Kenya is a very endowed country with a rich biodiversity, making it one of the preferred tourist destinations in the world. From enchanting safari adventures, to beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the country has placed itself on the map as a must visit country. The highly spectacular great migration of wildebeests, is a marvel that tourists cannot afford to miss.
The Maasai and Samburu communities have managed to preserve their traditional lifestyle, and in the process attracted bundles of tourists who visit the communities to learn their culture and traditions. It’s not just wildlife and culture, Kenya is also blessed with beautiful landscapes and natural features like the Great Rift Valley and the only snow-capped equatorial peaks on Mount Kenya.
Here are the top 10 best tourist attractions in Kenya.
1. Nairobi City
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is home to Nairobi National Park. The city which is the largest in the country and in East Africa, is the only city in the world that has a national park in it. In addition to that, Nairobi has museums such as Nairobi National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum, and also Giraffe Center at the Giraffe Manor, making the city unbeatable destination that offers the spectacle and satisfaction one needs.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, thanks to the 7th wonder of the world. It’s also one of the most famous game reserves in the world, and is highly visited between July and October, as tourists come to witness the migration of zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles as they cross the Mara River into the Serengeti.
3. Mombasa City
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, a coastal and multicultural city, with diverse populations of locals, Arabs, Indians and Europeans, who have also influenced its architecture. Tourists flock the city to see and have fun at the beautiful sandy beaches, museums, and historical places such as The Old Town and Fort Jesus.
4. Samburu - Shaba
The Samburu National Reserve is home to the Sarara Singing Wells, a place to witness the local community warriors singing and performing traditional songs as they draw water for their cattle. At the Samburu and Shaba national reserves, you will see unique ecosystems that depend on Ewaso Nyiro River, and a range of wildlife that has adapted to it, like; the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostriches, and long-necked antelopes known as gerenuks.
5. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is a must visit place for any tourists who loves birdwatching, as the park is home to over 450 species of birds. The park is widely known for its spectacular flocks of pink flamingoes which throng on the lake itself to source minerals from the soda lake. Apart from birds, it has other wildlife like; lions, cheetahs, waterbucks, hippos and white rhinos. The park also has the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa.
6. Hell's Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is a perfect spot for those tourists who are into hiking, camping and rock climbing. The park features; Fischer’s Tower, Hell’s Gate Gorge, Obsidian caves, and two extinct volcanoes. Tourists will also witness geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs.
7. Tsavo National Parks
Tsavo National Park the largest national park inand in Kenya covering about 4% of the country’s total area. The park is divided into two; Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The national park is home to volcanoes, rivers, lava-rock plateau, Savannah, waterfalls among a myriad of other landscape features. Expect to see beautiful and unaltered sceneries, that will you longing for more. Tsavo East is home to one of the largest elephant herds which can be seen roaming the landscape and bathing in the red soils.
8. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is known for large herds of elephants and the famous big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition, you will find animals the impala, waterbuck, gazelle and giraffe. And for those tourists who love bird watching, the park has over 600 species of birds.
9. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The peak of Mount Kenya is covered with snow, this despite being located on the equator, thus forming a rare sighting of snow. Tourists should expect to see buffalos, lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas and the White Columbus monkeys, among other wildlife. The mountain contains beautiful glacial sceneries, mineral springs, mountain lakes, alpine forests and thick bamboo, giving tourists quite a spectacular experience. For luxury retreats, The Mount Kenya Safari Club is a popular destination that will do the magic.
10. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Downs Conservancy is a black rhino sanctuary and one of the most renowned conservancies in the world, located in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya. The game sanctuary is privately owned and considered one of the most important sanctuaries for the endangered black rhino.
