Machakos, nicknamed Macha, is a town in the Southern Rift Valley.

Understand

Established in 1887, Machakos was an early capital of the then British East Africa Protectorate. Machakos lost its status as the capital in 1899 to Nairobi after the railway was constructed which had bypassed Machakos.

Get in

On road, Machakos is a one-hour drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi Expressway and Mombasa Road. Buses frequent between the cities and stop at Machakos Town Bus Station, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

See

• 1 Catholic Diocese Of Machakos, Mumbuni North Wote Rd, ☏ +254 44 2020484. M-F 8AM-5PM Sa 8AM-noon. A large church with a unique design. It can accommodate up to a thousand people. (updated Jan 2023)

Do

Machakos People's Park

• 1 Machakos People's Park, ☏ +254 704 394622, people'spark@machakosgovernment.com. Th 2PM-8PM F-Su 10AM-8PM. A public park and theme park with activities including zip lining, bouncy castles, horse and camel riding, mini golf and merry-go-rounds. Many families also have picnics on the open green spaces. (updated Jan 2023)

Eat

• Wajuzi Restaurant, Mwatu Wa Ngoma St, ☏ +254 731 517629. Daily 6AM-9PM. Serves a good mix of traditional Kenyan and fast food. Try the kebab and fries. (updated Jan 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Machakos Inn Hotel, Mwatu Wa Ngoma St, ☏ +254 740 527121. Cleans rooms with friendly staff. From Ksh 2,000. (updated Jan 2023)
• 2 Gelian Hotel, Mwatu Wa Ngoma St, ☏ +254 710551611, reservation@gelianhotel.com. The most luxurious accommodation in town for those who can afford to splurge. Facilities include conference rooms, fitness center, health spa and a rooftop swimming pool. Single rooms from Ksh 9,000, Double from Ksh 12,800. (updated Jan 2023)

Go next

Head south towards the Tanzanian border to Amboseli National Park, which offers some of the best viewing of large African wildlife.