Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya

by Samuel David

Exploring the Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Kenya, famed for its unforgettable savanna safaris, embodies captivating contrasts and breathtaking diversity. From arid expanses to snow-capped peaks, dense forests to expansive plains, bustling Nairobi to vibrant tribal cultures, and freshwater lakes to vibrant reefs, it’s a microcosm of East Africa. While wildlife safaris have long been a favorite, Kenya offers more adventures like Mount Kenya hikes, hot air ballooning over Masai Mara, and Indian Ocean snorkeling off Malindi’s coast.

10. Nairobi National Park

Giraffe in Nairobi national park with Nairobi cityscape in background
Giraffe in Nairobi city with cityscape in backgroundImage source:mbrand85/Shutterstock.com

Even though the wildlife at Nairobi National Park is separated from the city by a fence, it is still just a ten-minute drive from the city center. From the park, one can view the tall buildings of Nairobi. Nairobi National Park is home to a huge and diverse animal population despite its closeness to the city and its relatively modest area. It is also one of Kenya’s most successful rhinoceros’ sanctuaries, and it serves as a gathering place for migrating wildebeest and zebra during the dry season.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya: Malindi

Sandbar and exposed reef at low tide in Malindi Marine National Park, Kenya
Sandbar and Exposed Reef at Low Tide in Malindi Marine National Park, KenyaImage source: The Good Life With IQ/Shutterstock.com

The large coral reefs and gorgeous beaches in Malindi provide a wonderful introduction to the coastal tourism attractions in Kenya. Water activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing are available. Safeguarded by the government, Malindi Marine National Park is home to beautiful beaches, pristine water, and a wide variety of colorful fish. Malindi is located on the route between Mombasa and Lamu, and it also has a domestic airport.

8. Mount Kenya

Aerial view of Mount Kenya, Africa
Aerial view of Mount Kenya, AfricaImage source: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock.com

After Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is the tallest mountain in Kenya and the second tallest in all of Africa. To see the mountain in all its glory is a sight to see. It has a series of snowy peaks, and the slopes are forested. While reaching the 5,199-meter (17,057-foot) summit requires sophisticated climbing skills, visiting numerous lesser summits is a breeze for any athletic trekker.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya: Samburu National Reserve

Sunrise over Samburu landscape in Kenya
Sunrise in Samburu, Kenya, AfricaImage source: MehmetO/Shutterstock.com

The northern Kenyan park of Samburu National Reserve is known for its quietness. The Uaso Nyiro River and the transition between forest and grassland provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals. Here you can see elephants, buffalo, and hippos, as well as all three of the big cats: lions, tigers, and leopards. There are several Nile crocodiles in the Uaso Nyiro River.

6. Hell’s Gate National Park

Rock formation in Hell's Gate National Park, Kenya
“Rock formation in Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya”Image source: Nataliya Ulyanikhina/Shutterstock.com

A small fissure in the rocks gives this small park its name: Hell’s Gate. This fissure was formerly part of a prehistoric lake that provided water and food too early inhabitants of the Rift Valley. Unique among Kenya’s wildlife reserves, visitors here can explore on foot or bike without the assistance of a guide. The landscape is striking, with cliffs, gorges, and basalt columns. Many species of animals can be found in the national park; however, their numbers are low. Rarely spotted animals include tigers, bears, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya: Lamu Island

Lamu Town on Lamu Island in Kenya. HDR image
Lamu Town on Lamu Island in Kenya. HDR imageImage source: Belikova Oksana/Shutterstock.com

Kenya’s Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago, is one of the few parts of the country’s coast that hasn’t been ruined by the influx of tourists. Lamu Town, Kenya’s oldest continuously inhabited town, has managed to preserve all of its historic ambiance and allure. There are very few cars on Lamu Island since the island is completely devoid of highways in favor of narrow alleys and footpaths. In this town, most people get around on foot or by boat, and donkeys are employed to carry commerce and construction supplies.

4. Tsavo National Park

"Mt. Kilimanjaro seen from Amboseli National Park in Kenya"
Mt. Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National ParkImage source: khanbm52/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to national parks, Tsavo is the largest in Kenya. Tsavo East and West were created when the massive park was split in half. Tsavo East has more open savannah than its western counterpart, yet Tsavo West features beautiful views with its undulating volcanic environment. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of the great outdoors in Kenya, go no further than Tsavo National Park.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya: Lake Nakuru

Hundreds of flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, Africa
Flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park, KenyaImage source: GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock.com

The central Kenyan lake of Lake Nakuru is notable for its shallowness. Due to the lake’s high algae content, it is not uncommon to see over a million lesser flamingos in one flock. The flamingos are a popular tourist destination in Kenya and are sometimes referred to as “the greatest bird spectacle on earth.” Sadly, environmental deterioration and pollution have led to a decline in the number of flamingos in Lake Nakuru in recent years.

2. Amboseli National Park

Lion on Kilimanjaro mount background in National park of Kenya, Africa
Lion on Kilimanjaro mount background in National park of Kenya, AfricaImage source: Volodymyr Burdiak/Shutterstock.com

Close to the border with Tanzania, at the base of Africa’s tallest peak, lies Amboseli National Park. The park is well-known for providing the best opportunity in Africa to see wild elephants up close. Meet the Maasai and take in the breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the annual great migration in Kenya
Wildebeest Migration in KenyaImage source: Jane Rix/Shutterstock.com

Kenya’s most frequented park, the Masai Mara National Reserve, is also one of the country’s most visited sites. Numerous people go to the Masai Mara National Reserve every year to see the extraordinary variety of wildlife and the yearly migration of zebras and wildebeests. There is an annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti to Tanzania, known as the “Great Migration,” which occurs between the months of July and October.

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