Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is there a favorable season to come train in Iten - Home of Champions ?

There is no specific season to travel to Iten. The months of October to April are usually slightly warmer (23 to 27 degrees at day time) as other months of the year (17 to 22 degrees). However, all months are suitable for training and athletes are usually staying at The Swiss Side all year round.

How to reach Iten from Nairobi ?

From Nairobi JKIA, it is advised to book a domestic flight to Eldoret Airport (ELD). From there, our driver picks you up. Just let us know your time of arrival and we will organize everything for you.

Are bedsheets & linen available at The Swiss Side ?

All beddings, towels and cosmetics (body & hand soap) are supplied at the camp. Just come with your luggage and any personal belonging you might need.

Is the camp opened to non-professional runners ?

The camp is actually welcoming more amateur runners than professional runners over the year. There is no minimum level to come in Iten and we even welcome non-runners. At your arrival, a local runner-guide can show you the surroundings of Iten for your first days of camp, and introduce you to the local running traditions. Reach out before your stay if the runner-guide service interests you.

How are trainings organized once I am in Iten ? Is there a training plan for all runners ?

Many runners join our camp with their own training plan. However, The Swiss Side also provides a weekly structured schedule including easy runs, track sessions, fartlek, long runs, as well as strength training and drills. Each athlete can follow the group sessions or adapt the program according to their personal goals and level.. During the week, a total of 2 gym classes are organized within the camp. In general, athletes staying at Swiss Side communicate to share runs together, in particular during long-runs in Moiben, track sessions in Kamariny Stadium and the well-known kenyan fartlek that take place every Thursday.

How long is the best duration for an altitude running camp in Iten ?

The duration depends on your physical level and goals. In general, a camp from 3 weeks to 6 weeks gives the best outcome. These durations allow a good acclimatisation and enough time to accomplish several quality sessions. Shorter duration of stay might have less impact on your performances but will still give you an amazing opportunity to discover the kenyan culture in its fullest, especially through our 12-days training camp.

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Professional athletes are able to compete right after a camp and for amateur runners, we rather advise to travel back home from 10 to 20 days prior your target. This will allow your body to overcompensate and eventually to make some additional quality sessions in low-altitude, with the benefits of the altitude. 

Where is the closest track from the camp ?

Kamariny Stadium is the closest track from the camp (1.8 km). Runners of the camp usually run there once to twice per week. EDIT: Kamariny Stadium is closed for renovation since July 2025 and our guests are currently training in Chepkoilel, near Eldoret. Transports for everyone are organized from The Swiss Side on Tuesdays.

Will I be able to train with Kenyan athletes?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to train with Kenyan athletes during track sessions or the weekly Kenyan fartlek. You may even have your own pacer during your hard workouts!

Do you offer family options ?

Yes we do. A special flat is actually designed to welcome families (1 kingsize bed + 1 single bed + 1 sofa bed). For younger children, it is possible to organize a baby-sitting while for older children, some activities like visits of an association and arts workshops can be organized daily. Iten is definitely an adventure to share as a family!

What should I bring in my luggage ?

Our travel guide details all important items to bring in your luggage before your camp. It can include donations for local runners and kids around.

Which languages are runners usually speaking at The Swiss Side ?

As our camp welcomes runners of up to 50 nationalities, the common language is English. However, several french-speaking runners from France, Belgium & Switzerland are staying in the camp, as well as german and spanish speaking runners. You can be almost sure to have a language mate during your stay.

Can runners under 18 join the camp ?

Absolutely! To travel, this requires a signed letter from your legal representant only. Be sure that our team in Iten will take the best care of you during your stay. The youngest solo travel we welcomed was actually 14 years old.

I am planning to work remotely while training in Iten. How is the wifi in the camp ?

This is indeed possible and several runners are working remotely from our camp. The wifi is provided by Starlink (60 to 80 mbps to share with all users) which allow a good workflow for everyone.

Is it easy to get around in Iten?

Yes, Iten is a small town, and most places are easily accessible on foot. For longer distances, motorbike taxis or matatus (minibuses) are widely available and affordable.

Which currency and what amount should be carried in Iten ? 

The common currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). We advise to withdraw an amount in KES when arriving in Nairobi JKIA, to be good for the rest of the stay. This amount can be from KES 10,000 to 20,000 depending on your needs. In your daily activities, it is advised to always have KES 100 to KES 500 in your pocket, which will allow you to take a motorbike, buy a soda, etc. At The Swiss Side, all payment are made by card in USD (cashless system), which is possible with most international cards (VISA, Mastercard) at no fees for amounts under 100 USD.

Can I get a SIM card easily once I am in Kenya?

Yes, you can easily get a SIM card once you arrive in Kenya. We recommend buying one directly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as this is the most convenient option for tourists. You will need your passport to register it. Once your SIM card is activated, it is very easy to top it up using M-Pesa, which is widely used throughout the country.

How much does training at The Swiss Side costs ?

Rates varies from standard to peak season and depend on the options you opt for (half or full board, shared or private accommodation, recovery pack, etc.). You can account from 35 to 55 EUR per day for a full-board stay. These rates can evolve through time.

Are bike rental, cryo / sauna, massages, gym & safari services opened to anyone ?

Indeed, all our services of cryotherapy / sauna, gym, massages, bike rental & safaris can be accessed by anyone in Iten. The guests staying at The Swiss Side benefit of advantageous rates and some services are even included in the price paid for their stay.

How to access the ice bath and sauna if  I am not staying at The Swiss Side ?

For visitors, our spa (sauna & ice bath) can be accessed every day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Anyone interested to use our spa can pass by our office located along the road, to subscribe for a single session, weekly, monthly and 10-entries accesses. More info here: https://www.theswissside.com/spa

Which excursions can be done around Iten ?

Our travel agency organizes trips in Iten and around: safaris in Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara, boat riding in Lake Baringo & Lake Naivasha, hikes in Torok Waterfalls, Kessup Waterfalls, Mount Elgon & Kakamega Forest, paragliding and culture immersion such as Nandi Hills Tea factory visit & a Coffee factory visit. All destinations will make your stay in Kenya memorable. More info here: https://www.theswissside.com/travels

How do I plan my safaris once I am in Iten?

Planning your safari day trips is very easy! Once you reached The Swiss Side, simply communicate with our local office a few days in advance (usually 3 to 5 days is enough), and our team will take care of everything for you. You can also read our safari guide for more information. More info here: https://www.theswissside.com/travels

Is it safe to run alone in Iten?

Yes, Iten is widely considered a safe destination. Many athletes come on their own to train, especially at places like Swiss Side Camp. As in any destination, a few simple precautions help ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay, such as choosing well-frequented areas and avoiding going out alone late at night.

Is it usual for female arhletes to come alone in Iten?

Yes, very usual. We welcome female athlete coming on their own almost all year round. Once at the camp, everyone is sharing moments together around the common passion of running. The respect between our guests is our priority.

Can I support the local community?

Yes, many guests support the local community by bringing school supplies or running gear that they no longer use. You can also support the local economy by purchasing school supplies or toys for children directly from shops in Iten.