Isiolo

Isiolo County lies in northern Kenya, at the gateway to the arid northern frontier. The county capital, Isiolo town, is a vibrant market centre and an important transport hub on the road north to Marsabit and Moyale. The Ewaso Ng'iro River flows through the county, creating a green corridor that supports diverse wildlife. The national reserves — Shaba, Buffalo Springs, and Bisanadi — form one of Kenya's most scenic and wildlife-rich semi-arid ecosystems.

The dry months of June to October and January to March are best for wildlife viewing, when animals concentrate around water sources. The rains (April–June and November) can make roads difficult.

Isiolo town is on the paved A2 highway from Nairobi. Matatus and buses connect Isiolo to Nairobi, Meru, and towns to the north. Roads to the reserves are unpaved; a 4WD is recommended.

• Isiolo — the county capital, gateway to northern Kenya and a lively market town.
• Garbatulla — town in the eastern part of the county.
• Kinna — agricultural settlement near Kora National Reserve.
• Merti — town in the north, serving the Borana community.
• Oldonyiro — gateway town to Samburu National Reserve.
• Shaba National Reserve — scenic reserve known for its connection to Born Free and Joy Adamson.
• Buffalo Springs National Reserve — reserve with natural springs and diverse wildlife.
• Bisanadi National Reserve — remote wildlife reserve in the greater Meru ecosystem.

Somali, Borana, and Samburu influences shape the local cuisine: goat and camel meat, spiced rice, and chapati. Isiolo market is excellent for fresh produce and camel milk.

The county is a meeting point of several communities — Borana, Samburu, Somali, Turkana, and Meru. Isiolo's weekly camel market is famous. The annual Isiolo Cultural Festival showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts.

• Game drives in Shaba, Buffalo Springs, and Bisanadi reserves.
• Camel market in Isiolo town — one of the largest livestock markets in Kenya.
• Ewaso Ng'iro River scenery — the river and its doum palm-fringed banks are an oasis.
• Cultural visits to Borana, Samburu, and Somali communities.