In this article read about 7 Tourist Attractions in Kenya.. Kenya is nearly synonymous with the word “safari.” Few places on the planet evoke such a sense of adventure and romance. The variety of things to do in Kenya awes visitors, with viewing the country’s abundant wildlife topping the list.
Witness throngs of wildebeest thundering across the savanna during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara; get up close and personal with elephants in Amboseli; or marvel at Lake Nakuru, which is flecked with thousands of flamingos. Ancient tribes such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Samburu maintain their traditional customs in these sun-drenched lands, living in relative harmony with the natural world.
A treasure trove of coastal treasures awaits beyond the world-famous safari parks. Snorkeling and diving on fish-rich coral reefs, relaxing on pearly beaches, experiencing the melting pot of cultures and cuisines in Mombasa and Malindi, and exploring tropical islands steeped in Swahili history are all possibilities.
Kenya has breathtaking scenery. The Great Rift Valley divides the country and is surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges. To the east of this sweeping valley, you can climb Mount Kenya’s snow-capped equatorial peaks and fish for trout in crystal-clear streams. Hell’s Gate National Park is home to obsidian caves as well as natural geysers and hot springs.
Travel to Nairobi to experience the romance of Kenya’s colourful colonial history, as depicted in the film Out of Africa. This vibrant capital serves as the entry point to one of the world’s most evocative and exciting travel destinations. With our list of the top tourist attractions in Kenya, you can discover even more places to visit in this fascinating country.
Here are 7 Tourist Attractions in Kenya
1. National Reserve of Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara National Reserve (also known as “Maasai Mara”) is one of Africa’s most beautiful game reserves. The Mara, which borders Tanzania, is the northern extension of the Serengeti and serves as a wildlife corridor between the two countries.
It is named after the statuesque, red-clad Maasai people who live in the park and graze their animals here for centuries. Mara means “mottled” in their language, possibly referring to the play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloud-studded skies over the vast grasslands.
From July to October, the park is famous for the Great Migration, in which thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate to and from the Serengeti.
Hippos and crocodiles swarm in the Mara River. Because of its relatively large populations of lion, cheetah, and leopard, the park is also known for providing excellent predator sightings, particularly during the dry months of December through February. . So travel the world, book a trip to Kenya or to any other country like Zambia or Botswana . Live your best life.
2.Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Reserve, which is crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word that means “salty dust,” which describes the park’s parched conditions perfectly.
The reserve is one of Africa’s best places to see large herds of elephants up close. Other animals commonly seen in the park include lions and cheetahs, as well as giraffes, impalas, elands, waterbuck, gazelles, and over 600 bird species.
There are five different habitats to explore here, including the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Look for the Maasai people who live in the park’s vicinity.
3. Tsavo National Park
Tsavo, Kenya’s largest park, is divided into two sections: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. These parks cover 4% of the total land area of the country and include rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.
Tsavo East, located halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, is famous for photogenic sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The Galana River winds through the park, providing excellent game viewing as well as a lush contrast to the arid plains.
The Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, Mudanda Rock, and the Lugard Falls, which spill into rapids and crocodile-infested pools, are also highlights.
Tsavo West is wetter and more varied in topography, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the park’s northern reaches. Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles; Chaimu Crater, a great spot for seeing birds of prey; and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary are all highlights.
Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is less visible in Tsavo West, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it.
4.National Reserves of Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba
Shaba National Reserve is one of two locations where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, who was immortalised in the film Born Free.
The wildlife in all three reserves is dependent on the river’s waters to survive, and many species have adapted to the dry conditions. Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stands on two rear legs to reach fresh shoots on upper tree limbs, are among them.
The Sarara Singing Wells, local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink, are a popular attraction in Samburu National Reserve. You might also get lucky and see big cats and wild dogs.
5. National Park of Lake Nakuru
The pink flamingos that flock to Lake Nakuru National Park in Central Kenya are world famous. The birds flock to Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that cover nearly a third of the park’s land area.
The park was established in 1961, and over 450 species of birds, as well as a diverse range of other wildlife, have been recorded here. Some of the animals you might see include lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland.
The park also protects Africa’s largest euphorbia candelabrum forest. These endemic tall, branching succulents add a striking textural element to the arid landscapes.
6. Island of Lamu
Lamu, a small island northeast of Mombasa, exudes old-world charm. Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Kenya’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement, dating back to the 12th century.
One of the best things to do in this city is to take a stroll through the winding streets. The buildings reflect the island’s illustrious trading history. Architectural elements from the Arab world, Europe, and India can be seen, but with a distinct Swahili technique. Common features include intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios.
Visiting here is like going back in time. Dhows plough the harbour, there are few if any motorised vehicles, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have for centuries. The majority of Lamu’s population is Muslim, and both men and women dress traditionally.
Lamu Museum, with exhibits on Swahili culture and the region’s nautical history; Lamu Fort; and the Donkey Sanctuary are among the island’s top attractions.
If all of the history is too much for you, you can relax on one of the island’s white-sand beaches or sip Arabic coffee in a local café.
7. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley, is a birder’s paradise. More than 400 bird species have been seen here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several kingfisher species.
Boating is one of the best ways to see wildlife. Hippos slosh in the water, while giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze on the lake’s edge. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys in the trees as well.
The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, located near Lake Naivasha, has a wildlife-rich nature trail.
Hell’s Gate National Park, located just south of Lake Naivasha, protects a diverse range of wildlife and provides excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell’s Gate Gorge.
On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, and her husband George, is open for a cup of tea.
It should be noted that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink significantly during times of extreme drought, and the area’s thriving floriculture industry has an impact on water levels and quality. However, the lake is usually lush and alive.