Iten Paragliding – Soaring Over Kenya’s Rift Valley
- maria maris
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Few places on Earth offer the thrill and beauty of flying quite like Iten, Kenya — a highland town perched on the rim of the majestic Great Rift Valley. Known as the “Home of Champions” for producing world-class athletes, Iten is also a paradise for aerial adventurers. Here, the winds rise from the vast escarpment, carrying paragliders into the sky for some of the most breathtaking flights in Africa.
From the moment your feet leave the ground, Iten’s landscapes — rolling hills, green farmlands, and the endless Rift Valley horizon — unfold beneath you in cinematic splendor.
Where Is Iten?
Iten is located in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, about 350 kilometers northwest of Nairobi and 8 kilometers from Eldoret town. Sitting at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, it overlooks the dramatic Kerio Valley, one of the deepest escarpments in the Great Rift.
The area’s combination of altitude, geography, and consistent updrafts makes Iten one of the best paragliding spots in Africa — and a hidden gem for adventure travelers.
Why Iten Is Perfect for Paragliding
Iten’s geography is paragliding heaven. The Kerio Escarpment provides strong thermals and steady winds that allow pilots to stay airborne for hours. The climate is pleasant year-round, with predictable weather patterns ideal for both beginners and experienced flyers.
Key features that make Iten exceptional:
Thermal winds rising from the valley floor (often exceeding 1,500 meters of lift)
Wide, open landscapes for safe takeoffs and landings
Warm temperatures and clear visibility most of the year
Stunning aerial views of forests, cliffs, and winding rivers
Professional paragliders from around the world — including France, Switzerland, Germany, and South Africa — travel to Iten annually for long-distance and acrobatic flights.
The Experience – Taking Flight Over the Rift
Launching from Iten is an unforgettable experience. The main takeoff points are located along the escarpment near Kerio View Hotel and Paragliding Kenya Base Camp, offering an uninterrupted view of the valley.
As the canopy lifts, you feel the wind catch beneath you — then silence. Below, the Kerio River snakes through the valley floor, while to the west, the lush farmlands of Marakwet shimmer in the sun.
Depending on wind conditions, flights can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. On strong thermal days, skilled pilots soar as high as 3,000 meters above ground level, drifting across miles of unspoiled terrain.
For many, the experience is more than adrenaline — it’s a moment of peace suspended between sky and earth.
Types of Paragliding Available in Iten
1. Tandem Flights
Perfect for beginners, tandem paragliding allows you to fly with a certified instructor. You don’t need any prior experience — the pilot handles everything from takeoff to landing, while you enjoy the panoramic views.
Most flights last 20–40 minutes, depending on wind strength. You’ll glide smoothly over cliffs, farms, and forested slopes, with the chance to spot eagles and vultures soaring alongside.
2. Solo Flights (Licensed Pilots)
Experienced paragliders can fly solo from the main takeoff points near Iten and Tambach. The area offers world-class cross-country (XC) flying conditions, with recorded flights exceeding 150 kilometers along the Kerio Valley.
Visiting pilots must register with Paragliding Kenya and check weather and local regulations before flying.
3. Training Courses
Local operators like Paragliding Kenya and Kerio View Paragliding School offer professional training programs for beginners. Courses include:
Ground handling and equipment setup
Takeoff and landing techniques
Meteorology and air safety
Tandem progression flights
Training usually takes 7–10 days, depending on weather and progress.
Best Time for Paragliding in Iten
Paragliding is possible year-round in Iten, but the best flying season is during the dry months:
December to March
June to August
During these months, the thermals are strongest, visibility is excellent, and rainfall is minimal. Morning and late afternoon flights are most popular for calmer winds and golden light — perfect for photography.
Other Activities in Iten
1. Visit the Home of Champions
Iten is famous as the training ground for world record-holding athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Brigid Kosgei, and David Rudisha. Visit Lornah Kiplagat’s High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) or join local runners for a morning jog through the crisp highland air
2. Viewpoints and Nature Trails
The Kerio Viewpoint, just minutes from town, offers panoramic vistas of the escarpment — especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. Nearby trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, and nature photography.
3. Birdwatching and Wildlife
The cliffs and forests around the Kerio Valley are home to eagles, vultures, bee-eaters, and colobus monkeys. Paragliders often find themselves gliding alongside these birds in their natural element.
4. Local Culture and Cuisine
After your flight, relax at Kerio View Hotel or local cafés overlooking the valley. Try Kenyan chai, chapati, or ugali with nyama choma (grilled meat) while chatting with friendly locals about life in the highlands.
Getting to Iten
By Air: Fly from Nairobi to Eldoret International Airport (45 minutes). Iten is a 40-minute drive from Eldoret.
By Road: The drive from Nairobi takes about 6–7 hours via Nakuru and Eldoret.Local Transport: Motorbikes (boda-bodas) and taxis are easily available around Iten.
Where to Stay
1. Kerio View Hotel – The most famous spot for paragliders, with a launch site right on the property and panoramic views.
2. Paragliding Kenya Base Camp – Offers budget-friendly lodging and direct access to flying zones.
3. Naiberi River Camp (Eldoret) – Great for travelers who prefer to stay near town with outdoor adventure facilities.
Safety and Preparation Tips
Always fly with certified instructors or under supervision if you’re new.
Check weather conditions before takeoff.
Wear light layers — it can get chilly at altitude.
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a GoPro for aerial footage.
Respect local communities and avoid landing on private farms without permission.
Why Iten Paragliding Is Special
Paragliding in Iten isn’t just about flying — it’s about perspective. From above, the Rift Valley stretches endlessly, reminding you of nature’s vastness and Kenya’s beauty. It’s the same landscape that shapes world champions — not only runners but dreamers, adventurers, and storytellers.
To glide here is to touch the wind that inspires greatness.
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