9 Best Places to Visit in Kenya
9 Best Places to Visit in Kenya , Kenya is one of the greatest destinations in Africa thanks to its diverse and vibrant attractions, offering an incredible tapestry of experiences for every traveler. From the iconic national parks teeming with wildlife, including the Big 5 and the annual Great Migration, to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean and the bustling energy of its vibrant cities, Kenya has it all.
There are a ton of magical places to visit in Kenya and this article takes you through the 9 Best Places to visit in Kenya.
- Masai Mara: Wildebeest Migration & Year – Round Game – Viewing
Masai Mara National Reserve also known as The Mara is the most popular safari destination in Kenya, known worldwide for hosting the Big 5 and the famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Masai Mara Safari offers the most dramatic game viewing and a number of safari experiences suited to all travelers. Enjoy incredible sightings of wildlife including the big five on hot air balloon flights, action-packed game drives, cultural interactions and guides nature walks in private conservancies.
- Lamu Archipelago: Classic Barefoot Luxury Beach Experience
Explore the pristine reefs on scuba diving and snorkeling, indulge in sunset dhow cruises and swimming with dolphins in the unspoilt Lamu Archipelago – combining all the elements of a fantastic beach holiday.
The Archipelago is a perfect add-on to a Kenya safari and is also one of the best holiday destination in Kenya for visitors on a honeymoon.
- Nairobi City: East Africa’s Logistics Hub
Majority of Kenya safaris start or end in Nairobi, a stopover in this city is almost inevitable. International visitors will fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the nearby Wilson Airport provides regional and charter flights to Kenya’s top destinations such as the Masai Mara.
Nairobi is an extremely lively city and is one in which you can experience the authentic everyday Africa.
Places of interest in Nairobi City include the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – are located in the city’s leafy suburbs. For giraffes, a must-visit Kenya vacation spot is the Giraffe Centre and the worldly famous Giraffe Manor, where the gentle creatures poke their heads through your bedroom window for a truly unforgettable experience.
Despite being found in the city center, the Nairobi National Park with startling backdrop of city skyscrapers is home to lions, rhinos, zebras, and various species of antelopes giving you a great introduction to wildlife encounters in Africa.
- Mombasa and Kenya Beaches
Though Kenya is famous for its incredible safari destination, it also hosts beautiful beach destination on the dazzling tropical coastline of Indian Ocean. The white sandy shores and crystal blue oceans are widely considered as some of the prime beach holiday destinations in Africa as well as Kenya.
Mombasa – the mainland is one of the family-favorite Kenya destination with world class beach lodges, hotels and resorts.
- Amboseli National Park – Best Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Just a short distance from Nairobi, the iconic Amboseli National Park is one of the top 9 Best Places to visit in Kenya and ideal to soak up the classic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is situated in Tanzania. Amboseli National Park is famous for hosting large herds of elephants roaming the savannah plains and wetland areas.
The park offers great big game viewing especially around the Amboseli’s wetland areas. Some of the animals to lookout for during your Amboseli Safari include large herds of elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffe, lion, impalas, plains zebras, spotted hyenas among others.
- Laikipia Plateau: Private Reserve & Outstanding Accommodation
Situated just north of Nairobi on the rim of the spectacular Great Rift Valley, Laikiapia is a must-visit Kenya safari destination and one of newest safari destinations in Kenya. Laikipia is an area of thriving reserves, luxurious family-friendly accommodation and is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa.
If you are looking for an exclusive, diverse and intimate Kenya safari experience away from the crowds, Laikipia Plateau is a perfect destination to visit.
- Mount Kenya & Central Highlands. Game Viewing Away from The Crowds
The rugged Central Highlands of Kenya is a perfect destination for visitors after less crowded safari destinations. Mount Kenya standing at 5200m is the second highest peak in Africa, the mountain looms over much of the region which includes great wildlife destinations such as family-friendly Mount Meru National Park, the private Lewa Downs Conservancy in the foot hills of Mount Kenya, the forest Aberdares National Park and Mount Kenya National Park.
Deciding between Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro can be very tricky, given each have their own unique charm. But, if you are looking for a relaxed Mount Kenya Safari, then any of the above parks are perfect to visit. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will soon be added as an extension to Mount Kenya National Park as recently announced by UNESCO, enchancing the protection of the land as a World Heritage Site and skyrocketing the region to a top of Kenya Safari Destination.
- Lake Nakuru: Spectacular Game Viewing & Birding
Situated just a three-hour drive from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the top 9 best places to visit in Kenya, boasting an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
The park is home to the largest population of Rothschild giraffe as well as the endangered black and white rhinos. Hippos and the pink flamingoes on the shores of Lake Nakuru are also among the heavyweights in the park. In addition to the pink flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over 450 bird species that is why is listed among the best birding destinations in Kenya. Other birds found in the park include Great White Pelican, Long-crested eagle, Fulvous Whistling –Duck, White-faced Whistling – Duck among others.
On Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park you can take part in game drives for incredible sightings of lions, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles among others. Go for a boat cruise on Lake Nakuru and guided nature walk.
- Shaba and Samburu: Untamed Wilderness
The Shaba and Samburu National Reserves are found in the semi-desert northern region of Kenya, where savannahs gives way to desert scrub and mountains. The scenery here is dramatic, and besides familiar species of African animals, you will also find species that don’t occur in Kenya’s most popular park, making it one of the most appealing places to visit in Kenya. Due to its magnificent topology and wildlife, Samburu National Reserve is widely considered one of the best places to visit in Kenya. While shaba is no different except for its slight change in landscape.
