Curious about the best places to visit in Kenya? Kenya, located in Eastern Africa, is a diverse destination filled with incredible tourist attractions. The country is rich in culture and history, boasting world-class game reserves, national parks, indigenous tribes, and some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa. It’s particularly famous for its endless savannahs and remarkable wildlife.
If you decide to visit Kenya, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. But where to begin? What should you see and do? Let’s explore some of the top destinations in Kenya.
Start with the Maasai Mara, a large national game reserve adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This place is brimming with wildlife and is one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. In Maasai Mara, you can spot all members of the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, Cape buffalos, and black and white rhinos. The reserve is also home to hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, servals, hippos, and crocodiles. A highlight of Maasai Mara is the annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeests, one of the largest movements of wild animals in the world. Witnessing this Great Migration is a must-do in Kenya.
Nairobi, sitting at an altitude of 1,795 meters, is the capital and largest city of Kenya. Founded in 1899, it became the capital in 1907, replacing Mombasa. In Nairobi, you can visit the Nairobi National Museum to delve into Kenya’s rich heritage and history. The Giraffe Centre is another fascinating spot, serving as a conservation and breeding center with feeding platforms and a forested nature park. Don’t miss Nairobi National Park, located just 7 km south of the city. It’s the only national park within a capital city globally and one of Kenya’s oldest, established in 1946. Covering 177 square kilometers, it’s also one of the smallest but remains a vital sanctuary for rhinoceroses.
If seeing herds of elephants and giraffes is on your bucket list, head to Amboseli National Reserve. It’s renowned for its elephant populations and diverse landscapes, including savannahs, sulphurous springs, swamps, and marshlands. With Mount Kilimanjaro as its backdrop, Amboseli is one of the most picturesque places in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for the bright pink flamingos that flock to its shores, attracted by the lake’s abundant algae. Thousands, sometimes millions of flamingos gather here, making it one of the most scenic spots in the country and a top destination in Kenya.
Mombasa, located along the Indian Ocean, is Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city, dating back to 900 AD. Known for its white and blue buildings, Mombasa is a vibrant coastal city. Mombasa Old Town features predominantly yellow buildings and is a must-visit area. Don’t miss Fort Jesus, a well-preserved example of 16th-century Portuguese military fortifications. Check out Haller Park, a coastal nature park ideal for recreation and home to various plant and animal species. For a beach experience, head to Diani Beach, located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. It’s one of Kenya’s most popular beaches and has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination since 2015.
Mount Kenya National Park, established in 1949, includes Mount Kenya and the surrounding forest. Standing at 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa and an extinct volcano with some of the continent’s most breathtaking landscapes. Climbing Mount Kenya, which typically takes about five days, is a fantastic adventure.
Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, covering 13,747 square kilometers. It’s known for its vast wilderness and diverse terrain, consisting of semi-arid grasslands and savanna. The park is teeming with wildlife, including the “Big Five,” making it an excellent destination for exploring Kenya’s natural beauty.