top 10 places to visit in kenya

10 of the best experiences you can have in Kenya

Nov 23, 2023 • 8 min read

Here's how to experience the best of Kenya's vibrant culture and incredible wildlife © Ayzenstayn / Getty Images

Despite having a coastline of beautiful beaches perfect for lazing on, visitors to Kenya rarely sit still – the country simply has too many exciting things to do.

Stirring landscapes ranging from equatorial glaciers and jagged peaks to wildlife-laden plains and tropical reefs provide an epic natural playground for all who venture here, while the intoxicating mix of cultures surprises at every turn. Here are ten experiences you can't miss in Kenya.

See the Big Five on safari

Not only were safaris born in Kenya, but so was the very word itself – it means "journey" in Swahili. Spotting the much-heralded Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) is a major aspiration of many visitors to Africa, and Kenya provides some of the continent’s most impressive natural settings for the search.

No natural reserve is more famous than the Masai Mara, where sightings of all these species are common. Lake Nakuru National Park , with its flamingo-lined lake and forest-clad escarpments, is another incredible place for Big Five safaris, as is Amboseli National Park , where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop.

Samburu Game Reserve in the remote north is prime safari territory and, as well as being a great place to spot a leopard, it also hosts its own "Samburu Special Five": Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.

Planning tip: If you’re in Nairobi, don’t overlook Nairobi National Park on the outskirts of the capital. Often billed as the only national park within a city in the world, Kenya’s first game reserve has wildlife in abundance, from lions, leopards and buffalo to the endangered black rhino and around 400 species of birdlife.

Head out on a hike

Mt Kenya ’s trekking terrain is arguably the African continent’s most beautiful and rewarding. Its diverse valleys, equatorial glaciers and dramatic, towering summit are extraordinary, best seen over a challenging multi-day hike to Point Lenana (4985m/16,355ft), the mountain’s third-highest peak and the highest reachable without climbing equipment.

The more gentle slopes of Mt Elgon, technically in Uganda but on the border with Kenya and often visited from Kenya, are home to elephants, primates, antelopes and some 240 species of birds. It’s another great option for treks lasting several days, as are captivating walks with the Maasai through their homelands.

Incredible day hikes are also possible throughout Kenya – climb up Mt Longonot to its crater rim, seek out remote waterfalls in the mountains of Aberdare National Park , or take a leisurely stroll in the dense Kakamega Forest while listening to birdsong.

If you’re craving greenery in Nairobi, Karura Forest is the capital’s oasis with around 30 miles of trails set around a waterfall, caves, rivers and wetland.

Sail on a dhow

Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is beautiful no matter how you see it, but the most romantic way to experience the water is from the deck of a traditional dhow.

These wooden sailing vessels have been used along this stretch of coastline for centuries, and they are still entrenched in Swahili culture today.

Whether launching from the historical island of Lamu (home to Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town), from the shores of Mombasa, or the modern resort village of Diani Beach, these wind-powered voyages slip past stunning slivers of sand, remote coral islands, and reefs teeming with fish.

Planning tip: In Mombasa, try the well-known Tamarind Dhow experience .

Witness the Great Migration

It’s been called the greatest natural spectacle on the planet and with good reason. Each year from July to October , as many as 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles make a dramatic crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River to feed on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara.

The flood of animals filling the open savanna includes herds of elephants and giraffes, and trailing this sea of prey are lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Needless to say, there is never a shortage of drama during the Great Migration.

Go mountain biking

Mountain biking in Kenya is not your average mountain biking – here this two-wheeled pursuit offers a unique means of embracing both the country’s incredible landscapes and its iconic wildlife.

Ride over the red earth paths in the volcanic confines of Hell’s Gate National Park , cycling past grazing buffaloes, giraffes, impalas and zebras, or take to the grasslands of the Masai Mara for a guided cycle safari like no other.

Planning tip: For the purest mountain bikers who want nothing more than to test their skills, there are some great single-track routes of varying gradient and difficulty on Mt Kenya and within the Rift Valley above Naivasha. For those wanting a more leisurely cycle, exploring the coastal areas around Diani Beach , Malindi , and Watamu by bike is an engaging option.

Dive or snorkel Kenya's coast

With much of the coast sheltered by reefs, Kenya’s calm inshore waters – speckled with shoals of vibrantly colored fish – provide some of the easiest and most transfixing snorkeling in East Africa.

Simply float above the seabed and take it all in or strap on a tank and take a deeper dip on the other side of the reef, where whale sharks, dolphins and swordfish play.

Excellent sites include Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve , a haven for the green turtle; Galu Reef for sightings of seahorses, scorpion fish and ghostfish; and Nyuli’s steep coral reef wall.

Planning tip: For those wanting to up their diving skills, highly regarded operations offer open-water diving courses. Kenya is also a great place for beginners to take to the water. You'll find schools in Diani Beach, Watamu and Wasini Island that teach PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses, which start in shore-based pools beneath swaying palms.

Meet Kenya's diversity of people

Although it is dreams of Kenya’s wondrous wildlife that draws most people to this East African nation, many people’s lasting memories revolve around their interactions with Kenyans themselves. Meetings with the Maasai people, with their traditional red shukas and charismatic culture, add depth and warmth to any trip into the Mara region.

The same can be said for the striking Turkana people in Loiyangalani along the eastern shore of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). Visitors to the annual Marsabit-Lake Turkana Festival will also meet many of the other communities from Kenya’s remote north, such as the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Dassanach, Gabra, Borana, Konso, Sakuye, Garre, Waata, Burji and Somali.

The diversity of cultures in Kenya is truly astounding. Due to its history as a former British colony, Kenya has a sizable South Asian population of Hindus, Muslims, Goans and Sikhs, and a smaller yet influential white European community as part of that legacy.

While the Swahili people on the coast from Mombasa to Malindi differ in that they don’t share a common heritage, they are bound by a language and an African history that is tied to Arabia and Persia. There is no better place to immerse yourself in this world than in the labyrinth of crooked alleyways in Lamu town and Shela village on Lamu Island .

Planning tip: Time your visit to Kenya to coincide with one of its many vibrant cultural festivals .

Ride a wave or the wind

Want a burst of adrenaline with your taste of the Indian Ocean? The same winds that power the elegant dhows fuel two great water sports: windsurfing and kitesurfing. The latter has really caught on in Kenya, with many schools providing lessons for beginners as well as equipment rentals for experienced kitesurfers.

Diani Beach and neighboring Galu Beach are the epicenters of action, while Nyali and less crowded Shanzu beaches, close to Mombasa town, are also highly recommended.

The waters off Watamu and Malindi are excellent for experienced surfers because the waves are bigger and there’s no reef. The fun doesn’t stop inland, however, with whitewater rafting trips possible on both the Tana (also known as the Sagana) and Athi rivers, which thunder down from the Central Highlands at certain points during the year.

Float over Kenya in a hot-air balloon

Perhaps the most intoxicating safari experience in Kenya is to slowly climb – one exciting flame blast at a time – above the famous rolling savanna and flat-topped acacia trees of the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon.

Floating silently over streams of wildebeest on their Great Migration, lions stalking their prey or a lone black rhino moving through the bush is a perspective that nobody can ever forget.

When the light is just right, it’s possible to marvel at the perfectly proportioned elephant-shaped shadows cast by the largest member of the Big Five. Few experiences in life are as peaceful as they are exciting, and a hot-air balloon safari in Kenya is certainly one of them.

Join a camel safari

Camel safaris are a wonderful way of mixing wildlife, culture, landscapes and adventure by getting into remote areas where few others (and often no vehicles) go.

Most operate in the northern tribal areas of the Samburu and Turkana, which means visitors will also witness nomadic life and mingle with local people. Wildlife is not as prolific as in the southern parks, but on these trips, it does not matter – the journey is the main attraction.

Mornings are spent on the move, with visitors either riding the camels or walking alongside them (whichever they prefer). After striking camp around noon, participants have the rest of the day to enjoy guided walks and cultural interactions or to just relax.

Experienced Samburu moran (warriors) usually lead the caravans, with English-speaking tribal guides on hand to dispense interesting details on local folklore, botany, ornithology and local customs.

This article was first published May 23, 2017 and updated Nov 23, 2023.

Explore related stories

Jan 2, 2023 • 12 min read

Want to start planning for the year ahead? Featuring sports events, natural phenomena and more, these are 20 amazing trips to consider taking in 2023. 

Oct 11, 2022 • 7 min read

Aug 25, 2020 • 5 min read

Jun 16, 2020 • 7 min read

May 14, 2020 • 6 min read

Jan 13, 2020 • 5 min read

Apr 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 20, 2024 • 17 min read

Dec 13, 2023 • 9 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 7 min read

Home » Travel Guides » Kenya » 15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya

15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya

Kenya lies at the very heart of the East African Rift Valley. A place of world-class wildlife viewing and legendary game reserves, it’s surely amongst the most-visited of countries in the region.

Just check out the bucket-list-busting migrations that take place in the vast Mara, or look to the soaring heights of Mount Kenya, surrounded by flamingos and rare rhinos and wildebeest and more! However, Kenya’s isn’t just about 4X4s across the savannahs to spot elephants and lions.

It’s also got mile upon mile of beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean.

And that means beaches! Yep, travelers flock to the shorelines around Malindi and Mombasa to taste all the exoticism of Zanzibar, all mixed up with the smells of Keralan curries and Arabic tagines thanks to the multi-layered history.

And then there are the cities, topping out with the heady and energetic mass that is Nairobi – one of the largest metropolises in all of East Africa!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Kenya :

1. Maasai Mara

Home to perhaps the single most famous safari park in the world (sorry Kruger), this relatively small national reserve magnesites thousands of travelers to the reaches of East Africa every year.

It’s bordered to the south (and immediately contiguous with) Tanzania’s acclaimed Serengeti National Park, and displays the quintessential backcountry of the East African Rift: undulating savannah plains peppered with galloping zebra herds; swaying grasslands punctuated with the lanky stalks of giraffes; meadows of topi and waterholes dotted with cape buffalo.

Safari is – of course – the biggest pull, with countless people heading in for The Great Migration and to see the fabled Big Five of African mammals.

2. Lamu Island

Ringed by sandbanks, bobbing dhows, mangrove swamps and the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean on the eastern edge of Kenya, little Lamu Island still plays host to one of the most historically rich towns in the nation.

Named – appropriately – Lamu Old Town, this historic port of whitewashed facades and tropical timber wood houses is tagged by UNESCO for its exposition of traditional Swahili building methods.

But that’s not it, because the villages of Shela and Matondoni further along the coast of Lamu also boast a series of fascinating ports and mosques from centuries gone by, while the age-old celebrations of Mawlid are a must for any culture vultures!

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli lives up to its reputation as one of the crème de la crème of East African safari parks, and not least of all with that fine location below the colossal outline of none other than Mount Kilimanjaro! In the shadow of that snow-topped massif – the highest on the continent – this protected reserve spreads out in a patchwork of dusty plains and savannahs, fields of curious sulphur spouts and riparian wetlands all trodden by some of the largest elephant herds in the country.

Today, wildlife lovers flock here to safari and see the great galumphing beasts next to cheetahs, wildebeest, giraffes, zebra and more!

Sprawling, steel-clad Nairobi isn’t the prettiest of African cities at first glance, granted.

But there’s real charm and energy to be found in this nigh on four-million-strong capital in the southern heart of Kenya for sure.

For starters, the town is famed as the only great metropolis with a bona fide safari park smack bang within city limits – just check out the Nairobi National Park, where giraffes meet cheetahs against the meanders of the Mbagathi River.

Add to that a series of great central markets that bubble with East African hotpots and foods, along with one of Kenya’s best nightlife scenes, and bingo: you’ve got yourself a town that’s really worth the stopover!

5. Hell’s Gate National Park

Sat midway between the city of Nairobi and the backcountry town of Nakuru, Hell’s Gate covers a humble 68 square kilometers in the midst of southern Kenya.

A place of real natural beauty, it’s defined by startling and unforgettable rock formations that rise like splinters from the scrub-dressed ground.

Considered by many to have been the inspiration for the Disney film The Lion King, the area has high escarpments and deep valleys carved through its terrain, each bearing curious monikers like Fischer’s Tower and the great Embarta.

Between the gorges and canyons, you can expect to see wildebeest and vultures, African buffalo and Thomson’s gazelle, not to mention packs of lions to boot!

6. Tsavo East National Park

One of the oldest and largest national parks in all of East Africa, the great stretches of Tsavo East rarely fail to top charts of the finest safari destinations on the planet.

They can be found cascading down from the sun-baked highlands of the Chyulu Hills that straddle the border with Tanzania to the south; a mosaic of swaying savannah grasses and red-hued rocks that rise like escarpments from the dusty, arid grounds.

The eastern edge of the park is delineated by the flow of the Athi River, which gives way to the great stones of Yatta – one of the largest lava channels in the world.

And then there are the animals: everything from white-tailed mongooses to cape buffalo, ground pangolins to cheetahs!

With overtones as exotic as nearby Zanzibar and a history as deep as any of East Africa’s cities, Mombasa is an enigmatic and wonderful place to visit.

Swahili roots and traditions die hard, even after the influence of the erstwhile Portuguese and Arabic rulers raised colonial edifices and grand mosques between the streets.

Take some time to wander the European-flavoured Old Town, sample the spicy Indian-influenced curries and take in the energy of Mombasa port.

But don’t linger too long, because the beaches await, going from the shimmering white stretches along Bamburi to the palm tree groves of Shanzu!

Ah Malindi: a town of tin-shack homes and old mosque towers from centuries gone by, where the sea has never been so warm and the sand has never been so white! Yep, this humble little trading town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast has risen and risen in recent decades to become the favourite choice of European and American visitors looking to taste the sun and salt water of East Africa.

Monuments to the great Portuguese explore Vasco da Gama Pillar still mark the center of the place – a testimony to its long past – while strips of palm-backed beaches and resorts, pretty piazzas and even pizza restaurants bring in the biggest crowds.

9. Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve marks the very heart of Kenya as a whole.

Hundreds of miles from the coast, and just edging up to the rising highlands that define East Africa, the area gets its lifeblood from the meanders of the trickling Ewaso Ng’iro, which drops down this way from the ice-caked top of Mount Kenya itself.

The terrain is defined by flat-topped acacia trees and the occasional riparian oases of palms, while the wildlife includes lions and gazelles, Tanzanian cheetahs, waterbucks, crocodiles and olive baboons.

10. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru now sits at the heart of its very own national park.

Just a small speck of blue on the Kenyan map, this curious body of water rises above the Great Rift Valley from between the acacia groves and meadows that surround it.

It’s famed primarily for its truly kaleidoscopic array of birdlife, which is defined by the pinkish glow of flamingos for most of the year.

Head up to the high-perched lookout points of Baboon Cliff for some dramatic views of the area, before hitting the winding dirt tracks that ring the water’s edge to spot Eastern black rhinos, baboons and countless migrating birds alike.

11. Laikipia

The rise and rise of the Laikipia District as one of Kenya’s prime ecotourist hotspots has defied all expectations.

Without any totemic national parks or game reserves, the region entered the scene with just the pulls of its natural backcountry.

And as soon as the tour companies caught on to the unspoilt beauties of the sweeping green highlands and hills that rise and fall here, the rest was history.

Today, oodles of safari folk flock come to enjoy off-the-beaten-track wildlife spotting, with destinations like the Sosian Game Ranch, the Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy and others boasting the likes of Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs and uber-rare black rhinos.

12. Lake Naivasha

Like Nakuru, Lake Naivasha’s little brother, located just to the north-west, this mirror-like body of water is one of the real jewels of the Kenyan Rift.

Shining in hues of sky-blue beneath the red rock ridges of the aforementioned Hell’s Gate park, the spot is widely famed for its thriving birdlife.

For example, there are uber-rare bearded vultures to see, along with ospreys, hawks and eagles.

Add to that the geothermal power plants and geological phenomenon that occur in the nearby mountains, and it’s easy to see why Naivasha is now considered such a fascinating place to visit!

With one foot in Lake Victoria and the other on the great highways that lead east to Nairobi, Mombasa and the port towns of the Indian Ocean, it’s hardly surprising that Kisumu cut its teeth in the mercantile trade.

However, things have ebbed and flowed a lot in the last couple of decades, with the steam boats and transports dropping off for some time.

Revival is now in the works, but Kisumu has a regained respect for its historical traditions and natural attractions too.

So, forget the great freights and oil pipes, and look instead to the biodiversity of Dunga Beach, or the curious architecture of the Kisumu Town Clock in the center of the city.

Nyeri is very much the self-proclaimed gateway to the Central Highlands of Kenya.

At heart, it’s a dusty transport hub of a town, with purring scooters and rickshaws moving through the square-cut blocks and between the low-rise marketplaces.

However, its enviable location on the very edge of the Aberdare Mountains, within reach of the Aberdare National Park (home to leopards, African wild dogs, giant forest hogs, cape buffalos, rhinos and more), Mount Suswa and the South-western Mau Reserve makes it a real magnet for outdoorsy types!

15. Marsabit

Rising in a medley of ramshackle tin homes and lean-to timber shacks from the midst of the great Kenyan deserts in the north, this largely untrodden town is one for the conservation buffs and ethical tourists.

It’s currently the focus of a number of humanitarian missions, which are attempting to provide schooling, clean water and the like to the local tribal communities.

More than 422 kilometers from Nairobi, the town is far-flung to say the least, but that means an authentic view of Kenyan life, and a chance to see the wilder (if that’s possible!), more arid and unexplored section of this popular East African country.

15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya:

• Maasai Mara
• Lamu Island
• Amboseli National Park
• Hell's Gate National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Samburu National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru
• Lake Naivasha

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations
• Africa & Middle East

12 Best Things to Do in Kenya

Perceived by many as the original safari destination , Kenya is still one of the best choices for a classic African experience. Lion prides range across the vast open spaces of the Maasai Mara, while wildebeest and zebra arrive by the millions for the annual Great Migration and in some places, pastoralist Maasai and Samburu tribespeople continue to live as they have done for thousands of years. There's a lot more to this country than its popular game reserves , however, as Nairobi offers multi-faceted culture while the Swahili Coast sports historic towns and picture-perfect beaches. Here’s a look at 12 of Kenya 's top attractions, all places you should check out on your next trip.

Spend Some Time in Nairobi

Verónica Paradinas Duro / Getty Images

Most visitors to Kenya will find themselves flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi . Instead of continuing your journey right away, consider spending a night or two in the capital. From museums, wildlife experiences, and crafts markets during the day to a rollicking nightlife and foodie scene at night, there's plenty to keep you busy for a few days before (or after) a safari adventure, especially in and around the affluent suburb of Karen, home of the city's central business district.

It's easy to get around town via taxi or by taking Kenya Bus or a traditional matatu minivan. Visit the Nairobi National Museum and the Nairobi Gallery to learn more about the city's thriving history, art, and culture. Spot wild lions and black rhinos at Nairobi National Park , watch rescued baby elephants being fed at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, and come face-to-face with rehabilitated Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Center . Out of Africa fans will love the Karen Blixen Museum , located in the author's own home at the foot of the Ngong Hills.

Enjoy Kenya's Coast and Marine National Parks

Antonio Zanghì / Getty Images

Balance some time in the bush with seaside relaxation along the white-sand beaches of Kenya's idyllic central coast. Malindi is a lively option, as an established resort destination with upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars, while neighboring Watamu charms with its rural atmosphere and protected palm-fringed shores. 

Popular beach town activities include sunset dhow cruises, scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. It's just a five-hour train ride or a one-hour flight from Nairobi to Mombasa, then a two-hour drive up the coast, or you can fly one hour straight into Malindi from Nairobi. Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is a great place to see green turtles living among its coral gardens as well as the humpback whales that pass through the area from July to October.

Located at the bottom-right corner of the country near the border with Tanzania, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve is also worth a visit, with the chance to see endemic sea life like dolphins, sea turtles, whales, coral reef systems, and more than 250 species of fish, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. Bird watching is also popular here, as migratory birds use the area to nest in large colonies.

Take a Hike in Hell's Gate National Park

Nigel Pavitt / Getty Images 

Situated about three hours northwest of Nairobi, Hell's Gate National Park is unlike any other place in Kenya. Part of the Great Rift Valley, the area is a center of geothermal activity, boasting a mix of soaring cliffs, plunging gorges, and immense rock pillars. Plumes of escaping steam and swimmable thermal springs only add to the sense of drama here. 

Unlike the country's other national parks, Hell's Gate allows walking safaris and has designated trails just for hiking and mountain biking. Sites like Fischer's Tower are popular among rock climbers while birders flock to the Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide to see nesting birds of prey in the wild, including Egyptian vultures and the majestic Verreaux's eagle.

Witness the Great Migration

Piper Mackay / Getty Images

Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope make their way from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. While their exact movements are dictated by the rains, the herds typically enter the country in August and spend September and November grazing on its lush southern plains.

The Great Migration (and the Mara River crossing in particular) is one of the world's most iconic natural spectacles. The area is also home to the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African buffalo) and known for its robust predator sightings. To make sure you get front-row seats to all the action, consider staying in a mobile camp like Enaidura or Nkorombo .

Visit Both Sides of Tsavo National Park

Alberto Ghizzi Panizza / Getty Images

In the far southeastern part of Kenya is Tsavo National Park, which makes up Kenya's largest protected wildlife area and is split into two distinct sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West . Though the safari experience in each park is quite different, both sides offer a chance to spot the Big Five and 600 species of birds. 

Tsavo East is known for its picturesque red dust plains, intersected by the beautiful Galana River, which attracts diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds. This park is also home to the world's longest lava flow, the Yatta Plateau. Tsavo West, on the other hand, is wetter, greener, and even more scenic—be sure to visit Mzima Springs—although the animals living here can be harder to spot.

Discover Swahili History on Lamu Island

Nigel Pavitt / Getty Images

Head to northern Lamu Island to immerse yourself in Kenya's Swahili culture. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town has been continually inhabited for more than 700 years and is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Visit landmarks like Lamu Fort (which now houses the fascinating Lamu Museum) or wander through labyrinthine streets admiring the traditional coral stone and mangrove timber houses. 

The Arabic, Persian, European, and Indian architectural influences you’ll see are a testament to Lamu Island's rich trading history. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, just donkey carts and dhows offering beach trips, snorkeling tours, and other touristic activities like swimming with dolphins.

Photograph Flamingoes at Lake Nakuru National Park

mantaphoto / Getty Images

Located in central Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. It’s perhaps best known for its vast soda lake, which takes up approximately a third of the park's total area and attracts hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser flamingoes who come to mate, raise their young, and feed on the lake's algae. 

Although pollution has caused the flamingoes to migrate elsewhere in past years, recent clean-up efforts have seen many of them return to the area. Flamingoes aside, Lake Nakuru National Park is a birding hotspot, with more than 450 different avian species calling it home. You’ll also be able to see lions, leopards, and white rhinos, while its spectacular euphorbia forest is the largest in Africa.

Trek to the Top of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is Africa's second tallest mountain and the inspiration for the country's modern name . Those who wish to climb it can choose between three peaks: Batian (17,057 feet/5,199 meters), Nelion (17,021 feet/5,188 meters), and Point Lenana (16,355 feet/4,985 meters). 

While the first two peaks require technical equipment and training, it's possible for amateur trekkers to reach the summit at Point Lenana. Mount Kenya's slopes are cloaked in forest and moorland, which gives way to layers of rock, ice, and snow. The best time to climb is during the drier months of January to February or from July to October. Whenever you go, be sure to book with a reputable operator like Go to Mount Kenya .

Search for Elephants at Amboseli National Park

oversnap / Getty Images 

If seeing large herds of elephants up close is at the top of your Kenya wish list, visit Amboseli National Park . Located in the southern part of the country, the reserve is known for amazing elephant sightings set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro , which is visible across the Tanzanian border. The best time to visit is from June to October.

A diverse array of habitats also makes the park a hotspot for other animal and bird species. Keep an eye out for all three big cats, the endangered African wild dog, and more than 600 different types of birds. Maasai villages situated around the edge of Amboseli National Park offer opportunities for insightful cultural visits.

Admire the Desolate Beauty of Lake Turkana

Also known as the Jade Sea because of its pale green color, Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake on the planet and a great off-the-beaten-track spot for those who appreciate stark beauty. 

The barren shores and saline waters also happen to house the world's largest concentration of Nile crocodiles, who breed in Central Island National Park among a vivid landscape that includes three active volcanoes. Hippos and large flocks of flamingoes can also be seen here, though the park’s main attraction is its lunar scenery. Lake Turkana also has great anthropological importance as the discovery site of some of the earliest hominid fossils ever found.

Book a Stay on a Kenyan Conservancy

Daryl Balfour / Getty Images 

For a more exclusive safari experience, book a stay on one of Kenya's famous conservancies—like Recommended conservancies include Lewa , Loisaba , and Ol Pejeta —or tracts of land owned by Indigenous communities that are rented by eco-tourism companies and operated as private game reserves. 

Choosing this type of accommodation comes with many benefits. Firstly, you can rest assured knowing your money is directly benefiting the local community, which helps to reduce conflict between traditional landowners and native wildlife, thereby promoting conservation. Secondly, conservancies aren't restricted by the same rules as national parks so they can offer special perks like night drives and walking safaris.

Explore the Cultures and Landscapes of Northern Kenya

Bartosz Hadyniak / Getty Images

Kenya's most iconic game reserves may be located in the south, but it's well worth venturing north to check out Samburu , Shaba, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Located virtually next door to one another among an arid landscape dotted with granite outcrops and twisted acacias, the three National Reserves straddle the banks of the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. The unique habitat is home to equally unique wildlife, including the desert-adapted gerenuk and oryx antelopes, the endangered Grévy's zebra, and the reticulated giraffe, which is also endangered. 

Animals are not the only attraction here, as this area is home to the semi-nomadic, pastoralist Samburu Indigenous people. Cultural tours here provide fascinating insights into their way of life.

Related Articles

More related articles.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Things to do
• Places to visit
• Hotels and resorts
• Honeymoon packages
• Holiday packages
• Real Traveler Stories

• 20 Places To Visit In Kenya That Reflect The Country’s Essence Beyond Wildlife!

From vast faunal diversity to an extensive variation in cultures, and from old world cities to ultramodern hubs, Kenya has beaten all stereotypes of being a mere wildlife safari destination . With numerous national parks, urban and rural cities, azure water bodies, geographical marvels, and pristine beaches, being some of the best places to visit in Kenya , this East African country has emerged as a popular tourist destination not only among the adventure lovers but also among families, and honeymooners.

20 Best Places To Visit In Kenya

So, here’s a list of some of the top Kenya tourist places that you must not miss during your next trip to this African jewel. Make sure you don’t forget to get your favourite travel buddies along!

• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Victoria
• Mt. Kenya National Park
• Samburu National Reserve
• Diani Beach
• The Great Rift Valley
• Jamia Mosque
• Uhuru Gardens
• Lamu Island
• Wasini Island
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Fourteen Falls
• Maasai Mara
• Haller Park

1. Amboseli National Park

Image Source

Adorned by the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit this place to spectate majestic views of the highest peak of Africa, and witness large herds of African elephants, and an extensive variety of wildlife such as Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and innumerable bird species.

Location: Loitokitok District, Rift Valley, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,850 for adults, and INR 2,250 for children

Must Read: If You Can’t Fly Like A Bird You Jolly Well Can Stay Like One At This Bird Nest In Kenya!

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Lake Victoria

Passing through 3 African countries namely Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the whole continent. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya where one can find peace amidst its tranquil environment, and also explore the extensive variety of aquatic life which includes species like African helmeted turtles, variable mud turtles, Williams’ mud turtle, and 500 species of fish which include non-native fishes like African tetras, Cyprinids, air-breathing catfish, and bagrid catfish.

Suggested Read: Stay At Giraffe Manor Kenya & Experience The Joy Of Living Among Rothschild’s Giraffe

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. It is one of the most popular Kenya tourist places which is known for its legendary colonial history, sprawling infrastructure, tea and coffee industry, and wildlife parks. One should definitely visit this city to capture a glimpse of the historical heritage of Kenya, peep into its vibrant culture, spectate its vivid wildlife, and witness its stunning contemporary art.

Major Attractions: Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya, Ngong Hills, and Hell’s Gate National Park Top Things To Do In Nairobi : Wildlife Safari, and Shopping

Suggested Read: Head To Masai Mara National Park For An Ultimate Encounter With Africa’s Best

4. Mt. Kenya National Park

Situated at an altitude of 5,199 meters, Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak in Kenya, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park was established to conserve the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya. It has now developed into a full-fledged tourist attraction and is one of the top Kenya sightseeing places that is known for its exhilarating wildlife safari tours.

Location: Mount Kenya National Park, Central Kenya Timings: 9 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,400 for adults, and INR 1,670 for children

Suggested Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild

Located on the Southeast coast of the country, Mombasa is the largest port city of Kenya. Being a cosmopolitan city, Mombasa is considered as a tourist magnet that attracts all sorts of travelers because of its amalgamated culture. It is one of the most famous places in Kenya that boasts of a blend of various cultures, traditions, art, architecture, and cuisines, such as, British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian. This city is also famous for its beaches, corals, old monuments, and bustling street markets.

Major Attractions: Fort Jesus, Old Town, Diani Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, and Nyali Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Shopping, and Wildlife Safari

Suggested Read: Wildlife In Kenya: Spot The Glorious Fauna In The Exotic Land That Has Got It All!

Adorning the Southeastern coast of Kenya, Malindi is a popular resort town in the country having two different faces. One part of the city reflects its rich history, while the other half is a modern day tourist hotspot. It is one of the most popular Kenya attractions that lure tourists to explore its historical monuments, pristine beaches, and extensive corals.

Major Attractions: Watamu Beach, Malindi Museum, and Watamu Marine National Parks Top Things To Do: Snorkeling, Diving, and soaking in the tropical weather

7. Samburu National Reserve

Looking for places to visit in North Kenya? Embark on an adventurous journey through the Samburu National Reserve. Located on the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro river, this protected area is known for its popular game reserve where tourist can enjoy a rejuvenating stay, and witness the extensive wildlife which includes species like Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx.

Entry Fee: INR 4,500 for adults, and INR 2,500 for children Website

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Africa: Top 11 Romantic Getaways For The Best And Unique Experiences!

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand

Bangkok. Phi Phi. Krabi. Why should guys have all the fun?

Sandeep Illustrates On The Best Activities For A Family Trip To Mauritius

Water sports. Cocktail parties. And unlimited fun at Casela.

Nisarg Can't Stop Praising His Honeymoon Trip To Maldives

There was snorkeling, sightseeing, luxury, comfort, & much more!

Sabyacsachi's Romantic Trip Proves Europe To Be The Mother Of All Vacations

For Art, Culture, Luxury, & more...

Srishti Talks Of Her Amazing Trip To Singapore With Her Mother & Niece

A fun-filled destination for ages indeed!

67-Year Old Sridhar Tells How He Beat The Odds & Took A Solo Trip To Dubai

Desert safari. Burj Khalifa. Welcoming locals. Tell me more!

Not Adventure Lovers? Saurabh's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong To Still Be Full Of Fun

Your kids will love Disney Land & Ocean Park!

Ravi's Tale Of A Sri Lanka Family Tour Is All You Need To Know About Ramayana Tour

For the love of Ramayana & Travel!

8. Diani Beach

Bask in the tropical weather, and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the palm-lined beach, and untarnished white sands, at the Diani Beach in Mombasa. Stretching from the Congo river in the North to Galu beach in the South, this 10-kilometer long beach is one of the top places to visit in Kenya where tourist can enjoy loads of watersports such as diving, fishing, kitesurfing, and much more.

Location: Mombasa, Kenya Website

9. Manda Bay

Adorning the Kenyan coastline, Manda Bay is one of the best Kenya tourist attractions for family, friends, and honeymooners as well. It is an ideal place to enjoy a luxurious vacation in opulent resorts surrounded by coconut, and tamarind trees, and overlooking wide stretches of white sandy beaches.

Location: Lamu, Kenya

10. The Great Rift Valley

Running throughout the country from North to South, the Great Rift Valley is a 6,000-kilometer long geographical formation. It is one of the most astonishing places to visit in Kenya which is of great geographical importance and can be best viewed from the town of Iten, a few kilometers from Eldoret.

Suggested Read: Top Safari Honeymoon Destinations, Experiences, & Resorts In The World

11. Jamia Mosque

Located in the central business district of Nairobi, Jamia Mosque is a popular religious place in Kenya. Known for its Arabic style architecture, this religious site is one of the best places to visit in Kenya, which also houses a library, and a training center, which is dedicated to preaching Islam to people who want to learn about the sect.

Location: Banda Street, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

12. Uhuru Gardens

This 13-hectare extensive recreational park is one of the most famous places to visit in Kenya which houses a large monument, and an azure lake. It is a popular picnic spot where people can spend quality time with their loved ones amidst its lush green surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful walking tour away from the bustling traffic of the city.

Location: Uhuru Highway-Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

13. Lamu Island

Travel back in time as you explore the oldest inhabited settlement in Kenya, the Lamu Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya to witness its rich trading history that reflects through its age-old buildings which are a blend of British, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. Strolling past the streets of the city one can notice that the city still relies on Dhows, and donkeys for commuting from one place to another.

Major Attractions: Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, and Manda Island Top Things To Do: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and water skiing

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Cape Town For A Happening Vacation

14. Wasini Island

The small island of Wasini lies in Southeastern coast of Kenya, which is known for its ultramarine waters, and extensive coral reefs. It is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for nature, and adventure lovers, who get an opportunity indulge in thrilling activities like diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sailing on a traditional Dhow.

Major Attractions: Kisite Marine National Park, Shimoni Slave Caves, and Paradise Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, sailing

15. Mt. Elgon

Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano, and the 8th highest mountain in the country, located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, in the western part of the country. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kenya which attracts a large number of adventurous tourists who wish to indulge in arduous activities like climbing, trekking, and hiking.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Places To Visit In India With Friends For A Completely Crazy, Action-Packed Vacation

16. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Established in 1977, this wildlife conservation charity is amongst the most popular ones. Managing an orphanage which looks after rhinos and elephants, this trust is known to help the Kenya Wildlife services with funds. One can also adopt an elephant at this place at a minimum price of USD 50. So, are you ready to visit one of the most serene places to visit in Kenya, Africa yet?

Location: Magadi road, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 11 am to 12 pm Entry Fee: INR 344

17. Fourteen Falls

As the name suggests itself, this site contains fourteen beautiful waterfalls that have abundant activities and tours included in here. This includes boating, bird watching, fishing and photography. To get the best of this place, it is recommended to take a guided tour of the entire region and know more about its history and geographical aspect. This is surely one of the best hidden places to visit in Kenya that you should not miss!

Location: Mary Dale Farm, Garissa Rd, Thika, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 275

18. Maasai Mara

Known to be one of the most spectacular game reserves, Maasai Mara is famous because of the local Maasais living here who take care of the land well and reside here. A unique site of migration can be witnessed in this region from the months of July to October when animals like Zebra, and wildebeest migrate to this region from Serengeti

Location: Narok KE, Narok, Kenya Timings: 6:30 am to 7 pm Entry Fee: INR 4,800

19. Kiboko Bay

Image Source If you’re looking for a luxury stay amid the stunning landscapes of Kenya, it’s time you visit Kiboko Bay resort that offers a unique experience. With ample options for the adventure-crazy folks, you can try hippo-spotting, boat tours, bird watching or simply unwind on the pristine beaches of this land.

Location: Kisumu, Kenya Timings: Throughout the year Tariff: Prices may vary depending on the time of the year

20. Haller Park

For all those who wish to interact with wildlife in a soothing environment, this park is the place to be. Giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and hippos, you can meet a number of animals and birds in this charming park. Almost 1,60,000 people visit this place annually and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya ! So, when are you coming?

Location: Trail, Mombasa, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 965 per person

Further Read: 10 Surreal Beaches In Kenya That Portray The Soothing Side Of Africa!

Dreaming of an adventurous safari amidst the best wildlife places to visit in Kenya? Then book an exciting Kenya tour package with TravelTriangle to explore the top attractions of the country during your trip to this Africa jewel. Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case this mesmerising place changes your mind and you wish to extend your vacay!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kenya

Which are the best shopping places in Kenya?

Westgate shopping mall, The Village Market of Nairobi, The Hub Karen Mall, Diani Shopping Centre, and Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Center are some of the best shopping places in Kenya.

What should one buy in Kenya?

Maasai Beads, Kitengela Glass, Beaded Bowls, Hand-Carved Wooden Sculptures, and Kikois and Khangas are some of the best things to buy in Kenya.

Which are the best authentic dishes of Kenya?

Ugali, Irio, Githeri, Kenyan Pilau, Wali wa Nazi, Sukuma Wiki, and Kenyan Stew are some of the best authentic dishes of Kenya.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Plan your trip today!

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People Also Read:

Places To Visit In George Places To Visit In Bloemfontein Places To Visit In Pretoria

Places to Visit In India

• 30 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore In...
• 64 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For...
• 39 Best Places To Visit In October In...
• 101 Places To Visit In India Before You...
• 20 Places To Visit In Sakleshpur In 2024...
• 35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In...
• 32 Best Places To Visit In January In...
• 20 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya For...
• 12 Places To Visit In Punjab To Witness...
• Unravel Places To Visit In Uttarakhand For A...
• 26 Best Places To Visit In Jammu For...
• 29 Places To Visit In Monsoon In India...
• Best Places To Visit In August In India...
• 36 Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One...
• 55 Fascinating Places To Visit In Hyderabad In...
• 35 Ultimate Places To Visit In July In...
• 72 Places To Visit In Rajasthan In 2024
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In...
• 33 Spectacular Places To Visit In Mumbai On...
• 43 Places To Visit In West Bengal In...
• 41 Best Places To Visit In June In...
• 35 Best Places To Visit In Mysore In...
• 35 Places To Visit In Coorg For A...
• 54 Best Places To Visit In India In...
• 8 Places To Visit In Jibhi For A...
• 64 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Goa...
• 25 Best Places To Visit In Visakhapatnam In...
• 16 Places To Visit In Lucknow That Showcase...
• 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That...

International Places To Visit

• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That...
• 40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In...
• 28 Places To Visit In October In World...
• 28 Stunning Places To Visit In South Korea...
• 25 Places To Visit In Manila In 2024...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Morocco In...
• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In...
• 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That...
• 10 Breathtaking Places To Visit In The World...
• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The...
• 24 Fabulous Places To Visit In Ireland: The...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In London In...
• Discover 24 Places To Visit In Switzerland In...
• 17 Mystical Places To Visit In Egypt In...
• 15 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll...
• 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur...
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok In...
• 11 Popular Places To Visit In Doha For...
• 26 Places To Visit In Germany In 2024...
• 32 Places To Visit In Belgium That Make...
• 15 Places To Visit In USA That Reflect...
• 37 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At...
• 15 Top Places To Visit In Asia To...
• 20 Must-See Places To Visit In Milan In...
• Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece In...
• 31 Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi In...
• 25 Places To Visit In August In The...
• 15 Best Places To Visit In Chicago That...
• 14 Places To Visit In Berlin You Must...

Things To Do

• 40 Things To Do In Pondicherry In 2024...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Matheran In...
• 23 Intoxicating Things To Do In Turkey In...
• Top 14 Interesting Things To Do In Kanyakumari...
• 38 Things To Do In Gokarna To Escape...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For...
• 21 Remarkable Things To Do In Krabi In...
• 16 Things To Do On Honeymoon In 2024
• 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore...
• 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An...
• 30 Best Things To Do In Wayanad For...
• 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For...
• Top 39 Things To Do In Jaipur
• 19 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A...
• 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata In...
• Top 25 Things To Do In Kodaikanal For...
• 32 Things To Do In Ooty That Will...
• 15 Things To Do In Srinagar That Will...
• 20 Things To Do In Darjeeling
• 27 Kickass Things To Do In Malaysia
• 25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That...
• 18 Awesome Things To Do In Kasol On...
• 27 Exciting Things To Do In Chikmagalur
• 9 Things To Do In Mathura For An...
• 23 Things To Do In Lonavala For A...
• 10 Best Things To Do In Lakshadweep For...
• 30 Joyful Things To Do In Bhutan
• 38 Exhilarating Things To Do In Udaipur In...
• 18 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh
• 29 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla
• 30 Things To Do In Dehradun In 2024
• 7 Incredible Things To Do In Vrindavan For...

Recent Posts

Belgique En Hiver 2024: 10 Raisons De Visiter Le Pays Des Gâteaux Quand La Neige Tombe

Visit Poshwan Park For Peaceful Retreat On Your Kashmir Trip In 2024

Your Complete Guide To Visit The Pissu Top On Your Next 2024 Kashmir Trip

Explore The Enchanting Floral Oasis Of Badamwari Garden On Your Next Trip In 2024

Embark On An Adventurous Journey To Marsar Lake On Your Next Jammu And Kashmir Trip In 2024

Tarsar Lake Guide To Explore Your Ultimate Himalayan Adventure Destination In 2024

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

108 Best Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 In 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

64 Top Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2024 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Best things to do in Kenya

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• best-things-to-do-in-kenya

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 03.06.2024

Lapped by the Indian Ocean, and straddling the equator Kenya is a richly rewarding place to travel. With Mount Kenya rising above a magnificent landscape of forested hills, patchwork farms and wooded savanna, the country’s dramatic geography has a lot to offer. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Kenya.

1. Hike Mount Kenya

2. visit tsavo east national park, 3. watch stars at night, 4. go bird watching at lake baringo, 5. find a festival – at lake turkana, the rift valley or lamu, 6. train with warriors, 7. go on a boat ride at lake naivasha, 8. exploring nairobi national park - one of the best things to do in kenya for a wildlife experience, 9. visit desert lake, 10. david sheldrick wildlife trust, 11. explore the history of lamu island, 12. share a beach house – or rent a tree-house, 13. stay in a rainforest lodge in the shimba hills – or explore a ruined city, 14. head south into the rift valley, 15. spend a day at lake nakuru national park, 16. witness the great migration at maasai mara national reserve, 17. visit giraffe manor, 18. enjoy a camel ride, 19. backpack along the swahili coast.

• 20. Discover Hell's Gate National Park by bike

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Kenya , your essential guide for visiting Kenya .

Travel ideas for Kenya

Created by local experts

Bush To Beach Safari

Explore Kenya's vast national parks such as Lake Nakuru, the famous Maasai Mara and the well-known 'red' elephants in the Tsavo National Park. After a few days of waking up early to spot wildlife, relax on the fine sandy beaches of Diani in the Mombasa area.

Best of Kenya & Tanzania

A fascinating trip across the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas in Kenya and Tanzania. Learn more about the traditions and cultures of the Maasai and stare in awe at the wild roaming wildlife on your several game drives in different national parks.

Family Safari in Kenya

Take your (grand)children and embark on the adventure of a (family) lifetime: 7 days in Kenya, with up-close animal encounters, game drives to see the Big 5 and plenty of fun day activities.

An extinct volcano some 3.5 million years old, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, with two jagged peaks. Formed from the remains of a gigantic volcanic plug – most of its erupted lava and ash have been eroded by glacial action to create a distinctive, craggy silhouette.

There are four main routes up Mount Kenya. From the west, the Naro Moru trail provides the shortest and steepest way to the top. The Burguret and Sirimon trails from the northwest are less well trodden.

Sirimon has a reputation for lots of wildlife. Allocate four or five days for this hike — especially if you’ve just arrived in Kenya and are used to living at sea level.

To add comfort to your journey, also read our guide on when is the best time to travel to Kenya and explore our Kenya itineraries for inspiration.

Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the most exciting things to do in Kenya © Martin Mwaura/Shutterstock

Northeast of the highway, the rail line, and the apparent natural divide that separates Kenya’s northern and southern environments, lies Tsavo East National Park. Although it is the larger part of the combined Tsavo parks, the sector north of the Galana River has few tracks and is much less visited. It’s easy to get away off the two or three beaten tracks, and you may find something special.

After decades of poaching, rhinos are very rare in Tsavo East, but you may be lucky enough to spot one grazing quietly somewhere — especially north of the Galana. By contrast, you are absolutely certain to see a lot of Tsavo East’s delightfully colourful elephants, be they huge, dusty-red adults, or little chocolate babies fresh out of a mud bath.

Hippopotamus in Tsavo Park © Shutterstock

Booking a night out in nature under the stars at Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge and sleeping on a specially adapted “star bed” atop a secure platform is one of the authentic things to do in Kenya. This much-lauded eco-lodge, owned and managed by the local Maasai community, is perched along a ridge facing a game-rich valley. Uniquely, all the proceeds go to the local community.

The six spacious, raised, open-fronted bandas incorporate twisting branches and wonderful views, while bandas #1 and #5 have star-beds which can be pulled out onto their decks. There’s also a small infinity pool. Guaranteed wildlife, including elephants, seen daily at the waterhole.

Kenya is the safari capital of East Africa and in our guide to the best safari lodges in Kenya you will find some of the best options.

Try this fascinating tailor-made trip to the Best of Kenya & Tanzania across the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas. Learn more about the traditions and cultures of the Maasai and stare in awe at the wild roaming wildlife on your several game drives in different national parks.

Giraffes,Il Ngwesi © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

An internationally recognized Ramsar wetlands site since 2002, Lake Baringo is a peaceful and beautiful oasis in the dry-thorn country, rich in birdlife and with a captivating character entirely its own.

Depending on lake levels, the waters are either heavily silted with the topsoil of the region and appear a rusty red or streaky yellow. Or it runs through a whole range of colours from coral to purple to a brilliant aquamarine, according to the sun’s position and the state of the sky.

Baringo’s 470 species of birds are one of its biggest draws, and even if you don’t know a superb starling from an ordinary one, the enthusiasm of others tends to be infectious.

With its nature, varied safari options and abundant wildlife, Kenya is the best place for an exciting holiday with the whole family. For even more of these destinations, check out our guide to the 30 best places to go with kids .

Flamingos, lake Baringo, Kenya © Victor Lapaev/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Join over a dozen local tribes for three days of traditional song and dance in a relaxed international atmosphere. Kenya may have fewer major festivals than you might expect or desire, but the few annual events that do take place are definitely worth planning a safari around. The pre-eminent festival is the Lake Turkana Festival in May, a vibrant cultural celebration held in one of the country's most remote towns.

In August, the Rift Valley Festival, a more European-style music festival, is held on the shores of Lake Naivasha and is easily accessible. Meanwhile, the Lamu Festival, held every November on the far-flung shores of the Indian Ocean, features donkey and dhow races, traditional stick fights, processions, beach barbecues, and crafts displays, with the entire old Swahili town taking part.

Turkana woman, Kenya © E X P L O R E R/Shutterstock

Head to a Maasai -run eco-camp and learn the ways of warriorhood – which you'll soon discover involves playfighting with sticks and much singing and jumping. On most safaris in Kenya, you’re likely to meet Maasai warriors, and soon realise this is no dressing-up club but a part of every Maasai man’s life.

The training for this age grade is long and arduous, but you can now sample the lifestyle at a number of camps. For the most engaging warrior training experience, sign up for a 3-to-7-day programme with Laikipiak Maasai warriors at Bush Adventures Camp .

For a quicker, low budget taste of the action, closer to Nairobi, the low-key Maji Moto Eco-Camp. Located in the greater Mara ecosystem, this experience includes warrior-training – stick throwing, dancing, singing, tracking – with every stay in its tidy dome tents.

Maasai, Kenya © Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Kenya and the perfect getaway from Nairobi . Here you'll find excellent backpackers hostels, boating, a music festival, hippos, a rich array of birdlife and the secluded Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Naivasha, like so many Kenyan place names, is a corruption of a local Maasai name, this time meaning heaving or rough water, E-na-iposha, a pronunciation still used by Maa-speakers in the area.

The Rough Guides to Kenya and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The lake is slightly forbidding – grey and placid one minute and suddenly green and choppy with whitecaps the next – but is hugely picturesque. Its purple mountain backdrop and floating islands of papyrus and water hyacinth are sure to wow.

White-tailed eagle on lake Naivasha © kyslynskahal/Shutterstock

Despite all the buzz, it's truly amazing that Nairobi National Park exists almost unspoiled, right within earshot of Nairobi's bustling downtown traffic . This park, which contains over 80 species of large mammals (excluding elephants), boasts the highest density of megafauna of any city park worldwide.

In contrast to the noisy and congested city streets, the park offers a serene wilderness where humans are just temporary visitors. It's a great place to spend some time during a layover or before an evening flight, with excellent chances of spotting various species.

Even though the park is fenced along its northern border, it's open to the south, allowing migratory herds and their predators to come and go freely. Despite the low-flying planes and minibuses, Nairobi National Park offers the best opportunity for witnessing a predator kill among all the parks in Kenya.

For the ultimate safari experience in Kenya, timing is everything. Explore our guide to find out the best time to go on safari in this iconic destination

Zebras in Nairobi National Park, Kenya © mbrand85/Shutterstock

Straddling the Ethiopian border at its northern end, Lake Turkana stretches south for 250km, bisecting Kenya’s rocky deserts like a turquoise sickle, hemmed in by sandy wastes and black-and-brown volcanic ranges. The water, a glassy, milky blue one minute, can become slate-grey and choppy or a glaring emerald green the next.

Lake Turkana is the biggest permanent desert lake in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a shoreline longer than the whole of Kenya’s sea coast. It spread south as far as the now desolate Suguta Valley and fed the headwaters of the Nile.

Today it has been reduced to a mere sliver of its former expanse. a gigantic natural sump, with rivers flowing in but no outlets, it loses a staggering 3m of water through evaporation from its surface each year.

Desert Loyangalani lake, Turkana, Kenya © Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

Get on petting terms with tiny pachyderms at this highly regarded centre. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant and rhino orphanage, inside the western end of the Nairobi park, offers a chance to see staff caring for baby elephants. Sometimes baby rhinos, which have been orphaned by poachers, or have been lost or abandoned for natural reasons, can also be seen.

The trust is run by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, the founding warden of Tsavo National Park. During the hour-long open house, the elephant keepers bring their juvenile charges up to an informal rope barrier where you can easily touch them and take photos.

Elephant, Kenya © Lenka Krejcova/Shutterstock

There is nowhere in the world like the ancient seafaring town of Lamu, with a fort, a maze of alleys and cool lodgings on every corner. Perhaps best left until the end of your stay in Kenya, Lamu island may otherwise precipitate a change in your plans as you’re lulled into its slow, soothing rhythm, deliciously lazy atmosphere and some of the best things to do in Kenya.

All the senses get a full workout here, so while there are sights and activities on offer, actually doing anything is sometimes a problem. You can spend hours on a roof or veranda just watching life go by, feeling its mood swing effortlessly through its well-worn cycles – from prayer call to prayer call, from tide to tide and from dawn to dusk.

For more ideas on spending your time on Lamu Island, take a look at our guide to why it's time to return to Lamu .

Where to stay on Lamu Island:

• For beaches location: Jua House
• For stunning surroundings: Banana House and Wellness Centre
• For couples: The Majlis Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay on Lamu Island

Kenya's dhow in Lamu © Shutterstock

Chilling on the coast is one of the best things to do in Kenya to relax after the full-on activity of a safari. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses on the shores of the Indian Ocean, but renting a house on Tiwi Beach tops them all.

The fully staffed Olerai Beach House sleeps up to ten, so it’s ideal for a tropical house party. In the huge gardens, there’s a stunning swimming pool with a water slide and landscaped caves, while the beach lies right in front of you through the palms. It’s quite remote, so there’s the option to have a minibus and driver at your disposal for trips into Mombasa and other excursions.

However, if you’re on more of a shoestring budget, then Stilts Backpackers , on Diani Beach, is a great location for the budget traveller. Funky treehouses (huts on stilts), a tree-level bar-restaurant and plenty of convivial company make it a popular base. Here the beach is just a five-minute walk away.

African landscape with a lodge, Kenya © Shutterstock

Coastal adventures come in many shapes and sizes. Just inland from the beaches of the south coast lies Shimba Hills National Reserve. The hills, teeming with elephants and forest wildlife, house an authentic rainforest lodge . Here trees grow through the wooden building, and a treetop walkway winds through the forest to a waterhole.

Also in the forest, near the small resort town of Watamu on the north coast, the ruins of the stone town of Gedi lay hidden in the jungle for hundreds of years. The identity of the sixteenth-century inhabitants of the town, excavated in the 1940s, is still unknown, but today their houses and mosques can be explored and are particularly atmospheric at dusk.

Sunset at Shimba Hills, Kenya © Shutterstock

From Nairobi, everyone thinks of the Rift Valley as north of the city, focused around tourist hotspots like Lake Naivasha with its gardens and boat trips, or Lake Nakuru with its busy national park. But, if you head south – driving yourself or in a limited selection of beaten-up buses or taxi vans – you can explore an equally fascinating but almost unvisited stretch of the Great Rift.

The first possible stop is Whistling Thorns – much like an English Lake District youth hostel, but with ostriches and gazelles instead of sheep. Then, as you plunge down the dramatic face of the escarpment, you head out onto arid plains where there’s a great prehistoric stone-tool site, Olorgasailie, with cheap camping and cottages.

Finally, you reach the bizarre soda pans of Lake Magadi, where a factory town supports a major chemical industry. There’s a beautiful public swimming pool and excellent bird life near the hot springs, and a few options for staying if you don’t have a tent.

A group of Lesser flamingos flying over a soda lake in the Rift Valley, Kenya © Shutterstock

Just 5km outside Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular in the country and one of the best things to do in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts, offering one of the best chances in Kenya of spotting black and white rhinos. With more than 300,000 visitors each year, this is one of Kenya Wildlife Service’s two “premier parks” (the other being Amboseli).

Though not large, it’s a beautiful park, the terra firma mostly under light acacia forest and well provided with tracks to a variety of hides and lookouts. The contrast between these animated woodlands and the soda lake with its primaeval birds gives it a very distinctive appeal.

Explore Kenya's vast national parks such as Lake Nakuru, the famous Maasai Mara and the well-known 'red' elephants in the Tsavo National Park on this tailor-made Bush To Beach Safari . After a few days of waking up early to spot wildlife, relax on the fine sandy beaches of Diani in the Mombasa area.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya © Shutterstock

For a long list of reasons, Maasai Mara is the best game reserve in Kenya. Set at nearly 2000m above sea level, the reserve is a great wedge of undulating grassland in the remote, sparsely inhabited southwest of the country, right up against the Tanzanian border and, indeed, an extension of the even bigger Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

This is a land of short grass and croton bushes (Mara means “spotted”, after the yellow crotons dotted on the plains), where the wind plays with the thick, green mantle after the rains and, nine months later, whips up dust devils from the baked surface. Maasai Mara’s climate is relatively predictable , with ample rain, and the new grass supports an annual wildebeest migration of half a million animals from the dry plains of Tanzania.

Wildebeest jumping into Mara River. Great Migration in Kenya © Shutterstock

One of the most unique things to do in Kenya is to stay at Giraffe Manor . Set in 140 acres of virgin forest in the Nairobi suburb of Langatha, the property is a boutique hotel. With its elegant interiors, sunny terraces and green courtyard gardens, the place feels as if it is transported back to 1930s Africa.

A distinctive feature of the estate is the herd of giraffes that live in the area and occasionally enter the grounds hoping for a treat.

Take your (grand)children and embark on this tailor-made adventure of a (family) lifetime : 7 days in Kenya, with up-close animal encounters, game drives to see the Big 5 and plenty of fun day activities.

Planning a family trip to Kenya? Our tips for visiting Kenya with kids will help you navigate some important nuances and ensure a more carefree and enjoyable journey.

National Park for Rothschild Giraffes Giraffe Manor in Kenya © Shutterstock

There’s a positive jungle all year round at the oasis village of South Horr (horr means “flowing water”), the largest settlement between Baragoi and Loiyangalani, wedged tightly between the Nyiru and Ol Doinyo Mara mountains.

With its pleasantly somnolent atmosphere, ample shade and relaxed Samburu camel herders lounging under the trees with their beasts, this is a great place to bunk down for a night or three. Making friends with local Samburu is easy. It’s also a good place from which to set our for a walk with camels for a few hours or a few days.

Group of camels early in the morning at sunrise in the dusty town of Maralal, Samburu District, Kenya © Shutterstock

The Swahili are not a “tribe” in any definable sense – they are the result of a mixed heritage. And, while Swahili culture is essentially Muslim, people’s interpretation of their religion varies according to circumstance.

Like the Swahili language, it used to be thought that the towns of the coast began as arab or even Persian trading forts. It is now known that Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and a host of lesser-known settlements are essentially ancient African towns that have always tolerated immigration from overseas.

Lamu, Kenya © Shutterstock

20. Discover Hell's Gate National Park by bike

Named after the narrow break in its tall basaltic cliffs, Hell’s Gate was the outlet for the prehistoric freshwater lake that stretched from here to Nakuru and which, it’s believed, would have supported early human communities on its shores. Today it’s a spectacular and exciting park, the red cliffs and undulating expanse of grassland providing one of the few remaining places in Kenya.

The most popular route through the park is to enter at Elsa Gate and drive, walk or cycle right through, along the main tarmacked road along the valley beneath the cliffs. You can either return the same way or exit from the Olkaria Gate, a distance of about 14km.

Hell's Gate National Park, Kenya © Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Kenya ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Kenya .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Kenya without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © Shutterstock

• Nature & Wildlife
• Authentic Experiences
• History Culture Heritage
• Inspiration
• See & Do
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Kenya

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Kenya

• Crime and personal safety tips Kenya
• Culture and Etiquette in Kenya
• Eating and drinking in Kenya
• National Parks in Kenya
• Travel Tips Kenya for planning and on the go
• Shopping tips for Kenya
• Entertainment and sport
• How to get to Kenya
• Getting around Kenya: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Kenya
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Kenya
• Best time to visit Kenya
• 10 days in Kenya — 5 travel itineraries

Find even more inspiration for Kenya here

Ready to travel and discover kenya, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Itineraries

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Kenya

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

One of the best places to go on safari in the world, Kenya is renowned for its rich wildlife and innumerable nature reserves. While most people come to see the Big 5, pearly white beaches and historic Swahili settlements line its stunning coast.

Located in East Africa alongside the Indian Ocean, it has long been one of the most popular countries to visit on the continent. Incredibly diverse, its national parks encompass everything from mountains and deserts to wetlands, plains, and lakes. They host an abundance of wildlife with the Maasai Mara and its wildebeest migration being the most famous of the lot.

The wildlife safaris have been the top tourist attractions in Kenya for decades. Other things to do include trekking Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara and snorkeling in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast. This makes for a nice change after days spent looking for elephants, giraffes and lions.

17. Lake Naivasha

A lovely day trip destination or a quiet weekend away, Lake Naivasha lies only two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Although often overlooked in favor of the nearby Lake Nakuru and its famous flamingos, it too is known for its bountiful birdlife and beautiful scenery.

Part of the Great Rift Valley, the shallow freshwater lake’s name actually means ‘rough water’ in the Maasai language. Other than a sizeable population of hippos, it is home to around 400 bird species. These include not just egrets and African fish eagles but cormorants, pelicans, and kingfishers too. Big buffaloes and towering giraffes can also be spotted along its shores.

To see as many animals and birds as possible, lots of people take scenic boat trips out on the lake. You can also stay overnight at the comfy lodges that look out over its sparkling surface.

16. Karen Blixen Museum

Lying on the southwestern outskirts of the capital, not far from Nairobi National Park, is the brilliant Karen Blixen Museum. Her former home provides an interesting look at the life of the Out of Africa author in Kenya.

From 1917 to 1931, the renowned Danish writer lived in a bungalow-style farmhouse at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Her famous memoir recounts what living on the coffee plantation was like. It also explores Kenya’s rich culture and colonial rule in British East Africa.

Now a historic house museum, its rooms are full of period pieces and original artifacts owned by the author. Surrounded by lush, green grounds, it makes for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Nairobi.

15. Tsavo East National Park

One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, Tsavo East is situated in the southeast, on the way to the coast from Nairobi. A great choice if you’re wondering where to go on safari, it boasts loads of awesome wildlife.

Once the hunting grounds of the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes, its sprawling savanna and semi-arid grasslands have been protected since 1948. As well as the Big 5, you can also spy huge hippopotami and camouflaged crocodiles alongside the Galana River. Overhead, crowned cranes and sacred ibis flap about beneath the park’s bright blue skies.

Constantly in contact with other guides, your driver will somehow get you up close to every animal imaginable. Thanks to them, we saw a family of elephants enjoying a red dust bath right beside the jeep. Although often seen throughout the park, this scene was still one of our favorite memories from our time in Kenya.

14. Tsavo West National Park

Much more mountainous and swampy than its nearby namesake, Tsavo West lies just across a river and the A109 from the neighboring national park. Due to its more varied scenery and specially protected rhino sanctuary, it is slightly more popular to visit.

Also named after the Tsavo River, its rugged reaches are dotted by dramatic black lava flows and volcanic cones. Some exciting rock climbing can also be had up its craggy cliff faces. Here too, you’ll find the marvelous Mzima Springs where you can see hippos, crocs, and turtles.

This time, the highlight of our safari was seeing an incredibly rare eastern black rhinoceros. It stopped in the middle of the road before staring at us for what seemed like an eternity before slowly plodding back into the bush.

13. Fort Jesus, Mombasa

The coastal city’s main tourist attraction, the formidable Fort Jesus watches over the Old Port from Mombasa island. A fascinating place, it has some seriously impressive architecture and an extensive collection of artifacts for visitors to enjoy.

Built between 1593 and 1596, the crumbling old fort marks the first time a European power exerted its influence over trade in the Indian Ocean. An outstanding example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, it is roughly square in shape with four bulwarks at its corners. Local Swahili people are thought however to have provided most of the labour, materials, and expert masonry techniques.

While we enjoyed seeing the fort and learning about its past, we preferred getting lost in the Old Town outside. Full of life, its traditional Swahili buildings house little local restaurants and souvenir shops selling masks, textiles, and jewellery.

12. Aberdare National Park

Unlike most of the country’s parks, Aberdare is more known for its scenic hikes and waterfalls than its abundant wildlife. Certain to delight nature lovers, it is nestled amongst the Central Highlands on the way from Nairobi to Nakuru.

Established back in 1950, it protects part of the Aberdare Mountains that range from 2,000 to 4,000 metres in height. Covering its vast valleys and the lower slopes of its prominent peaks are rivers, forests, and even some waterfalls. A large population of eastern black rhinos and elephants also live amongst these diverse landscapes.

Some of the best hikes are to Mount Satima’s summit or along the challenging yet rewarding Elephant Hills trail. Not to be missed are the stunning Chania and Karuru falls, both of which make for some epic photos and viewing hidden away amidst the verdant forest.

11. Diani Beach

If after all the safaris and sightseeing you just want to relax and unwind, then the idyllic Diani Beach is definitely the place to go. Set just south of Mombasa, all its wide, white sands are a treat to lounge on lazily. Here you can also enjoy a wealth of fun watersports.

Stretching around seventeen kilometers in length, the relaxing resort area lies alongside the twinkling Indian Ocean. Dotted up and down the palm tree-fringed beach are countless luxury hotels and resorts. Many offer all-inclusive packages and can arrange safari trips for guests.

Besides being one of the best beaches we’ve been to (it really does look breathtaking), there are loads of things to do to try. Kite surfing and jet skiing are both super fun while scuba diving and snorkeling highlight its rich marine life. You can also take sightseeing cruises along the coast or quad-biking trips around the nearby villages.

10. Hell’s Gate National Park

For those after an active holiday, Hell’s Gate National Park is a good bet thanks to its excellent hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Its relatively close proximity to Nairobi and cheaper entrance fees also mean that plenty of people head here.

Lying just to the south of Lake Navaisha, it is named after a narrow gap in the park’s colossal cliffs. Asides from the slender gorge’s ruddy red rocks, there are also a couple of long-extinct volcanoes to explore. Some of the most arresting formations to photo are those created long ago by cooling molten lava.

As very few predators reside within this part of the Great Rift Valley, many visitors hike or bike about the park. While visiting its hot springs and Maasai Cultural Centre, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Other than African buffaloes and elands, you can sometimes see hyenas, baboons, and ostriches amidst the undergrowth.

9. Nairobi National Park

The only nature reserve of its kind in the world, Nairobi National Park literally lies right on the doorstep of the country’s capital. Seeing its skyline as you look at lions, elephants, and giraffes is a surreal feeling that needs to be experienced.

Set aside in the forties to protect the region’s dwindling wildlife, it mainly consists of endless open grass plains. Here and there though, you’ll find pockets of forests along rivers and small rocky gorges scattered about. Living in the park are everything from gazelles and cheetahs to crocodiles, jackals, and common eland.

While we did do several safaris in Kenya, we are still happy we went here. Its diverse wildlife and delightfully different views made the visit quite special. After all, there aren’t many cities in the world where wildebeest and zebra migrations take place almost right through it.

8. Lamu Island

One of the best places in East Africa to experience traditional Swahili culture is the lovely little Lamu Island. Located along Kenya’s northeastern coastline, it is a very relaxing spot that feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

Part of the attractive archipelago of the same name, Lamu is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the nation. Founded in the twelfth century, the labyrinthe-like streets of its Old Town are lined by charming coral stone buildings and quiet inner courtyards.

More peaceful and better preserved than Zanzibar’s Stone Town, it is known for its intricately carved wooden doors and cute donkeys. After seeing its museum and fort, you can relax on its white sandy beaches or explore some other nearby villages. Many people also take tranquil dhow boat trips about the archipelago.

7. Mount Kenya

The second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya towers 5,199 meters above the plains, valleys, and forests below. Now protected as a national park, it generally takes four or five arduous days to reach its soaring summit. Climbing the summit is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding things to do in Kenya.

Formed around three million years ago, the enormous, extinct stratovolcano is actually where the country’s name came from. One of its main symbols and sights, its slopes are very heavily eroded while ice caps coat its upper reaches.

The mighty mount has three separate peaks for avid adventurers to summit with Batian being the loftiest of the lot. Although Nelion is the toughest of the three, Lenana’s unpredictableness can pose a problem. After braving the steep climb and challenging weather conditions though, spectacular views greet you at the top.

Another popular place to head if you’re after some sun, sea, and sand is Malindi. Located along the Indian Ocean, it has lots of fantastic beaches, hotels, and nature parks for you to stop by.

Long a hub for Italian tourists, its string of pearly white beaches is actually where Vasca da Gama landed in 1498. Still standing in the same spot overlooking the ocean is the coral pillar he erected all those years ago. For more historic sites, you can explore the Gede Ruins which protect the crumbling remains of a twelfth-century Swahili town.

Most holidaymakers however come to Malindi for its beaches. Bordered by twinkling turquoise waters, their sweeping white sands make for quite the sight. The ocean does sometimes turn a murky brown color though around the mouth of the Sabaki River.

5. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

If you’re after an unforgettable (and adorable!) animal encounter, then you just have to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. At their sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, you can watch baby elephants feed, play, and frolic about together.

Since being founded back in 1977, it has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned and injured elephants. At their center, young ones are first hand-reared until the age of two or three by their keepers. Later on, they are sent to Tsavo East before eventually being released back into the wild.

Each day, a certain number of guests can visit the orphanage and see the elephants. As you can imagine, watching them play football and roll around in the mud is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

4. Lake Nakuru

One of the most iconic sights in all of Africa is the vast flock of bright pink flamingos that live in Lake Nakuru. Instantly recognizable, they make for some fabulous photos with white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes also regularly spied nearby.

Stretching almost endlessly away into the distance, its reflective waters lie within the Great Rift Valley. Now a national park, it protects over 450 bird species alongside a handful of lions, cheetahs and leopards. At times, more than a million of the fantastic flamingos flock here due to its abundant algae.

While the rhinos and flamingos are the main attraction, there is plenty more to see along its scenic lakeshore. Zebra and waterbucks often water here while sizable pythons slowly slither their way about its dense woodlands.

3. Amboseli National Park

Thanks to its huge herds of elephants and ample wildlife, Amboseli National Park is routinely ranked among the best places to go on safari. Lying almost on the border with neighboring Tanzania, its savannas, woods, and wetlands really are a treat to explore.

Meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in the Maa language, its unique habitats have been recognized as a nature park since 1908. While some parts are incredibly arid, the areas around its swamps almost create an oasis. Here life flourishes, with 1,600 free-ranging elephants reckoned to live in Amboseli at the last count.

Besides trying to spot the Big 5, you can learn all about local Maasai culture at the traditional Muteleu village nearby. On top of this, the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro blotting out the sky on the horizon only adds to the park’s already considerable appeal.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Even more wild and remote is the incredible Samburu National Reserve to the north of Mount Kenya. Due to the long distances from Nai, it sees much fewer visitors than other parks. This and its staggeringly diverse landscapes mean large numbers of lots of animals live here.

Located almost slap bang in the center of the country, it is mostly dry and dusty though rivers and forests can be found here and there. It is this wide variety of vegetation and the winding Ewaso Ngi’ro River that attract all the animals.

Asides from your standard lions, cheetahs, and leopards, the park is particularly known for its dry-country fauna. These include the East African oryx as well as generuk, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. While it takes some getting to, Samburu is well worth it for the different animals and scenery you see.

1. Masai Mara

Renowned around the world, the Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s, and the continent’s, most famous safari destinations. The highlight of our time in East Africa, it boasts exceptional populations of lions and leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, alongside countless others.

Named in honor of the Maasai, its open grasslands and seasonal riverlets merge with the Serengeti to the south. Each year, the park’s plains host the Great Migration; an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon like no other. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate en masse as predators try to pick them off.

Seeing them all seemingly move as one is an unbelievable experience that will certainly leave you feeling small. Outside of this tumultuous time, visitors can still easily see all of the Big 5 roaming about the park. Crocs and hippos can also be spotted along the Mara and Talek rivers as long-crested eagles and African pygmy falcons swoop about overhead.

Map of Things to do in Kenya

Share this post:

10 Best Beaches in Kenya

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Kenya

10 Most Famous Big Game Safari Destinations

8 Amazing Kenya Safari Lodges and Camps

24 Best Places to Visit in Africa

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Venezuela

8 Best Mozambique Beach Resorts

15 Best Things to Do in the Seychelles

10 Best Mauritius Luxury Resorts

12 Best Things to Do in the Maldives

Reader interactions.

October 30, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Kenya is absolutely an amazing country, its so beautiful, breathtaking and eccentric. What has made Kenya so special is the diverse wildlife, the beaches, the Kenyan Mountain and off course its pleasant weather. One important thing about Kenyan people I have found out, I think Kenyan people in general are humble and absolute genuine. God have blessed them all. I really love Kenya the country itself and the wonderful people. I’m actually studying Travel & Tourism. I’m really looking forward to see it. Hazjar Iraqi

October 7, 2014 at 10:31 pm

Kenya is indeed a spectacular and breathtaking place to visit in the Heart of Africa. We love you, and wish you a safe journey and good health as you plan for a visit. You will definitely experience the hospitality and warmth more than you expected. Proud to be a Kenyan Soldier. I love my country, and together we can make this world a better sustainable world. God Bless Kenya, God bless you!!

August 28, 2014 at 2:14 am

KENYA,is a great country and beautiful one having the most spetacular sceneries in the world and its peaceful nature ………..if you visit malindi ,maasai mara and mt kenya you may think you are in another universe of its own because you cant believe what you see….,i love kenya

August 21, 2014 at 6:02 am

Having been in the travel industry for about 8 yrs now,i believe Kenya is among the top travel destinations…it offers quite a variety of destinations from just day trips ,short trips and definately the long safaris which gives you an opportunity to learn much about kenya.

May 8, 2014 at 6:02 am

Kenya is like a mini earth.from snow in the mt.kenya peak,tropical forests in nyanza,vast deserts in the northern frontier..the list continues.am so proud to be kenyan

April 1, 2014 at 2:08 am

kenya is spetacular#studied tour guide and i love my job

October 18, 2023 at 1:22 am

It’s true that Kenya has most attractive animals and plants to see.

February 13, 2014 at 7:48 am

Kenya is the best country I’ve been to great fun.

November 22, 2013 at 3:43 am

i couldnt have been born in a better country.kenya is a beautiful place to be.am a proud kenyan

October 31, 2013 at 2:28 am

even though we are losing our wildlife at a devastating rate i have always been hopeful that the time has come for us to implement the new wildlife policies and save our wildlife hence continue enjoying the flow of the revenue. it is and it has been my prayer to conserve the nature of our nation

October 22, 2013 at 7:52 am

kenya is one of the best places to go in a lifetime, the variety of animals in their natural habitats and the beautiful beaches attract a lot of tourists from all over the world. Beholding the wildebeest migration in Masai mara and Serengeti should be in everybody’s to-do list

June 16, 2013 at 3:13 am

I am studying tour guiding and cannot wait to visit the fascinating wild Kenya.

June 4, 2013 at 6:51 am

I am studying tour guide I can’t wait to go on practice

May 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm

kenya is my country and i love it very much. my dream is to be become a tour guide to guide you to these beautiful resource in kenya

October 16, 2012 at 6:43 am

My friends and I are planning to come to kenya next year (2013), can’t wait.

September 20, 2012 at 5:03 am

Traveling to Kenya, especially the Masia Mara is one of my dreams. Earlier this year I was fortunate to travel most of Namibia. So, that dream realized. Next will definitely be Kenya. We must do these things before nothing is left.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover Kenya: 35 Best Tourist Places To Visit in Kenya 2024

• 26 minute read

• September 17, 2023

35 Best Places to Visit In Kenya

About Kenya Tourism and Its Overview

Kenya’s tourism industry is a vibrant tapestry of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and thrilling adventures. Situated in East Africa and graced with a breathtaking coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya is a land of contrasts and spectacular landscapes. From the vast savannahs and majestic mountains to the deep valleys of the Great Rift, Kenya’s geography is nothing short of remarkable.

One of the primary draws for tourists is Kenya’s remarkable wildlife. The country is synonymous with thrilling safari experiences, where travelers can encounter the famed “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceros – in their natural habitat. The Maasai Mara Reserve, with its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania, are just a glimpse of the incredible wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer.

Kenya’s cultural richness is another jewel in its tourism crown. The nation is home to numerous ethnic groups, each with its own vibrant traditions and customs. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kenyan culture, whether by engaging with local communities, attending colorful cultural festivals, or discovering the beauty of traditional art, music, and dance.

Adventure enthusiasts find Kenya to be an exhilarating playground. Hot air ballooning over the savannah, hiking expeditions up Mount Kenya, or exploring the depths of the Great Rift Valley are just a few of the heart-pounding activities that await the daring traveler.

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, wildlife, and cultural richness, Kenya should be at the top of your travel list.

Also, if you are looking best hotels and Homestay deals then we recommend booking your hotels and homestay with  priceline.com

 1. Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is a dynamic urban center uniquely nestled on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. This juxtaposition allows visitors to enjoy both the conveniences of a modern city and the breathtaking views of the natural world. The city has a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of cultures and experiences.

How to Reach There: Nairobi is well-connected internationally through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, making it easily accessible by air for travelers from around the globe. For local transportation, visitors can choose from buses, matatus (shared minivans), or taxis.

Place Known for: Nairobi is renowned for several attractions, including the Nairobi National Park, a remarkable wildlife sanctuary located just a short drive from the city center. It’s a place where you can spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos against the backdrop of the city skyline. Other notable destinations include the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can get up close with orphaned elephants, and the Giraffe Centre, home to endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Safety Tips: While Nairobi is generally safe, like any major city, visitors should exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night. It’s advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings and stay informed about local safety conditions.

Mombasa, often referred to as Kenya’s coastal jewel, offers a different charm from Nairobi. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it boasts pristine beaches, a rich historical heritage, and a bustling port. The city seamlessly combines the influences of various cultures, including Arab, Swahili, and European.

How to Reach There: Moi International Airport serves as the gateway to Mombasa for international travelers. If you prefer a scenic journey, you can also reach Mombasa by road from Nairobi, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way.

Place Known for: Mombasa is famous for its stunning beaches, where you can relax, swim, and engage in water sports. Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance. Old Town, with its Swahili architecture and narrow winding streets, offers a glimpse into the past. Don’t miss exploring vibrant markets like Kongowea Market, where you can immerse yourself in local culture.

Safety Tips: While enjoying Mombasa’s beaches, be cautious of beach touts offering various services. As with any tourist destination, it’s wise to safeguard your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.

Kisumu, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria, is known for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. It’s the third-largest city in Kenya and serves as the capital of Kisumu County.

How to Reach There: Kisumu International Airport provides convenient access to the city by air. If you prefer overland travel, you can reach Kisumu by road from Nairobi, offering a scenic drive through Kenya’s landscapes.

Place Known for: Kisumu is renowned for Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. While swimming in the lake isn’t advisable due to its strong currents, you can explore other attractions like the Impala Sanctuary, which hosts various wildlife species. The city also comes alive with cultural festivals like the Luo Festival, where you can experience the local culture.

Safety Tips: When visiting Lake Victoria, it’s essential to heed safety warnings about swimming due to the lake’s unpredictable currents. Always prioritize your safety when near water bodies.

Nakuru, a town in the Rift Valley, is famous for Lake Nakuru, known for its flocks of flamingos and diverse wildlife. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and a must-visit for those seeking unique wildlife experiences.

How to Reach There: Nakuru is easily accessible by road from Nairobi, making it a popular destination for day trips or longer stays.

Place Known for: Nakuru’s fame is anchored in Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected area that hosts a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and numerous bird species. The lake’s pink shoreline, caused by the thousands of flamingos that inhabit it, is a sight to behold. Additionally, Menengai Crater, a dormant volcano, offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Safety Tips: When visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, it’s crucial to follow park rules, stay inside your vehicle while observing wildlife, and respect the natural environment. Wildlife encounters should be approached with caution and from a safe distance.

Eldoret, often referred to as the “City of Champions,” is a bustling town situated in the Uasin Gishu County of Kenya. This city has earned its nickname due to its association with world-class long-distance runners who have achieved international acclaim.

How to Reach There: Eldoret International Airport serves the region, offering air connectivity. If you prefer ground travel, Eldoret is well-connected by road from Nairobi and other major cities in Kenya.

Place Known for: Eldoret’s claim to fame lies in its role as the training ground for many renowned Kenyan athletes who have dominated long-distance running events globally. It’s a city that takes pride in its athletic heritage. Additionally, Eldoret is an agricultural hub, known for its maize and wheat farming.

Safety Tips: Eldoret is generally considered safe for travelers. However, as with any urban area, it’s advisable to take typical precautions in crowded places and remain vigilant about your personal belongings.

Thika is a town in Kenya known for its unique blend of agriculture, particularly pineapple farming, and natural beauty. It’s located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Nairobi, making it a popular day trip destination.

Thika is often referred to as the “Pineapple City” due to the abundance of pineapple farms in the region. The fertile soils and favorable climate make it an ideal location for pineapple cultivation. Visitors to Thika can explore these pineapple farms, where they can witness the various stages of pineapple cultivation, from planting to harvesting.

How to Reach There : Thika is easily accessible from Nairobi by road, and the journey typically takes around one hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can take a matatu (shared minibus) or hire a taxi to get to Thika.

Place Known for : Thika is famous for Thika Falls, a spectacular waterfall located on the Chania River. Thika Falls is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment for picnics and relaxation. It’s an excellent place for nature lovers and photographers to capture the beauty of the Kenyan landscape.

Safety Tips :

• When visiting Thika Falls, it’s essential to exercise caution and stay within designated safe areas, as the area can be slippery.
• Respect local customs and the environment by disposing of trash properly and avoiding any harm to the natural surroundings.

Meru is a town located in eastern Kenya and is known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to Meru National Park, a significant wildlife conservation area. It’s a diverse region that offers a unique blend of wildlife and culture.

Meru Town is the gateway to Meru National Park, one of Kenya’s less crowded but incredibly diverse national parks. The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, leopards, lions, and various bird species. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris and game drives to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

How to Reach There : Meru can be reached by road from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. Meru National Airport also serves the region, providing domestic flight options for travelers.

Place Known for Meru National Park is the primary attraction in the region. Apart from the wildlife, the park is famous for its scenic landscapes, including rivers, forests, and diverse vegetation. The park offers a unique and less crowded safari experience compared to some of the more famous parks in Kenya.

• While on a safari in Meru National Park, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your safari guide or park authorities. Maintain a safe distance from wild animals for your safety and theirs.
• Respect the local culture and traditions of the Meru people when interacting with local communities.

8. Kakamega

Kakamega is a region in western Kenya known for its unique and lush Kakamega Forest. This forest is one of the last remnants of tropical rainforest in Kenya, making it a significant ecological and biodiversity hotspot.

Kakamega Forest is a natural treasure, covering approximately 238 square kilometers (92 square miles). It’s characterized by towering trees, thick undergrowth, and a dense canopy. The forest is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including primates like colobus monkeys, over 300 bird species, and various insects and butterflies.

How to Reach There : Kakamega can be reached by road from Nairobi and other major cities. The town of Kakamega serves as a gateway to the forest.

Place Known for : Kakamega Forest is famous for its biodiversity and the opportunity to explore a tropical rainforest in Kenya. Visitors can embark on guided nature walks and birdwatching tours within the forest to witness its natural beauty up close. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and researchers interested in tropical ecosystems.

• When exploring Kakamega Forest, it’s advisable to go with an experienced guide who knows the trails and can provide insights into the forest’s biodiversity.
• Respect the forest’s delicate ecosystem by not disturbing plants and animals and avoiding littering.

Kitale is a charming town situated in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, and it’s known for its agriculture, scenic landscapes, and a taste of rural Kenyan life. It’s surrounded by picturesque farms and greenery, making it a tranquil destination.

Kitale’s primary claim to fame is its fertile farmlands, where various crops such as maize, sugarcane, and wheat are cultivated. The region’s favorable climate and rich soils contribute to its agricultural productivity. Visitors to Kitale can explore these farms, interact with local farmers, and learn about agricultural practices in Kenya.

How to Reach There : Kitale is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major cities. Kitale Airport also serves the region with domestic flights.

Place Known for : Kitale is renowned for its scenic landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, tea plantations, and the backdrop of Mount Elgon. Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano, offers opportunities for trekking and hiking, and it’s a popular destination for adventure seekers.

• When hiking on Mount Elgon or exploring the region’s agricultural areas, it’s advisable to have a local guide who knows the terrain well.
• Respect the environment and local customs when interacting with the community.

Nyeri is a town located at the base of Mount Kenya, Kenya’s highest mountain. It’s famous for its tea and coffee farming, lush landscapes, and rich colonial history.

Nyeri’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with tea and coffee being the primary cash crops. Visitors to Nyeri can explore the vast tea and coffee plantations, where they can witness the cultivation and processing of these globally renowned products. The region’s stunning greenery and scenic beauty make it a delightful place to visit.

How to Reach There : Nyeri is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. Nyeri also has an airstrip, making it accessible by air.

Place Known for : Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the standout attractions near Nyeri. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including glaciers, bamboo forests, and diverse wildlife like buffaloes, elephants, and various bird species. Nyeri also has historical sites associated with the Mau Mau uprising, offering insights into Kenya’s struggle for independence.

• When hiking on Mount Kenya, it’s crucial to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. It’s advisable to hire an experienced guide and have suitable gear for trekking.
• When visiting historical sites, be respectful of their significance and follow any guidelines provided.

11. Kericho

Kericho is a picturesque town located in the highlands of western Kenya, and it’s often referred to as the “Tea Capital of Kenya.” This region is known for its lush tea plantations and agriculture.

Kericho’s rolling hills are covered in vibrant green tea bushes, creating a stunning landscape. The tea estates here produce some of Kenya’s finest tea, which is exported worldwide. Visitors to Kericho can tour the tea plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and even enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.

How to Reach There : Kericho is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. It’s a scenic drive through the Rift Valley region.

Place Known for : Apart from tea plantations, Kericho offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The town’s elevation provides a cooler climate compared to other lowland areas in Kenya, making it a pleasant destination for those seeking a break from the heat.

Safety Tips : When touring tea plantations, follow the guidelines provided by the estate staff. Be cautious while walking on uneven terrain in the plantations.

12. Naivasha

Naivasha is a beautiful town located near Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s freshwater lakes. It’s known for its abundant wildlife, horticulture, and stunning landscapes.

Lake Naivasha is the highlight of this region, offering opportunities for boat safaris to spot hippos, various bird species, and other wildlife. The lake’s shores are lined with flower farms, showcasing the region’s vibrant horticultural industry. Visitors can take leisurely walks around the lake and explore the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails.

How to Reach There : Naivasha is easily accessible by road from Nairobi and other major cities. It’s approximately a two-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Lake Naivasha is famous for its rich birdlife, including African fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants. The nearby Crescent Island Game Park provides a unique experience where you can walk among wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.

• When taking a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, follow the safety instructions provided by your guide. Keep a safe distance from hippos, which can be dangerous.
• While hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park, stay on designated trails and carry enough water and supplies.

13. Malindi

Malindi is a coastal town situated along the Indian Ocean, making it a popular beach destination in Kenya. It’s known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and historical sites.

Malindi’s beaches are its main attraction. The soft, sandy shores and crystal-clear waters offer excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The town also has a rich history, with landmarks like the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a testament to its Portuguese colonial past.

How to Reach There : Malindi has its airport, Malindi Airport, with domestic flight options. It’s also accessible by road from Mombasa and other coastal towns.

Place Known for : Malindi is famous for its vibrant marine life and coral reefs. Visitors can go snorkeling and diving to explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish, coral formations, and even dolphins. The Malindi Marine National Park is a protected area that conserves the marine ecosystem.

• When engaging in water activities like snorkeling and diving, ensure you have proper gear and follow safety guidelines provided by tour operators.
• Respect the marine environment by not touching or damaging coral reefs.

Lamu is an island paradise located in the Indian Ocean and is part of the Lamu Archipelago. It’s renowned for its historic town, Swahili culture, and pristine beaches.

Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a well-preserved Swahili settlement that dates back to the 14th century. Its narrow, winding streets, coral stone buildings, and intricate woodwork reflect centuries of history and culture. The island’s beaches are untouched and offer a tranquil escape.

How to Reach There : Lamu is accessible by domestic flights to Lamu Airport or by boat from Mombasa and other coastal towns. The absence of cars on the island gives it a unique charm, with donkeys being the primary mode of transportation.

Place Known for : Lamu is famous for its rich Swahili culture, showcased in its architecture, music, and festivals. The island hosts the Lamu Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of Swahili traditions, every year. The beaches on Lamu, such as Shela Beach, are ideal for relaxation and water sports.

• While exploring Lamu Town, be mindful of the narrow streets and respect the privacy of local residents.
• When enjoying water activities, ensure you have life jackets and necessary safety equipment.

Embu is a town located in central Kenya and is known for its agricultural activities and scenic beauty. It’s nestled amid the beautiful landscapes of the Mount Kenya region.

Agriculture is the primary livelihood in Embu, with coffee and tea farming being prominent. Visitors to Embu can tour coffee and tea estates, gaining insights into the production processes. The region’s rolling hills and lush greenery make it a serene destination for nature lovers.

How to Reach There : Embu is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major cities. It’s approximately a three-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Embu is known for its picturesque scenery, including tea and coffee plantations, forests, and rivers. The Chuka Falls, located near Embu, are a natural attraction worth visiting. The falls cascade down a rocky gorge, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

• When exploring natural attractions like Chuka Falls, adhere to safety guidelines and avoid venturing into prohibited areas.
• When visiting agricultural estates, respect the property and follow any instructions provided by the staff.

Isiolo is a town located in northern Kenya, often referred to as the “Gateway to Northern Kenya.” It’s known for its unique position as a meeting point of different cultures, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Isiolo serves as a starting point for safaris into the northern frontier of Kenya. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Visitors can experience the traditional culture of the Samburu and Borana people who inhabit the area.

How to Reach There : Isiolo is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major cities. The town also has an airport, Isiolo Airport, with domestic flight connections.

Place Known for : Isiolo is famous for its wildlife safaris, with several game reserves and conservancies in the vicinity. Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve are popular destinations for spotting wildlife. The town itself offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the northern Kenyan tribes.

• When on a wildlife safari, adhere to the instructions of your safari guide for your safety and the protection of the animals.
• When interacting with local communities, be respectful of their traditions and customs.

17. Bungoma

Bungoma is a town known for its scenic landscapes and rich agricultural activities. It’s located in western Kenya and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The region surrounding Bungoma is characterized by rolling hills, lush farmlands, and picturesque scenery. Agriculture, including maize and sugarcane farming, is the backbone of the local economy. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rural life of Kenya, exploring farms and enjoying the serene landscapes.

How to Reach There : Bungoma is accessible by road from major Kenyan cities like Nairobi and Kisumu.

Place Known for : Bungoma is primarily known for its beautiful natural surroundings and the opportunity it provides for a rural Kenyan experience. Travelers can witness the daily life of local farmers and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Safety Tips : While exploring the countryside, be cautious on uneven terrain and respect the privacy of local residents.

18. Nanyuki

Nanyuki is a town located at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. It’s known for its proximity to the mountain, its status as a military base, and its abundant wildlife.

Nanyuki is often the starting point for expeditions to Mount Kenya. The town itself is nestled amid breathtaking landscapes, with views of the mountain. It’s also home to a British Army training base. Nearby, visitors can explore the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, known for its rhino sanctuary and Big Five game viewing.

How to Reach There : Nanyuki is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns. It’s approximately a four-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Nanyuki is famous for its proximity to Mount Kenya, making it a gateway for trekkers and climbers. The town offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife safaris, and birdwatching.

• When embarking on mountain expeditions, ensure you have proper gear, guides, and acclimatize to the altitude.
• While visiting wildlife areas, follow safety guidelines and maintain a safe distance from wild animals.

Narok is a town located near the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, making it a gateway to one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. It’s known for its wildlife and cultural experiences.

Maasai Mara is famous for its annual wildebeest migration, a natural spectacle where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River. Narok town serves as a starting point for safaris to the reserve. Additionally, Narok offers opportunities to experience the vibrant Maasai culture.

How to Reach There : Narok is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major cities. It’s approximately a four-hour drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara.

Place Known for : Narok is renowned for its connection to the Maasai Mara, which is famous for its incredible wildlife sightings, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and more. Visitors can also engage in cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai villages and witnessing traditional dances.

• When on a safari in Maasai Mara, follow your guide’s instructions for a safe and respectful wildlife viewing experience.
• When interacting with the Maasai community, be culturally sensitive and seek permission before taking photos.

20. Machakos

Machakos is a town located in southeastern Kenya and is known for its scenic beauty and the People’s Park, a vibrant urban recreational space.

The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys, and unique rock formations. Machakos is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The People’s Park, situated in the town center, offers a variety of recreational activities.

How to Reach There : Machakos is accessible by road from Nairobi, and it’s approximately an hour’s drive from the capital city.

Place Known for : Machakos is known for its scenic beauty, and the People’s Park is a central attraction. The park features well-manicured gardens, a man-made lake, and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

Safety Tips : When visiting People’s Park, follow park regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

21. Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is a region known for its tea and coffee farming, scenic views, and cool climate. It’s located in the Rift Valley highlands of western Kenya.

The lush greenery of Nandi Hills is dominated by tea and coffee plantations. The area’s high altitude provides a temperate climate, making it suitable for these crops. Visitors can tour the estates, sample freshly brewed tea, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

How to Reach There : Nandi Hills is accessible by road from major Kenyan cities like Nairobi and Eldoret.

Place Known for : Nandi Hills is renowned for its tea and coffee farming. The estates here produce some of Kenya’s finest tea leaves and coffee beans. The region’s scenery, with rolling hills and misty mornings, offers a serene atmosphere for relaxation.

Safety Tips : When touring tea and coffee estates, follow the guidelines provided by the estate staff. Be cautious while walking on uneven terrain in the plantations.

22. Homa Bay

Homa Bay is a town situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. It’s known for its fishing industry, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty.

Lake Victoria is the lifeblood of Homa Bay, supporting the local fishing communities. Visitors can experience traditional fishing methods and enjoy freshly caught fish dishes. The town also has a rich cultural heritage, with the Suba people being one of the prominent ethnic groups.

How to Reach There : Homa Bay is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. It’s approximately a six-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Homa Bay is famous for its connection to Lake Victoria, offering fishing excursions and boat rides. The town also provides cultural experiences where you can learn about the Suba traditions and history.

• When taking part in fishing activities, ensure you have proper equipment and follow safety instructions provided by local fishermen.
• Respect the local culture and seek permission when photographing or interacting with community members.

Kiambu is a county located just north of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. It is known for its rich agriculture, the Kiambu Forest, and its vibrant culture.

Kiambu’s fertile land is ideal for agriculture, and it’s famous for producing a variety of crops, including tea, coffee, and bananas. The Kiambu Forest offers a lush green escape, perfect for nature lovers. The county also has a vibrant cultural scene with traditional music and dance performances.

How to Reach There : Kiambu is easily accessible from Nairobi by road, and it’s just a short drive away from the capital.

Place Known for : Kiambu’s agricultural significance is well-known, and it’s a great place to learn about Kenya’s farming practices. The Kiambu Forest is an excellent destination for hiking and birdwatching, providing a serene natural environment.

• When exploring the Kiambu Forest, wear appropriate hiking gear and carry essentials like water and insect repellent.

24. Karatina

Karatina is a town situated in central Kenya and is renowned for agriculture, particularly coffee farming.

Karatina and the surrounding areas are major coffee-producing regions in Kenya. Coffee enthusiasts can visit local coffee farms to learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee beans. The town itself offers a taste of Kenyan rural life and hospitality.

How to Reach There : Karatina is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns in central Kenya.

Place Known for : Karatina is famous for its coffee farms and their contribution to Kenya’s coffee industry. Visitors can tour coffee estates, participate in coffee-tasting sessions, and purchase freshly roasted beans.

Safety Tips : When visiting coffee farms, respect the property and follow the instructions of the farm owners or guides.

25. Voi Town

Voi is a town located at the entrance to Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves. It is known for its proximity to wildlife and natural beauty.

Voi serves as a gateway to Tsavo National Park, and its surroundings are teeming with diverse wildlife. Visitors can embark on safaris to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other animals in their natural habitat.

How to Reach There : Voi is accessible by road and rail from Nairobi and Mombasa. It’s approximately a four-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Voi is famous for its connection to Tsavo National Park, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The town also boasts scenic landscapes, including the Taita Hills.

• When on a safari in Tsavo National Park, follow your guide’s instructions for a safe and respectful wildlife viewing experience.
• Stay within designated areas and adhere to park regulations.

26. Murang’a

Murang’a County is located in central Kenya and is known for its agriculture, particularly tea and coffee farming, and its scenic landscapes.

The county is characterized by lush green tea and coffee estates that stretch as far as the eye can see. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can tour the tea and coffee plantations, learning about the cultivation and processing of these famous Kenyan exports.

How to Reach There : Murang’a is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns in central Kenya.

Place Known for : Murang’a is famous for its tea and coffee farming, providing a glimpse into the agricultural practices that contribute to Kenya’s reputation as a top coffee and tea producer. The county’s scenic beauty is an added attraction.

27. Garissa

Garissa is a town located along the Tana River in northeastern Kenya. It is known for its connection to the Tana River, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Garissa is situated in a semi-arid region, and the Tana River plays a crucial role in sustaining the local communities. Visitors can explore the riverbanks, enjoy boat rides, and observe the diverse birdlife. The town is also home to various ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions.

How to Reach There : Garissa is accessible by road from Nairobi and other towns in eastern Kenya. It’s approximately a seven-hour drive from Nairobi.

Place Known for : Garissa is famous for its connection to the Tana River, offering opportunities for river-based activities and birdwatching. It also provides insights into the diverse cultures of northeastern Kenya.

• When participating in river activities, use life jackets and follow safety instructions provided by local guides.
• Show respect for the local culture and traditions when interacting with residents.

28. Kerugoya

Kerugoya is a picturesque town located in Kirinyaga County, central Kenya. It is renowned for its agricultural activities and scenic beauty.

Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes, Kerugoya is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, adding to its natural charm.

How to Reach There : Kerugoya is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns in central Kenya.

Place Known for : Kerugoya’s primary claim to fame is its agricultural significance, particularly in coffee farming. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the region, take leisurely walks through tea estates, and enjoy the tranquil environment.

Safety Tips : When visiting agricultural areas, it’s essential to respect the property and follow any guidelines provided by estate staff.

Webuye is a town in western Kenya known for its Pan Paper Mills and its role in agriculture.

Webuye’s industrial landscape revolves around the Pan Paper Mills, which is a vital contributor to the local economy. The town also has a strong presence in agriculture, with farms cultivating a variety of crops.

How to Reach There : Webuye is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns in western Kenya.

Place Known for : Webuye is famous for the Pan Paper Mills, representing the industrial sector in Kenya. While it may not be a traditional tourist destination, it provides insights into the country’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

• When visiting industrial areas like the Pan Paper Mills, it’s essential to adhere to safety regulations and guidelines provided by the facility’s management.
• Show respect for the local communities and their way of life.

Ruiru is a bustling town situated along Thika Road and is known for its agricultural activities and the Thika Road Mall.

Located along one of Kenya’s major highways, Ruiru is a transportation hub that connects Nairobi to other parts of the country. The town is surrounded by farmlands where various crops are cultivated. Additionally, the Thika Road Mall offers shopping and entertainment options for visitors.

How to Reach There : Ruiru is easily accessible by road, especially from Nairobi and other towns in central Kenya.

Place Known for : Ruiru is renowned for its agricultural activities, reflecting Kenya’s role as a producer of crops like maize, beans, and vegetables. The Thika Road Mall is a popular shopping and leisure destination in the area.

• When visiting agricultural areas, it’s essential to respect the property and follow any guidelines provided by local farmers or guides.
• When visiting malls, exercise standard safety precautions, such as securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Kilifi is a coastal town located along the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is known for its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and historical sites.

Kilifi is a tropical paradise, boasting pristine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The town also holds historical significance, with ancient ruins and Swahili architecture offering insights into Kenya’s coastal heritage.

How to Reach There : Kilifi is easily accessible by road from Mombasa, Nairobi, and other major cities. It’s a sought-after destination for those seeking a tranquil beachside escape.

Place Known for : Kilifi is famous for its beautiful beaches, where visitors can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. The town’s historical sites, such as the Gede Ruins and Jumba la Mtwana, add cultural depth to the experience.

Safety Tips : When swimming or engaging in water activities, pay attention to tides and currents. Always follow safety guidelines provided by local authorities.

Bomet is a town located in southwestern Kenya, known for its agriculture, especially tea farming, and its scenic landscapes.

Bomet County is renowned for its lush tea plantations that cover the rolling hills. The region’s picturesque beauty and favorable climate make it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.

How to Reach There : Bomet is accessible by road from Nairobi and other towns in western Kenya.

Place Known for : Bomet is famous for its tea farming, offering opportunities for tea plantation tours and tasting sessions. The town’s scenic vistas and cool climate provide a refreshing break from urban life.

• When visiting tea plantations, respect the property and follow any guidelines provided by estate staff.
• Be cautious when walking on uneven terrain in the hilly tea estates.

Kitui is a town located in eastern Kenya, known for its proximity to Chyulu Hills and its rich cultural heritage.

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of eastern Kenya, Kitui offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

How to Reach There : Kitui is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns in eastern Kenya.

Place Known for : Kitui’s primary attraction is its proximity to Chyulu Hills, a volcanic mountain range known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. Additionally, the town showcases Kenya’s cultural heritage, with opportunities to learn about local traditions and practices.

Safety Tips : When hiking in Chyulu Hills, it’s important to be prepared with suitable gear and follow safety guidelines provided by local guides.

34. Lamu Archipelago

The Lamu Archipelago is a group of islands located along the northern coast of Kenya. It is often referred to as an island paradise and is famous for its Swahili culture and stunning beaches.

The Lamu Archipelago is a tropical paradise where time seems to stand still. Its islands, including Lamu Island, Manda Island, and Pate Island, are renowned for their historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty.

How to Reach There : You can reach the Lamu Archipelago by boat or air from Mombasa or Nairobi. Once on the islands, transportation is primarily by boat or donkey, as there are no cars on Lamu Island.

Place Known for : The Lamu Archipelago is famous for its pristine beaches, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports. The islands also boast a rich Swahili culture, with well-preserved old towns, narrow streets, and centuries-old architecture.

• When exploring the islands, be sure to respect local customs and traditions.
• Follow any safety guidelines provided for water activities and boat trips.

Taveta is a town located near the border with Tanzania and is known for its proximity to Tsavo West National Park and its abundant wildlife.

Taveta is a gateway to the wilderness of Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Kenya.

How to Reach There : Taveta is accessible by road from Nairobi and other major towns. It serves as an entry point to Tsavo West National Park.

Place Known for : Taveta is famous for its proximity to Tsavo West National Park, where visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to witness the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species.

• When on a safari in Tsavo West National Park, it’s crucial to follow safety instructions provided by experienced guides.
• Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from animals.

Conclusion .

Kenya is a country of immense beauty and diversity, offering a wealth of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling urban life of Nairobi, the coastal charm of Mombasa, the cultural richness of Kisumu, or the natural wonders of its national parks and reserves, Kenya has something to offer every type of explorer. The country’s landscapes range from lush forests and savannahs to vibrant cities and tranquil lakeshores.

Kenya’s people are warm and welcoming, and its wildlife is among the most spectacular on Earth. While exploring this incredible nation, it’s essential to take safety precautions, as with any travel destination, but the experiences and memories you’ll create in Kenya are bound to be unforgettable. So, pack your bags, prepare for adventure, and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Kenya.

How much did you like Our detailed  35 Best Places to Visit In Kenya ?  Review Also, please share these  Blogs  with your friends on social media.

Recommended

• UNITED STATES

35 Best Places to Visit In Kenya FAQs

How to reach kenya.

Kenya is accessible by air, and most international travelers arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is the country's largest and busiest airport. There are also international airports in Mombasa and Kisumu. Several major airlines operate flights to Kenya from various parts of the world. Travelers can check for direct flights or connect through other major African or international hubs.

Why Kenya is famous for tourism?

Kenya is famous for tourism primarily due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The country boasts an incredible array of national parks and reserves, making it a top destination for safaris and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, Kenya offers rich cultural experiences, including interactions with various ethnic groups like the Maasai and Samburu. Its beautiful coastal areas, historical sites, and activities like hot air ballooning over the Maasai Mara further contribute to its popularity.

What is the tourism trend in Kenya?

Kenya has seen a steady increase in tourism over the years, with a growing trend towards eco-tourism, sustainable travel, and cultural experiences. Visitors are increasingly interested in conservation efforts and community-based tourism initiatives. The country is also attracting adventure seekers and hikers interested in exploring its diverse landscapes.

Is it expensive to travel in Kenya?

Traveling in Kenya can vary in cost depending on your preferences. Safari lodges and high-end accommodations can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available, including hostels and campsites. Transportation costs, such as safari tours and flights to national parks, can also impact the overall expense. Dining in local restaurants is usually affordable.

What is the best month to go to Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya depends on your interests. The dry season, from late June to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially in national parks like Maasai Mara. The short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May are less popular due to potential muddy conditions, but they can still be rewarding for certain experiences.

Is it still safe to travel to Kenya?

Kenya is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it's essential to stay informed about current safety conditions. Some areas, particularly near the borders, may have travel advisories due to security concerns. It's advisable to check government travel advisories and consult with local authorities or tour operators for the latest safety information.

How many days in Kenya is enough?

The ideal duration for a trip to Kenya depends on your interests and the places you want to visit. A typical safari in Maasai Mara or other national parks can last 3-5 days. If you plan to explore more regions or engage in various activities, a 10–14-day trip would allow for a more comprehensive experience.

What makes people want to go to Kenya?

People are drawn to Kenya for its incredible wildlife, iconic landscapes, rich cultures, and the opportunity to engage in exciting activities like safaris, hiking, and hot air ballooning. Kenya's reputation as a prime destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel also attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

How much do I need to visit Kenya?

The cost of a trip to Kenya varies widely based on your preferences and travel style. A budget traveler could manage on around $50-100 per day, while mid-range travelers might spend $150-300 per day. Luxury safaris and accommodations can cost considerably more.

What is Kenya best known for?

Kenya is best known for its wildlife, national parks, and safaris. The country is also famous for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, including Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, and its vibrant capital city, Nairobi.

Is Kenya safe for solo female travelers?

Kenya can be safe for solo female travelers, but it's essential to take precautions. This includes avoiding walking alone at night, dressing modestly, and staying in reputable accommodations. Researching and planning your trip carefully can contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience.

What is the most beautiful thing in Kenya?

Kenya's beauty lies in its natural landscapes, from the rolling savannahs of Maasai Mara to the pristine beaches of the coast. The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras in Maasai Mara is often considered one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth.

How safe is Nairobi for tourists?

Nairobi, like any major city, has areas that may be less safe, but many parts of the city are safe for tourists. It's advisable to stay in well-traveled and secure areas, use reputable transportation, and take standard urban safety precautions.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Kenya?

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for its incredible wildlife, particularly during the Great Migration, is often considered the number one tourist attraction in Kenya. It offers some of the best safari experiences on the continent.

What makes Kenya so unique?

Kenya's uniqueness stems from its combination of diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Few places on Earth offer the opportunity to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat while also experiencing vibrant cultures and stunning scenery.

How can I get a tourist visa for Kenya?

To get a tourist visa for Kenya, you can typically apply online through the eVisa portal or obtain one on arrival at major international airports and border crossings. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so it's advisable to check with the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your home country.

Can I get a Kenyan visa on arrival?

Yes , many travelers can obtain a Kenyan visa on arrival at international airports and border crossings. However, it's essential to check the latest visa regulations and requirements, as they can change, and some nationalities may need to apply for an eVisa in advance.

Meet David Hoper, a passionate travel Blog writer with 7+ years of experience in travel content. Through his exemplary storytelling and engaging narratives, he shares his experiences and brings destinations to life. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploration, he has cultivated a diverse portfolio of travel blogs that inspire and inform readers worldwide.

In this article:

Post written by: David Hoper

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

United states Capturing USA National Parks: My Personal Experience Adventure Stories

• September 18, 2023

Travel Photography and Videography Mastering Twilight Photography: Tips and Techniques for Stunning Day-to-Night Shots

You may also like.

Nairobi Travel Guide: 25 Fun Things to Do and Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in 2024

• 27 minute read

Masai Mara – Nature’s epic safari destination in Kenya

• 6 minute read

Kenya Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit Kenya.

• 8 minute read

Our Latest Instagram Posts

@amazingworld.travel8.

• Kenya Tours
• Kenya Travel Guide
• Where to Go in Kenya

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kenya

• ~ mins read

Kenya is celebrated as one of Africa’s top travel destinations, offering a diverse range of experiences for every kind of adventurer. While this East African nation is better known—and deservedly so—for its national parks, there are tons of other places that you should consider visiting during your Kenya tour . From beach escapes in Diani and Mombasa to hiking the majestic Mount Kenya to exploring the culture of Nairobi, here are the 10 best places to visit in Kenya.

• Dorcas Maria Perez
• Fernando Angulo
• Joseph Kiragu

With its dynamic mix of urban sophistication, rich cultural heritage, and natural wonders, Nairobi stands out as one of the top places to visit in Kenya. Visit the renowned Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against the background of the city skyline, or delve into the history at the Karen Blixen Museum, dedicated to the famed author of Out of Africa. For a taste of local life, the bustling Maasai Market and the colorful Bomas of Kenya offer authentic experiences. If you love adventure, you will love the Karura Forest, with its extensive trails perfect for hiking and biking.

Highlights:

• Spot majestic wildlife on a safari through Nairobi National Park, where lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline.
• Immerse yourself in Kenyan traditions at Bomas of Kenya, a tourist village where you can enjoy music and dance performances celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
• Meet baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can witness the heartwarming efforts to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned wildlife.

Insider's tip:  When visiting Nairobi, take Kenya guided tour of Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, to gain insight into the lives and resilience of its residents.

2. Maasai Mara National Reserve

Vast, wild, and teeming with life, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Kenya. The top attraction of this iconic safari destination is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the savannah plains and across the Mara River. It’s a journey filled with dramatic predator-prey encounters, For visitors, this annual march offers unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. The Maasai Mara is also a perfect place to see the culture and lifestyle of the local Maasai people.

• Witness the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in search of greener pastures.
• Go on exhilarating game drives through the expansive savannah to spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo—in their natural habitat.
• Visit traditional villages to immerse yourself in Maasai culture. Engage with the Maasai people and learn about their ancient customs and way of life.

Insider's tip:   Consider booking a night game drive when visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve to witness nocturnal wildlife under the star-lit sky.

3. Amboseli National Park

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is a jewel in Kenya’s crown of natural wonders. From the expansive plains where majestic elephants roam freely to the shimmering salt pans and lush wetlands that attract a myriad of bird species, Amboseli is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Also, unlike Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park is small, which means you can explore much of the park and its wildlife in a short period.

• Marvel at the striking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, that form a stunning backdrop to Amboseli National Park.
• Encounter large herds of free-ranging African elephants, roaming freely through Amboseli’s swamps, grasslands, and acacia woodlands.
• Enjoy a serene safari through Amboseli’s varied landscapes, where you can spot lions, cheetahs, and abundant birdlife.

Insider's tip: Hire a Maasai guide who can provide fascinating insights into not only animals and their behaviors but also Maasai culture and lifestyle.

4. Lamu Island

Nestled off Kenya’s northern coast, Lamu Island is a serene haven steeped in Swahili culture and timeless charm. Its labyrinthine streets, adorned with intricately carved wooden doorways, lead to bustling markets and serene mosques. History resonates through Lamu’s ancient Swahili architecture, with highlights like the Lamu Fort and the 18th-century Swahili House Museum, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Meanwhile, the island’s pristine Shela Beach, fringed by coconut palms and azure waters teeming with marine life, offers a tranquil retreat.

• Stroll through the winding alleys of Lamu Old Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Swahili architecture, bustling markets, and rich history await around every corner.
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Shela Village, where golden sands, turquoise waters, and a tranquil atmosphere offer a perfect excuse for you to relax and unwind.
• Sail through Lamu’s serene waters on a traditional dhow (traditional sailing boat), experiencing the charm of a classical Swahili sailing vessel while exploring the archipelago’s scenic coastline.

Insider's tip: To truly experience the laid-back charm of Lamu Island, consider renting a traditional Swahili house and immerse yourself in the island’s unique architecture, maze-like alleys, and vibrant Costa culture.

5. Diani Beach

If you seek a tropical paradise with a combination of pristine beaches, exciting water sports and vibrant nightlife, Diani Beach is your ideal destination. Located on the southern coast, Diani Beach boasts white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush coastal forests. Indulge in snorkeling and diving at nearby coral reefs, experience kitesurfing adventures, or simply relax under swaying palms. Diani Beach also offers a lively array of beachfront restaurants, bars, and shops, making it one of the coolest places to visit in Kenya.

• Dive into vibrant coral reefs at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, where you can encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
• Soar over the beach on an exhilarating kitesurfing adventure, harnessing the coastal winds for an unforgettable experience along Diani’s stunning shoreline.

Insider's tip: When visiting Diani Beach, consider hiring a local fisherman to take you on a dhow (traditional sailing boat) excursion. This will provide an authentic glimpse into the coastal way of life.

From the breathtaking Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, to the rugged landscapes and ancient archaeological sites, the Turkana region offers a captivating escape from the usual tourist trails. During the dry season, the area transforms into a dramatic expanse of volcanic formations and sweeping plains, ideal for exploring the rich history of early human civilizations at sites like Koobi Fora. In the wetter months, Turkana bursts into life with vibrant cultural festivals, traditional fishing activities, and fascinating interactions with the Indigenous Turkana people.

•  Explore the rugged beauty of Lake Turkana, Africa’s largest desert lake and home to unique wildlife and ancient fossils.
• Experience the vibrant culture of the Turkana people by visiting traditional villages where you can learn about their rich heritage, distinctive customs, and colorful beadwork.
• Uncover the mysteries of the Cradle of Humankind at the Koobi Fora archaeological site, where significant hominid fossils provide fascinating insights into early human evolution.

Insider's tip: Engage with the local Turkana people and attend their traditional song and dance performance to learn more about their culture.  

As Kenya’s third-largest city, Kisumu offers an enchanting blend of traditional and modern attractions. Explore the historic Kisumu Museum, which has fascinating exhibits on local culture, or wander through the lively markets for an authentic taste of Kisumu’s vibrant street life. The city is also celebrated for its picturesque sunsets over the lake and its diverse culinary scene, where lakeside eateries serve up fresh tilapia and other local delights.

• Wander along the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, enjoying tranquil views, vibrant sunsets, and opportunities for fishing and boat excursions on Africa’s largest lake.
• Delve into local history at the Kisumu Museum, where exhibitions on Luo culture, traditional artifacts, and life-size replicas of a Luo homestand offer a rich cultural experience.
• Discover exotic wildlife at the Impala Sanctuary, where nature trails and lakeside paths provide close encounters with impalas, zebras, and an array of bird species in a serene setting.

Insider's tip: When in Kisumu, take a boat tour on Lake Victoria to visit the Rusinga and Mfangano islands to discover the local Luo culture and traditions.

8. Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is dominated by Africa’s second-highest peak and offers a captivating landscape of rugged glaciers, dense bamboo forests, and alpine meadows. From the vibrant flora of the lower slopes to the pristine cliffs near the summit, Mount Kenya’s diverse environments provide endless opportunities for exploration. Adventure seekers can embark on challenging hikes to reach the snow-capped peaks, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot unique species such as the elusive bongo and various birds.

• Embark on a thrilling trek to the peaks of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain, where challenging trails lead to breathtaking vistas and unique high-altitude ecosystems.
•  Marvel at the diverse flora and fauna within Mount Kenya National Park, spotting rare species like the giant forest hog, colobus monkeys, and vibrant alpine plants in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the enchanting montane forests and glacial valleys, where scenic hiking trails lead you to crystal-clear streams, dramatic gorges, and serene moorlands.

Insider's tip: Consider hiring a local Kikuyu guide who can share traditional knowledge about the mountain's significance and point out medicinal plants used by indigenous communities.

9. Hell’s Gate National Park

Among the must-see attractions in Kenya is Hell’s Gate National Park, renowned for its imposing volcanic towers and expansive savannas. Visitors can marvel at the geological spectacle of Fisher’s Tower and the towering cliffs of the Hell’s Gate Gorge, explore the Obsidian Caves, and enjoy the geothermal steam vents and hot springs that dot the park. The park’s scenic beauty and unique wildlife, including herds of buffalo, zebras, and giraffes, alongside its exciting activities, such as rock climbing and cycling, make Hell’s Gate National Park one of the most unique places to visit in Kenya.

• Embark on a thrilling cycling adventure through the unique landscape of Hell's Gate National Park, where you can pedal alongside wildlife such as zebras and giraffes.
• Hike through the dramatic cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge, an otherworldly canyon carved out by ancient volcanic activity.
• Enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the park's scenic beauty, surrounded by hot springs, geysers, and an array of birdlife.

Insider's tip: Take advantage of the unique opportunity to explore the stunning rock formations and gorges by foot or bicycle.

Watamu is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant marine life. This idyllic coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the Watamu Marine National Park and witness endangered sea turtles nesting on the beaches, or embark on a dhow (traditional boat) tour to discover hidden coves and remote islands. Beyond its natural beauty, Watamu also boasts a rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its Swahili architecture and welcoming local communities. Whether you seek serene beachfront bliss or thrilling aquatic adventures, Watamu promises an unforgettable escape on Kenya’s enchanting coast.

• Explore the vibrant underwater world of Watamu Marine National Park, renowned for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Relax on the powdery white sands of Watamu Beach, where turquoise waters and swaying palm trees create a picturesque tropical paradise for sunbathing and water sports.
• Visit the Gede Ruins and delve into the ancient Swahili culture. Wander through the well-preserved archaeological site and surrounding forest, which is rich in birdlife and historical intrigue.

Insider's tip: Engage with local conservation efforts by visiting the Watamu Turtle Watch, where you can witness the incredible journey of nesting sea turtles and contribute to their protection.

Need help in planning a trip to Kenya?

Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Nairobi or the tranquil shores of Lake Turkana, Kenya promises an enriching journey filled with diverse destinations and experiences. With so many captivating places to visit in Kenya, the only challenge is deciding where to begin your adventure.

If you are looking for a more personalized travel experience, our travel experts will help you customize a trip to Kenya based on your interests and preferences. For more ideas and inspiration, see our guide on things to do in Kenya . You can also go through our guides on the best time to visit Kenya and how many days to spend in Kenya .

Related Categories

• How Long To Stay In Kenya
• Kenya Travel Advice
• Kenya Wildlife
• What To Do In Kenya
• When To Visit Kenya
• Where To Go In Kenya

Popular Destinations

• Europe Tours
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Italy Tours
• Spain Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Canada Tours
• Sri Lanka Tours
• Chile Tours
• Antarctica Tours

We use cookies to analyze traffic and give you personalized content and ads. It's an essential part of giving you a great site experience. Click on the 'Accept' button if you agree with our use of tracking and analytical cookies. Please refer to our  Cookie Policy  for more information.

• Group Enquiry? NEW

Places to Visit in Kenya

• Places To Visit

Kenya Tourist Places

Here are some best places to visit in kenya:.

Tourist places in Nairobi that are worth visiting are National Museum, Railway Museum, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen, Karura Forest, David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre, Ngong Hills, Blue Sky Tours in Diamond Plaza, Nairobi Arboretum, Panari Sky Centre, Bomas of Kenya, Uhuru Garden, GP Karting, Village Market, Mamba Village, Paintball Fury Limited, Maasai Ostrich Farm, Paradise Lost, August Memorial Park, Kenya National Archives, KICC, Art Centres and Nairobi National Park. Kenya’s largest city and capital, Nairobi implores diversity in romance and puts forward exalted adventure. The city transformed from a meek camp for the railway employees in the year 1899 to the capital named British East Africa by the year 1907. Today, the rich retrospective history and tribal culture and lifestyle are brought to life through its excellent and knowledgeable museums. In particular, the museum named Karen Blixen Museum is one of the biggest hits – not only the African fans come to praise and appreciate the museum but also people from all over the world visit the museum to view the namesake Danish author who with drudgeries toiled on the coffee farmstead in the midst of the beautiful Ngong Hills. Even in such a scampering city like Nairobi, wildlife is a colossal draw. Being a cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi is the only city in the globe that brags a safari park within its frontiers.

The travelers can relish a classic African wildlife escapade at the Nairobi National Park which is a fifteen-minute jaunt from the skyscrapers of the megalopolis. Animals like buffalo, giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra, cheetah, lion and wildebeest meander under the sun-soaked grassy plain in the tropical or subtropical region neighboring meager trees. Here animal lovers too get a chance to clasp, cuddle and embrace the baby elephants and yoke with the giraffes at the spectacular animal sanctuary located nearby. However, with a fabulous and spectacular national park located at the doorstep of the wildlife centric charismatic attractions, Nairobi maddens on, jars and counterpoints on the beautiful and glorious natural beauty. The polarising outlook and character of Nairobi assure rapturing ecstasy to the city. Also, the gateway to the world-class and popular Kenya’s safari parks, Nairobi attracts gripping seekers of adventure for over a century.

Samburu County is a game reserve situated on the banks of River Ewaso Ng’iro, in the former Rift Valley province, in northern Kenya. It stretches from the south of Lake Turkana to River Ewaso Ng’iro in the north. The beauty of Samburu County lies primarily in its two picturesque mountains, namely Ololokwe and Koigotor. Since the River Ewaso Ng’iro flows through the reserve, this area thrives with a variety of wild animals and greenery that consists of vegetation such as thorn trees, riverine forests, acacia trees and lush green grasslands. The major tourist attractions in Samburu County are the Shaba National Reserve, which is the home to the elephant, antelope, leopard, lion, zebra, oryx, monkey, buffalo and giraffes. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the best place to watch elephant babies thrive in their natural environment. Some other attractions are the Walk with Maa Tours and Safaris, Turkana Safaris and the Elephant Watch camp and Safaris, etc. There are several interesting activities that you can do when you are in Samburu. This includes overnight tours, multi-day tours, hiking, nature and wildlife tours, rock climbing, safaris, eco-tours, sporting events and much more that you can enjoy with your loved ones. The weather is generally hot and dry with much cooler nights. The temperature varies between 34 degrees Celsius during the day to 15 degrees Celsius during the night, which makes it relatively pleasant throughout the year and ideal for travelling.

Best of South Africa

One important thing that you need to know about Nakuru is that it lies in vicinity to the most prominent destinations of the world including Kenya’s capital Nairobi and Masai Mara. In addition to this, the attractive district is also home to the Menangai Crater which is the second largest volcanic crater of the world.

Speed through Nakuru on your way to the lakes and you might be astonished as to why anyone would wish to stay here? On the first impression, the fourth largest city of Kenya is provincial and grim that does not have much to offer besides an agreeable refuel. However, you must stick around a little longer and be assured to fall in love with it. 

Nakuru is a burgeoning city that is fast evolving. Over the years, it has been extending around the edges in order to adopt some of the superior aspects of Nairobi bereft of the crime, stress and the traffic.

If you don’t wish to fork out to overnight at Nakuru Lake, the city definitely makes a great base for exploration of the parks and surrounds. Since, the weather in Nakuru is favourable throughout, tourists can plan a visit any time of the year. 

Eldoret is one of the fastest growing towns of Kenya. Nestled south of the Cherangani Hills in the verdant landscape, it is one of African paradises where everything you see has the touch of natural beauty still unadulterated by the intruding modernity. Being the bureaucratic center of Uasin Gishu District of the Rift Valley Province, makes it an even more preferable place as you can find modern amenities, lodgings and more to ensure that your stay is more worthwhile. 

Presently, Eldoret is a thriving service town sprawling Kenya Uganda highway. It is also the principal economic hub of the western Kenya but the travellers only have a little to see and even less to do here. One striking highlight however is the Doinyo Lessos Creameries Cheese Factory where you can stock up 20 different varieties of cheese. 

The name of the town comes from Maasai word ‘eldore’ which means stony river. You can also spot an exact parallel in the very source of this inspiration, River Sosiani. The cultural influences present are variable. After all the, Sirikwa, Nandi and Maasai people have called this place home over a period of offering times. 

Best of Africa

Kakamega is a town that is located in the western Kenya. It lies about 30 km north of the Equator. The town is densely population and is the headquarters of the Kakamega County.

Located 50 km north of Kisumu that is the third largest city of Kenya as well as a port city lying on the Lake Victoria, the average elevation of Kakamega is 1,535 metres.

Kakamega county is the 2nd most populous county after Nairobi. It has 9 constituencies in totality – ikolomani, Matungu, Lugari, Butere, Khwisero, Mumias East, Malava, Shinyalu and Lurambi, all of which have a flavour that deserves to be experienced and felt.     

The town was so named because the world Kakamega translates (in Kiluhyah which is a local dialect here) roughly to pinch. This is used to describe how the colonists of Europe would eat their staple food, ugail.

To be true, there is no certain reason as to why you should stay in this agricultural town however if you come here late in the day, Kakamega can be a convenient place to sleep over and stock up some supplies before you head to the tourist attractions as well as nearby attractions of the Kakamega. 

Meru is a city in the Meru County of Kenya. It is situated in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya and serves as the headquarters of Meru County. Located at an elevation, Meru is a thriving urban centre that is also home to several rivers, mountains and other natural elements. The beauty of Meru is highlighted with thirteen rivers and many mountain-fed streams spread all over the terrain. The rivers are home to crocodiles and hippos and numerous species of fishes and marine animals. Lush green vegetations and woodlands on the slopes of the Nyambeni Mountain Range are some of the most attractive natural features of this city. Some of the popular tourist attractions are the famous parks such as the Lolldaiga Main Gate, Mount Kenya National Park, Ngare Ngare Forest, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy – which is also a zoo. You can also visit the campgrounds of Samburu Trails. Meru has a unique and distinctive cuisine that you can sample in popular eateries such as the. Royal Prince, a restaurant and a bar serving delicious fried delicacies. Another popular place that is frequented by tourists and locals alike is the Legends Restaurant, which serves some delicious local dishes and snacks like beef stew with ugali and samosas. Other attractions include the Nakumatt Supermarket where you can buy souvenirs from your tour and the famous Meru National Museum where you can get an insight into local history. Meru experiences dry, hot and arid weather conditions throughout the year. The temperatures remain fairly the same all year round. The average temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 17 degrees Celsius during the night.

Best of Nairobi

Mombasa is situated in south-east Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful coastal city that is known as the blue and white city. It is also the oldest city in the country, with a rich and vibrant cultural history. The enthralling city of Mombasa is known for its exceptional natural beauty. This city is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise blue sea, coral reefs and thick vegetation of lush green palms. The rainforests are home to a large number of magnificent birds and animals, native to Africa. While exploring the city of Mombasa, you must visit the amazing Diani Beach, the Haller Park, the Shimba Hills National Reserve, the Nyali Beach, Mombasa Island, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the famous Mombasa Marine National Park, which are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Apart from the tourist attractions and natural beauty, you can also indulge in adventure activities in Mombasa including an illuminating full-day tour of Mombasa, a 2 -Day Safari in Taita Hills from Mombasa, exploring the Tsavo National Park from Mombasa, climbing Mount Kenya, infinite treks, hikes, safaris and more. Since Kenya primarily experiences a tropical climate, the weather in Mombasa generally remains hot and humid throughout the year. The summers are hot with occasional rain and the winters are comparatively cooler, windy and dry with clear skies.

Traversing three hours west of Nairobi, this crumbling provincial town which is also the capital of the Mara region. It is the final proper centre prior to the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara. It is a surprising and friendly hassle free place that offers few travellers with a reason to stop and unwind. A lot of people roll on in, browse the curio shops when the driver refuels before you begin rolling on out again.

Situated west of Nairobi, it has very well been capable of supporting the economy of Kenya in the south west of the country along the Great Rift Valley. It is the district capital of the Narok County which also stands as the principal centre of commerce in the district. With a population of some 40,000 people that largely comprises of Maasai people, Narok is still as pristine as ever. 

The Maasai, natives of the Narok district regard Narok as the Enkare Narok which has been named after the river which passes through the Narok town. It is a beautifully town that definitely deserves a visit when you have taken a trip to Kenya. 

Best of Zambia

Thika is indeed one of the most discernible names to have emerged from the colonial Kenya all accredited to the articulate memoir which is Elspeth Huxley’s, ‘The Flame Trees of Thika.’ These days, in the growing modern city, you’ll actually be hard pressed to locate a tree let alone a flame tree. However, you still have an opportunity to indulge in the tiny nostalgia before you finally get back on the highway and continue further on the way.

The two children of the Aberdare Range, Thika and Chania finally unite 2 km north of the town where they plunge over a rocky, tree-lined cliff. This scene is elegantly appreciated from the porch of the Blue Post Hotel with a book in one hand and a stiff drink in the other.

With its history that outdates the town itself, the Blue Post still withholds a faint aroma of the colonial for those who wish to linger on here overnight. Undoubtedly, it was the principal location opposite the waterfalls of Thika which used to attract its original proprietors in the year 1908. At present, the grounds along with the children’s play area attract a number of Kenyan couple who intent on tying a knot in their polyester glory. When done with Thika, you can also visit the nearby destinations including Nyeri, Sagana, Embu and Nairobi. 

Best of Zimbabwe

Kitale is a beautiful agricultural town that is located in the Western Kenya. It lies some 380 kilometres from Nairobi which is the capital of Kenya. The town lies between Mount Elgon and Cherengani Hills. The significant cash crops which are grown in Kitale include seed maize, sunflower, Pyrethrum, tea, seed beans and coffee. 

Kitale is an administrative center of the Trans Nzoia District. It lies in the Rift Valley Province. Founded by the while settlers in the year 1908, Kitale is one of most prominent attractions in Africa. A branch line of the Uganda Railway leading you to the town from the Eldoret reached the town in the year 1926 with an object of promoting growth in the town.

Agriculturally rich, Kitale is a friendly market town that has a couple of interesting museums along with a bustling market. Shopping indeed is one of the principal activity to be enjoyed here. This market makes for an ideal base when you wish to explore the Saiwa Swamp National Parks and Mt Elgon. Kitale also serves as a quintessential take off point for tourists who wish to take a trip up to the western side of the Lake Turkana.

Best of Namibia

Kisumu is nestled on the sloping shore Winam Gulf of the Lake Victoria. It may be the third largest town of Kenya but its relaxed atmosphere is way different from that of Mombasa and Nairobi. Until the year 1977, the port happened to be one of busiest in Kenya. In the same year because of the political squabbling the port sat virtually idle for some 2 decades. Post that there was a decline set in which led to the collapse of the East African Community. The EAC was initially established by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania so as to come up with a common market within this region.  Recently there has been an increase in the cooperation as well as the revival of the EAC that also includes Burundi and Rwanda. This in 2000 has also helped establish Kisumu as one international shipment point for the products of petroleum. Surprisingly the lake doesn’t play any part in this. So, despite the lake having been the life and blood for the inception of the Kisumu, the city still rests with its back to the water. None the less, the fortune of Kisumu is on a rise once again. This has led to a reduction in the impact of the water hyacinth. Hopefully, in the years to come Lake Victoria will again begin contributing to the economy of the Kisumu. So, play an active role in boosting the economy of Kisumu by making a visit to the town. 

Other Attractions

Mount kenya national park.

Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya, East Africa. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including montane forest, alpine moorlands, and glaciers. Its highest peak, Batian, rises to 5,199 meters, offering breathtaking vistas. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and endangered species like the bongo. It's a hiker's paradise, with challenging trails attracting adventurers worldwide.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara is one of the most incredible game reserve of the world. Nestled on the border of Tanzania, Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti. It makes for the wildlife corridor between the two countries Tanzania and Kenya.

Giraffe Manor

Amboseli National Park

Lake Victoria

Lake Naivasha

Samburu National Reserve

Diani Beach

The Great Rift Valley

Uhuru Gardens

Lamu Island

Wasini Island

Mount Longonot

Hells Gate National Park

Tsavo National Park

Cherangani Hills

The Cherangani Hills, located in Kenya's Rift Valley Province, are a stunning range of rolling highlands that offer both natural beauty and cultural significance. Rising to an elevation of around 3,365 meters at their highest peak, these hills are part of the western highlands and form one of Kenya's five main water catchment areas. 

The hills are a biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse flora and fauna, including indigenous forest ecosystems. The region supports a variety of wildlife such as colobus monkeys, leopards, and a wide array of bird species, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. 

Kitum Caves

Kitum Cave, located in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, is a fascinating geological wonder known for its unique formation and rich history. This expansive cave, carved out of soft volcanic rock, stretches about 200 meters into the side of Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano. What makes Kitum Cave especially intriguing is the fact that elephants visit it regularly to mine the cave’s salt-rich walls. These elephants use their tusks to scrape off salt deposits, which are essential for their nutrition, earning Kitum the nickname "Elephant Cave."

Khoja Mosque

The Khoja Mosque in Nairobi is a prominent religious landmark, serving as a spiritual center for the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community. With its elegant architecture and rich cultural significance, the mosque fosters a sense of community, offering prayer services, educational programs, and a hub for social gatherings, reflecting Nairobi's diverse cultural tapestry.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spanning an area of approximately 188 square kilometers, the park is characterized by wooded and bushy grasslands surrounding the picturesque Lake Nakuru. Its rich biodiversity includes over 50 mammal species, such as rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, olive baboons, impalas, waterbucks, and hippos. The park is particularly famous for its large flocks of flamingos that gather along the lake's shores, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and hiking trails while exploring this natural haven.

Jeevanjee Gardends

Jeevanjee Gardens, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, is a lovely green space right in the middle of the city. It's like a breath of fresh air amidst the busy streets.

Spread across a large area, Jeevanjee Gardens is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. Picture yourself walking on lush green lawns, surrounded by colorful flowers and shady trees. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply finding a quiet corner to relax with a book.

What's special about Jeevanjee Gardens is its history. It was created by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, a well-known figure in Kenya, back in the late 19th century. Since then, it's been a place where people come together for cultural events, music concerts, and other activities that celebrate Nairobi's vibrant spirit.

For families, there's plenty to do at Jeevanjee Gardens. Kids can run around in the playgrounds, splash in the fountains, and just have fun outdoors. It's a great place for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Bora Bora Wildlife Park

Bora Bora Wildlife Park, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the island paradise, offers a captivating sanctuary for both native and exotic species.

Almasi Art Agency

Almasi Art Agency in Kenya is a dynamic cultural organization fostering the growth of performing arts. Committed to enriching the local arts scene, it serves as a catalyst for theatrical innovation and creative expression.

Mzima Springs

Lake Nakuru

Fourteen Falls

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserves is known for its rich wildlife and unique variety of birds making this national reserve so popular worldwide. Tourists coming here can spot some rare species of animals, including Reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, and the Gerenuk. Apart from these species that are exclusive to this region, you can also spot a few common wildlife creatures, including Elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and hyena. If bird spotting is your game then try spotting the group of helmeted and vulturine guinea fowl during the daytime near the river Ewaso Ng'iro, when they are in search of water to quench their thirst. If you're lucky enough you can also spot marabou storks flying over the blues or see thousands of sandgrouses and doves on the tree or on the lands. Location- It lies to the north of the Ewaso Ng'iro River Entry Fee- US$45-120 depending on the age group.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Nairobi National Park

Tsavo East National Park

People Also Ask About Kenya

Which are the famous places to visit in kenya with family, which are the famous national parks in kenya, which are the best places for safari in kenya, what is kenya famous for, is kenya expensive for tourists, what is the best time to visit kenya, what are the best day and night tour packages you can book with thrillophilia.

• 4 days in Kenya
• 6 days in Kenya
• 5 days in Kenya
• 7 days in Kenya
• 10 days in Kenya
• 12 days in Kenya
• 14 days in Kenya
• 15 Days Kenya Tour Packages
• 8 Days Kenya Tour Packages
• 9 Days Kenya Tour Packages
• 11 Days Kenya Tour Packages
• 13 Days Kenya Tour Packages

Kenya Travel Guides

Kenya Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Kenya

More things to do in kenya, more on kenya tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Top 10 tourist attractions in Kenya

Kenya is regarded as one of the world’s most pristine African safari destinations. Home to some of the best – if not the best – parks, conservancies and game reserves in Africa, people travel to Kenya from all around the globe to experience one of the most unique African adventures. Kenya is known for its unspoiled and varied landscapes, remarkable conservation initiatives, high concentration of game, exceptional sightings, and a sensational diversity of wildlife. From the renowned African Big 5 to wildlife species that can only be found in this part of the world, it’s no surprise Kenya has been dubbed one of Africa’s top wildlife and safari destinations.

Boasting and endless variety of things to do and experience, here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Kenya.

#1 Masai Mara National Reserve

The world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most remarkable reserves and safari destinations as well as the country’s most sought-after tourist attraction. The Masai Mara is a northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and is the site of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place from late July through to early October during which millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Masai Mara’s Great Migration is regarded as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles and natural wonders to witness first-hand. By far the most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July and September as the animals enter Kenya.

Along with millions of wildebeest and huge herds of zebra, antelopes and other grazers, this jaw-dropping spectacle is a magnet for predators. There is no better place to witness lion, leopard, and cheetah in double-quick time, helped by the open terrain and the cats’ ease around vehicles. The Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore one of the best places in Africa for big cat sightings.

#2 Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Kenya. Located close to the Tanzania border at the northern base of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is renowned for being the best place in Africa to get up-close to one of Africa’s largest members of the Big 5, elephants.

While Amboseli is considered relatively small, especially when compared to some of Kenya’s other reserves and parks such as the famous Masai Mara National Park, it remains a long-standing highlight of Kenya’s safari circuit. Well known for its high density of elephants, the Amboseli National Park forms the unfenced core of an 8,000 km2 ecosystem that includes large tracts of Maasai community land both in Kenya and across the border in Tanzania.

#3 Mount Kenya and Aberdares Mountains

Elephants drinking water with Mount Kenya in the background

Rising to 5,199m / 17,057ft high, Mount Kenya is the largest mountain in Kenya and the second tallest in Africa, topped only by the famous Kilimanjaro. Linked to the more westerly 3,999m Aberdare Range by an elevated grassy saddle, these two massifs represent extremes of geological antiquity. Both Mount Kenya and the Aberdares are protected within a national park. The two mountains collectively support most of the country’s surviving Afro-montane forest and Afro-alpine moorland and share many ecological affinities. These two iconic Kenyan attractions are host to an exceptional diversity of fauna, as well as all the beloved members of the African Big 5, alongside more localised forest species such as Sykes monkey, black‑and‑white colobus, Harvey’s red duiker, mountain antelope, and giant forest hogs.

African Buffalo in the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya

Mount Kenya is essentially an extinct stratovolcano that erupted into existence approximately three million years ago when the East African Rift (part of the Great Rift Valley) opened up. Today Mount Kenya’s upper slopes are dominated by glaciers and rugged snowy peaks, and its lower slopes are covered in African rosewood trees and stunning forests of bamboo. The mountain runoff also provides water to millions of people in and around the area. Mount Kenya is therefore not only one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya, but one of the most beautiful places to visit too.

Mount Kenya’s upper slopes are dominated by glaciers and rugged snowy peaks

Keen travellers and avid adventurers eagerly hoping to summit Mount Kenya can either hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, by taking the world’s highest via ferrata route, or opt to climb Batian Peak, the highest point on the mountain – however, this route requires skill and experience of technical climbing.

#4 Samburu National Reserve

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is regarded as one of the best wildlife and safari destinations in the country. Due to the Uaso Nyiro River that runs through it and the mixture of forest and grassland vegetation, Samburu National Reserve is known to attract a prolific and vast diversity of wildlife and birdlife. Within the reserve you’ll encounter lion, cheetah, leopard, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and countless other wildlife species, as well as over 450 species of birds. If you’re lucky, you may be fortunate enough to spot some of Kenya and Samburu National Park’s rare and remarkable sub-species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, East African oryx, packs of endangered wild dogs, and the gerenuk (long-necked antelope). Not to mention large numbers of Nile crocodile that call the Uaso Nyiro River their home.

This region of Kenya is also home to the Samburu people, distinctive tribes people famed for their many strands of brightly colored beaded jewellery.

#5 Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is not only one of Kenya’s top tourist attractions to see and destinations to visit, but a true bird lover’s paradise. It is home to a vast number of bird species, most notably huge flocks of flamingos, with more than a million pink flamingos flocking to the shores of Lake Nakuru. Often called the greatest bird spectacle on earth, the flamingos are undoubtedly one of Kenya’s top attractions. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes, and the vast diversity of birds are attracted to the high levels of algae in the water. In addition to millions of flamingos, the beautiful African fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, pelicans, cormorants, the Goliath heron and hammerkops can frequently be spotted around the lake.

Along with Lake Nakuru’s prolific birdlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its incredible sightings of white and black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, giraffes, zebra, hippos, ostriches, and other wildlife species throughout the park.

#6 Tsavo National Park

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo National Park is divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together, Tsavo’s two national parks make up the largest national park and protected wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. Located approximately10 hours’ drive from Nairobi, Tsavo National Park is more remote than Kenya’s other safari parks. This makes Tsavo perfect for those looking to experience a slightly off-the-beaten-track African safari adventure.

Tsavo East National Park

Extending over 21,812 km2, Tsavo National Park boasts a vast diversity of landscapes to explore as Tsavo West and Tsavo East are quite different in character. Tsavo West is known for its spectacular scenery with a rolling volcanic landscape, jagged black outcrops, solidified lava flows and tangled acacia woodlands overshadowed by Kilimanjaro on the southwest horizon. The larger and less developed Tsavo East has more open savannah than its western counterpart. The red-earth plains of Tsavo East also have stronger affiliations with the semi-arid badlands of northern Kenya, despite being alleviated by the presence of the perennial Galana River.

Being the largest conservation area and protected wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, Tsavo National Park protects significant populations of wildlife and the African Big 5. Both parks boast an unrestricted wilderness atmosphere that will appeal to both first-time and repeat safari-goers. Tsavo National Park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife and birdlife. From all the members of the renowned Big 5, elephants, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo, to incredible sightings of giraffe, cheetah, serval cat species, oryx, gazelle, antelope, stripped hyena, impala, and over 500 species of birds – Tsavo will definitely not disappoint.

The sight of elephants spraying the blue waters of the Galana River on themselves is one Tsavo National Park highlight you’ll cherish forever. Tsavo East is also home to two iconic trees, the baobab and the doum palm.

#7 Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is undoubtedly one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Kenya. Once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park is a tiny park named after a narrow break in the cliffs. Regarded as one of Kenya’s hidden gems, Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its steep cliffs, dramatic scenery, gorges, and basalt columns.

While it may be one of Kenya’s smaller national parks, it is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including lion, leopards, cheetahs and so much more. Besides Hell’s Gate National Park’s vast scenery, landscapes, and wildlife, it is unique among Kenya’s wildlife parks and safari destinations as you are allowed to walk or cycle through the park without a guide present – This gives you the opportunity to tick a thrilling adventure off your African safari bucket-list.

#8 Rift Valley Lakes

Kenya’s Rift Valley is located northwest of Nairobi. It boasts sheer basaltic cliffs, and a classic East African landscape of open savannah, studded with jagged volcanic outcrops and surrounded with beautiful lakes.

Lake Nakuru in Kenya

The Rift Valley and its surrounding lakes (Rift Valley Lakes) are world-renowned for its vast and prolific birdlife. The most sought-after attraction and main attention-grabber for birding enthusiasts from across the world are undoubtedly the million-strong flocks of flamingos that frequently amass at saline lakes Nakuru and Bogoria. In addition to the lakes of Nakuru and Bogoria, the freshwater lakes of Naivasha and Baringo are not only two of the most beautiful lakes and must-visit spots for sensational bird sightings, but top contenders for the title and accolade of ‘top general birding hotspot outside the national park system’.

Flocks of flamingos at Lake Bogoria in Kenya

While large mammals are less abundant in Kenya’s Rift Valley than the likes of larger national parks such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, it still offers visitors incredible wildlife sightings. In addition to marvelling at the millions of magnificent flamingos that frequently amass at Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park is regarded as one of the best places and safari destinations in East Africa to find both black and white rhino.

To top it off, Hell’s Gate National Park, Crescent Island, and Green Crater Lake Sanctuary offers visitors, and avid safari and wildlife lovers the exciting opportunity to see large wildlife species on foot in their natural habitat.

#9 Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is regarded as one of the attractions in Kenya. Located a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Nairobi, Nairobi National Park is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most accessible and popular national parks to visit, with only a fence separating the park’s prolific wildlife from the metropolis. Despite being relatively smaller than some of Kenya’s other sought-after and sizeable national parks, Nairobi National Park boasts a vast and varied wildlife population, promising spectacular wildlife sightings and encounters.

To add some extra anticipation and excitement to your Nairobi National Park wildlife experience, thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebra can be seen gathering in the park during the dry season. The Nairobi National Park is also one of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries.

#10 Laikipia Plateau & Conservancy

Once dominated by livestock ranches in the colonial era, the immense Laikipia Plateau has since been transformed into one of East Africa’s finest and most exclusive wildlife destinations. Overseen by the non-profit Laikipia Wildlife Foundation, the several dozen private and community-owned sanctuaries of the vast Laikipia Plateau now function as Kenya’s second largest wildlife sanctuary and conservancy, encompassing 9,500km2 in total, after Tsavo National Park.

In addition to its exclusivity, remarkable conservation status and size, the Laikipia Plateau is home to an incredibly diverse wildlife population. As the plateau is transitional to the central highlands and northern deserts, it provides an important stronghold for wildlife rarities such as the endangered African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, and black rhino. It also supports various dry-country wildlife species such as the greater and lesser kudu, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx, along with substantial populations of leopard, lion, and cheetah.

Lioness in the plains of Ol Pejeta Conservancy

There are a number of extraordinary sanctuaries and conservancies located within Laikipia Plateau. Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a Big Five conservancy found in the foothills of Mount Kenya, is one of the prime sanctuaries of Laikipia Plateau. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is renowned for its exceptional conservation initiatives. Its highlights include the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa; a population of southern white rhino; a refuge for the last two northern white rhinos left in the world (Ol Pejeta Conservancy is where the last male northern white rhino, Sudan, died in 2018; the last females of the sub-species still live at Ol Pejeta and are protected around the clock). The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary can also be found in the Laikipia Conservancy.

Baby Black rhino in Ol Pejeta Conservancy kenya

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary houses orphaned and abandoned chimpanzees as well as chimpanzees rescued from the black market.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Kenya

Visiting Laikipia Plateau and its incredible sanctuaries and conservancies, especially Ol Pejeta Conservancy, is not only one of the top 10 things to do in Kenya, as well as one of Kenya’s top attractions, but a great destination to learn more about the relationship between people and wildlife and the various challenges faced in the conservation industry.

Visitors and wildlife lovers will also have the opportunity to enjoy a range of exciting experiences such as lion tracking, exhilarating bush walks, and thrilling night drives and safaris.

Contact Secret Africa

+27 21 204 6073

Email: [email protected]

Address: Workshop17, 17 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005

Important Pages

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Newsletter Sign Up

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Webfonts.

Google Map Settings: Click to enable/disable Google Maps.

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds: Click to enable/disable video embeds.

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

See More Stories Like This

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nairobi

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 26, 2023

Nairobi, Kenya's capital and largest city, has long been the gateway to some of Africa's best adventures. But this vibrant metropolis has plenty of exciting things to do before you head out on safari.

Nairobi's rich history and tribal culture is brought to life in its excellent museums. The Karen Blixen Museum is a big hit — especially with fans of the Out of Africa book and film, who come to see where the namesake Danish author toiled on her coffee farm in the beautiful Ngong Hills.

Even in such a bustling city, wildlife is a huge draw. Nairobi is one of the only cities in the world with a safari park in its borders. A mere 15-minute drive from the skyscrapers of the city center, you can enjoy a classic African wildlife experience at Nairobi National Park . Lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, rhinoceros, and buffalo roam the sun-soaked savanna here, and animal lovers can cuddle baby elephants and connect with giraffes at the excellent animal sanctuaries nearby.

Nairobi is also the gateway to the world-famous safari parks , which have captivated adventure seekers for more than a century. Discover the top places to visit in this cosmopolitan capital with our list of the top attractions in Nairobi.

Nairobi National Park

David sheldrick wildlife trust, giraffe centre, karura forest reserve, karen blixen museum, nairobi national museum, bomas of kenya, kazuri beads factory tour, kenyatta international conference centre, ngong hills, railway museum, national archives, nairobi, kenya - climate chart.

Kenya's first national park, Nairobi National Park lies only seven kilometers from the skyscrapers of Nairobi's city center. A haven for wildlife, the park is also a rhino sanctuary, which protects more than 50 of these critically endangered creatures.

In addition to the rhinos, you can see lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and more than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the wetlands.

Nairobi National Park is also a famous ivory burning site. In 1989, President Moi ignited 12 tons of elephant tusks and rhino horns here, boosting the country's conservation image on the world stage. Today, a monument marks this historic site.

The Nairobi Safari Walk is a popular attraction, offering animal lovers the chance to spot wildlife on foot, and walking trails weave around the area known as Hippo Pools .

At the park's main gate, you can bond with orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

Address: Langata Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park

At the main gates of Nairobi National Park , this orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program is a must-see for animal lovers. Daphne Sheldrick founded the project in 1977 in memory of her late husband David, a former warden at Tsavo East National Park.

The center cares for young abandoned elephants and rhinos and works to release the animals back into the wild. You can watch these lovable creatures up close as they frolic in the mud and drink from giant baby bottles. Best of all, your entrance fee helps support the project's conservation efforts.

If you want to help even more, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe - you'll receive regular updates on their progress long after you leave.

Address: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

At the Giraffe Centre, on the edge of Nairobi National Park , visitors can come face to face with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. This non-profit center lies on the grounds of the plush guesthouse, Giraffe Manor, and its main mission is to provide conservation education for children.

The visitor center displays information about these graceful creatures, and a raised platform allows you to feed them at eye level with specially prepared pellets.

This is one of the most unusual things to do around Nairobi, especially with children - photo ops with wet, gray giraffe tongues slurping little faces are priceless.

After communing with these long-lashed beauties, you can enjoy a 1.5-kilometer self-guided forest walk in the adjacent nature reserve.

Are you craving some solitude near the city? You're in luck. The beautiful Karura Forest is a cool, shady oasis just a few kilometers from the city center.

This lush green space is actually one of the largest urban forests in the world , and you'll discover all kinds of things to see and do here. Hike to a multi-tiered 15-meter waterfall. Enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Watch monkeys clamber through the trees, or just sit quietly by Lily Lake and soak up the tranquility. Bike riding is also popular along the well-marked red-clay trails.

Wildlife also thrives here. Besides monkeys, you might also see duiker (small antelope), butterflies, and many species of birds. After all your forest adventures, sit back and relax with a snack and a drink at the open-sided river café.

One of Nairobi's top tourist attractions, the Karen Blixen Museum, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, is the former home of the famous namesake Out of Africa author. Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen, lived in the house from 1917 to 1931, where she ran a coffee plantation.

Today, you can tour the well-preserved colonial farmhouse, a kitchen in a separate building, a coffee-drying plant in the woodland, and an agricultural college on the grounds.

Furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband is on display, as well as photographs and books owned by Karen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. Enthusiastic guides bring the story of Karen Blixen and colonial Kenya to life.

Address: Karen Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.museums.or.ke/karen-blixen/

The National Museum in Nairobi is an educational way to spend a few hours on a city stopover. The museum displays diverse cultural and natural history exhibits including more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from various Kenyan tribal groups, and exhibits of local art.

In the Geology Gallery, you can explore an impressive collection of rocks and minerals and learn about tectonic plates and the life cycle of a volcano. The Hominid Vault contains a collection of prehistoric bones and fossils, including the preserved fossil of an elephant.

At the museum, visitors can purchase combination tickets, which include entrance to the adjacent Snake Park with live specimens of Kenya's most common reptiles.

If you're looking for a dose of nature on your Nairobi trip, save time to stroll around the tranquil botanical gardens here after your visit.

Address: Museum Hill Road, Nairobi

About 10 kilometers from Nairobi, Bomas of Kenya is a living museum celebrating the colorful tribes of Kenya. This is a great place to learn about the lifestyle, art, music, crafts, and culture of each tribe.

The complex encompasses a recreated traditional village with homesteads or bomas, each one reflecting the culture of a major ethnic group. Every afternoon, a team performs traditional dances and songs in the large theater. Audience participation makes the performances even more enjoyable.

Location: Forest Edge Road, off Langata Road, Mageso Chember

Official site: http://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/

Looking for some unique souvenirs and gifts for family and friends? The Kazuri Beads Factory is a great place to shop. Best of all, you're helping disadvantaged local women at the same time.

Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and these shiny, brightly colored beads surely fit the bill.

Join a free factory tour and see how local women, including many single mothers, make the beads and other pottery items from scratch. After the tour, you can purchase some to take with you, knowing you are purchasing from a World Fair Trade Organization member. Prices are relatively reasonable.

This is a great tour to combine with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum , as the factory lies right nearby. It's also one of the top free things to do in Nairobi, although it's hard to leave here without buying some of these beautiful beads.

Address: Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi

Named for the Republic's First President, Jomo Kenyatta, the distinctive cylindrical Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its rooftop viewing deck.

The building is an internationally acclaimed venue for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, and it's an eye-catching landmark in the city. Though not the tallest building in Kenya, it dominates the skyline with a 28-story tower overlooking a large amphitheater. Its pale terra-cotta façade recalls the color of traditional African huts, and the central plenary hall resembles the ancient Roman Senate.

Zoom up to the rooftop viewing platform to take photos of the sprawling city below, and you can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Address: Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

"Ngong" means "knuckles" in Maasai, a fitting name since these beautiful pointed green hills resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. They are a popular place to visit close to Nairobi and provide a welcome respite from the city heat.

The Ngong Hills are the peaks of a ridge overlooking the Great Rift Valley, and many white settlers established their farms here in the early colonial days. Half-timbered houses and flowering gardens remain, but seem more suited to southern England than Africa.

Several walking trails traverse the hills, offering beautiful views of the valleys below. Wildlife is also visible in the area. Buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, the occasional klipspringer, and troupes of baboons are often glimpsed grazing along the roadside.

If you're an Out of Africa fan and you're looking for other places to visit in the Ngong Hills, stop by the grave of Denys Finch Hatton, the lover of famous Danish author, Karen Blixen. It lies on the eastern slopes, graced by an obelisk and garden.

Address: Great Rift Valley, Mageso Chember, Nairobi

The Railway Museum in Nairobi celebrates the rich history of the railroad in Kenya and its impact on the nation's development. Among the museum's fascinating collections are train and ship models, photographs from the original construction of the Uganda Railway, railway magazines, maps and drawings, and a silver service set used on overnight trains to Mombasa.

A collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock are also on display, including a model of the MV Liemba, built by the Germans and still in use along Lake Tanganyika.

A favorite exhibit is the carriage used during the hunt for the Maneater of Kima in 1900. Captain Charles Ryall, a colonial officer, positioned himself in the carriage to shoot a man-eating lion; unfortunately he fell asleep and was dragged out the window by the lion.

Address: Uhuru Road, Nairobi

You'll find a little bit of everything about Kenya at this museum. Housed in the old Bank of India building, the National Archives spotlights Kenyan tribal culture, as well as the country's art, history, and politics.

Paintings and artifacts from the collection of Joseph Murumbi, one of Africa's most famous collectors, dominate the exhibits. The main floor gallery displays historical documents and a collection of photographs.

The second floor houses more art, a display of postage stamps, and the National Archives reading room, which is used for personal and professional projects.

Along with the Nairobi National Museum, this is one of the top places to visit in Nairobi on a budget, and it will broaden your understanding of Kenya's rich history and culture.

Address: Moi Avenue, Nairobi

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit in Kenya : Besides the wildlife adventures and colonial history of Nairobi, other things to do in Kenya including basking on beautiful beaches and snorkeling along coral reefs. Southeast of Nairobi, you'll find plenty of things to do in Mombasa as well. Stroll around its atmospheric Old Town, visit wildlife sanctuaries, or dive a wreck in Mombasa Marine National Park.

Places to Visit in Tanzania : South of Kenya, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and lies a short boat ride from the beautiful tropical islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya. And if taking the safari of a lifetime is your mission, Tanzania is home to some of the most magnificent game reserves in the world, including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

More on Kenya

6 Best Safari Parks in Kenya

Looking for the best safari parks in Kenya? You’ve come to the right place.

If you’re looking for the ultimate African safari, look no further than the East African country of Kenya. Kenya’s abundant wildlife is proudly showcased within its 50 incredible national parks. Better yet, Kenya is also blessed with stunning natural scenery of mountains, vast lakes, endless savannahs, a magnificent coastline and a mild tropical climate.

Each of Kenya’s national parks is a gem in its own right, but unfortunately, that can make it difficult for visitors to decide where to visit – especially if it’s your first-ever safari!

Some parks are massive and require multi-day stays to truly appreciate their beauty, while others are small and compact allowing you to view its varied and abundant wildlife on a single game drive. 

The good news, however, is that regardless of which Kenya safari park you visit, none will ever disappoint you.

Whether you’re looking to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) or other iconic African animals, like cheetah, hippos, crocs, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, hyena, you can find them all in Kenya.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

Tips for your Kenya safari holiday

Before choosing where to visit on your Kenya holiday, here are a few tips for planning your trip.

Kenya is a co-host (alongside Tanzania ) to the Great Migration, one of the most exhilarating spectacles of nature on our planet when over two million animals take the same path across East Africa. To witness that in Kenya, you can visit the world-renowned Masai Mara National Park.

The best time to view the wildlife in Kenya is during the long dry season, between June and October. During this period, the weather is great, the grasses are short, and foliage is sparse, making it easier to spot the wildlife. During this season, animals are usually never far from the shrinking water holes and river banks. This season is also the time when the Great Migration is in full swing. The downside to that period, however, is that Kenyan safari costs are at their highest and the parks are at their busiest.

Safari game drives usually start at the break of dawn. Despite Kenya being on the equator, it still gets pretty chilly up in the higher altitudes, even during the summer. So, when planning your East Africa packing list , remember you may need to dress warmly and take layers off as the day warms up. The opposite will apply to the afternoon game drives.

Most parts of Kenya are high-risk malaria and tsetse fly areas, with the risk being higher during the summer and wet seasons. You can wear shorts, but it’s advisable to pack some long pants and long-sleeved shirts and as many mosquito repellent sprays as possible. Tsetse flies are particularly fond of bright and dark colours, so avoid them at all costs, especially orange, purple and black clothing.

Kenya is also a yellow fever high-risk area, so a vaccine is recommended and is mandatory if you’re travelling to multiple countries in the region, such as Tanzania, where you’ll be asked for your certificate when you cross the border from Kenya. 

Throughout your Kenya safari, be sure to follow your driver or guide’s advice, alongside the guidance of any accommodations you stay at – after all, the goal is to get close to wild animals!

The two golden rules of safari are to never get out of the vehicle unless your guide says it’s okay and never attempt to run away from an animal.

Best safari parks in Kenya

To save you the trouble of trying to work out where the best safari parks in Kenya are, I’ve made your life easier by narrowing your options down to the six best, based on my extensive travels and research of the country.

I know for sure that each of these parks will provide you with an unforgettable safari experience. Let’s get to it.

1. Amboseli National Park

Situated in southern Kenya, beneath the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, which sits in neighbouring Tanzania, Amboseli National Park is a must-see safari destination.

First and foremost, this park has earned the title of “The Home of the Elephant” and it’s impossible to go anywhere without seeing herds of these African icons wandering around. Among the 2,000 or so elephants are some of the oldest and largest in the world. Known as “the Super Tuskers”, their massive tusks almost reach the ground and may weigh up to 50 kilos each!

Although Amboseli does not have all of the Big Five, it has a healthy population of lions, cheetahs and buffalos, plus giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, wildebeest and countless antelope and bird species. Leopard sightings are possible but extremely rare, and rhinos are even rarer.

Having a dense wildlife population and being just under 400 square kilometres in size, it’s possible to drive from one end to the other in a single day whilst being in constant view of wildlife.

The park is made up of a mix of lakes and wetlands, golden savannahs and densely wooded hillsides. The marshlands, in particular, are a magnet for animals, including the iconic elephants. They’re also a haven for birdlife, from fish eagles to kingfishers, pelicans, marabou storks and the elegant-looking crested cranes. In the wet season, you’ll also see vast colonies of flamingos.

Make sure to grab a photo of the park’s epic scenery from atop Observation Hill, a favourite picnic spot for all safari goers. The contrast of the red soil with the blue sky makes Amboseli incredibly picturesque, especially when you have the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance as a backdrop.

Amboseli offers many accommodations, both inside and outside the park, from ultra-luxurious to the most basic camping sites. Staying inside the park provides a far more immersive and enjoyable safari experience, and also cuts down on driving time, but costs a little more. Fortunately, there are several mid-range and budget-friendly lodges almost next to the two main gates, allowing for quick access to the park.

Getting to Amboseli from Nairobi requires a drive of 4-5 hours.

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the smallest yet scenic game parks in Kenya.

One of its main attractions is the picturesque seasonal Lake Nakuru itself, which takes up most of the 188-square-kilometre game park. The shores are surrounded by dense woodlands, lush grasslands, hills, steep rocky ledges and waterfalls, with many excellent picnic sites to view the stunning scenery. 

With the exception of elephants, most other animals found in Kenya are here, including over 100 of both black and white rhinos. You can see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, Rothschild giraffes, zebras, hippos, warthogs, waterbuck and impalas here without having to travel long distances.

In and around the dense forests and rocky ledges you’re most likely to find the elusive leopards, although any sighting of these secretive cats is never guaranteed. Meanwhile, amongst the rocky cliffs live some of the biggest pythons in Africa, as well as troops of baboons and other monkey species. 

The lake itself is a haven for birds, attracting hundreds of endemic and migrant species. You may spot African fish eagles, Goliath herons, crowned cranes, kingfishers, pelicans and large colonies of flamingos.

Aside from the usual game drives and hiking, boating safaris are also popular. Travelling across the lake gives you a fantastic vantage point of the water birds, hippos and other game that line the shallows.

A wide variety of lodging is available in the park, ranging from up-market lodges right down to basic campsites, and these can be accessed through any of the three entrance gates.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve

If you can only choose one safari park to visit in Kenya, the Masai Mara should be it.

Within this world-renowned park lives the widest range of animal species and the densest population of wildlife in Africa, including the highest concentration of big predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Animals here include all the Big Five, although sightings of rhinos are rare.

The Masai Mara is situated on the southwestern corner of the country, and its 1,510-square-kilometre landscape forms part of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Due to the Masai Mara’s proximity to Lake Nakuru, it’s very possible to include these two parks in a single Kenyan safari itinerary .

The park’s vast landscape consists mainly of golden grasslands sprinkled with flat-topped acacia trees, making spotting animals easy, especially during the dry months from June to October.

December until February is another exciting period when thousands of newborn herbivores arrive on the plains. This brings out the big predators, so it’s the best time for visitors to witness a kill at close range. These months are also the nesting season when birds are in their brightest plumage and are performing their courting rituals.

Perhaps the Masai Mara’s greatest claim to fame is the Great Migration, which reaches its climax when migratory herds of wildebeest, zebras and antelope cross the hippo and crocodile-infested Mara River. To witness this truly awesome spectacle, you’ll have to visit the park from around late-July to October.

The only downside of visiting during the Great Migration is that the park gets crowded, and it’s not uncommon to see convoys of safari trucks encircling a pride of lions, which at times can spoil the experience.

Fortunately, there are about 20 conservancies around the Masai Mara which restrict the number of visitors, providing far more authentic and enjoyable safaris. One of the best conservancies to witness the Great Migration in a relatively peaceful manner is the Mara Triangle, which lies along the banks of the Mara River. You’ll have a fantastic view of where dramatic river crosses are made. Booking well ahead is a must.

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in the Masai Mara, ranging from luxurious lodges to basic and rustic campsites, both in and outside of the park, and also in the conservancies. Staying inside the park is more expensive, but provides a far more immersive safari experience and saves driving time in the morning.

Getting to the Masai Mara from Nairobi takes some doing, with the 225 or so kilometres taking more than six hours to cover. Avoid using minibus taxis, known as matatus, as they are normally overloaded and accident-prone, and also avoid driving after dark.

It’s always best to book your safari through a local operator who can arrange your transport from the airport to your lodge. For those wanting to avoid long road journeys, the park has several airstrips with regular flights.

4. Samburu National Reserve

With the recent reintroduction of rhinos, Samburu National Reserve how has the Big Five, plus most of the other popular animals found in Kenya, like cheetahs, hippos, crocs, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, olive baboons, elands, waterbuck, various gazelles and over 400 bird species. Samburu has a large concentration of big cats and over 900 elephants!

But that’s not all that makes Samburu one of the best safari parks in Kenya. It also hosts some of the country’s most rare and endangered wildlife species, which are not often seen in the bigger, more well-known parks.

Here, you can see rare Grévy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, the strange blue-fleshed Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the weird but so cute gerenuk, often called giraffe gazelle. Packs of endangered African wild dogs also roam free in their natural habitat, and in large numbers, too.

Despite the dense population of wildlife, Samburu remains a low-key safari destination, so it’s ideal if you want to experience the African bush without being overwhelmed by hordes of tourists. The Samburu landscape consists mainly of vast, open semi-arid plains, rocky hills and valleys, which make it easy to spot the wildlife from long distances.

Ample accommodation is provided by several private houses, safari lodges and tented camps, which all offer a wide range of safari experiences. These include nature hikes, cultural tours to the Samburu tribes, meals or sundowners out in the open bush, and even one of the most unexpected modes of safari – camel trekking!

Samburu is situated about 320 kilometres northeast of Nairobi. It can be reached by road, which takes around six hours or by air flying from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the various airstrips scattered around the park. Flights take approximately 1½ hours. 

5. Tsavo National Parks

Totalling over 22,000 square kilometres in size, the Tsavo National Parks are the largest in Kenya and among the largest in Africa.

They’re also among Kenya’s most picturesque parks and are teeming with animals, but are less visited than the better-known parks such as the Masai Mara, so these are great options if you want to avoid the crowds.

Separated only by the highway and railway, both Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks hold a similar range of wildlife including the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocs, wild dogs, oryx, and all the other usual suspects. They also have over 500 species of birds.

One of the highlights here is the elephants, who love rolling around in the red, dusty soils. So much so that they’ve earned the nickname of “red elephants” These red elephants make a very unique photo, especially when coupled with the blue African sky and mountains beyond!

As for rhinos, you can find them at the Nguila Rhino Sanctuary – it’s one of the best places in East Africa to see endangered black rhinos in the wild.

A unique feature of Tsavo East is the Yatta Plateau – at around 300 kilometres, it is the longest lava flow in the world.

As for Tsavo West, it’s mostly similar but a bit more rugged and has some unique water features, including Mzima Springs. These springs include an underwater viewing room from where you can see hippos, crocs, and fish swimming from below!

Tsavo is easily reached by road from Nairobi but is closer to Mombasa, making it an ideal park to combine a bush and beach getaway – perfect if you have time for a  7-10 day Kenya safari itinerary . Several airstrips provide faster access to the many lodges and tented camps in both sectors of Tsavo National Park.

6. Laikipia County

If you want to see rare species, as well as the Big Five, Laikipia County is for you.

Situated beneath the north-western foothills of Mount Kenya, Laikipia has several conservancies, all of which play a major role in the protection of several rare and endangered animal species. It is also home to almost half of Kenya’s black rhino population, many of which roam in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Ol Pejeta is the smallest conservancy in Laikipia but is the closest place to Nairobi where you can view the Big Five without needing to drive for hours. While seeing rhinos is a rarity in most parks across Africa, here they are everywhere. Alongside an abundance of black and white rhinos, Ol Pejeta is also home to the world’s last two remaining northern white rhinos.

Apart from the Big Five, other species in abundance are cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, eland, impalas, plus the rare Grévy’s zebra, oryx and African wild dogs. It’s an ideal place to self-drive, as Ol Pejeta has well-kept roads, great infrastructure and excellent animal visibility.

Meanwhile, Ol Jogi Conservancy, situated a little to the north, is a haven for over 100 rhinos thanks to their successful breeding programme. It also has large numbers of cheetahs, wild dogs, and the largest population of Grévy’s zebras in Africa. You can also spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and most other iconic species.

Further north-west, the Mugie Conservancy is another beautiful place to visit. Here, you’ll find spectacular scenery and a diverse and dense concentration of wildlife. Animals commonly sighted here include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, elands and other antelope, alongside hartebeest, Grévy’s zebras and packs of wild dogs.

A vast lake here attracts 280 bird species, upon which canoe safaris provide an extra dimension to game viewing.

As for accommodation, tons of lodging options for all tastes and budgets are available, all of which arrange a wide range of safari and cultural activities for their guests.

Laikipia County is about a 3-hour drive north of Nairobi. At an altitude of over 1800 metres above sea level, it’s one of the few malaria-free zones in Kenya. The scenery in virtually every conservancy is stunning, with views of Mount Kenya in the background.

Summary: Which Kenya safari park should you choose?

Despite narrowing it down to just six destinations, you may still be a little undecided as to which safari park to visit and which ones to leave out.

If visiting them all is out of the question, you could try grouping the parks which are closest to each other, as this cuts down on travelling time and costs.

Safari parks in Kenya can be grouped into three circuits:

• Northern Circuit consists of Samburu, Lake Nakuru National Park and Laikipia County Conservancies.
• Western Circuit consist of the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
• Eastern Circuit consists of Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.

I hope the information above makes it easier for you to choose the right safari parks for your trip. Regardless of where or when you go, I do not doubt that every one of these parks will provide you with some of the most memorable experiences of your life!

About the author

Ella McKendrick is the founder of ellamckendrick.com , a blog that covers everything you need to know about going on safari in Africa. Passionate about nature and wildlife, she’s visited almost a dozen African countries and been on countless safaris.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Which of these safari parks in Kenya are you keen to visit?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these other East Africa travel blogs:

• Epic 2 Week Kenya Itinerary: Plan the Trip of a Lifetime
• East Africa Packing List: What to Wear on Safari and Beyond
• A Unique 2-Week Tanzania Itinerary: Adventure, Safaris and Beaches
• A Wildlife-Packed Uganda Itinerary: One Week in the Pearl of Africa
• Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: What You Need to Know

PIN IT FOR LATER: BEST SAFARI PARKS IN KENYA

Save this guide to the best safari parks in Kenya to Pinterest for later!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT WORK WITH ME CONTACT PUBLISHED WORK

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES

© 2024 REBECCA AND THE WORLD

Privacy Policy

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE WURUNDJERI AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLE OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LANDS AND WATERWAYS OF THE AREA I LIVE ON. I PAY MY RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT AND CELEBRATE THE STORIES, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This article is free to read if you register or sign in.

Simply register at no cost.

Questions or problems? Email [email protected] or call 0711 046 000 .

BOLSTERING TOURISM

State unveils 9 circuits to boost kenya's tourism experiences.

The move aims to discover gems and reinvent experiences in domestic and international tourism.

•The nine circuits, covering all 47 counties, include Nairobi, Central Kenya, Coastal, Northern, Western, Southern, North Rift, South Rift and Eastern.

•Each circuit will highlight iconic attractions to diversify and enhance the experience.

Kenya is poised to enhance its tourism offerings after unveiling nine regional circuits.

This signifies a renewed emphasis on domestic travel under the Tembea Kenya initiative.

The nine circuits, covering all 47 counties, include Nairobi, Central Kenya, Coastal, Northern, Western, Southern, North Rift, South Rift and Eastern.

Each circuit will highlight iconic attractions to diversify and enhance the experience.

Speaking during the launch in Kisumu, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano said the circuits are designed to cater to current demands and emerging trends while aligning with conservation priorities.

"We have incorporated emerging niches such as adventure, sports, culture, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and other segments. Every region has a unique reason to visit and we encourage travellers to savour the diverse experiences," she said.

The CS said the Ministry will invest in marketing campaigns as part of the broader Tembea Kenya agenda, which remains the flagship programme for boosting domestic tourism.

“As we unveil the nine tourism circuits, I call upon Kenyans to showcase the best of their home regions through photography. We shall invite Kenyans to share and showcase the best of their regions through a photo contest."

The CS also lauded Kisumu County — part of the Western Tourism Circuit — for hosting the Kenya Tourism Week celebrations.

The week-long celebrations showcased Kisumu's unique tourist attractions including Ndere Island and Kajulu Hills.

Programmes championed by the youth included street art and a hackathon that showcases skills and innovation.

Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu who chairs the Council of Governors’ Tourism and Wildlife Committee, urged increased government allocation.

Ntutu said tourism, if well harnessed, could become the largest contributor to the GDP and a major source of employment for the youth.

"I will champion the prioritisation of tourism by all counties as part of tapping into the circuits that cut across counties".

Tourism PS John Ololtuaa said circuits will strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and counties to address gaps and ensure growth.

“This strategy will allow us to work more closely with counties to enhance destination competitiveness. We want to increase bed nights, longer stays, repeat visits, and an enhanced visitor experience".

The circuits will help us focus our efforts accordingly,” said PS Ololtua

On her part, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei said KTB will market the circuits and play a pivotal role in creating more opportunities.

This will drive inclusive growth and solidify Kenya's status as a must-visit destination.

During the event, various awards were given out. The categories include the Start-up Company of the Year, Conservation Champion of the Year, Travel Content Creator of the Year, Peace Advocate and the Community Impact award.

The youth-organized hackathon saw the emergence of a solution for conference packaging leveraging technology.

Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, reiterated that the circuits will strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and counties to address gaps and ensure growth.

“This strategy will allow us to work more closely with counties to enhance destination competitiveness across all our regions. We want increased bed nights, longer stays and repeat visits.

Interior, Tourism ministries sign MoU to enhance security of tourists

Kisumu to be marketed as a beach and water sports tourism hub, most popular, 31 busia mcas sent home as azimio takes control assembly, latest videos, high profile arrests loom over gen z demos as kindiki digs in, the news brief: dp rigathi - a dead man walking as d-day fixed, sign up for the free star email newsletter and receive the latest kenya news daily..

The 10 best places to visit in November 2024

N ovember can feel like the forgotten middle child of the holiday season. Halloween's sugar rush is fading, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season hasn't quite started (at least not until Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 28 in the U.S. this year).

But here's the secret: It's the perfect time to pack your bags and travel somewhere new. It's that quiet window when the world seems to take a collective sigh, the crowds have thinned and travel deals beckon from across the internet.

Whether you are chasing the last traces of fall foliage before the holiday madness or craving some sunshine before summer starts in the Southern Hemisphere, traveling in November before the holidays can be great fun. Here are the 10 best places to visit in November.

Autumn in Vienna is the best time to experience its art scene. By November, the city's cultural calendar is in full swing. Vienna Art Week (Nov. 8-15) features more than 100 events, from gallery tours to artist talks. This year marks the festival's 20th anniversary, and the celebration is bigger than ever. You can wander through iconic museums like the Belvedere or the Kunsthistorisches Museum during shoulder season without the summer crowds. Pair your artistic explorations with cozy evenings at Vienna's famous coffeehouses, where a warm cup of Melange (similar to a cappuccino) awaits. Plus, most of Vienna's famous Christmas markets open in mid-November if you'd like to start your holidays as early as possible.

TPG tip: Stay at the Imperial Riding School, The Autograph Collection , which opened earlier this year in a former 19th-century military equestrian school. Rates start at $165 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this November.

Las Vegas 

Watch the world's fastest cars zoom down the Strip when the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix comes to Las Vegas Nov. 21-23. Wynn Las Vegas offers an F1 package starting at $9,100 for three nights' accommodation and VIP access to race week, including two grandstand tickets. Earlier in the month, car enthusiasts can also enjoy the Concours at Wynn (Nov. 1-3), featuring an elegant motorcade and vehicle exhibition of vintage and sports cars.

TPG tip: To retreat from the action, stay at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, where rates start at $149 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night in November.

In the first week of November, Dublin welcomes bookworms for the Dublin Book Festival (Nov. 6-10). For five days, the city comes alive with readings, workshops and panel discussions celebrating established and emerging authors. Held in various locations across the city, the festival gives you an excuse to duck into a historic pub for a pint between events. The cooler weather brings a cozy charm to the city, making it a great month to explore Trinity College, stroll through Phoenix Park or enjoy the city's literary history without the high-season crowds.

TPG tip : Stay at The Shelbourne , where you can indulge in afternoon tea at The Lord Mayor's Lounge and cozy up with a book or Irish coffee while overlooking St. Stephen's Green. Rates start at $421 or 61,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Greater Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs serves up sunny days with a side of celebration in November. Greater Palm Springs Pride (Oct. 31-Nov. 3) fills the desert with rainbow-hued parades and festivities, while the Magic of Lights , a drive-through light show at Empire Polo Club that begins Nov. 17, adds a twinkling holiday glow to the region.

With temperatures in the high 70s, the weather is prime for lounging poolside or hiking in nearby parks like Joshua Tree National Park . The combination of cool evenings and warm days creates the perfect setting for desert adventures or leisurely escape in this laid-back, stylish oasis.

TPG tip : Book a room at the highly anticipated Thompson Palm Springs , which is taking reservations for Sept. 30 and beyond. Rates start at $387 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night this November.

November in St. Martin is about indulging in the Caribbean island's rich culinary culture. The Festival de la Gastronomie (Nov. 11-22) invites food lovers to savor French-Caribbean flavors through cooking competitions, tastings and mixology workshops. It's a mouthwatering lead-up to the holiday season and an excellent way to taste local cuisine at its best. The weather is comfortably warm, with pleasant temperatures in the low 80s. When you're not eating, dip in the turquoise waters or explore the island's charming streets before the holiday crowds descend.

TPG tip : Opening for the season on Nov. 15, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel has rates starting at $1,095 per night in November. It's part of Fine Hotels + Resorts through American Express Travel. If you have an eligible card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express , and book a stay through Amex Travel, you'll get perks such as daily breakfast for two and $100 credit toward eligible charges, which vary by property.

Queensland, Australia

Down Under, November brings summerlike temperatures to Queensland without the peak-season heat. American Airlines is launching its longest nonstop flight from Dallas to Brisbane in late October, making it easier than ever to explore the region. Families will also love Bluey's World in Brisbane, a fully immersive experience based on the beloved children's show that opens Nov. 7. Additionally, 80-degree beach weather along the Gold Coast and milder temperatures in the rainforest or Great Barrier Reef make Queensland one of the best places to visit in November.

TPG tip: Book a room at Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, Vignette Collection by IHG . Rates start at around $156 or 29,000 IHG One Rewards points per night this November.

New York City

November in New York City kicks off with the New York City Marathon on Nov. 3, when the streets of all five boroughs come alive with runners and spectators alike. But if you're not lacing up your sneakers, don't worry — the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28 will bring just as much excitement. Plus, the city transforms for the holiday season in late November, well before the December crowd descends. Crisp autumn air and the start of festive decorations make strolling through Central Park or along Fifth Avenue even more magical.

TPG tip: For a luxurious stay with Thanksgiving parade views, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park (rates start at $1,193 or 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in November) has a prime location at Sixth Avenue and Central Park South. To save money, opt for Dream Midtown on 55th Street and Broadway (rates start at $244 or 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night in November).

Mendoza, Argentina

In Mendoza, November is springtime, and the region's vineyards are lush and green, providing a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures. Whether hiking in the Andes, horseback riding through the vineyards or rafting on the Mendoza River, the weather is mild, making for comfortable exploration. This is also the best time to visit wineries months before the busy harvest season begins in February.

TPG tip : Stay at Hualta Hotel Mendoza, Curio Collection by Hilton . Rates start at $170 or 51,000 Hilton Honors points per night in November.

November in Kenya offers a quieter safari as the crowds have thinned with the departure of the Great Migration. Yet, the Maasai Mara's resident wildlife — lions, elephants and giraffes — remain, making it an excellent time for game viewing without the peak-season hustle. The short rainy season begins, but these sporadic showers only add to the lushness of the landscape, creating dramatic backdrops for photography. Samburu National Reserve is another fantastic option, where you'll have the chance to see rare species like Grevy's zebra in a more intimate setting.

TPG tip: Stay at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club in the northwestern corner of the Maasai Mara in the Olchoro Oirowua Conservancy. Rates start at $405 per night in November. Join the ALL — Accor Live Limitless loyalty program to get 10% off.

By November, Thailand has fully recovered from the monsoon season, revealing lush landscapes and cooler temperatures, making it one of the best months to visit. The waterfalls are full, the rivers are navigable and the skies are clear. Explore the mountains of Chiang Mai or relax on the beaches of the southern islands. No matter your activity of choice, Thailand is the place to do it. It's an ideal time to visit before the holiday season starts, offering a quieter, more relaxed trip. Thailand's festivals are gearing up, allowing travelers to participate in the rich culture and traditions in a more peaceful setting.

TPG : It's worth spending at least a night or two in Bangkok before venturing off to other parts of the country. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is a great home base in the bustling city, with rates starting at $104 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in November.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• County News
• International News
• International Business
• Local Business
• Radio Services
• 6 Priorities

Government unveils nine circuits to enrich Kenya’s tourism experiences 

Kenya’s tourism offering is set to expand with the unveiling of nine regional circuits, marking a renewed focus on domestic tourism under the Tembea Kenya initiative.

The newly unveiled circuits are part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to reimagine tourism experiences by showcasing hidden gems aimed at boosting both domestic and international travel.

Speaking during the launch event in Kisumu County, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, emphasized that these circuits are designed to invigorate Kenya’s tourism industry, catering to current demands and emerging trends while aligning with conservation priorities.

“These tourism circuits will offer a holistic and immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through Kenya’s diverse attractions. We have incorporated emerging niches such as adventure, sports, culture, eco-tourism, wellness tourism and other segments. Every region has a unique reason to visit and we encourage travelers to savor the diverse experiences,” said CS Miano.

She further noted that the Ministry is set to invest in targeted marketing campaigns to popularise the circuits as part of the broader Tembea Kenya agenda, which remains the flagship programme for boosting domestic tourism.

“As we unveil the nine tourism circuits, I also call upon Kenyans to showcase the best of their home regions through photography. We shall be inviting Kenyans to share and showcase the best of their regions through a photo contest,” added CS Miano.

The CS also expressed her appreciation to Kisumu County, part of the Western Tourism Circuit, for hosting the Kenya Tourism Week celebrations, which culminate in World Tourism Day.

The weeklong celebrations have been marked with events, activations and showcases of Kisumu’s unique tourist attractions including visits to Ndeere Island, tree planting at Kajulu Hills, fashion shows.

Programmes championed by the youth included street art and a hackathon.

Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu who is also the Chair of the Council of Governors’ Tourism and Wildlife Committee, rooted for increased government allocation to tourism, stating, “Tourism, if well harnessed, could become the largest contributor to the GDP and a major source of employment for the youth which is one of the governments key agendas”

He expressed his full support for the marketing of the circuits, which he believes will enable Kenya to showcase its immense tourism potential.

The Governor reiterated that he would champion the prioritisation of tourism by all counties as part of tapping into the circuits that cut across counties.

Governor Ntutu, who was the Chief guest at the gala event congratulated various recipients of tourism excellence awards and applauded the youth for their active participation in tourism and conservation endeavours.

The categories awarded included the start-up company of the year, conservation champion of the year, travel content creator of the year, Peace advocate and the community impact award.

Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, reiterated that the circuits would strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and counties to address gaps and ensure the growth of tourism across Kenya.

“This strategy will allow us to work more closely with counties to enhance destination competitiveness across all our regions. We want to see increased bed nights, longer stays, repeat visits, and an overall enhanced visitor experience. The circuits will help us focus our efforts accordingly,” said Ps Ololtuaa.

On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei emphasised that the KTB will market the circuits to showcase Kenya’s diverse attractions that will play a pivotal role in ensuring tourism opportunities reach every county, driving inclusive growth and solidifying Kenya’s status as a must-visit destination.

The nine circuits span all 47 counties and include the Nairobi Circuit, Central Kenya Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Northern Circuit, Western Circuit, Southern Circuit, North Rift Circuit, South Rift Circuit, and Eastern Circuit.

Each circuit highlights some of the most iconic attractions within its region, supporting the Ministry’s efforts to diversify and enhance the visitor experience.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Trade ministry mulls tax, electricity reforms to reignite manufacturing

Tally banks on eTIMS integration to boost SMEs tax compliance

Trade ministry concludes engagements on key reforms

Editor picks, african countries urged to combat fake news, integrate technology in governance, cs duale congratulates mandera county for winning global climate change award, first lady urges fellow first ladies from africa to close gender gap, i have delivered in coffee reforms, dp gachagua says, court warns mercy tarus against commenting on ksh1.1b finland education scandal case, court orders production of substantive report on missing dela mca, first batch of tenants to occupy mukuru affordable housing units in december , government commits to improve tvets, kenya yet to exploit its maritime resources   , rising stars upbeat ahead of cecafa afcon u20 qualifiers, rights group urges ncic to probe mombasa politicians over incitement, 300 golfers expected at the nairobi leg of ncba golf series, ps bitok: gov’t will deploy additional immigration officers to monitor mpox.