Top beautiful places to visit in Kenya
Where do I even begin? There are plenty of places to visit in Kenya and lots of things do in Kenya. Depending on your budget and time, you can choose to make your visit as short or as long. Either way, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
You can easily choose from the affordable camping tents and lodges to the luxurious camping tents and exquisite lodges. You chose your pick and enjoy! Today I will take you through the top 12 beautiful places to Visit in Kenya both as a tourist or a local. Important Notice: And note that they are all year round destinations.
1. MAASAI MARA
Maasai Mara is the most popular National Park in Kenya. It is known to be a home for giraffes, lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles among others.
The name is derived from the famous nomadic tribe of the ‘Maasai’ community. The Mara is most visited during the great migration of the wild – beast. This “Great Migration” takes place every year from July to October when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Also if you have ever wanted a Hot Air Balloon experience the Maasai Mara is the place to do so through http://www.maraballooning.com/.
Just Magical! Other places to visit while in Maasai Mara include- Going see the Mara River, the Mara Triangle, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, go on a Balloon ride (link above), Go see the Musiara Swamp, the Olypunyanta swamp, take an air tour, sight-seeing tours, Eluai Plain just but to mention my picks for you.
2. TSAVO (East and West)
This is the largest national park in Kenya and among the biggest in the World. For this reason, it was divided into two, namely, the Tsavo West and Tsavo East.
They are known to the popular house the Elephants. The Tsavo West has spectacular scenery with a rolling volcanic landscape while Tsavo East has more open savannah than its western sibling.
If you love springs and crocodiles, be sure to catch both at the Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park. Tsavo National Park is the ideal destination in Kenya for people who seek solitude and privacy as well as the chance to explore the wilderness.
Other places to visit while in Tsavo include: Go see the Big Map, see the Forbidden Zone, see the Epiya Chapeyu Tented Safari Camp arena, and go for a Bethel day tour. Have a blast while at it!
3. AMBOSELI
The Amboseli will offer you views of the African grassland like no other place on earth.
It is a smaller national park compared to other national parks that are on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. It offers magical views of MT. Kilimanjaro- the tallest mountain in Africa, which stands at 19,341 feet tall.
Plus you will not miss finding the cheetah around here too! A rare species! Other places to visit and things to do while in Amboseli include: witnessing a lion hunt, watch both the sunset and sunrise in Amboseli, witness the dust Devils ( Oh my! The thrill when seen from afar), spot a spotty zebra and the Mighty Amboseli Elephants. Good Luck, you will need it!
4. LAKE NAKURU
I call it the greatest bird spectacle on earth and you will have to see it to believe it! Plenty of game drives available!
Other places to visit while in Nakuru County include-Lord Egerton Castle, Menengai Crater, The Olkaria Geothermal, Kariandusi Site, Hyrax Hills Museum, Olorgesailie Pre Historic site, and the Lion Hill Ridge just but to name my recommendations.
5. LAKE NAIVASHA
It offers spectacular views like no other. This is popularly known as the Kenyan beasts camping lake. This is because you can get up close and personal with the beasts of Kenya- including the leopard, rhino, lion, etc.
It is also the most popular site for campers both locally and internationally. I still vividly remember the many nights I had to spend on the nearby Lake Naivasha camps as a Girl Scout.
One or two mosquito bites while on duty as a nightguard ( Scouts can relate!) oh what beautiful Memories! Shout Out to all Girl Scouts in the World!
Other places to visit while in Naivasha include- Enishapai Resort View, Panorama Park View, Sanctuary Horseback Safaris, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, lake Oloiden, Life beads Kenya, Hells Gate National Park just but to mention my recommendations. Have Fun!
6. NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
This Park is a 15-minute drive from the heart of Kenya, which is Nairobi. It houses various animals including giraffes, gorilla, monkeys, etc. Migrating wildebeest and zebra gather in the park during the dry season, and it is one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.
7. MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The mountain offers such a beautiful sight station.
Its series of peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are covered with forest. The 5199 meter (17,057 ft) high summit is a difficult technical climb with several lower peaks: however, it is a good destination for any fit trekker.
8. THE COAST
Home to popular Mombasa Island, Malindi, and Lamu. The coast is the most perfect place to relax and unwind. Very few people actually know that Mombasa is an island. The white sands and palm trees beside the Indian Ocean has spectacular views.
Not to mention the exclusive to Diani , Shanzu and Nyali Beach Views and the Coral Gardens of wasini found 100 km South of Mombasa. Other places to visit; while in Mombasa County include Fort Jesus, Haller Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy the uniqueness!
9. LAMU ISLAND
It is a part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago, and has managed to stay unspoiled and unbothered by the mass tourism that has hit much of Kenya’s coastline.
Despite being the oldest living town in Kenya, Lamu Town has retained all the charm and character built up over centuries. There are no roads on Lamu Island, just alleyways and footpaths, and therefore, there are few motorized vehicles on the island.
Residents mainly move about on foot or by boat, and donkeys are used to transport goods and materials. Other places to visit while in Lamu may include:
Going to see Lamu Old Town, Lamu Museum, Siyu Fort., Sail the traditional Dhow, Visit ShelaVillage, Get a glimpse of the Sunset Gaze on Manda Island, Visit the ruined city of Takwa, Feast on the Swahili food and while at it…enjoy it all-pole* Swahili word for ‘take it slowly’
10. MALINDI
Malindi provides an amazing introduction to the coastal tourist attractions in Kenya with its extensive coral reefs and beautiful beaches. There are surfing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and other water sports.
The Malindi Marine National Park is protected and has fine beaches clear water and very colorful fish. Malindi is served with a domestic airport and a highway between Mombasa and Lamu.
Enjoy the local ferry crossing while you are there. Other places to visit while in Malindi include: Visit Marafa-Hells Kitchen, Watamu Beach, Watamu National Park, Che Shale Beach, The Vasco Dagama Pillar, Boat Tours, Falconry of Kenya, see the Mamasavana, visit the Malindi Market, the Portuguese Church, go scuba and snorkeling. Enjoy it all!
11. THE BOMAS OF KENYA
It is a 20-minute drive from the capital of Kenya, which is Nairobi. This is where you get to see the cultural diversity in action.
Through various performances and acts from the talented performers who showcase the beauty of the Kenyan cultural diversion. Come and enjoy the song, dance and much more!
12.NATIONAL RESERVES
to relax, engage or go on helicopter rides for breathtaking views, possibly hold events among many other things include the following:
- The Arber dares located in Nairobi.
- Aberdare National Park in Nyeri.
- The Arboretum located in Nairobi
- The Great Rift Valley located in Rift Valley
- Meru National Park, Meru museum located in Meru
- Uhuru Gardens located in Nairobi
- Mida Creek located in Malindi
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary located in Kisumu
- Hells Gate located North West of Nairobi
- Mahali Pazuri under Sir Richards Branson
- Chyulu Hills located in Eastern Kenya
- Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, Tropic Air, Odyssey Safari in Nanyuki
- Water Falls Inn Tigoni ,Ever Green park Located in Kiambu
- The Crying Stone of Ilesi located in Kakamega.
- Machakos People’s Park and Maanzoni Sanctuary in Machakos.
- And Kapsowar located in Rift Valley
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