More and more travelers from different parts of the world are flying to Kenya for an ultimate holiday. One big lure is the ample availability of flights — not to mention affordability. But international flights aside, do you know that Kenya has the best of everything? Here’s why it is an all-in-one holiday destination…
Kenya offers incredible wildlife adventures.
Whether you’re visiting to see big cats in their natural habitats, ride a horse among other wild animals or even witness the Wildebeest Migration which is one of the greatest spectacles on Earth, Kenya will never leave you dry. Just out of words for such a phenomenal experience.
What can you see in Kenya when it comes to wildlife?
Kenya is not a world-renowned safari destination for no reason. Aside from the numerous Big Five that inhabits its savannas and big cats that dominate many parts of its plains, Kenya is also home to the Great Migration, the largest animal inland migration in the world. During this astounding phenomenon, over two million wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, kudus and impalas stamped across the Mara River in their struggle for survival against hunger, exhaustion and predation. Yes, predation. While these ungulates move from one place to another, several predators like Nile crocodiles, hippos, lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs take the opportunity to make a kill.
Kenya also gives sanctuary to African wild dog, African civet, large-spotted genet, banded mongoose, black-backed jackal, common jackal, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, striped hyena, aardwolf, common eland, greater kudu, lesser kudu, bongo, sitatunga, bohor reedbuck, mountain reedbuck bushbaby, roan antelope, sable antelope, oryx, fringe-eared oryx, beisa oryx, waterbucks, hartebeest, topi, klipspringer, steenbok, common duiker, Kirk’s dik-dik, warthog, giant forest hog, aardvark, cape clawless otter, spotted-necked otter, scrub hare, squirrel and some primate species. The best way to see these animals and have a taste of the wild is to visit Kenya’s parks and conservancies.
Top parks and conservancies:
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Famous for The Great Wildebeest Migration, which is the Seventh Natural Wonder of Africa; the Maasai tribes; and the “real Africa” scenery. Best time to visit Masai Mara is June to October.
- Amboseli National Park: Famous for the picture-perfect backdrop featuring Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. It is one of the best places in the world to see large herds of free-ranging elephants. Best time to visit: June to October and January to February
- Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for the incredible flocks of pink flamingoes and other waterbirds on its vast soda lake. Best time to visit: June to September and January to March.
- Tsavo Parks: Famous for the “red elephants” and unique maneless lions. It is also a known sanctuary for highly-endangered black rhinos. Best time to visit: June to October and January to February.
Kenya is also a tropical paradise.
The coastline of Kenya is peppered with dazzling tropical beaches and peaceful islands where you can relax and indulge in water-sport activities.
From scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing and deep-sea fishing to boating, beach bumming, golfing and even visiting a marine conservation area near an important historical and archaeological site, Kenya will not disappoint!
Top seaside spots in Kenya:
- Diani Beach: A highly developed beachside popular for its excellent surfing spots and urban beach family holidays.
- Watamu Beach: An unspoiled beach famous for its marine wildlife particularly the wide variety turtles.
- Malindi Beach: A beach offering many water activities including dhow safaris, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. The beach is very near Malindi town and the popular Gede Ruins.
Kenya has a vibrant city life.
Thinking about the awe-inspiring wilderness and the stunning coastal areas, you wouldn’t think Kenya has a sprawling metropolitan, right? But it does. In fact, Nairobi, the country’s capital and “the African city that never sleeps”, is one of the most advanced cities in all of Africa. It is famous for its handful of historical and cultural sites, vibrant nightlife spots and Nairobi National Park, the only safari park in a city.
Popular spots in Nairobi:
- Karen Blixen House: House of famous Out of Africa author, Karen Blixen.
- Giraffe Center: A place which gives safe sanctuary to endangered Rothschild giraffes where guests can feed them and even eat in a dainty restaurant with giraffes peering over them.
- David Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage: A place that keeps baby elephants as well as black rhinos. Guests can enjoy watching them fed, bathed, etc.
- Nairobi National Park: The only safari national park in the center of sprawling metropolitan.
- Bomas of Kenya: A tourist village that offers Kenyan culture and tribes in miniature.
- Nairobi National Museum: A museum that showcases Kenya’s heritage.
- Westlands: A popular spot for nightlife — clubbing, bars, bistros, etc. are widely available.
Kenya has 7 UNESCO WORLD heritage Sites.
Drenched in culture, natural beauty and charming history, Kenya boasts of 7 UNESCO sites namely:
- Mount Kenya National Park: A park that protects Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak.
- Fort Jesus, Mombasa: A monumental piece of architecture built in 1590s to secure the safety of Portuguese living on the East Coast of Africa.
- Lamu Old Town: The oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
- Lake Turkana National Parks: A group of 3 national parks deemed an outstanding laboratory in the study of plant and animal communities.
- Mijikenda Kaya Forest: A sacred forest consisting of 11 forests spread over a 200-km area.
- Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley: Composed of 3 alkaline lakes (Nakuru, Bogoria, Elementaita) where major volcanic events have shaped a distinctive landscape.
- Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site: A dry-stone walled settlement known for its unique history.
With varying landscapes that range from the wilderness to tropical paradise to advancing city life, plus the string of amazing UNESCO sites, Kenya is indeed an all-in-one holiday destination. It also is an excellent avenue for wide-range activities including hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, camping, boating, beach bumming, water sports, hot air ballooning and even clubbing! Certainly, Kenya has something in store for everyone.
Top Tours in Kenya:
