Top 10 Best Places to visit in Kenya

Officially the Republic of Kenya, Kenya offers a diverse range of attractions, making it one of the top destinations in East African region and Africa at large. With a total area of about 580,367 square kilometers, the country is positioned in the eastern region of Africa bordering several countries in different directions including Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Somali to the East, Ethiopia to the North, Tanzania to the south and Indian Ocean to the southeast

The country’s capital and largest city is Nairobi and its oldest and first capital is the coastal city of Mombasa. Kenya is among the top tourist destinations in Africa characterized by various rainforests and open plains, the colorful tribal cultures, freshwater lakes and coral reefs and the second highest mountain in Africa – Mount Kenya.

The most common activities in Kenya are the wildlife safaris that involve visiting different national parks for wildlife viewing. Others are mount climbing, ballooning, snorkeling and many others. In this article, we have listed for you the top 10 best destinations to visit during your visit to the great Republic of Kenya;

10 best places to visit in Kenya

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

Located in Narok county, contiguous with Serengeti national park of Tanzania, Masai Mara national reserve is the most visited tourism destination in the Republic of Kenya. Stretching over a total surface area of about 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve is famous for hosting the annual great migration which involves the movement of over million animals including the wildebeests and zebras.

This annual migration takes place from the months of July to September when the animals cross from Serengeti national park of Tanzania. Other animals in the reserve include the elephants, leopards, lions, cape buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas and many others.

         2. Amboseli National Park

Situated in Kajiado south constituency county, Amboseli national park is also among the top destinations in Kenya. Characterized by swamp marshland, acacia woodlands rocky thorny bush and a Pleistocene lake, the park is a home to various wildlife species including over 80 mammals such as lions, African elephants, impala, wildebeests, African buffalo, zebras, and many others. The park also offers splendid views of mountain Kilimanjaro.

The park is also a perfect destination for bird watching since it hosts more than 400 bird species such as the long-toed lapwing, Eurasian thick knee, taveta golden weaver and many others. You will also enjoy the interaction with the local people – Masai people.

            3. Lake Nakuru National Park

Positioned around Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru national park is another top tourist destination in the Republic of Kenya. The park gazettes the shallowest lake in central Kenya- lake Nakuru which is known for attracting vast quantities of lesser flamingos. Other bird species at the park besides the flamingos include the ostriches, Abyssinian thrush, sooty falcon, cormorants and many others.

The park also hosts different animal species including the 4 of the big five African animals – lions, leopards, buffalos and elephants. All these features can be viewed from baboon cliff which is one of the viewing points in the park

           4. Tsavo national park

Divided into two – Tsavo west and Tsavo east, Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya. It is located in the Kenyan coastal province with an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers. The park attracts a number of attractions including the wildlife species, bird species and different water sources like springs, lakes and others.

All these attractions can be seen during different park experiences like bird watching, game drives, guided nature walks and others.

           5. Hell’s Gate National Park

Lying south of lake Naivasha in the North west of Nairobi, Hells gate national park is among the preeminent tourist destinations in kenya besides its small size of approximately 68.25 square kilometers. The park is a home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria and it is also known for housing numerous wildlife species including the African buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, hartebeests, warthogs, herds of Masai giraffes, waterbucks and many others.

For bird lovers, Hell’s Gate national park is among the destinations that should not miss on your travel plan. The park hosts over 103 bird species including the secretary birds, augur buzzard, verreaux’s eagles and many others.

             6. Samburu National Reserve

Positioned on the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro River the largest northern river in the country, Samburu national reserve is among the smallest reserves in the republic of Kenya situated near Shaba national park and Buffalo springs national park.

With an area of approximately 165 square kilometers, the park has a rich wildlife including the three big cats such as cheetahs, African leopard, and lions. It hosts other wild animals like cape buffalos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthog, impala, waterbucks, hippos, olive baboons and many others.

            7. Mount Kenya national park

Encompassing the highest Kenyan and second African highest mountain – Mount Kenya, Mount Kenya national park is among the most visited tourist destinations in Kenya. The park was gazetted in 1949 to mainly protect Mount Kenya though it features other attractions like wildlife, birdlife and many others. The climbing experience on Mount Kenya will be such an amazing and adventurous experience.

               8. Meru National Park

Located East of Meru just 350 kilometers from Nairobi, Meru National Park is among the famous safari destinations one shouldn’t miss during a Kenya safari. Covering an area of approximately 870 square kilometers, the park hosts a wide range of wild animals such as the African bush elephants, African leopard, lions, eastern black rhinos, southern white rhinos, cheetahs, hippos and zebras.

While at the park, fancy your eyes with different attractions aside the wild animals including the Adamson’s falls, magnificent views of Mount Kenya, River Tana, the burial sites of Joy Adamson and variety of bird species.

                  9. Nairobi National Park

Located in the heart of the country’s capital city – Nairobi, Nairobi national park is the oldest national park in Kenya. Besides its distance from the city and its size of approximately 117.21 square kilometers, the park encompasses ideal attractions including the wildlife species and over 500 bird species including the migratory and permanent species. Also, the park has an animal orphanage which serves as a rehabilitation center for the wildlife species like the lions, jackals, monkeys, buffalos, and many others.

          10. Malindi

Lying on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, Malindi is a beautiful town on Malindi bay along the mouth of River Sabaki. With extensive coral reefs and beautiful beaches, Malindi is among the destinations that should not miss on your travel plan during your travel to Kenya. A variety of activities can be done at this place including snorkeling, surfing, and many other water sports.

In conclusion, Kenya offers endless natural beauty and dramatic settings, enhanced by the wonders of wandering wildlife. Every safari experience is unique and your trip will dazzle with diversity, immersing you in fascinating, untamed ecosystems, from the shadows of Mount Kenya to the splendor of the Great Rift Valley.