From Wikitravel

Garissa is a city in the Northeastern Kenya. It is the main town of Garissa district. Garissa is a prodiminantly Muslim (Somali) town. Garissa lies on the Tana River and is the geographical 'gateway' to the interior of North Eastern province. It is a hub in the ongoing humanitarian food aid programme into the north east of Kenya.

[edit] Get in

There are daily bus services from Nairobi 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.

[edit] Get around

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.

[edit][add listing] See

Garissa is off the tourist trail but gives an interesting insight into the Somali way of life without crossing into Somalia itself. The town has attractive side streets with typical brightly-painted shop fronts. Out of town the landscape is thorn scrub. Wildlife to be glimpsed from the road includes eagles, dikdik, baboons and meerkats. Large herds of camels are often seen being moved by families between seasonal village sites.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

You can buy traditional Somali curio items such as dhiil, ameel and an array of calabashes

[edit][add listing] Eat

Most 'internationals' eat at the Nomad Hotel but there are several small 'hotels' (cafes) around town.

[edit][add listing] Drink

This is a mainly Muslim town so alcohol is not widely sold. The 'Simba' bar opposite the Nomad Hotel is the most popular gathering place for non-Muslim locals and visitors to town.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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.

[edit] Stay safe

North eastern Kenya has an 'edgy' feel but there is no particular threat to foreigners. People in Garissa are generally very friendly but visitors should be aware they may be assumed to be UN personnel. The outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in December 2006 in Garissa district may deter visitors until the dry season resumes.

[edit] Contact

Cellular phones operated by Safaricom and others work well in the town and along much of the Nairobi-Garissa road. Phone cards can be bought in kiosk and shops in town.

There is an internet cafe on the ground floor of the Halgan Hotel building in the main street. It is usually closed for short periods at prayer time.

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