5 Amazing Places to Visit in Kenya
Tourism in Kenya continues to attract many global visitors annually, evident by the 1,167% growth in tourists in 2019. Visitors are dazzled by the diversity of things to do, and the safaris top the list conjuring a spirit of adventure. See wild animals in Nairobi city’s national park; witness multitudes of wildebeests moving across the savannah during the Great Migration in the Maasai mara; summit Mt Kenya’s snow-cloaked rugged peaks; or watch Lake Nakuru flecked with thousands of birds.
On the southeastern part of Kenya lies mile upon mile of beautiful coastal treasures. You can relax on beaches, dive in fish-rich coral reefs and snorkel, and experience the mouth-watering pot of cuisines in Mombasa. Kenya is one of the most exciting travel destinations. Let’s explore five places to visit in Kenya:
Nairobi
Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi, is also the safari capital of Africa and among the best places to visit in Kenya. Kenya’s colonial history, nature, and tribal culture and lifestyle are brought to life through the Nairobi National Museum. The Karen Blixen Museum is another popular site that restored the residence of the famous Danish author of the book Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen, who toiled on the coffee farmstead on the beautiful Ngong Hills.
Tourists can relish a colossal African wildlife escapade at the Nairobi National Park, just a short distance from the City Centre. In the sun-soaked grassy plains, some discernible animals include lions, wildebeests, buffalos, giraffes, cheetahs, and zebras. Interestingly, around the globe, Nairobi is the only cosmopolitan city that brags a safari park within its frontiers.
Add to that the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre, rhino sanctuary, Maasai Ostrich Farm, and bingo: you’ve got yourself a town full of grand adventures.
Maasai Mara National Park
Named after the dignified, red-cloaked Maasai people who have lived and grazed their animals in the park for centuries, this is an excellent safari destination, especially if you want to see wildlife. Just traversing to southwestern Kenya, the park is one of the best places in Africa for the fabled ‘Big 5’ sightings and other species. The picturesque landscape is famous for the Great Migration. Nearly two million wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and Thompson’s gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti, from July through October, with predators in hot pursuit.
Mt Kenya
Mt Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa with an altitude of 5,199 meters; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its beautiful snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and it’s the ultimate go-to destination for adventurous who love climbing and trekking. Tourists can summit to point Lenana via Ferrata route, Nelion peak, or hike to Batian Peak – the highest point, though this route requires technical climbing skills.
Safaris provide beautiful sceneries from lakes, glaciers, and mineral springs to the diversity of flora and fauna. Its slope is full of forests of bamboo and African rosewood trees with the mountain runoff providing water for over 2 million people. Also, on its slopes is the Mt Kenya National Park established to conserve the endangered wildlife in its surroundings.
Mombasa
It is Kenya’s biggest port and the second-largest city and one of the famous Kenya tourist sites. Mombasa acts as a multicultural tourist magnet from British, Portuguese, Arab, and Indian to Asian immigrants. Their amalgamated cultural influence is evident in the architecture and the many different types of cuisines. Mombasa is an island full of coral reefs fringing the coast for 480 kilometers. Coral reefs provide snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially around Wasini Island and at Mombasa Marine National Park.
History enthusiasts can visit the 16th-century Fort Jesus and Old Town with markets, souvenir shops, and ancient Swahili dwellings. Don’t forget the beaches; Nyali and Bamburi are favorites in the North of Mombasa, while popular spots south of Mombasa are the white strands of Shelly, Tiwi and Diani beaches. Other attraction sites include Mombasa Go-Kart, Mwaluganje forest, and the elephant habitat.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is famous for its vast flocks of pink flamingoes known to number in their millions, but it has seen a decrease in the last few years. Bird lovers can travel in Kenya and enjoy the more than 450 other bird species attracted to the high levels of algae in the water. In the park, you can spot Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, black and white rhinos and cheetahs. Lake Nakuru also boasts of protecting the largest euphoria candelabrum forest in Africa, which provides an interesting textural element to its landscapes.
In a nutshell
With all these vibrant places to visit in Kenya, don’t forget to visit Malindi north of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast. Here, travelers come to sun on the white sands of Watamu Beach and dive the coral reefs of Watamu Marine National Parks. Also, tourists visit the Falconry of Kenya, a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds.
If you’re looking for a fantastic place to visit in Kenya, look no further, contact us, and we’ll help you pick the best destination.