“Real Africa” – a phrase most often used to describe Kenya, and for good reason. The country is rich in culture, wildlife and surreal landscapes, not to mention it has a bustling metropolitan and a stunning Indian Ocean coastline which makes it a country of perfect balance. Kenya is also famed for being home to some of the continent’s most famous national parks. So whether you’re set on coming for a Kenya Safari anytime soon or you’re still planning on your next big adventure, here are 10 things that should be in your Kenya itinerary:
#1 Giraffe Center, Nairobi
Located approximately 20 kilometers away from the center of Nairobi, Giraffe Center is a place to meet endangered Rothschild giraffes. These giraffe species are only found in the grasslands of East Africa and to protect them from extinction, the Giraffe Center was established to protect these long-necked wonders.
At the Giraffe Center, visitors get to feed, pet and even kiss the giraffes! You can also dine at the Manor and share some food with these wild animals as they peer inside the French windows to spend breakfast/lunch with you!
#2 Nairobi National Park
In the middle of a bustling city, who would have thought there lies a legit safari park? It is located in Kenya’s capital city and is, in fact, the only wildlife national park that’s within a metro city. The park covers an area of 117 square kilometers including a diverse range of habitats for different wild animals. It is also a successful rhino sanctuary, protecting endangered black rhinos within its premises.
Elands, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests and giraffes are common animal sighting in this park along with predators like lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs. Hippo pools are also available and so is a world-class birdlife which consists of about 400 bird species.
#3 Masai Mara Game Reserve
Talk about a Kenya safari and other people would immediately think of Masai Mara Game Reserve. It is the main highlight of Kenya when it comes to wildlife safaris and in without a doubt one of the world’s most fascinating parks. Home of the big cats and the inspiration to Disney’s Lion King setting, Masai Mara Game Reserve promises a quintessential safari scenery and an astounding wildlife that’s beyond belief. The Big Five is abundant in this park all throughout the year, and what adds to its already surreal scenery is the iconic Wildebeest Migration between July and November.
Over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River from the neighboring Serengeti National Park and strive to reach the lush Mara plains. Of course, hungry predators await these hooves, guaranteeing an action-packed event – something that would make you not want to blink at all.
Whether you want to spot the Big 5 in Masai Mara, snap some classic African landscapes, sojourn in postcard-perfect tented camps in the midst of the wild, or visit a Masai village to meet local tribes, Masai Mara provides it all and more.
#4 Amboseli National Park
Picture large herds of free-ranging African elephants sauntering round a vast grassland against a backdrop that seems so unreal: the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. That image you just drew in your head is Amboseli National Park. It’s really hard to pass up on this one because aside from the picturesque view of one of the most iconic mountains of the world, Amboseli also features a very palpable wildlife, most especially those adorable, massive, big-eared creatures.
#5 Lake Natron
Beautifully scenic and unique, Lake Natron is the only known breeding ground for East Africa’s millions of lesser flamingos which cover the lake between August and October. Its waters are hyper-saline and hot but what’s amazing is that even with these characteristics, it still hosts an enormous amount of birdlife.
Providing a backdrop for Lake Natron is Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano deemed by locals as the “Mountain of God”. Another feature of Lake Natron is the varying water levels which depend on the season as well as its spellbinding orange-pink-red color.
#6 Diani Beach
Diani Beach is Kenya’s most popular beach. Aside from its stunning topical features, it plays host to a myriad of exciting activities that offer more than the stellar views, ocean swims, and hammock swings. Diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, biking, deep sea fishing, whale shark safaris and even hiking at the forest are some of the most fun things to do in Diani. It is also a very well-developed beach resort and hence providing you amenities such as retails stores, upscale hotels, restaurants, and even beachfront nightclubs.
#7 Mount Kenya
Known as Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya features 3 summits which present varying degrees of climbing level or difficulty. Beginner trekkers can enjoy this mountain and even opt to just visit it on a day tour, while experienced trekkers can go on a more difficult climb.
#8 Malindi Marine National Park
Malindi Marine National Park is known as “The Coral Garden” and the oldest marine park in Africa. It is blessed with fringing reefs, coral, seagrass, mangroves, mudflats, high fish diversity, marine mammals, turtles and various species of shorebirds. It also has a wealth in fun activities, indulging visitors to things such as swimming with zebrafishes, glass bottom boat rides, windsurfing, snorkeling, and camping.
What makes Malindi Marine National Park all the more a must-visit is that it is enveloped by the ancient Gede ruins and the Arabuko Sokoke forest, which make exciting places to explore or stopover.
#9 Any of the Private Conservancies
Kenya is home to many private conservancies namely Selenkay Conservancy (near Amboseli), Ol Kinyei Conservancy and Olare Orok Conservancy (near the Maasai Mara), Ol Pejeta Conservancy (in Laikipia), Elsa’s Kopje, Lewa Safari Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Naboisho Conservancy. These conservancies are large tracts of land, usually adjacent to national parks, that eco-tourism operators rent from local communities or private ranches.
Once in Kenya, it’s always a good idea to visit any of the private conservancies as these conservancies offer unique safari camps as well as activities. For example, in Laikipia, visitors are given the opportunity to go on horseback while you go up close and personal with the wild animals inhabiting the place. Other unique activities include biking safaris as well as walking safaris. Plus, since local communities are just around the area, visitors have a chance to get involved into community projects and/or interact with the locals.
#10 Nairobi
With an overwhelming array of wildlife parks and an amalgam of fine beaches, it’s easy to forget about the country’s capital city, Nairobi. The city is a venue for many unforgettable experiences as it features a string of top-class restaurants, shopping grounds, retail stores, and nightlife spots. So while many people only use it as a layover to the safari or the beach, this city is actually something un-missable!
Popular tourist spots in Nairobi include Bomas of Kenya, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen House, Kazuri Beads Factory, Railway Museum, Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) and of course, Nairobi National Park.
Being one of the most diverse countries in East Africa, Kenya really does have it all – the quintessential African landscape, the ultimate safari experience, the relaxing beach escapades, the superb hiking adventures, the city life. Not to mention the incredible array of cultures, the friendly people and the affordability as well as the availability of flights from different parts of the world. And with these 10 things in your itinerary, your Kenyan holiday will definitely be the adventure of your lifetime.
