Kenya is widely considered to be a top safari destination due to its abundance of diverse species and protected areas. White sand beaches and old Swahili towns dot its beautiful coastline, but most visitors come to view the Big 5.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Kenya
As a result of its prime location on the Indian Ocean in East Africa, it has always been one of the continent’s most visited nations. Mountains, deserts, swamps, plains, and lakes are all represented in its national parks, demonstrating the country’s incredible diversity.
The most well-known of them is the Maasai Mara, where tens of thousands of wildebeest migrate annually. Wildlife safaris have long been Kenya’s most popular export.
Additional activities include snorkelling at Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, ballooning over the Maasai Mara, and hiking up Mount Kenya. After days of searching for big game like elephants, giraffes, and lions, this is a welcome diversion.
1. Karen Blixen Museum
The exceptional Karen Blixen Museum is located in the southwest section of the city, not far from Nairobi National Park. Her previous home in Kenya gives a fascinating glimpse into her life as the author of Out of Africa.
The celebrated Danish author spent the years between 1917 and 1931 in a bungalow-style farmhouse at the base of the Ngong Hills. Her best-selling book about life on a coffee farm. British colonial rule in East Africa is discussed, as is the vibrant culture of Kenya.
The house, which is now a museum, was once owned by the author, and its rooms are furnished with period furniture and real relics. The tranquilly of the gardens is a welcome change from the bustling of downtown Nairobi.
2. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East, on the route to the coast from Nairobi in the southeast, is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks. It has a lot of cool animals, making it a good option if you’re trying to decide where to go on safari.
Its vast savanna and semiarid grasslands, once hunted by the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes, have been protected since 1948. You can spot the Big 5 as well as hippopotami and crocodiles that have adapted to their environment along the Galana River. Crowned cranes and sacred ibises soar through the park’s clear blue skies.
Your driver will be in constant contact with other guides, allowing you to get within inches of every animal you can think of. They helped us spot a herd of elephants taking a dust bath in the red dirt next to our jeep. Despite its common occurrence all around the park, this was one of our most cherished experiences in Kenya.
3. Fort Jesus, Mombasa
Fort Jesus, located on Mombasa Island, is the city’s primary tourist attraction and keeps a watchful eye over the Old Port. It’s a fascinating destination with a wealth of historic buildings and relics to explore.
The ancient fort, which was constructed between 1593 and 1596, is a relic of the first time a European nation dominated trade in the Indian Ocean. It is roughly square with four bulwarks at the corners and is an excellent example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture.
Nonetheless, majority of the labour, materials, and specialised building techniques were likely supplied by local Swahili people.
We appreciated the fort’s history and the information it provided, but we had more fun exploring the surrounding Old Town. Local eateries and souvenir shops selling masks, textiles, and jewellery can be found in its many colourful, traditional Swahili structures.
4. Diani Beach
After a long day of safaris and sight-seeing, the tranquil waters of Diani Beach are the perfect location to rest. Located to the south of Mombasa, this beach is a great place to kick back and relax. There is a wide variety of exciting aquatic activities to try out here.
The resort area has a length of around 17 km and is situated on the glittering shores of the Indian Ocean. Several five-star hotels and resorts dot the stretch of coastline lined with palm trees. Many of them provide all-inclusive rates and even help clients plan safari excursions.
Not only does this beach appear to be one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, but it also offers a wide variety of exciting activities.
Scuba diving and snorkelling reveal its diverse marine life, while the thrilling sports of kite surfing and jet skiing add to the excitement. You can also go on scenic cruises along the coast or tours on quad bikes around the neighbouring towns.
5. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park, the only wildlife reserve of its kind in the world, is located directly next to the country’s capital. The juxtaposition of its skyline with wild animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes is strange and must be experienced to be believed.
Established in the 1940s to preserve the area’s decreasing fauna, the reserve is characterised by vast, open grasslands. Yet, there are isolated areas of woodland along rivers and rocky canyons here and there. Wildlife ranging from gazelles and cheetahs to crocodiles, jackals, and even the ubiquitous eland can be found in the park.
We’re glad we came here, despite having done multiple safaris in Kenya. The abundance of wildlife and the variety of landscapes were highlights of the trip. After all, there aren’t many cities in the world where the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra passes virtually directly through the middle of it.
6. Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya stands at an impressive 5,199 metres, making it the second-highest summit in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Currently a national park, getting to the top can take upwards of four or five days of hard work. One of the hardest and most satisfying challenges in Kenya is making the ascent to the peak.
The massive, now-extinct stratovolcano that first formed there some three million years ago is the inspiration for the name of the country. Heavily eroded slopes and ice caps cover its highest reaches, making it one of the region’s most iconic and striking features.
Batian, the highest of the mountain’s three summits, is a popular destination for daring explorers. Nelion is the most robust of the three, although Lenana’s unpredictability can be a hindrance. Those that make it to the top despite the difficult terrain and inclement weather are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas.
7. Malindi
If you’re looking for some beach time, Malindi is another popular destination. Beaches, hotels, and parks abound in this tropical paradise on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Vasca da Gama landed on its pearly white beaches in 1498, making it a popular destination for Italian tourists for centuries.
The coral pillar he built all those years ago is still there, overlooking the ocean. Gede Ruins, which surround a decaying Swahili village from the 12th century, are another excellent historical monument.
Nonetheless, Malindi’s beaches are the main draw for tourists. These wide, white beaches are a sight to behold, especially where they are framed by glistening turquoise waters. Nonetheless, there are occasions when the water surrounding the mouth of the Sabaki River has a murky brown tint.
8. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the place to go if you want to meet some amazing (and cute!) animals. Baby elephants are fed, entertained, and allowed to run and play at this sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Since its inception in 1977, it has helped hundreds of abused and abandoned elephants return to the wild. Children under the age of three are hand-reared by their caretakers at the centre. After some time, they are transferred to Tsavo East before being released back into the wild.
There is a daily cap on the number of visitors who can come observe the elephants at the orphanage. It’s the cutest thing ever to see kids playing football and rolling about in the dirt.
9. Lake Nakuru
The large population of vivid pink flamingos that inhabit Lake Nakuru is one of Africa’s most recognisable natural landmarks. They are easy to spot and photograph, and they often coexist with other photogenic animals like white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes.
Located in the Great Rift Valley, its waters reflect the surrounding landscape and seem to go on forever. Since its transformation as a national park, it has become home to numerous endangered animals, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Because to the abundance of algae, more than a million of these spectacular birds occasionally congregate in this area.
The lake itself is beautiful, but the rhinos and flamingos are the main draws. Zebras and waterbucks come here to drink, and large pythons slither among the trees.
10.Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kenya and all of Africa. Our favourite part of East Africa, this park is home to various species of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants.
The Maasai Mara is a grassland and seasonal river system that connects with the Serengeti to the south and gets its name from the Maasai people. The grasslands of the park play host to the incredible annual Great Migration. Predators try to pick off a few of the millions of migrating wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Watching them all move as if in unison is a mind-boggling sight that will make you feel insignificant. The Big Five can still be seen freely wandering the park outside of this turbulent time. In the Mara and Talek rivers, you can see crocodiles and hippos while long-crested eagles and African pygmy falcons soar overhead.
