Top Ten Counties in Kenya for MICE, Safari, and Events

Kenya's counties are living stories - each blending wildlife, culture, and business opportunities into unforgettable experiences. From the urban sophistication of Nairobi to the coastal paradise of Kilifi, discover the perfect destination for your next corporate event or safari adventure.

1. Nairobi County - Africa's Urban Safari and MICE Capital

Key Places: Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

Access: 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 15 minutes from Wilson Airport

Nairobi is a city of contrasts, where the roar of lions coexists with skyscraper skylines. Visitors can drive through Nairobi National Park and spot lions, buffaloes, and rhinos against a backdrop of the city's modern towers. Beyond the wildlife, Nairobi boasts high-end conference facilities, luxury hotels, and vibrant dining scenes. Cultural attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum and Maasai markets offer immersive experiences for delegates and tourists alike.

For MICE events, Nairobi is unparalleled - planners can combine productive corporate meetings with exhilarating safari drives or educational tours in conservation centres.

Fun Fact: Nairobi is the only capital city in the world with a full-scale wildlife park within the city limits.

2. Narok County - The Heart of the Great Migration

Key Places: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara Triangle, Talek, Oloololo Escarpment

Access: 5 hours by road from Nairobi or 1-hour charter flight to Mara airstrips

Narok County is synonymous with the Maasai Mara, one of Africa's most iconic safari landscapes. Rolling grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with acacia trees, predators on the hunt, and vast herds of wildebeest during the Great Migration. The county is also rich in Maasai culture - villages, beadwork, traditional dances, and storytelling provide deep cultural immersion for visitors.

MICE travellers can enjoy luxurious lodges and safari camps with exclusive conference spaces. Incentive travel programs often combine game drives, balloon safaris, and cultural visits to create high-impact experiences.

Fun Fact: Narok's Maasai Mara is considered one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of Africa" and hosts a spectacular migration that draws tourists worldwide.

3. Kajiado County - Amboseli and Kilimanjaro's Shadow

Key Places: Amboseli National Park, Loitokitok, Namanga, Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site

Access: 4-5 hours by road from Nairobi or charter flights from Wilson Airport

Kajiado is a landscape of vast plains, sweeping horizons, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park is famed for its large elephant herds and stunning photographic opportunities. The county's Maasai culture is deeply woven into daily life, offering visitors the chance to witness traditional ceremonies, learn beadwork crafts, and engage with local communities.

MICE activities here can include luxury lodge meetings, sunset safaris for networking, and cultural immersion programs. The area's natural beauty and authenticity create unmatched incentive travel experiences.

Fun Fact: The annual Maasai Cultural Week brings thousands of visitors eager to engage with Maasai traditions and performances.

4. Laikipia County - The Elite Wilderness Experience

Key Places: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Segera Retreat, Borana

Access: 4-5 hours by road from Nairobi or 45 minutes via charter flight

Laikipia is the epitome of luxury safaris. Its rolling savannahs and private conservancies house rhinos, elephants, lions, and rare Grevy's zebras. Walking safaris and night drives offer exclusive wildlife encounters, while high-end lodges provide state-of-the-art conference facilities in natural surroundings.

The county is ideal for corporate retreats, high-profile MICE events, and wellness programs that combine adventure with comfort. Conservation-focused initiatives also make Laikipia attractive for sustainability-centered meetings and workshops.

Fun Fact: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last two northern white rhinos, making it a living centre for wildlife conservation and education.

5. Nakuru County - Flamingos and Rift Valley Marvels

Key Places: Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha, Menengai Crater

Access: 2 hours by road from Nairobi

Nakuru County is a visual feast, where pink flamingos grace the shores of Lake Nakuru and volcanic cliffs rise from the Rift Valley floor. Hell's Gate offers adventure through rock climbing, cycling safaris, and geothermal exploration, while Naivasha's lakeside resorts are ideal for team-building and corporate workshops.

MICE planners can combine conferences with guided nature walks, boat safaris, and interactive wildlife education programs. The county's accessibility and mix of natural attractions make it perfect for leisure, incentive travel, and corporate gatherings.

Fun Fact: Nakuru is rapidly becoming the conference hub of the Rift Valley, blending scenic beauty with professional infrastructure.

6. Taita-Taveta County - The Tsavo Wilderness Frontier

Key Places: Tsavo East and West National Parks, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, LUMO Conservancy

Access: 6 hours by road from Nairobi or 4 hours from Mombasa

Taita-Taveta encompasses Kenya's largest national parks, offering vast savannahs, hills, waterfalls, and private lodges. Tsavo East's open plains are famous for lions and elephants, while Taita Hills' lush forests and birding spots create an intimate connection with nature.

Corporate and incentive groups can enjoy secluded retreats, exclusive lodges for workshops, and safari adventures that combine team-building with relaxation. The region is ideal for eco-conscious events and private, high-impact meetings.

Fun Fact: Tsavo National Park is almost 22,000 square kilometres, hosting Kenya's largest free-roaming wildlife population.

7. Baringo County - Lakes, Hot Springs, and Cultural Experiences

Key Places: Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Cheploch Gorge, Ruko Conservancy

Access: 5-6 hours by road from Nairobi

Baringo County offers dramatic lakescapes, flamingo colonies, and geothermal wonders. Lakeside lodges and conservancies are perfect for retreats, wellness events, and nature-based conferences. Cultural tours with the Tugen and Njemps communities add depth to any corporate or incentive program.

Fun Fact: Lake Bogoria's geysers and hot springs are natural spectacles, creating a stunning environment for eco-retreats and outdoor meetings.

8. Kilifi County - Coastal Paradise and Swahili Heritage

Key Places: Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi Creek, Gede Ruins, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

Access: 1 hour from Moi International Airport (Mombasa), 30 minutes from Malindi Airport

Kilifi blends white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich Swahili-Arab heritage. Coastal resorts provide world-class conference facilities, and marine activities - from snorkelling to dhow cruises - enhance leisure and incentive travel experiences. Historical sites like the Gede Ruins offer cultural depth and storytelling opportunities for delegates.

Fun Fact: Kilifi has won multiple tourism awards for its exceptional combination of beaches, cultural heritage, and resort hospitality.

9. Machakos County - The Emerging MICE Hub

Key Places: Machakos People's Park, Iveti Hills, Mua Hills, Konza Technopolis

Access: 1 hour from Nairobi by road

Machakos is redefining itself as a hub for business events. Its scenic hills, eco-tourism lodges, and outdoor activity centres make it ideal for corporate retreats and team-building programs. The proximity to Nairobi allows hybrid itineraries combining urban and semi-wild experiences.

Fun Fact: Machakos hosts an annual arts and culture festival attracting creative entrepreneurs, providing networking opportunities alongside corporate events.

10. Meru County - Elsa's Land and Highland Serenity

Key Places: Meru National Park, Mount Kenya slopes, Njuri Ncheke Shrine, Meru Museum

Access: 5-6 hours by road from Nairobi or a 45-minute charter flight

Meru County offers lush highlands, meandering rivers, and wildlife-rich plains. Meru National Park is famous for Elsa, the lioness of Born Free fame. Its serene landscapes and eco-lodges provide the perfect setting for corporate retreats, sustainability workshops, and wellness-focused incentive travel.

Fun Fact: The Njuri Ncheke council in Meru is one of Africa's oldest traditional governance institutions, providing cultural depth to visitor experiences.

Conclusion

Kenya's top ten counties are a fusion of safari adventure, culture, and modern business infrastructure. From Nairobi's urban-safari charm to Kilifi's coastal elegance, these destinations offer unparalleled settings for corporate meetings, incentive travel, and leisure events. For Come Travel Kenya Limited, these regions provide a versatile and immersive canvas where business, culture, and adventure converge seamlessly.