Kenya, widely known for its excellent savanna safaris, is a country of appreciable extremes and exemplary contrasts. Visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Deserts, forests, alpine snows, open plains, the metropolis of Nairobi, vivacious tribal cultures, coral reefs and freshwater lakes in Kenya. For decades, the top tourist attractions in Kenya have been the wildlife safaris along with activities like hiking Mount Kenya, snorkeling on the coast of Indian Ocean in Malindi and exploring the Masai Mara.
1. MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest in Kenya. The mountain presents a magnificent sight of peaks that are ice-capped with snow and slopes blanketed by dense forest. The 17,057 ft high peak is a strenuous technical ascent, however, many lower mountaintops are a simple destination for any healthy trekker.
2. LAMU ISLAND
Lamu Island is a portion of Lamu archipelago of Kenya and has managed to remain perfect and unharmed by the mass tourism by which the coastline of Kenya is highly affected. Being the oldest town in Kenya, Lamu Town has maintained all the beauty and ambiance built up over centuries. On Lamu Island, there are only alleyways and footpaths, no roads, and so there are some motorized vehicles. Residents travel on foot or by boat, and donkeys are used for transportation of goods and materials.
3. THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY
This breathtaking geographical wonder of the world confines a plethora of attractions that one has to see. The valley is an abode to about 12 volcanoes and seven lakes, enough to fuel even the weariest passenger. The valley is considered as the ideal place for an amazing Kenyan safari as there is an extensive concentration of lodges, hotels, and game parks.
Enashipai Resort, Near Lake Naivasha |
Lake Nakuru The Great Rift Valley |
4. MOMBASA
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and is an awesome place to enjoy in the sun before or after a Kenyan Safari. The gentle waters and palm trees bordering the beaches are a splendid spot for relaxation. There are some historical sites like Gedi ruins and Fort Jesus, which will attract the history buffs.
Bamburi Beach Hotel in Mombasa |
Gedi ruins Mombasa Kenya |
Fort Jesus Mombasa Kenya |
5. AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Amboseli National Park nicknamed as the ‘Land of the Giants’. This is the place where one can confront the largest animal on the land, i.e., the African Elephant as they steadily graze on the grassland with the marvelous Mount Kilimanjaro as a background! The remaining of the Big five are also found here, and one can easily spot Lions, Leopard, Buffalo and the critically endangered Black Rhino.
6. MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most visited places in Kenya. The reserve is a manifestation of what a Safari is all about! The plains spanning over thousands of kilometers, the herds of elephant trekking peacefully, the pride of Lion resting under the shades of trees and spotting a Rhino or Buffalo—this is living on a Mara Safari!
Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya |
7. MALINDI
Malindi offers a very lucid inception to the coastal tourism in Kenya with its substantial coral reefs and elegant beaches. One can enjoy surfing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and many other water adventures. The Malindi Marine National Park safeguarded and has exceptional beaches, crystal clear waters, and vivacious fishes. Malindi has a domestic airport and a highway between Mombasa and Lamu.
8. HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK
Hell’s Gate national park is a miniature park named after a tapering split in the cliffs, once a tributary of a medieval lake on which the early men of the rift valley fed upon. It is exclusive among the wildlife parks of Kenya as one is allowed to walk or cycle without an escort!