna. She’s already planning her return.
“To anyone looking for genuine and unique cultural experiences, Garissa’s tourist attractions offer something special,” she said.
Abdi Ibrahim, the chairperson of GCEGA, expressed optimism about the growing interest.
“This is our first group of tourists, and we’re thrilled. They will carry these unique experiences back to their communities. We expect many more visitors—local and foreign—to come,” he said.
Ibrahim also appealed to both county and national governments to support their efforts in marketing Garissa’s eco-tourism and conservation projects, combating the narrative that the region is unsafe.
Garissa Kenya Wildlife Service senior warden Jacob Orahle welcomed the tourists at the Garissa KWS camp, highlighting the region’s diverse attractions.
“These include the giraffe sanctuary, cultural centres, vast open lands dotted with camels, the endangered hirola sanctuary at Ishaqbini, and the lush riverbanks along the Tana River. These places leave a lasting impression on all who visit,” he said.
As Garissa opens its doors wider, it is clear that this once quiet corner of Kenya is ready to shine on the country’s tourism map.
