Kenya is East Africa's leading tourist destination. The country has beautiful beaches, ancient forests, tall mountains, unique and iconic wildlife, historical sites, a friendly population, and so much more.
To fully explain why this country is considered one of the best places to vacation would take too long, but we've managed to narrow it down to 10 reasons.
10 Things to Do in Kenya
Without further ado, here are the 10 things you can do while visiting Kenya.
1. Witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to one of nature's greatest wonders—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel from Tanzania to Kenya in search of greener pastures. The sight of this mighty herd making the perilous journey across the Mara river is one that has captivated millions of tourists over the decades.
The Great Migration is not all that the Maasai Mara National Reserve has to offer. It's also the perfect place to spot the Big Five game animals in their natural habitats.
2. Visit the national parks of Kenya
Kenya is widely known for its expansive national parks and reserves. No visit is complete without a safari to at least one of Kenya's game parks.
Here are some that you must see if you ever come to the country.
Amboseli national park
The Land of the Giants is home to the highest concentrations of the iconic African elephant in Kenya. Here you'll also see the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, on the distant horizon.
Nairobi national park
This is the world's only 'Wildlife Capital.' A quick drive from the capital's centre later, and you're standing in an open grass plain teeming with wildlife like the endangered black rhino.
Tsavo national park
As one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the world, Tsavo National Park is known as the Theatre of the Wild, thanks to a large number of diverse wildlife roaming the land. Tsavo's landscape is breathtakingly vast, with red soil covering the sometimes harsh terrain.
Samburu national park
This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in Kenya. Here you will find pristine wilderness filled with rare and iconic wildlife. The vast terrain includes the Ewaso Nyiro river and riverine forests and has an alluring rugged nature that is perfect for game viewing.
Inside the Samburu National Reserve, get onto a safari vehicle for an up and close look at the Samburu Special Five: the Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffes, beisa oryxes, Grevy's zebras, and gerenuks.
3. See exotic animals in private conservancies
Explore private conservancies found on the borders of national parks and reserves. Consevacies surrounding the Masai Mara allow a limited number of camps and safari vehicles, but you'll get a chance to walk with Masai warriors through the African bush or watch lions hunt under the night sky.
If you're a fitness freak, the Borana Conservancy will have you working up a sweat as you hike up Mount Kenya or go quad biking. If you're not, we don't judge!
4. Discover the Kenyan Coastline
Tour operators don't just work in Nairobi and the national parks. They can also take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, if not the world. The Indian Ocean and the white sand beaches have drawn in countless of tourists over the years.
The warm, turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand have an unparalleled beauty that will give you a sense of tranquillity. Visit famous beaches like Nyali beach and Diani beach.
The cultural experience in towns and cities found along with the Indian Ocean coastline, like Lamu Island, is second to none.
5. Hike mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the tallest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. Though not as popular as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is beautiful as the climb is dotted with glaciers and unique flora and fauna. Standing at 4985 metres, the mountain is a challenging and rewarding climb for mountaineers.
6. Tour the Kenyan Lakes
The Great Rift Valley lakes are a series of lakes that run through the East African Rift Valley. Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake. Lake Victoria is so large that it stretches through 3 different countries. Kenya's wetlands make for an amazing bird viewing experience. For example, the millions of flamingoes found in Lake Nakuru. Better yet, visit lake Bogoria famed for its geysers and its huge population of flamingos. The lake is surrounded by over 200 hot springs with water temperatures from 39 to 98.5C.
7. Wine and dine with the local people
You can't just go to Kenya and visit its many famed locations without meeting the local people. Part of the magic of the country is the cultural experience. Kenya has 42 tribes with long and varied histories. So go to villages, eat the local cuisine, and learn the fascinating culture and history of your hosts.
8. Historical sites
Kenya is home to some of the oldest archaeological remains in the world. For example, Lake Turkana, known as the Cradle of Mankind, has sites with artifacts that are millions of years old (which is incredible!). You can find rock art thousands of years old at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The National Museums of Kenya hold about 300,000 fossils in their collection.
9. Nightlife
One thing I can tell you about Kenyans is that they love to party! You can go to the coolest clubs to dance and drink the night away, or you can go to laid-back lounges, whichever you prefer.
10. UNESCO world heritage sites
Kenya has seven UNESCO world heritage sites. They are Lamu Old Town, Lake Turkana National Parks, Mount Kenya National Park and Forest, the Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Fort Jesus, Thimlich Ohinga, and the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley. Book a trip with your safari company to visit any of these sites.
Interesting Facts About Kenya
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Kenya has 22 national parks and 28 national reserves.
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There are over 60 languages spoken in the nation. Swahili is the national language, and English is the official language.
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Kenya's national animal is the East African lion.
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The world's best long-distance runners call Kenya their home.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya is during the months of May, June, and October. There are fewer tourists, and the prices are lower than in the peak season.
Whether it's swimming in the Indian Ocean or tracking birds in one of the Rift Valley lakes, you're guaranteed to find something to do in Kenya with the help of your tour operators.
So go on book a trip of a lifetime with our safari company today and enjoy the best that Kenya has to offer!