Safari experiences in Kenya : There are beaches and island destinations that are as breathtaking as they are dreamlike, rivers and lakes that are so abundant they could feed a nation, and a variety of mountains and ranges that are so lush that you would be forgiven for thinking they were part of paradise. And then there are the people: so different, so amiable, and full of fascinating anecdotes that highlight their differences.
There is no denying that Kenya is a fantastic travel safari destination. After all, the World Travel Awards have repeatedly chosen Diani Beach as the top beach destination in Africa. Numerous times, the Maasai Mara has also been named Africa’s best National Park. All these locations are well worth your time and money.
But there are plenty of other inland and coastal spots that can compete with these award-winning spots. These are the top 12 sites in Kenya that should be on everyone’s bucket list and seen at least once in their lifetime.
- Visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Indeed, a list of “Kenya’s most bucket-list-worthy attractions” would be incomplete without include the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This reserve has won numerous awards and is a true representation of everything that Africa has to offer.
Huge, undulating grasslands teeming with a diverse array of animals, ranging from magnificent herbivores like lions, leopards, and cheetahs to fiercely revered carnivores like wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and various species of gazelles. And then there are the gorgeous kid-friendly lodges like Speke’s Camp, Mara Serena, and Mara Intrepid.
- Scale Mount Kenya.
An iconic mountain of the world, Mount Kenya has long been a must-see safari destination for mountaineering aficionados worldwide. At 5,199 metres (17,057 feet) above sea level, this massive mountain is the highest in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. Its three main summits are Batan, Nelion, and Lenana. In fact, Point Lenana (4,985 metres; 16,355 feet) is reachable via hiking safari. Technical proficiency is required to scale Batian and Nelion.
- Marvel at Mount Kenya from Nanyuki.
You might also choose to view it from the adjacent tourist hotspot of Nanyuki town if you’re not into the whole “get muscle aches trying to climb a mountain” thing. There are many family-friendly resorts with safari activities like fishing, horseback riding, game viewing, and much more to choose from, and there are plenty of things to do in this area. You could even tour Mt. Kenya by helicopter.
- Spend a day in the capital, Nairobi.
It is likely that you will arrive in Nairobi regardless of your mode of transportation if you are flying in. Why not spend some time exploring the city? Take in the views, try some of the cuisine, and most importantly, lose yourself in the bustling nightlife.
- Enjoy the island life in Lamu.
You have a wide range of possibilities for destinations if you decide to travel to the coast. Every one of them is nearly more beautiful than the last. From award-winning Diani to Malindi, and even Mombasa itself. The Kenyan shoreline was deliberately designed to provide guests with an amazing safari experience. But if the Kenyan coast were high on performance-enhancing pharmaceuticals, that would be Lamu. It will be difficult to locate a single area of this stunning archipelago that doesn’t leave you in awe.
- Get close to a member of the Big Five at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Would you be interested in having a close-up encounter with an elephant? You can see newborn elephants being fed at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to lend a hand.
- Frolic with flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park.
The world-famous pink flamingos are among the many bird species that may be seen at Lake Nakuru National Park. Thousands of these magnificently attractive birds gather in the lake’s shallows to feast on the algae and crustaceans that give them their vibrant pink hues. In addition, a variety of other wildlife can be seen here, including rhinos, baboons, giraffes, and warthogs.
- Gaze at the roof of Africa from Amboseli National Reserve.
Amboseli National Reserve boasts expansive vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in addition to a variety of species, including the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo). Amboseli, which means “salty dust” in Maasai, is one of the best parks and reserves in Kenya to see vast herds of enormous elephants up close.
- Be distinctive at Nairobi National Park.
Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world that is located inside a city. But that’s not the only feature that sets this park apart. You may get a taste of the nature and animals that the entire nation has to offer in Nairobi National Park. You must absolutely spend a day at Nairobi National Park if you’d like to experience a bit of Kenya in one neat location.
- Travel up north into wild Turkana.
It just so happens that Lake Turkana is the largest alkaline lake and the largest permanent desert lake in the world. Have you ever heard of being unique? Travelling up North offers a plethora of things that most tourists would find enjoyable, even though the lake itself is a marvel.
From the Chalbi desert to a few islands in Lake Turkana proper, and from vast expanses of wild and deserted sandy beaches. To fully understand it all, you must visit that location.
- Get lost at Rusinga Island.
One of Lake Victoria’s most exquisite, serene, and interesting locations is Rusinga Island. This island is home to numerous ancient sites and stunning beaches, in addition to being a portion of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the primary source of the River Nile.
- Go to Hell’s Gate National Park.
There aren’t many national parks in the globe where you can go on a mountain bike or foot exploration. One such park is Hell’s Gate National Park. Hell’s Gate National Park is a well-liked place for locals who like to explore the broad outdoors and take in the sights, and it is less than two hours from the capital city. For enthusiastic climbers who wish to test their mettle on sheer cliffs and polished granite walls, it’s also an amazing spot.
