National Parks
Kenya is home to many national parks that offer visitors the chance to explore the country’s natural beauty. Due to their size and diverse terrain, these parks have a plethora of wildlife and plants.
Kenya’s national parks provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, from beautiful savannahs to majestic mountain ranges and crystal-clear lakes. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular national parks in Kenya:
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is situated in southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border. It is set in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro and covers 392 square kilometers of incredibly diverse terrain. As one of Kenya’s most popular parks, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with its lush wetlands and sweeping savannas.
Amboseli National Park is home to more than 600 species of animals, including big cats such as cheetahs, lions, leopards, and caracals. Other larger mammal species in the park include African bush elephants, buffalos, and wildebeests. Additionally, you will find a variety of antelope, such as gazelles and elands, along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, and over 400 species of birds.
In addition to wildlife spotting at Amboseli National Park, visitors may take part in guided walks or game drives led by knowledgeable safari guides who can give insight into the park’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. There are two campsites: Ol Tukai Lodge, located at the heart of the reserve, or one can opt for the more rustic Kimana Campsite, located west of Observation Hill near the Kimana gate entrance that is perfect for self-camping enthusiasts seeking privacy away from other visitors.
Pack your camera and explore this breathtakingly beautiful park that captures all that makes Africa an incredible travel destination!
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya’s largest and most expansive parks, located on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. It is renowned for being home to some of the world’s most iconic animals, such as its unique red elephants, African leopards, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other creatures in the park include giraffes, zebras, kudu, gazelles, and various antelopes.
Tsavo National Park consists of two sections – Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is a vast expanse of open grassland where visitors can observe the variety of large mammals in this area. The landscapes here are spectacular, with impressive geological features like dried river beds to be explored. Different observation points throughout the park have been set up with viewing platforms built on trees so that visitors can watch these animals in their natural habitat from a safe distance.
The other section of Tsavo National Park, known as Tsavo West, encompasses several smaller habitats, including swamps and lakes, which provide additional opportunities for bird watchers to see some amazing species during their visit along with other animal species such as baboons, hartebeests, and elands.
Visitors should be aware that due to its remote location, there are no facilities within the park or well-paved roads here, so they will need to come prepared with supplies such as food and water if they plan on spending any length of time here exploring all that Tsavo has to offer.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most iconic attractions, boasts vast and beautiful grassland plains adjoined by the rolling hills of the Loita Plains. The unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife and birds – lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and gazelles – and draws visitors from around the world. The reserve is situated along the Tanzanian border just southwest of Nairobi. It is named after the Maasai people who inhabit this area and translates to “Maasai Mara.”
The reserve’s terrain consists mainly of open grasslands with occasional clumps of bush home to various species such as Thomson’s gazelles, topi antelopes, and impala. Other mammals that call Masai Mara home include black rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, as well as more exotic species such as wild dogs and hyenas.
The Masai Mara can be explored on various safari packages ranging from full-day tours to overnight stays within any one of 30 luxury eco-lodges in the protected zone. However, it is suggested that visitors book their visit in advance due to limited availability during peak months (July-October). Tours can take one or many forms, including game drives in 4×4 vehicles at sunrise/sunset or guided walks led by experienced field guides known for their immense knowledge of local wildlife. This landmark destination should certainly not be missed when exploring Kenya’s finest attractions!
Game Reserves
Kenya is a beautiful country filled with stunning game reserves. If you want a safari experience, nature walks, or game viewing, Kenya has it all. There is something for everyone in the game reserves of Kenya, with each account offering its unique attractions and experiences.
Let’s explore the game reserves of Kenya and find out what makes them so special:
Laikipia Nature Conservancy
The Laikipia Nature Conservancy (LNC) is one of Kenya’s largest wildlife reserves, covering an expansive 80,000 acres in the Laikipia region of Kenya. The conservancy implements holistic conservation approaches to sustain and manage the area’s wildlife populations and restore communities’ access rights along the protection boundaries.
The LNC boasts diverse natural habitats, including forests, open plains, grasslands, vleis, and rivers. As a result, it is home to a remarkable array of wildlife species, including giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, elephant, gazelle, and rhino — some for which the conservancy serves as a critical habitat for their survival.
Managed by a forward-thinking team of experts from around the world, the LNC regularly introduces new conservation projects that strive to benefit people and wildlife throughout the region – from providing alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities to actively restoring damaged habitats with reforestation or bush-thinning activities.
The reserve offers exceptional experiential activities, such as game drives and nighttime safaris under star-filled African skies. Visitors can choose how long they spend in this beautiful wilderness oasis – excellent options include day trips or longer stays at one of several luxury eco-retreats located within or near its boundaries.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the premier game reserves in Kenya and covers over 70,000 acres of private land. It stretches from Mount Kenya in the south, up through the central plains of Northern Laikipia, and down to Meru National Park in the east. Lewa is home to many wild species, including elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos.
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives where experienced rangers take them out on 4×4 vehicles to view animals and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the conservancy works. Wildlife walks into surrounding areas are also available and offer unique opportunities for close encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic creatures.
In addition to wildlife viewing activities, there are also cultural experiences available where visitors can interact with semi-nomadic tribes and visit community projects focused on promoting sustainable use of resources like beekeeping or environmental education initiatives for local schools. With its immaculate accommodations and beautiful landscapes, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers an unforgettable safari experience that any traveler would be lucky to experience.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley province of Northern Kenya, near the former capital city of Marsabit. It is considered a unique habitat because of its variety of terrain, which includes open plains, thorn bushes, and rivers that meander in and out amongst the hills.
Wildlife can be found all year long, with some migration occurring during the dry season when animals flock to permanent water holes and mud baths. Amongst some of its most famous inhabitants are large herds of elephant, ostrich, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, and several other species of wildlife unique to the region. Several rare bird species also call this reserve home.
The Samburu National Reserve was created in 1964 as part of the Northern Frontier Districts Project to protect wildlife from hunting and poaching. The project positively impacted wildlife conservation efforts, and local communities living within the reserve boundaries found it easier to get access to grazing land for their livestock since they no longer had to compete with wild animals for food sources.
Beaches
Beaches in Kenya are some of the stunning attractions of the African continent. With stunning beaches and activities, Kenya is the perfect destination for any beach lover. From the clear waters of the Indian Ocean to the tranquil shores of the Kenyan coast, there are beaches here to suit every taste and budget.
Read on to learn more about the beautiful beaches of Kenya and what they have to offer:
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kenya and a tourist mecca for both local and international travelers. Located on the southeast coast of Kenya within Mombasa County, Diani Beach overlooks the Indian Ocean, stretching 18 kilometers along the coastline.
The wide sandy beach of Diani Beach is lined with coconut palms and offers great swimming, sailing, diving, and windsurfing activities. Visitors may also explore nearby marine parks or take a romantic dhow cruise up the Mkwiro River at sunset. In addition, tour operators, special events, yoga classes, shopping centers, and markets sell various crafts for visitors to enjoy during their stay at Diani Beach.
Due to its popularity among beachgoers worldwide, especially here in Kenya, Diani Beach has been awarded numerous awards; most recently, it was voted Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2016 by The World Travel Awards. In addition to its stunning beauty, travelers can rest assured they will find all they need while visiting this popular destination, including restaurants serving a variety of cuisines from around the world, as well as luxury resorts and boutique guesthouses. So whether you’re traveling alone or with family or looking for adventure or relaxation – it all comes together at Diani Beach!
Watamu Beach
Watamu Beach is one of the top attractions in Kenya. Located on the Indian Ocean, this stretch of white sand and crystal clear blue water is considered one of Africa’s best beaches. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and other activities. Make sure to bring your camera, as this picturesque beach will provide breathtaking views.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of watersports, including:
- sailing
- diving
- windsurfing
- kite surfing
Several excellent eateries are also scattered around the beach, offering traditional Kenyan dishes. Furthermore, there is a popular nightlife scene to explore with bars and clubs near Turtle Bay Resort. Of course, if relaxation is more your thing, plenty of sun loungers are available along the shoreline so you can relax and soak up some African sunshine!
Malindi Beach
Malindi Beach, a picturesque coastline stretching from Malindi to Watamu, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. With its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Malindi has become a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and even surfing. In addition, the crystal-clear waters teem with sea life, ranging from colorful tropical fish to tongue-tingling coral formations.
While the beach is mainly used for swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also go kite surfing or enjoy personal watercraft rides.
The area is also home to several wildlife refuges that are well worth exploring – such as an eco-park where visitors can spot lemurs, wild chickens, over 200 species of birds, and olive baboons.
For those looking for activities beyond the beach, there are many opportunities in this coastal paradise, including:
- Boat trips up the Mida Creek
- Sailing boats on the Indian Ocean
- Visiting some of the area’s many historical attractions like Gedi Ruins and Malindi Marine Park
Malindi Beach is one of Kenya’s premier beach destinations – whatever you decide to do here. You will never run out of magical experiences any time soon!
Historical Sites
Kenya is a land rich in history and culture. Many of the historical sites in the country are truly fascinating, offering a window into the past through breathtaking monuments, ruins, and artifacts.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the famous historical sites in Kenya and why they’re so important to the country.
Fort Jesus
The Fort was built in 1593 by Portuguese captain Dom Francisco de Almeida, and it is an iconic landmark of Kenyan history and culture. Located in Mombasa’s Old Town, it’s an enduring symbol of the battles between the Portuguese and Arabs over control of the East African coast.
The Fort was designed with bastions at each corner and walls eight meters high interspersed with rounded towers. Evidence suggests that some of the cannons once placed here may have been looted from Vasco da Gama’s wrecked flagship near Malindi. Built as a representation of Portuguese power, Fort Jesus has been rebuilt several times as possession switched back and forth between different forces over the years. In 1875, it was finally taken by the British, who used it to house troops during World War I.
Today, Fort Jesus is considered one of Kenya’s most important historical sites and a worthy tourist attraction for those seeking an authentic cultural journey. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011 for its unique mix of Portuguese militarism and African craftsmanship. The Fort is open to visitors year-round, offering renowned artifacts such as sculptures, statues, and medieval weapons collections reflecting its five centuries-long histories.
Gedi Ruins
Gedi Ruins are a collection of the ruins of a Swahili settlement near the Indian Ocean coast in Kenya. The site was founded in the 13th century and is believed to have been occupied until the 17th century. Today, only ruins remain of what was once a thriving city, and it has become a popular tourist destination in Kenya. The ruins are located near Malindi town on a protected nature reserve called Gedi National Monument, managed by the National Museums of Kenya.
The remains of Gedi provide insights into life during the medieval period when people from different backgrounds, like Persians, Arabs, and Portuguese, intermingled peacefully along this southeast coast. The city features unique architecture, including two mosques, several courtyard houses, and other structures. One of the most notable attractions is an underground water reservoir that stretches over 300 meters, featuring several stairs leading down to its depth. The site also contains various artifacts such as coins, pottery, porcelain, and glassware which date back many centuries, as well as ancient stone carvings which remain today.
Visitors to Gedi ruins can take part in various activities such as:
- Sightseeing at historic sites.
- Enjoying breathtaking views from surrounding cliffs.
- Observing wildlife in nearby habitats.
- Engaging in cultural interactions with local communities nearby.
Tourists can also visit Mamba Village Crocodile Farms, just 10 kilometers from Gedi Ruins, where they can enjoy an up-close experience with African animals, including crocodiles and hippos.
A visit to Gedi Ruins provides a glimpse into 15th-century Swahili history and allows visitors to explore some exciting activities during their tour of this iconic ancient site.
Lamu Old Town
Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is located on Lamu Island on the Kenyan coast. Founded in 1370 A.D., this living, breathing example of Swahili culture are the oldest continually inhabited town in East Africa and one of two entirely authentic Swahili towns worldwide. Still, many buildings within the walled city are over 400 years old.
The narrow streets, carved from coral ragstone and flanked by buildings decorated with intricate latticework and wooden doors, house shops that specialize in goods created by local artisans such as batik makers and bead-stringers. As you enter the Fort that overlooks Lamu harbor, you’ll be heartened to hear locals calling out greetings as they pass by on horseback or dhow boats stacked high with goods.
Also known as ‘the Stone Town, ‘ Lamu consists of a network of villages connected by land and sea featuring fantastic mangrove-covered beaches perfect for experiencing local fishing styles like pole-and-line fishing or even trying your hand at some windsurfing or kitesurfing if you’re feeling energetic. The best part? You can reach most places on foot – travel doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
Other Attractions
Kenya is a beautiful country filled with many captivating attractions and experiences. While wildlife safaris are the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities and places to explore. From lush green forests to white sandy beaches, Kenya offers beautiful scenery and a range of activities ranging from diving and snorkeling to hiking and bird watching.
Let’s take a look at some of the other attractions that Kenya has to offer:
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the only protected area in the world located within a major city. This magnificent park offers a unique diversity of landscapes, plants, and animals, and visitors of all ages can enjoy activities such as game drives, walking safaris, picnics, and birdwatching. As a result of its conservation efforts and strategic management, the park has become one of Kenya’s top safari destinations for tourists and locals.
The park spans over 185 square kilometers and is home to over 500 species of birds, including ostrich, weaver birds, goshawks, verraux’s eagles, and red-headed lovebirds. In addition, mammals such as Grant’s gazelles, impalas, buffaloes, lions, and leopards also reside in the park. Although hunting in or around Nairobi National Park is illegal, anti-poaching measures shoot down poachers so that tourists can enjoy animal viewing without worrying!
Activities such as self-guided hikes on the park trails are available for everyone, although guided hikes are available too for an additional fee. For those not looking to hike but still wanting to experience wildlife from up close within Nairobi National Park, game drives allow visitors to view lions up close from just meters away! Keep an eye out for giraffes nibbling acacia trees when camera lenses are focused on larger animals like elephants or rhinos! And if you’re lucky enough, you might come across wild dog packs when visiting during mating season! So explore Nairobi National Park on an exciting adventure today!
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is located in the southern part of Kenya, situated along the shores of Lake Naivasha and on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The park offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and varied wildlife, making it one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. In addition to its rich vegetation and calming atmosphere, Hell’s Gate National Park stands out due to its incredible displays of geothermal activity.
The park stretches across a wide range of habitats, allowing visitors to observe some special wildlife species, including zebra, eland, hartebeest, buffalo, Thomson’s gazelle, grant’s gazelle, and klipspringer. In addition, more than 100 species of birds populate this great reserve, including ostriches and raptors such as the Augur buzzard and a lanner falcon. The park also features natural pools, hot geysers, and two tall red cliffs made up mostly of volcanic rocks, henceforth named Hell’s Gate (Naïpes Gates).
Strolling around the park allows visitors to truly explore the wonders that makeup Hell’s Gate National Park. Numerous hiking trails are available to see all terrains, such as cliffs, rock towers, and valley floors. Wildlife tourists will particularly appreciate exploring Obsidian Cave which provides a natural shelter for some animals within the park, or Fischer’s Tower Dike located at Olkarien Gorge with other impressive towering sites such as Central Tower formed from basalt rocks at Gich peaks ridge, which adds unique scenery to your visit.
Other activities include:
- Horse riding is best done along Ewaso Pyramids, which overlook an expansive area in the southwestern part affording brilliant sunset views.
- Cycling is another way to enjoy game sightings while enjoying the fresh air.
- Walking along euphorbia trees provides shade due to their low-hanging branches, making it easy to encounter various mammals within the area, like dik-diks, and warthogs, among other animals like rock hyraxes.
Mount Kenya National Park
Covering an area of 715 km², Mount Kenya National Park is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley in central Kenya, near Nanyuki. The park borders Aberdare National Park in its southwestern region. It encompasses Mount Kenya’s peaks, the highest mountain peak in the country, and the second tallest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, buffalo, bushbuck, suni antelope, and several other species that can be observed on guided hikes. In addition to its wildlife, there are several exciting attractions at Mount Kenya National Park, such as spectacular lakes and tarns that can be explored on treks to the summit. Visiting hikers will enjoy scenic views of beautiful glaciers and moorlands and a wide variety of indigenous birdlife throughout the region.
The area around Mount Kenya also offers adventure activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and abseiling for those who seek more daring pursuits. With Mount Kenya located close to Nanyuki Cameltown, visitors can expect easy access to accommodation options within this ever-bustling city center. It makes it easy for visitors to quickly return to their lodging after exploring the park attractions during both day and night safaris.