Kenya has some of the most vibrant and diverse towns and cities, each blending unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Some of these cities and towns host major wildlife reserves and national parks that give visitors a firsthand experience of Kenya’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
For instance, Nairobi is home to the Nairobi National Park, located just a short drive from the city center.
This proximity makes Nairobi the only capital city in the world where you can enjoy a safari with a view of skyscrapers on the horizon.
This blog post looks into the 7 best Kenyan towns and cities you can visit to relax, enjoy local culture, and explore the natural wonders each location offers.
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city and one of Africa’s leading financial centers. The city offers major tourist attractions, from wildlife parks like Nairobi National Park to cultural gems like the National Museum.
In addition, the city offers exceptional shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets.
You will explore shopping venues where you can find everything from high-end designer brands to unique local crafts.
Beyond shopping and sightseeing, Nairobi offers a wide range of culinary experiences. You will enjoy traditional Kenyan dishes like Ugali, Sukuma Wiki, and Nyama Choma.
If you’re not a big fan of traditional dishes, Nairobi has a variety of international restaurants that offer everything from Italian to Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation options in Nairobi cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious five-star hotels to affordable guesthouses and hostels.
The price range varies widely, ensuring every visitor finds a suitable place to stay.
Below are the top hotel accommodation Nairobi options:
- ibis Styles, Westlands – 3 Star Hotel
- The Concord Hotel & Suites, Parklands – 5 Star Hotel
- Lotos Inn & Suites, Westlands – 4 Star Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport – 4 Star Hotel
- Sarova Stanley, Nairobi CBD – 5 Star Hotel
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city that offers multiple attraction sites and activities for visitors. One of the standout features of Mombasa is its rich historical heritage. This is depicted by Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers insights into the city’s past under various colonial powers.
In addition, the city is home to beautiful beaches such as Diani Beach and Nyali Beach. They are perfect destinations for relaxing or enjoying water sports like snorkeling and swimming.
Mombasa also offers unique culinary options, with an array of dishes influenced by African, Indian, and Arabic traditions. Particularly, sea food stands out, as it reflects the city’s coastal location.
There are various options for accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.
Accommodation in Mombasa Kenya includes the following options:
- CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites – 4 Star Hotel
- Severin Sea Lodge – 4 Star Hotel
- Hotel English Point Marina & Spa – 4 Star Hotel
- Muthu Nyali Beach Hotel & Spa, Nyali, Mombasa – 4 Star Hotel
- Bahari Beach Hotel – 4 Star Hotel
Nakuru
Nakuru is one of Kenya’s cleanest cities, offering a mix of urban and natural attractions. One of the main reasons you should visit Nakuru is the Lake Nakuru National Park.
This attraction site is home to some famous wild animals, including lions, rhinos, and the famous pink flamingos, that spend most of their time on Lake Nakuru.
Beyond wildlife, Menengai Crater offers beautiful panoramic views of one of Africa’s largest calderas.
Moreover, if you’re interested in walks in an urban setting, you will enjoy a clean and safe environment with welcoming locals.
Even better, the accommodation in the city caters to different individual needs and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for luxury lodges with stunning national park views or affordable hotels in the city center, Nakuru offers a range of options.
Here is a look at the top hotels in Nakuru:
- Hotel Waterbuck – 4 Star Hotel
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa – 4 Star Hotel
- Legacy Hotel and Conference Centre Ltd – 3 Star Hotel
- Midland Hotel Nakuru – 4 Star Hotel
Narok
Narok is a key destination in Kenya’s Rift Valley, about 150 kilometers from Nairobi. The town has a rich cultural heritage, as it’s a vital center for the Maasai people. While in Narok, visitors will interact firsthand with the Maasai community, including their vibrant traditions, colorful attire, and unique beadwork.
The town also has one of the largest and most popular wildlife sanctuaries – the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here, you will be able to engage closely with the natural world, observing the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat.
Even better, you will get to see the annual wildebeest migration, often called the “Great Migration,” firsthand. This spectacle happens between July and October when wildebeests and other animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of food and clean water.
Moreover, Narok itself provides various amenities and services for tourists. They include local markets where artisans sell traditional Maasai crafts, accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, and restaurants offering local cuisine.
Below are the top hotels in Narok town:
- Walabi Mara Hotel
- Olive Hotel Narok – 3 Star Hotel
- Mara Frontier Hotel – 3 Star Hotel
- Kirubis Safari Lounge
Lamu
Lamu is Kenya’s oldest inhabited town on Lamu Island, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Kenya’s unique heritage. It has historic landmarks, including the Lamu Fort and the Riyadha Mosque.
The fort was built in the 19th century by the Sultan of Paté to establish and maintain control over the region. Similarly, the mosque was constructed in the 19th century and is now an educational and cultural institution in Lamu.
While in the town, you will also enjoy Lamu’s beaches, including Shela Beach, which is the perfect escape for relaxation and leisure.
Below are the top hotels in Lamu that offer great accommodation and customer service:
- Msafini Hotel
- Jannat House
- Jua House – 3 Star Hotel
- Banana House and Wellness Centre – 4 Star Hotel
Malindi
Malindi is another gem on Kenya’s coast. Like Mombasa, Malindi is rich in historical sites and provides a variety of activities for visitors.
One of the city’s highlights is the Malindi Marine National Park. Here, visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.
In addition, Malindi has several beaches that are perfect spots for relaxation and water sports. For instance, Silversands Beach and Golden Beach have soft white sands and offer ideal conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks.
Even better, these beaches are less crowded than those in Mombasa, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.
The city also has a rich history, depicted by landmarks such as the Vasco da Gama Pillar.
The pillar symbolizes the early explorations of the Portuguese in East Africa, particularly marking the visit of Vasco da Gama in 1498 during his quest to find a sea route to India.
For accommodation, below are the top hotels in Malindi:
- Sandies Malindi Dream Garden – 4 Star Hotel
- Hotel Villa Malindi
- White Elephant Sea Lodge – 3 Star Hotel
- Villa Mela, Malindi – 5 Star Hotel
Kisumu
Kisumu stands out thanks to its location in the larger Lake Victoria basin.
Every year, hundreds of local and international tourists visit the city to see prominent sights, including Kit Mikayi, a striking rock formation.
This site, meaning “the stone of the first wife” in Luo, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, Dunga Hill Camp is a perfect destination. The area is a favorite for bird watchers and those seeking peaceful lake views.
Ndere Island National Park is another option for tourists to explore its rich biodiversity through guided walks, bird watching, and boat rides.
Lastly, you cannot leave Kisumu without enjoying the local cuisine centered around fish, particularly the tilapia and Nile perch.
While you’re there, you don’t have to worry about accommodation, as there are various hotels in Kisumu you can choose from:
- Best Western Kisumu Hotel – 4 Star Hotel
- Sarova Imperial Hotel – 4 Star Hotel
- Beach View Hotel, Kisumu – 3 Star Hotel
- Acacia Premier Hotel – 4 Star Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Major Towns and Cities in Kenya
Q: What are the top attractions in Nairobi?
A: Nairobi is known for Nairobi National Park, the only national park within a capital city globally. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and various cultural and historical sites around the city.
Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Mombasa?
A: Visitors to Mombasa can enjoy beautiful beaches like Diani and Nyali, visit historical sites such as Fort Jesus and Old Town, and enjoy water sports and marine wildlife at Mombasa Marine National Park.
Q: Why is Kisumu an important city in Kenya?
A: Kisumu offers unique cultural experiences, wildlife sanctuaries like the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, and attractions like Kit Mikayi and Dunga Hill Camp. It’s also a key trade and transport hub in the region.
Q: Can you recommend any cultural sites to visit in Nakuru?
A: The Hyrax Hill Museum offers insights into the region’s prehistoric and cultural history.
Q: What makes Malindi a notable destination in Kenya?
A: Malindi has pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, and historical sites like the Malindi Museum and Vasco da Gama Pillar. It’s also a gateway to the Malindi Marine National Park and Watamu.
Q: What are some popular activities for tourists in Kisumu?
A: Tourists in Kisumu can explore attractions like Lake Victoria, enjoy bird watching at Dunga Hill Camp, visit the Kisumu Museum, and take boat trips to explore the lake’s islands and wildlife.
