Best places to visit in Kenya
Ty HuKenya – The name is almost synonymous with the word “safari”. Several other places on earth evoke such adventures and romance. The variety of things to do in Kenya surprises all visitors, and finding the country's abundant wildlife is at the top of the list. Watch wildebeests thunder across the savanna during a major move in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Face the elephant with Amboseli. Or marvel at Lake Nakuru, dotted with thousands of flamingos. In these sunny lands, ancient tribes such as the Masai, Kikuyu, and Samburu maintain traditional customs and live in relative harmony with nature.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve (also "Masai Mara") is one of Africa's most magnificent game reserves. Mara, which borders Tanzania, is a northern extension of Serengeti and forms a bilateral wildlife corridor. Named after Masai in a statue-like red robe who has lived in the park for centuries and is grazing animals here. In their words, the Mara word means "spots," perhaps implying the play of light and shadow of acacia trees and the cloudy skies of large meadows. The Park is famous for its large movements, with thousands of wildebeests, zebras and Thomson's gazelle entering and exiting Serengeti from July to October. A herd of hippo and crocodile lurks in the Mara River. A herd of hippo and crocodile lurks in the Mara River. The park is also known to provide excellent predator sightings, especially during the dry season of December-February, due to the relatively high populations of lions, cheetahs and leopards. Thanks to the altitude of the park, the weather here is mild and calm all year round.
2. Amboseli National Reserve
The Amboseli National Reserve, crowned by Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is one of Kenya's most popular tourist parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from the Maasai word for "salty dust," which is a good representation of the dryness of the park. The reserve is one of the best places to see elephant hordes up close in Africa. Other common wildlife in the park includes big cats such as lions and cheetahs, giraffes, impalas, elands, waterbuck, gazelles, and more than 600 species of birds. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, from the dry beds of Lake Amboseli to sulfur springs, savanna and forested wetlands. Notice the local Masai who live around the park. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Amboseli National Reserve
3. Tsavo National Park
Kenya's largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four per cent of the country's total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife. Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park, providing excellent game viewing and a lush counterpoint to the arid plains. Other highlights here include the Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world. Mutanda Rock; and Lugard Falls cascade to a pool filled with rapids and crocodiles. Western Tsavo is moist and more topographically changing, with some of the best views on the north side of the park. Highlights here include Mujima Spring, a series of natural hot springs that are home to many hippopotamus and crocodiles. Great place to see chime craters and birds of prey. And Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Wildlife is not easy to find in western Tsavo due to its dense vegetation, but the beautiful scenery more than makes up for it.
4. Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Shaba Reserve
The Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves on the banks of the Ewasoniiro River, bordered by palm trees, are located in the arid regions of northern Kenya. The Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised the lioness Elsa, who became famous in the movie "Born Free." Wildlife in all three reserves rely on river water to survive, and many species are specifically adapted to dry conditions. These include Grevy's zebras. Somali ostrich; Gerenuk is a long-necked antelope that stands on two hind legs and reaches the fresh buds of the upper branches. The main attraction of Samburu National Reserve is Sarala Singing Wells, a local drinking fountain where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while watering cows. You might also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs.
5. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park, in Central Kenya, is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The birds throng on Lake Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that covers almost a third of the park's area. The park was established in 1961, and more than 450 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos are just some of the animals you might see, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland. The park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa. These tall, branching succulents are endemic to the region and provide a bold textural element to the arid landscapes.
6. Lamu Island
The small island of Lamu, northeast of Mombasa, oozes old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is Kenya's oldest inhabited settlement dating back to the 12th century. Strolling through the maze-like streets is one of the best things to do here. The building can reflect the rich commercial history of the island. The architectural features of the Arab world, Europe and India are clear, but recognizable Swahili techniques are used. Intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, porch and roof terraces are common features. Sightseeing here is like stepping back in time. Dhows plough the harbour, few if any motorized vehicles exist here, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have done for centuries. Most of Lamu's population is Muslim, and both men and women dress in traditional attire.
7. Lake Naivasha
A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted beefeaters, and several species of kingfishers. One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Also, note the Colobines monkeys on the top of the tree. Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, near Lake Naivasha, has a wildlife-rich nature trail. Just south of Lake Naivasha, the relatively affordable Hell’s Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent rock climbing with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of the Hell’s Gate Valley. Stop at the Elsamia Conservation Center on the south shore of Lake Naivasha. The Islamia Conservation Center drank tea at the former home of the late Bonefree writer Joy Adamson and her husband George. Keep in mind that Lake Naivasha is known to shrink significantly during periods of extreme drought, and the flourishing floriculture industry in the region also affects water levels and quality. However, lakes are usually lush and vibrant.
8. Nairobi
If you are looking to do something in Kenya other than Safari, there are many choices from the largest cities in the country’s capital. Nairobi is legendary in its colourful colonial history. Once the capital of East Africa, it attracted settlers who came here to use their property in the coffee and tea industry. Interested in Kenya’s cultural attractions? There are several places in Nairobi that are worth visiting. The Nairobi National Museum is a great place to see exhibits on Kenya’s history, nature, culture and contemporary art. The green thumb also appreciates the botanical gardens on the premises. Another popular tourist attraction is the Karen Blixen Museum. This is the restored mansion of the famous Danish writer Out of Africa, also known by the pseudonym Isak Dinesen. To see wildlife not far from the city centre, visit Nairobi National Park, now a black rhino sanctuary and home to a variety of other African wildlife.
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