Kenya, a country of striking contrasts, offers a diverse landscape that takes you from vast, arid deserts to lush forests, sweeping plains, bustling cities, tribal communities, snow-capped mountains, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
Some of Kenya’s top attractions include thrilling wildlife safaris, hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara, trekking up Mount Kenya, and snorkeling in Malindi.
Kenya makes you fall in love with the African continent and it tends to cast a spell on its travelers, something which promises that you will never walk alone in this African extravaganza. It introduces you to a proud set of people whose daily struggles and history talks of the story of an entire continent. It also presents lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, elephants, leopards and much more at their beautiful best. We present you with the Top 12 Best Things to do in Kenya:
Masai Mara National Reserve (above image)
Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous national reserve, is named after the local Maasai people who inhabit the region. It is an extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti Plains and is renowned as one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the world. The reserve is ideal for spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs, but it’s most famous for the crocodile-infested Mara River and the spectacular wildebeest migration that takes place annually.
Lake Nakuru is located in a dramatic setting within the Rift Valley, famous for its vibrant algae that attract millions of pink flamingos. It also houses one of the best rhino sanctuaries in the world. In addition to encountering a healthy population of black and white rhinos, visitors may spot leopards nestled in the towering yellowwood acacia trees. The area is also home to over 450 species of birds, along with pythons, warthogs, lions, and waterbucks, all thriving around the lake and its surroundings.
Mombasa Tours
Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, is a popular destination thanks to its rich Swahili heritage. Its Old Town is filled with narrow streets, offering a unique opportunity to experience Kenyan culture and interact with locals. The Old Harbor provides picturesque views of traditional sailing dhows, and the light and sound show at Fort Jesus is a must-see. However, one of the most exciting activities in Mombasa is shopping for khanga and kikoi cloths. Bookmundi recommends visiting the Makupa Market, the city’s main market and an excellent spot for local souvenirs. You can also explore the Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Village, where artisans with disabilities create beautiful crafts, jewelry, and leatherwork.
Karen Blixen Museum
If you’ve seen and liked the Oscar-winning movie Out of Africa, you’ll fall in love with the Karen Blixen Museum. This museum was the farmhouse where Karen Blixen lived between the years 1914 and 1931. She left the country after numerous personal tragedies, but her farmhouse has been preserved in the form of a museum. The museum is a beautiful place to wander around and check out popular locations from the movie.
Explore Lamu Town
Lamu is located on an offshore island close to the Somali border. It is a charming Swahili city that is home to numerous mosques, old-world Arab houses and carved wooden doors. The main highlights of your Lamu explorations are bound to include the Lamu Museum, the Fortress and the Swahili House Museum. What makes Lamu so special is that it has remained untouched by tourism and has unspoiled beauty on offer. As the oldest living town of Kenya, it also presents centuries of character and charm. The island has no roads and there are very few motorized vehicles here.
Amboseli National Reserve is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kenya. It is an ideal place to see large concentrations of elephants from up close. Other forms of wildlife found here include gazelle, eland, impala, waterbucks, giraffes and more than 600 species of birds. Nature lovers are allowed to explore 5 beautiful habitats that range from wetlands full of sulfur springs to the dried beds of Lake Amboseli. You can also interact with a number of local Maasai people who live here.
Zanzibar, or Spice Island, requires a 90-minute flight from Mombasa, but is entirely worth the effort. It is full of enchanting white sand beaches that are lined with mangroves and palms. The island is also home to places like Prison Island, known for its giant tortoises.
Nairobi Tours
Nairobi had a constant presence in world news for all the wrong reasons. It got the nickname Nairobbery when carjackings, muggings and kidnappings all but emptied out tourists, but has dramatically managed to change its character over the past few years. It is home to one of the biggest slums on the planet and is still relatively unsafe, but there are pockets of Nairobi that offer a safe haven for tourists and let them explore this beautiful city without having to worry about their safety. This is where professional Nairobi tours come into play. They let you explore the colorful colonial history and cosmopolitan lifestyle and introduce you to its most beautiful gardens and best places for Tusker beer as well. Other highlights include the Nairobi National Museum tour, the Karen Blixen Museum tour and the Nairobi National Park tour.
Explore the Coral Coast of Kenya
You have a choice between surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and waterskiing when you visit the coral coast of Kenya. The best and most luxe resorts can be found close to Mombasa. Popular options include Kilifi, Daini Beach, Bamburi, Malindi and Nyali. Bookmundi recommends watersport lovers to make Naivasha their base.
Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is one of the most fascinating things to see while in Kenya. The country is defined by a huge network of lakes and rivers and is also home to the second largest freshwater lake on the planet. Lake Bogoria is an ideal place to start your explorations as it is full of beautiful geysers and skin-loving hot springs. The rich geological phenomena also makes it perfect for your cameras.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park may be small in size, but it is big on dramatic scenery and natural beauty. The park has been named after a narrow break in its cliffs that once acted as a tributary for a prehistoric lake. Hell’s Gate is unique in the sense that tourists are allowed to walk or cycle without having to use the services of a guide and it is full of dramatic scenery at each and every step. Some of the most common animals found here include cheetahs, leopards, lions and more than 100 species of birds.
Shetani Lava Flows
‘Shetani’ is a Kiswahili word that translates to ‘devil’. It is used to refer to the lava flows that were formed hundreds of years ago. The locals believed the lava to be the devil emerging from the earth and hence the name. This monstrous expanse of black lava spreads over 50 sq. km. and presents strange looking scenery all along. Also famous are the Shetani Caves, a network of caves that was created as a result of the volcanic activity. You can explore the caves but Bookmundi advises caution as many are full of hyenas and razor sharp rocks.
Kenya is definitely a holiday of a lifetime. It presents wildlife in an entirely new light and no other country on the planet can provide the kind of experiences that this East African hub has on offer. However, Bookmundi advises some caution when visiting many destinations in Kenya as there are pockets of the country that are still considered to be unsafe for tourists.
Whenever am on a safari in Kenya especially the southern part…Masai Mara, Loita Hills, I always like to visit tribal villages.
Wow some of the best things to do in Kenya. Will definitely all of them mentioned.