17 Best Attractions and Things to do in Kenya, it is a world-renowned destination for safari enthusiasts, offering some of the best wildlife experiences and Top Attractions and Things to do in Kenya on the planet. Its numerous nature reserves and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit country for those seeking to witness the Big 5 and other exotic animals in their natural habitats. In addition to its stunning wildlife, Kenya boasts a beautiful coastline with pearly white beaches and historic Swahili settlements.
Located in East Africa and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Kenya is a popular tourist destination that offers a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains and deserts to wetlands, plains, and lakes. The Maasai Mara is the most famous national park in Kenya, known for its wildebeest migration. Visitors can also enjoy trekking Mount Kenya, hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara, and snorkeling in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast. These activities provide a refreshing change of pace after days spent searching for elephants, giraffes, and lions on safari.
Tsavo West National Park [SEE MAP]
Tsavo West National Park is distinguishable from its nearby counterpart due to its mountainous and swampy terrain. Located across a river and the A109 from the neighboring national park, it offers a more diverse landscape and is home to a specially protected rhino sanctuary, making it a slightly more favored destination for visitors.
During our safari, the most remarkable experience was encountering an exceptionally scarce eastern black rhinoceros. It halted in the midst of the road, gazing at us for what felt like an endless moment, before gradually retreating into the wilderness.
Fort Jesus, Mombasa
The Old Port in Mombasa island is guarded by the impressive Fort Jesus, which serves as the main attraction for tourists visiting the coastal city. This captivating site showcases remarkable architecture and houses a vast collection of artifacts for visitors to appreciate.
Constructed from 1593 to 1596, this ancient fort represents the initial European influence on trade in the Indian Ocean. It stands as a remarkable example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, featuring a square shape with four bulwarks positioned at its corners. Although it was built by the Portuguese, it is believed that the local Swahili people contributed significantly to its construction by providing labor, materials, and expertise in masonry.
While we found the fort and its historical significance intriguing, we found ourselves more captivated by the charm of the Old Town. This vibrant area is brimming with life and showcases traditional Swahili buildings that house quaint local restaurants and souvenir shops. These shops offer a variety of items such as masks, textiles, and jewelry, providing visitors with a truly immersive experience.
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park stands out from other parks in the country due to its reputation for scenic hikes and breathtaking waterfalls rather than its abundant wildlife. Situated in the Central Highlands on the route from Nairobi to Nakuru, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Established in 1950, the park encompasses a portion of the Aberdare Mountains, which range in elevation from 2,000 to 4,000 meters. Its expansive valleys and the lower slopes of its prominent peaks are adorned with rivers, forests, and even cascading waterfalls. This diverse landscape is also home to a significant population of eastern black rhinos and elephants.
For avid hikers, the park offers exhilarating trails such as the summit of Mount Satima or the challenging yet rewarding Elephant Hills trail. Additionally, the mesmerizing Chania and Karuru falls are not to be missed, hidden within the lush forest and providing the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.
Diani Beachi is one of the 17 Best Attractions and Things to do in Kenya
If you’re looking for a place to unwind and relax after a long day of safaris and sightseeing, Diani Beach is the perfect destination. Located just south of Mombasa, this idyllic beach boasts wide, white sands that are perfect for lounging lazily. In addition to soaking up the sun, visitors can also enjoy a variety of fun watersports.
With a length of around seventeen kilometers, this resort area stretches alongside the sparkling Indian Ocean. The beach is lined with luxurious hotels and resorts, many of which offer all-inclusive packages and safari trips for guests.
Aside from its breathtaking beauty, Diani Beach offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. Kite surfing and jet skiing are popular options, while scuba diving and snorkeling allow visitors to explore the rich marine life. Sightseeing cruises and quad-biking trips around nearby villages are also available.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is an ideal destination for those seeking an active holiday. With its exceptional hiking, biking, and rock climbing opportunities, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience. The park’s close proximity to Nairobi and affordable entrance fees make it a popular choice for many. Located just south of Lake Navaisha, the park is named after a narrow gap in its colossal cliffs. In addition to the stunning red rocks of the slender gorge, visitors can explore long-extinct volcanoes and unique formations created by cooling molten lava.
As predators are scarce in this part of the Great Rift Valley, visitors can safely hike or bike around the park while keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as African buffaloes, elands, hyenas, baboons, and ostriches. Don’t forget to visit the park’s hot springs and Maasai Cultural Centre for an even more enriching experience.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park, the sole nature reserve of its kind globally, is conveniently situated on the outskirts of the nation’s capital. Witnessing the city’s skyline while observing majestic lions, elephants, and giraffes evokes an indescribable sensation that must be personally encountered.
The forties saw the establishment of this protected area, aimed at preserving the diminishing wildlife of the region. Its vast expanse is primarily composed of never-ending grassy plains. However, interspersed within are patches of forests along rivers and scattered rocky gorges. Within the park, a wide range of animals can be found, including gazelles, cheetahs, crocodiles, jackals, and common eland.
Despite having embarked on numerous safaris in Kenya, we are truly grateful for our visit to this place. The park’s abundant and varied wildlife, coupled with its unique and captivating landscapes, made our experience truly extraordinary. It is indeed a rarity to witness wildebeest and zebra migrations occurring almost right within a city.
Lamu Island
Lamu Island, situated along the northeastern coastline of Kenya, is renowned as one of the finest destinations in East Africa to immerse oneself in the rich traditions of Swahili culture. This picturesque island, which forms part of the captivating archipelago bearing the same name, offers a serene and nostalgic ambiance that transports visitors to a bygone era.
Having been inhabited continuously since the twelfth century, Lamu stands as the oldest settlement in the country. Its Old Town, characterized by a maze-like network of streets, showcases delightful coral stone structures and tranquil inner courtyards. Unlike Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Lamu boasts a more tranquil atmosphere and has managed to preserve its charm with intricately carved wooden doors and adorable donkeys.
In addition to exploring the island’s museum and fort, visitors can unwind on its pristine white sandy beaches or venture into neighboring villages for further exploration. Many also opt for peaceful dhow boat excursions around the archipelago, allowing them to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable destination.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa following Kilimanjaro, stands tall at an impressive elevation of 5,199 meters above the surrounding plains, valleys, and forests. This majestic mountain, now safeguarded as a national park, requires a strenuous journey of four to five days to conquer its awe-inspiring summit. Undoubtedly, ascending to the peak is an arduous yet immensely gratifying endeavor, making it one of the most formidable and fulfilling experiences in Kenya.
Originating approximately three million years ago, this colossal stratovolcano is the very source of the country’s name. Its slopes, a prominent symbol and attraction, bear the marks of extensive erosion, while its upper reaches are adorned with icy caps.
For intrepid adventurers, Mount Kenya offers three distinct peaks to conquer, with Batian reigning as the loftiest among them. While Nelion presents the greatest challenge, Lenana’s capricious nature can also pose difficulties. However, once you conquer the steep ascent and overcome the demanding weather conditions, breathtaking vistas await you at the summit.
Malindi
Malindi is a renowned destination for those seeking sun, sea, and sand. Situated along the Indian Ocean, it offers an abundance of stunning beaches, exquisite hotels, and captivating nature parks.
Traditionally favored by Italian tourists, Malindi’s pristine beaches hold historical significance as the very spot where Vasco da Gama made his landing in 1498. A testament to this momentous event is the coral pillar that still stands, overlooking the vast ocean, after all these centuries. Additionally, for those interested in exploring historical sites, the Gede Ruins safeguard the remnants of a twelfth-century Swahili town, providing a glimpse into the past.
While Malindi boasts a rich historical heritage, it is primarily known for its breathtaking beaches. With glistening turquoise waters bordering the shores, the sweeping white sands create a mesmerizing spectacle. However, it is worth noting that the mouth of the Sabaki River can sometimes cause the ocean to take on a murky brown hue.
Overall, Malindi offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and idyllic beach experiences, making it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a memorable getaway.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
If you’re looking for an animal encounter that you’ll never forget, then a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a must. Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, their sanctuary offers the opportunity to observe baby elephants as they feed, play, and frolic together.
Since its establishment in 1977, the trust has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned and injured elephants. The young ones are hand-reared by their keepers until they reach the age of two or three, after which they are transferred to Tsavo East before being released back into the wild.
A limited number of guests are allowed to visit the orphanage each day to witness the adorable antics of the elephants. Watching them play football and roll around in the mud is an experience that is sure to warm your heart.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is home to one of the most iconic sights in Africa – a vast flock of bright pink flamingos. These beautiful birds are instantly recognizable and make for some fabulous photos. Alongside them, you can also spot white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes.
The lake itself stretches almost endlessly away into the distance and lies within the Great Rift Valley. It’s now a national park, protecting over 450 bird species and a handful of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. At times, more than a million flamingos flock here due to the abundant algae. But there’s more to see than just flamingos and rhinos. Zebra and waterbucks often come to the lake to drink, and sizable pythons slowly slither their way through the dense woodlands along the lakeshore.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is consistently ranked as one of the top safari destinations due to its vast herds of elephants and abundant wildlife. Situated near the border of Tanzania, the park’s savannas, forests, and wetlands offer a delightful experience for exploration.
The name “Amboseli” derives from the Maa language, meaning a place that is both salty and dusty. Its distinctive ecosystems have been officially recognized as a nature park since 1908. While certain areas are extremely dry, the presence of swamps creates a sort of oasis. These wetlands support a thriving ecosystem, with an estimated 1,600 elephants roaming freely in Amboseli.
In addition to seeking out the Big 5 animals, visitors can immerse themselves in the local Maasai culture by visiting the nearby traditional Muteleu village. Furthermore, the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the horizon further enhances the park’s already considerable allure.
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve, situated to the north of Mount Kenya, offers an even more untamed and secluded experience. Unlike other parks, it receives fewer visitors due to its remote location from Nai. This, coupled with its remarkably diverse landscapes, provides a habitat for a multitude of animal species.
Located almost precisely in the center of the country, the reserve is predominantly arid and dusty, although pockets of rivers and forests can be found sporadically. It is the wide range of vegetation and the meandering Ewaso Ngi’ro River that serve as a magnet for the abundant wildlife.
In addition to the usual presence of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, the park is renowned for its unique dry-country fauna. This includes the East African oryx, generuk, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. Despite the effort required to reach Samburu, the opportunity to witness such diverse animals and breathtaking scenery makes it truly worthwhile.
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is a world-renowned safari destination that is famous not only in Kenya but also across the continent. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and many others. The park’s open grasslands and seasonal riverlets merge with the Serengeti to the south, and each year, the Great Migration takes place, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate en masse while predators try to pick them off.
Witnessing this natural phenomenon is an unforgettable experience that will make you feel small. Even outside of the migration season, visitors can easily spot the Big 5 and other animals such as crocs, hippos, long-crested eagles, and African pygmy falcons along the Mara and Talek rivers.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, a serene weekend getaway or a delightful day trip destination, is located just two hours away from Nairobi. Despite being overshadowed by the nearby Lake Nakuru and its famous flamingos, Lake Naivasha is renowned for its picturesque scenery and diverse birdlife. The name of this shallow freshwater lake, which is part of the Great Rift Valley, translates to ‘rough water’ in the Maasai language.
Apart from a significant population of hippos, it is home to approximately 400 bird species, including egrets, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, and kingfishers. Additionally, visitors can spot towering giraffes and big buffaloes along the lake’s shores. To witness the maximum number of animals and birds, many people opt for scenic boat trips on the lake. Alternatively, you can stay overnight at one of the comfortable lodges that offer a stunning view of the lake’s sparkling surface.
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum, situated on the southwestern outskirts of Nairobi and in close proximity to Nairobi National Park, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Out of Africa author during her time in Kenya. The farmhouse-style bungalow served as her residence from 1917 to 1931, and her memoir provides a vivid account of her experiences on the coffee plantation, as well as her observations on Kenya’s culture and British colonial rule in East Africa. Today, the museum is a well-preserved historic house, featuring original artifacts and period pieces that belonged to the author. The lush, green surroundings provide a peaceful respite from the busy city center of Nairobi.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest national parks, is located in the southeast region en route to the coast from Nairobi. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a safari adventure, as it is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The park’s vast savannas and semi-arid grasslands have been protected since 1948, when they were once used as hunting grounds by the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes. In addition to the Big 5, visitors can also spot large hippopotamuses and camouflaged crocodiles along the Galana River.
The park’s bright blue skies are home to crowned cranes and sacred ibis, which can be seen flapping about overhead. Your driver, who is in constant communication with other guides, will ensure that you get up close to every animal imaginable. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to witness a family of elephants enjoying a red dust bath right beside our jeep, which remains one of our fondest memories from our time in Kenya.
