Famous for its boundless Savannah’s that play host to teeming herds of wildlife, Kenya is a nation of dramatic extremes and classic contrasts. From rich forests brimming with vast faunal diversity to deserts full of grayish green creepers and thorny fronds; from snow-capped mountains to mesmerizing azure beaches, Kenya delivers the best of Africa within its relatively small borders. Other countries may boast bigger game reserves, higher mountains and more diverse cultures, but Kenya’s years of tourism and safari experience means it still tops many travelers’ lists.
There is so much to see and a lot more to do, such that a single trip is simply not enough to capture all she has to offer. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 9 places to see when you visit Kenya this 2019. These places made this list due to their superb service, stellar reviews, as well as their tried and tested itineraries not only among the adventure lovers, but also among honeymooners and families.
1)Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is the premier game reserve and one of the most amazing tourist destinations in Kenya. It is named after the regal and red cloaked Masai tribespeople who reside and graze their animals here, and the Mara River which divides it. The Masai Mara is located on Narok County in south-western Kenya near the border of Tanzania, nestled at the northern extension of the Serengeti, making for a seamless wildlife corridor between the two countries.
The game reserve receives an outstanding number of visitors every year both foreign and local, all coming to watch the exceptional wildlife population and the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. This “Great Migration” takes place from July to October every year, constituting the largest land mammal migration on earth.
The Masai Mara is also famous for its landscape — a huge expanse of gently rolling grassland mottled with flat-topped acacia trees. There are also around a dozen community conservancies, several ranches and numerous villages of Masai people in the region, all of which contribute to the overall richness of the experience. Fees range from $70 to $80 non resident adults and $40 to $45 for non resident children. Visitors also have the chance to view all the magnificent sights from balloon rides, taking in the scene from the best possible viewpoints across the skies.
There are two options to reach the Masai Mara when you arrive at Nairobi — Driving and Flying. Driving usually takes around 6 hours, while flying will get you there in around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Watamu
In Swahili, Watamu translates to “Home of the sweet people” — an apt description for this beautiful and peaceful village on the Kenya Coast. It is nestled between pristine white-sand beaches and lush tropical forest, and is surrounded by small coves, bays and broad lagoons. Boasting a coastline overlooking the Indian Ocean and fringed with coral reef, the calm crystal clear waters welcome visitors seeking to relax, explore and enjoy the many wonders that it has to offer.
The village is home to two protected areas: Watamu Marine National Park and Arabuko Sokoke National Park. Established in the year 1968, Watamu National Marine Park features amazing coral gardens that are home to around 600 species of fish, 110 species of stony coral and countless crustaceans, molluscs, and invertebrates. The park was named a biosphere reserve in 1979 and enjoys a cool temperature of between 20 to 30 degrees.
In addition to its natural endowments, panoramic scenes and chill village vibe, Watamu makes an excellent base from which to explore nearby attractions like the Gede ruins and the Mida Creek waterways. Park prices are subject to change, but they typically range from $17 to $20 for non resident adults and $13 to $15 for non resident children. Accommodation options range from resorts and boutique hotels to luxurious private homes and villas, while visitors can partake in a variety of activities, including scuba diving, kite surfing, fishing, and volunteer conservation. There’s something for everyone and you can be sure that you’ll never forget the exciting wonders of Watamu.
The fastest way to get to Watamu is by flying. From the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, it takes a 45-minute to 1 hour flight to Malindi airport on the coast. From there, it’s only a 30 minutes cab ride from the airport in Malindi to Watamu and will cost around $25 to $35. You can also drive over, but at a distance of around 590 km, it will take a couple of hours to get there.
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Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is one of the eight lakes adorning the Rift Valley. Its abundance of algae attracts immense flocks of pink flamingos and over 450 other bird species, sometimes more than one million at once, which in turn has earned it the status of the greatest bird spectacle on earth. In fact, the lake periodically turns a soft pink hue thanks to these flamingos — a magical spectacle that entices both domestic and foreign tourists.
Located in Central Kenya, the park was established in the year 1961 and is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, giraffe, buffalo and both black and white rhino, warthogs, lions, leopards, pythons, and waterbucks. Here, the landscape elevates from rocky cliffs, overlooking some pretty captivating sceneries and other attractions such as the crescent island, Makalia falls, rhinoceros sanctuary and the baboon cliff. Park entrance fees are around $70 for non residents.
Lake Nakuru is a mere 152 km from Nairobi, so driving is the cheapest and fastest option. Visitors can also get on a shuttle and taxi heading there, but keep in mind that there will be a couple of stops along the way, so expect the journey to take around 40 minutes longer.
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Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve lies in the northern part of Kenya against a backdrop of jagged mountains, arid plains, and sun-parched hills. Far from the big name attractions down south, it receives fewer visitors as a result but is still every bit a worthy inclusion on this list. Here, tourists can enjoy a rejuvenating stay, taking in the natural beauty of the triumvirate of national reserves, as well as the population of animals that occur in no other major park in Kenya.
Samburu attracts wildlife thanks to the Uaso Nyiro River running through it, nourishing the patches of forest and grassland vegetation around. Aside from the usual game prevalent in other wildlife reserves, such as lion, cheetah and leopard, elephants, buffalo and hippos, the park is home to some pretty rare species, including the blue-legged Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, Gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe. Visitors can also spot large numbers of Nile crocodile in the Uaso Nyiro River.
Despite covering just 300 sq km, Samburu National Reserve offers a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts and the variety of landscapes and vegetation is simply amazing. The fastest way to get here is to fly from the Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Samburu airstrip which takes around 55 min. Self-drive to the reserve is also an option with a driving time of about 6 hours.
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Che Shale Beach
First opened in 1978 but re-invented as a kitesurfing center just a few years ago, Che Shale is a rustic beach ideally situated on the pristine coastline of Mambrui just 20 minutes north of Malindi. It is the definition of style, simplicity and seclusion as it offers miles of unspoiled fine sand backed by coconut palms and overlooking calm clear waters. Che Shale beach also offers excellent fresh cuisine, massage booths, booming music and even club-style lights for those looking to dance to a beat or two.
As the operations centre of Kenya’s first kitesurfing school, visitors can engage in a myriad of activities from deep-sea fishing and bush walks to snorkelling and the best kite surfing in East Africa. In fact, competitions are regularly held here, attracting participants from all over the world. From this site, guests can also book sailing adventures and safaris. The best part is that Che Shale beach is open to tourists all year round, so its many delights are always available and entry is absolutely free.
The fastest travel option to Mambrui from Nairobi is by flight to Malindi airport, and then a short drive over to the Che Shale. Travel by road is also possible, but at such a great distance, expect the trip to last around 7 to 9 hours.
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Kakamega Forest Reserve
This “Canopy of Natural Beauty” is all that remains of the once massive Guineo–Congolian rainforest that stretched all across Central Africa. Though seriously degraded now, the Kakamega forest is uniquely rich in plants, birds, and animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the country. Since it is a remote, isolated part of Kenya’s wilderness, the reserve is perfect for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure.
In terms of its inhabitants, the forest houses some 400 species of bird, bush pigs, giant hedgehogs,
de Brazza’s monkeys, pangolins, squirrels, vipers, cobras, and pottos. The best time to spot these wildlife is during the dry months of January, February, August and September. Other attractions include spectacular waterfalls and giant trees, some of which are believed to be hundreds of years old. Featuring a year-round warm climate, hiking and rock climbing can also be enjoyed here in the serenity of the majestic forest that time forgot.
Entry fees into the reserve cost around $25 for non resident adults and $15 for non resident children. By road, the shortest route from Nairobi to Kakamega is through Nakuru and Kapsabet at a distance of around 420 km. If you’d prefer to go by air, there are scheduled flights to Kakamega and to Kisumu or Eldoret, which are a short driving distance from the forest reserve.
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Amboseli National Park
Scenically located at the at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain — Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is famous for being the best place in Africa to encounter free-ranging big-tusked elephants. Amboseli ranks among the elite national parks in Kenya and is even a regular setting of Kenya’s classic postcard scenes. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Masai people and learn about their ancient custom, as well as enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks looming over an amazing savannah below.
You’ll also find the big five here and immense birdlife in the soggy swamplands. There are a couple of conservancies bordering the park offering walking safaris and nighttime game drives so visitors can get as close the majestic wildlife inhabiting the area. The quickest way to get to Amboseli National Park from Nairobi is to fly which takes around 40 minutes. You can also get there by road – private driving or UBER. Park entrance fees are around $60 for adults and $35 for kids.
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Mount Kenya
Towering at an altitude of 5,199 meters and capped with glaciers, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The national park was established as a conservation to protect the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas. Over the years, it developed into a full-fledged tourist attraction that became known for its exhilarating wildlife safari tours. The area is ideal for game viewing, including elephant, buffalo, monkeys, antelope, and giant forest hog.
Conquering the two highest peaks of Mount Kenya requires considerable climbing skills, but there are some lesser peaks that will be an easy destination for any fit trekker. The villages surrounding the mountain offer an insight into the idyllic life of living in the shadow of the this grand mountain. Not far away lies the famous national monument, Mau-Mau Cave, which sheltered the Freedom Fighters in the 1950s.
The driving distance from Nairobi to Mount Kenya is 245 km, taking around 4 to 5 hours. Visitors can also take a flight out from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Nanyuki Airport which takes 35 min, and then drive to the mountain region. The daily entry fees for adults and children are $52 and $26 respectively.
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Lamu Island
Lamu is the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa dating all the way back to the 14th century. Through the years, the island has been inhabited by Asians, Europeans, Persians, Indians, and finally Kenyans, which in turn resulted in its unique charm of blended cultures. In fact, the Arabs called them the ‘Seven Isles of Eryaya’. The island is a part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago and has managed to stay unspoiled despite the mass tourism that has hit much of Kenya’s coastline in recent years.
There are no roads on Lamu Island, just footpaths and alleyways, so it’s a case of traveling back in time and seeing residents move about on on foot with donkeys used to transport goods or by boat. Top things to do include kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing. Its natural endowments include long white sandy beaches dotted with palms and acacia tree, turquoise seas, and yellow grassy plains playing host to some of Africa’s fascinating game and bird life.
There are several ways of getting into Lamu depending on the traveler’s budget and interest. The quickest, of course, is by plane, which takes 1 to 2 hours. The other 2 travel options are by road (private driving or bus), and by boat, which is the more expensive way.
In the end, it’s all about choice here – whether you want secluded luxury or the Great Migration on a budget, Kenya delivers. This 2019, make sure visiting this incredible country is on your travel bucket list — it will be one of the highlights of your year.
