Discover the magic of Kenya: Must Visit Destinations

Kenya is a beautiful country in East Africa also referred to as the capital of Africa, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, history, or nature, Kenya has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya and why you should add them to your bucket list.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous and popular safari destinations in Africa. It is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as hundreds of other species of animals and birds. It is also the site of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross the Mara River every year in search of greener pastures. The best time to visit Maasai Mara is from July to October, when the migration is in full swing and the predators are on the hunt. You can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, and cultural visits to the Maasai villages.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a scenic park that surrounds Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds. The park is also a sanctuary for endangered species, such as the black and white rhinos, the Rothschild’s giraffes, and the rare tree-climbing lions. You can explore the park by car, bike, or foot, and admire the views of the lake, the hills, and the waterfalls. The best time to visit Lake Nakuru is from June to March, when the weather is dry and the wildlife is abundant.

Lamu Island

Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. It is a place where time seems to stand still, as the locals live a simple and traditional life, without cars, electricity, or modern amenities. You can wander the narrow streets of Lamu Town, visit the ancient mosques and museums, shop for handicrafts and antiques, and enjoy the delicious seafood and Swahili cuisine. You can also relax on the pristine beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and sail on a dhow, a wooden boat with a triangular sail. The best time to visit Lamu is from December to March, when the weather is hot and sunny.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve that protects Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. It is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers, as it offers diverse and spectacular scenery, from lush forests and moorlands to glaciers and snow-capped peaks. You can choose from various routes and difficulty levels to reach the summit, or enjoy the lower slopes and the wildlife, such as elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, and birds. The best time to visit Mount Kenya is from January to February and from July to October, when the weather is clear and dry.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is a unique park that lies on the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is the only park in the world where you can see wild animals against the backdrop of skyscrapers and urban life. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and rhinos. You can also visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can adopt and interact with orphaned elephants, and the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed and learn about the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. The best time to visit Nairobi National Park is from July to March, when the animals are more active and visible.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is a park that offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, across the border in Tanzania. It is also known for its large population of elephants, which can be seen roaming freely in the open plains, swamps, and woodlands. You can also spot other animals, such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes, and over 400 species of birds. You can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits to the Maasai villages. The best time to visit Amboseli is from June to October and from January to February, when the skies are clear and the views are spectacular.

Mombasa

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and the main port and tourist hub on the coast. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that blends African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. You can explore the historical and cultural attractions, such as Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, the Old Town, a maze of narrow streets and old buildings, and the Mombasa Tusks, a pair of giant elephant tusks that mark the entrance to the city. You can also enjoy the sandy beaches, the coral reefs, the marine parks, and the nightlife. The best time to visit Mombasa is from December to March and from July to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is a park that offers a thrilling and adventurous experience. It is named after a narrow gorge that cuts through the volcanic landscape, creating a dramatic and scenic setting. The park is ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping, as it has no predators and allows visitors to explore on their own. You can see animals, such as zebras, gazelles, baboons, and buffaloes, and birds, such as vultures, eagles, and flamingos. You can also visit the geothermal features, such as the hot springs, the geysers, and the Olkaria Geothermal Station. The best time to visit Hell’s Gate is from January to March and from June to October, when the weather is dry and cool.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is the largest and oldest park in Kenya, covering about 4% of the country’s land area. It is divided into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is known for its vast and arid landscape, dotted with baobab trees and red soil. It is home to the famous Tsavo lions, which are larger and maneless than other lions, as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Tsavo West is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, featuring mountains, rivers, lakes, and lava flows. It is home to the endangered black rhinos, as well as leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles. You can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and visits to the Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flow. The best time to visit Tsavo is from June to October and from January to February, when the wildlife is easier to spot.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is a reserve that lies on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the arid and semi-arid region of northern Kenya. It is a haven for wildlife, especially for the rare and endemic species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, the beisa oryx, and the reticulated giraffe. It is also home to the Samburu people, a nomadic tribe that lives in harmony with nature and has a rich and colorful culture. You can enjoy game drives, camel rides, and cultural visits to the Samburu villages. The best time to visit Samburu is from June to October and from December to March, when the weather is dry and the animals congregate around the river.