Kenya is a land of natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and epic landscapes. The country is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, ranging from the famous Great Rift Valley to the vast savannah grasslands with some of the world’s most iconic wildlife.
Kenya’s culture also stands out, with the country being home to over 40 ethnic groups. This cultural diversity makes the country rich in traditions, languages, music, and dance.
Its landscapes also feature lakes, alpine forests, arid deserts, and flourishing coral reefs.
This blog post looks into what the country offers, explicitly focusing on the top 10 destinations for you.
It will cover diverse terrains and experiences, from the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara National Reserve to the historical depths of the Swahili coast in Mombasa.
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is one of the most spectacular game reserves. It is home to a variety of animals, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Beyond these, the reserve is a sanctuary for over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds.
One of the standout events in the Mara is the Great Migration, an annual movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other antelopes. This migration occurs between July and October when these animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the fresh pastures of the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water. This spectacular event is one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World.”
The Narok County Government charges the following fees to access the Mara Reserve:
- $100 for non-resident adults per day beginning 1st January 2024 to 30th June 2024.
- $200 per non-resident adult per day from 1st July 2024 onwards.
- $50 per day for each child throughout the year. In this case, a child is anyone aged from 9 to 17 years at the time of entry). Children up to 8 years of age will be allowed FREE entry.
Click here for directions to the National Reserve.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the top places to visit in Kenya. Its strategic location allows for stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The park is also home to large herds of African elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and different bird species, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
While at the park, you will also enjoy the magnificent savannah landscapes that provide excellent opportunities for photography. You will take pictures with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, creating one of the most iconic images of Africa.
Below are the park entry fees for residents and non-residents:
- Citizens (Kenyan citizens and citizens of East African Community countries) – 860 Kshs for adults and 215 Kshs for children.
- Residents (Foreign visitors staying and working in Kenya) – 1,030 Ksh for adults and 515 Kshs for children.
- Non-Residents (Foreign visitors without residence or work in Kenya) – USD 60 for adults and USD 35 for children.
Click here for directions to the park.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. In Kenya, it is located in the western part of the country, bordering Tanzania and Uganda.
As a tourist, there are numerous activities you can engage in when you visit the Kenyan section of the lake. For instance, you will find opportunities for fishing, where you can experience the local methods and perhaps catch some of the lake’s famous Nile perch or tilapia.
You may also enjoy bird watching, as the lake is home to an impressive variety of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants.
Other popular activities you will enjoy at the lake include the following:
- Boat Rides
- Cultural Visits – You can visit the local villages and learn about the traditions, crafts, and daily life of the communities around the lake.
- Culinary Experiences – You will sample local cuisine, especially dishes made with fresh fish from the lake.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is one of Kenya’s most beautiful coastal destinations. It is about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa and is famous for its white sands, calm waters, and lush palm trees.
The beach offers various fun activities for tourists. For instance, you can engage in snorkeling and deep-water diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs.
You can also engage in water sports such as kite surfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. For safety purposes, the beach has rental shops where you can find all the necessary gear and instructors for these activities.
Other activities you can engage in include camel rides along the shore, beach volleyball, and cultural tours in and around Diani.
There are no entrance fees, but the activities will cost around $100-$200 per day if you’re a budget tourist.
Manda Bay
Manda Bay is one of the most luxurious destinations in Kenya. It is located on the Lamu archipelago’s northwestern tip of Manda Island.
This resort combines the serene beauty of a secluded beach setting with the intimate ambiance of a boutique hotel.
Some of the top activities you can engage in at the resort include water-based activities like snorkeling and diving. You can also enjoy sailing and fishing, which offer tranquil yet exciting ways to connect with nature.
For a more leisurely experience, you can bask in the sun on the white sandy beaches or enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. You can also choose to dine under the stars while enjoying the fresh cuisine that Manda Bay is known for.
Here are the accommodation rates for adults and children at Manda Bay.
The Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley spans across Kenya from the north to the south. It offers the best views of the country’s landscape, especially from key viewpoints along the escarpments. These sections provide panoramic views that capture its deep gorges, high cliffs, and wide valleys with lakes and volcanic mountains.
One of the most famous viewpoints is at the Rift Valley Escarpment, just over an hour’s drive from Nairobi. Another notable one is Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu. Here, the Ewaso Narok River plunges over a cliff, forming one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls.
You can also view the valley near Lake Naivasha from the top of Mount Longonot. From here, you can see a dormant volcano that offers a unique perspective of the valley and its surrounding highlands and lakes.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. It is the perfect destination for hikers who want to challenge themselves while enjoying this ancient extinct volcano’s beauty and diverse ecosystems.
There are various routes you can use to get to the peak. The most convenient one for many climbers is the Naromoru route, known for its direct approach to Point Lenana. This is the mountain’s third-highest peak and a popular goal for trekkers.
If you prefer a more scenic and less crowded path, the Chogoria route on the mountain’s eastern side is the perfect option. This route lets you enjoy the view of sheer cliffs, gorges, and pristine lakes. However, the terrain is more challenging than the Naromoru route.
The Sirimon route offers a gradual ascent and the opportunity to spot wildlife, as it passes through different vegetation zones.
Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, has a lot to offer its residents and visitors from around the globe. One of its most iconic attractions is the Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the city center. It is the only national park in the world that borders a capital city, making it a unique destination. The park has various wildlife, including lions, giraffes, leopards, and rhinos.
Here are the park entrance fees:
- Non-Resident Adults – $40 – $60, depending on the season (low or high season)
- Non-Resident Children – $20
- Resident Adults – Ksh 400 – Ksh 500, depending on the season (low or high season)
- Resident Children – Ksh 215
The city also has several museums and historical sites, such as the Nairobi National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum. Here, you will learn about Kenya’s rich history and heritage.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, about 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. This lake is home to pink flamingos that line its shores, creating one of nature’s most stunning spectacles. Besides the flamingos, the lake harbors pelicans, cormorants, and over 450 other bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park, which surrounds the lake, is also a major tourist attraction site. It is a famous site for its rhino conservation efforts to ensure their survival. Beyond rhino conservation, the park has various species of antelopes, lions, leopards, and giraffes.
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve is located in the north-central region of Kenya. The reserve has several rare animal species, popularly known as the ‘Samburu Special Five,’ which include the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
These animals have unique distinguishing features and traits. For instance, the Grevy’s zebra is larger than its common cousin and sports narrower stripes. On the other hand, the gerenuk, famous as the giraffe gazelle, has a long neck for grazing on taller bushes and trees.
The Somali ostrich stands out as it has blue legs, while the Beisa oryx is unique thanks to its sharp horns and striking markings. Lastly, the reticulated giraffe has well-defined, liver-colored geometric patches separated by narrow white lines.
Below are the Samburu Park entry fees:
- Non-Resident Adults – $70
- Non-Resident Children – $40
- East African Resident – Ksh 1000
- Kenyan Citizen – Ksh 500
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Places to Visit in Kenya
Q: What are some of the unique animals I can see in Samburu National Reserve
A: Samburu National Reserve is popular for the “Samburu Special Five.” They include the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx. It’s a fantastic place for viewing these unique species in their natural habitat.
Q: What activities can I enjoy in Mombasa
A: In Mombasa, you can visit historical sites like Fort Jesus, enjoy beaches like Diani and Nyali, or engage in water sports like diving and snorkeling. You can also explore the city’s rich cultural blend.
Q: Can I have a close encounter with giraffes in Nairobi?
A: Yes, at the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, you can interact with the Rothschild’s giraffes, including feeding them. You will also learn about their conservation and even get a giraffe kiss! It’s a fun and educational experience suitable for all ages.
Q: What is the significance of Lake Nakuru National Park?
A: Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its large flocks of flamingos that color the lake pink, alongside many other bird species. It’s also a sanctuary for rhinos and other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and buffalo.
Q: What can I expect to see at Tsavo National Park?
A: Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks. It is known for its unique red soil and the “red” elephants that bathe in this dust.
Q: Are there any recreational activities at Hell’s Gate National Park?
A: The leisure activities at Hell’s Gate include hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and bird watching.
