Positioned in East Africa, Kenya is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers seeking to expertise the distinctive tradition, unbelievable wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.
From the savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the peaks of Mount Kenya and the beautiful Kenyan shoreline, this vacation spot is residence to quite a lot of landscapes. But it surely’s not simply in regards to the surroundings in Kenya. In our opinion, the largest drawcard of this East Africa vacation spot is a chance to expertise an genuine African safari.
Kenya is residence to over 50 Nationwide Parks and Nature Reserves and greater than 100 group conservancies targeted on wildlife conservation, creating loads of area for animals to thrive of their pure setting.
With so many nice locations providing safari, planning a visit to Kenya could be a bit daunting should you’re undecided the place to begin. That’s why we had been so pleased to have our first journey to Kenya organized and deliberate by the wonderful specialists from Alluring Africa. Given their information of Kenya and powerful relationships with on-the-ground lodge and tour operators, we knew we had been in nice fingers for our journey!
Due to their steerage and an abundance of data about issues to do in Kenya, we’ve put collectively this text to offer you some ideas and concepts on your go to.
So let’s dive proper in!
The grasslands of Maasai Mara Nationwide Park
Greatest Time To Go to Kenya
The very best time to go to Kenya will depend on what sort of expertise you’re searching for. Kenya has two distinct dry seasons and two wet seasons.
The wet seasons in Kenya are from April to June and November to December. The rains carry lush and inexperienced vegetation, making the surroundings all through Kenya actually stunning. This, sadly, makes wildlife recognizing a bit more difficult, because the animals are usually much more unfold out by means of the bush and don’t are likely to congregate on the watering holes. You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from a safari throughout this time, however sighting will probably be tougher. Muddy situations can even pose a problem.
The first dry season in Kenya runs from January to March. It is a nice time to see wildlife as animals are likely to congregate round watering holes, making them simpler to identify. Parks are dry and highway situations are at their greatest. The nice and cozy and sunny climate make this time of the yr a very good time to climb Mount Kenya or go on a seaside trip.
The second dry season runs from July to October and is the perfect time to return to Kenya if you wish to see the annual wildebeest migration within the Maasai Mara. That is additionally a good time for wildlife viewing on the whole, because the dry situations make animals simpler to identify.
The Annual Migration brings wildebeest, zebras, and different grazing animals cross the Mara River seeking contemporary grass. It’s an unbelievable sighting and a large annual attraction in Kenya. It’s value noting although that the timing of the migration fluctuates yearly, so its essential to speak to safari tour operators or plan your journey with an African safari skilled, like Alluring Africa to make sure that you time your go to in the precise window.
Street situations can develop into difficult within the wet season
Getting To Kenya
By air: The most well-liked technique to get to Kenya is by air. There are 3 main airports within the nation, together with Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Moi Worldwide Airport (MBA) in Mombasa and Kisumu Worldwide Airport (KIA).
These serve main geographical hubs of the US, Canada and Europe with each day direct flights from cities corresponding to London, New York and Toronto.
By Boat/Cruise: Touring to Kenya by boat is a good way to expertise the nation’s beautiful shoreline and islands. The principle seaport is Mombasa, which incorporates Kilindini Harbour (the principle port), Port Reitz, Port Tudo and the Outdated Port.
From the US, Europe or Canada, you’ll be able to take a airplane or automobile ferry to get to Mombasa. When you arrive, you’ll be able to take a ship to discover the coast of Kenya or head additional inland on the Safari cruise.
Be aware: that we don’t suggest cruising as a technique to discover Kenya. The cruising business is unsustainable and sometimes does extra injury than good, significantly in third-world locations like Kenya.
Overland: For those who’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to journey overland from neighbouring international locations corresponding to Uganda or Tanzania. This selection permits you to discover extra of East Africa whereas making your technique to Kenya.
Getting Round Kenya
Kenya will not be the simplest vacation spot is to get round, however there are a selection of choices for each sort of traveler.
By Bus: This is among the hottest methods to discover the nation for backpackers, because it’s comparatively inexpensive and protected. The principle bus line in Kenya provides companies that join main cities, together with Nairobi and Mombasa.
By Prepare: The Madaraka Categorical prepare, operated by Kenya Railways, provides a simple and comfy technique to get from Nairobi to Mombasa or vice versa. Costs vary from 500-3000 Kenyan Shillings ($5-$20 USD) relying on the category.
By Automobile: In our opinion, the greatest technique to get round Kenya is by automobile. You possibly can hire your individual automobile in Kenya or select to rent a driver and a automobile to get you from level A to level B. This may assist assist an area and will let you have a stress-free journey. A 4×4 automobile is beneficial.
The roads in Kenya are sometimes unpaved and never for the faint-hearted. However if you’re courageous sufficient to drive your self, do not forget that Kenya drives on the left facet of the highway. The dearth of signage and variable pace limits could make driving difficult, so it’s essential to stay vigilant.
Be aware: Carjacking and theft are dangers in Kenya, significantly in Nairobi, so we suggest avoiding touring at evening. Don’t overlook to park your automobile in a protected spot in a single day and go away it locked always.
No higher technique to get round Kenya than with an area information and devoted automobile
Suggestions for Sustainable Journey in Kenya
Kenya is a phenomenal nation with loads of alternatives for sustainable journey when visiting well-known vacationer points of interest. It’s essential to take into account the influence that your journey could have on the native setting and group.
A method to do that is by visiting community-owned conservancies. These conservancies are managed by native communities and supply a good way to assist the folks, protect the land and wildlife and be taught extra in regards to the tradition and other people of Kenya.
It’s additionally essential to be conscious of your environmental influence when touring in Kenya. Cut back flights and use public transportation the place potential. By touring by highway in teams, is one other approach to assist scale back your carbon footprint.
You’ll want to reduce using single-use plastics and select eco-friendly lodging wherever potential. Many properties in Kenya now provide compostable supplies, low-energy lighting, solar energy, and different sustainable practices.
You also needs to go to throughout the shoulder or moist seasons when there are normally fewer vacationers round. By visiting year-round, you’ll be able to benefit from magnificent experiences just like the annual Nice Migration or hike Mount Kenya.
Oryx at sundown in Mugie Conservancy
Greatest Issues To Do In Kenya
There are many issues to do in Kenya, starting from wildlife safaris to mountain climbing and trekking, in addition to lazy days on the Kenya coast.
Right here is our record of the high locations and issues to do in Kenya.
1. See the Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve
Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve (additionally spelled as Masai Mara), positioned in southwestern Kenya, is a world-famous wildlife sanctuary that covers an space of 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles). It’s residence to the Nice Migration, a spectacular occasion that happens yearly between July and October when over two million animals cross the Mara River seeking higher grazing areas.
As well as, Masai Mara nationwide reserve is residence to an unbelievable variety of wildlife, together with the Huge 5 and plenty of different iconic and endangered animals in Kenya, together with 570 chicken species. Whereas conventional safari sport drives are the most well-liked technique to expertise the Masai Mara, balloon safaris, boat safaris and guided walks are additionally obtainable.
Masai Mara can be a big cultural vacation spot. The Maasai folks, who inhabit the world, have a wealthy cultural heritage and provide guests the chance to find out about their conventional dances, artisanal crafts, and distinctive gown. You probably have additional time, we suggest visiting a Masai village to be taught in regards to the Maasai lifestyle first hand.
Magical morning in Masai Mara
A tower of giraffes in Masai Mara
Capturing elephants on a safari in Masai Mara
For us, the Maasai Mara Nationwide Reserve is the spotlight of any go to to Kenya.
The abundance of wildlife on this area is completely unbelievable. Whereas we solely spent 3 days within the Maasai Mara, it was probably the most thrilling, action-packed day of our journey, with plenty of unbelievable sightings and unforgettable experiences.
Be aware: There are many lodging choices in and across the Masai Mara, starting from luxurious lodges to tented camps. Throughout our go to, we stayed on the Little Governor’s Camp, one of many oldest camps within the Mara. The camp was positioned proper beside the Mara River, with tents arrange in a semi-circle across the marsh, making for a comfy and intimate setting. Lodging at Little Governor’s Camp was extra like glamping, with comfy tented rooms that includes double beds and en suite loos with cold and warm working water. In the case of selecting the right lodge or camp within the Mara, we predict all of it comes all the way down to the guides, and the guides at Little Governor’s had been the perfect!
Tents hidden within the bushes at Little Governor’s Camp
2. Take a Peek at Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli Nationwide Park
Amboseli Nationwide Park is a well-liked vacation spot so as to add to your record of issues to do in Kenya if you’re seeking to expertise a safari in a phenomenal setting in Kenya.
Amboseli Nationwide Park might not be the perfect vacation spot for wildlife viewing, however it’s definitely probably the most scenic. With beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro serving because the backdrop of a safari, this park permits you see and {photograph} a few of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in a really particular setting. Elephants, lions, cheetahs, and zebras are discovered contained in the park in addition to over 600 chicken species.
Guests can discover the park by means of varied actions, together with sport drives, guided walks, and cultural excursions with the Maasai folks, who stay within the surrounding areas of Amboseli Nationwide Park.
The view of Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli Nationwide Park.
3. See Conservation at work in Mugie Conservancy
Mugie Conservancy is a lesser-known 46,000-acre wildlife sanctuary positioned on the sting of Laikipia, Kenya. Centered on sustainable improvement and tourism, the conservancy works in direction of preserving and defending endangered species and biodiversity.
The conservancy is residence to over 70 mammal species, together with endangered African wild canine, leopards, and elephants, in addition to over 280 chicken species. There’s a 156-acre lake contained in the conservancy (with a couple of hippos inside), providing a chance for a ship safari along with sport drives and nature walks.
We visited Mugie Conservancy throughout our time in Kenya and had been significantly impressed by their conservation work, analysis and monitoring applications. One of many highlights of our go to to Mugie Conservancy was the chance to see a few of these applications first-hand. We tracked massive cats discovered in regards to the bloodhound anti-poaching unit and even met Tala, a well-known rescue giraffe.
On a safari in Mugie Conservancy in Kenya
Magical sundown on a Kenya safari at Mugie Conservancy
Be aware that with just a few motels inside Mugie Conservancy, lodging on this area are considerably restricted. We stayed on the Governor’s Mugie Home, a phenomenal luxurious safari lodge positioned within the coronary heart of the conservancy. The lodge overlooks a watering gap frequented by wildlife and provides luxurious suites, an infinity pool, spacious eating and sitting areas, and an elevated deck with stunning sundown views. It’s a phenomenal spot to base your self throughout your time in Mugie.
Lovely Mugie Home within the coronary heart of Mugie Conservancy
4. Go on a Boat Safari in Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake positioned in Kenya’s Rift Valley. It’s one other lesser-known safari vacation spot in Kenya that covers an space of 150 sq km (57.9 miles). The lake is surrounded by lush inexperienced forests and grassland.
This space is greatest for birdwatching, with over 350 species of migratory and native birds within the space. You possibly can see these birds of their pure habitat on a morning boat safari or guided strolling excursions.
In addition to birdwatching, the lake and its surrounding space are residence to quite a lot of different wildlife. There are over 100 animal species discovered at Lake Naivasha, together with hippos, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, and different wildlife. There are alternatives for conventional sport drive safaris, in addition to boat excursions and even evening drives.
On a ship safari on Lake Naivasha
Fishermen at dawn on Lake Naivasha
The place to Keep: There are a number of safari lodges positioned across the Lake. We stayed on the Governor’s Loldia Home, a phenomenal, peaceable property with a singular mix of colonial-style class and African allure. The resort is positioned proper on the lake and provides non-public rooms in the principle home and in particular person cottages on web site. There’s a pool, a spa and exquisite gardens to discover. Sport drives and boat excursions, in addition to a full board keep, is included within the worth.
Our cottage at Governor’s Loldia Home
5. See Flamingos in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is one other nice instance of a conservation space in Kenya. Designated as a protected space in 1957, this park has been probably the greatest examples of wildlife conservation in Kenya for many years.
With over 400 species of birds discovered within the space, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. However the principle draw of Lake Nakuru is its flamingo colonies that collect alongside the shores of Lake Nakuru. To additional defend the distinctive ecosystem required by the flamingos, Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 2011.
There’s loads to see in Lake Nakuru apart from the flamingos and different birds. The park is residence to 100 endangered rhinos (each black and white), in addition to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and over 50 different animals, together with buffalos, waterbucks, lions, and impalas.
Lured in by the promise of gorgeous flamingos, we visited Lake Nakuru on a day journey from Lake Naivasha. We discovered the journey from Lake Naivasha to be fairly lengthy and tiring. It’s a worthy park so as to add to your record of issues to do in Kenya, particularly should you’ve by no means seen flamingos in such numbers earlier than, however we might not suggest it as a day journey expertise. As an alternative, discover lodging contained in the park and luxuriate in the great thing about flamingos and different wildlife within the morning and nightfall.
Flamingos at Lake Nakuru
Taking a break on a relaxation cease in Lake Nakuru
6. See Pink Elephants in Tsavo East Nationwide Park
Tsavo Nationwide Park is Kenya’s largest Nationwide Park, positioned between Nairobi Metropolis and Mombasa within the southeastern of the nation. Overlaying an space of almost 22,000 sq km (8494 sq miles), the park is split into Tsavo East Nationwide Park and Tsavo West Nationwide Park. The park is understood for its numerous wildlife and is especially famend for being the residence of pink elephants.
Tsavo East Nationwide Park is barely bigger than Tsawo West. It’s usually flat, and recognized for its dry plains and the Galana River. The Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls are the opposite landmarks of the world. Tsavo West Nationwide Park options extra mountains and wooded grasslands and has a number of different points of interest together with Mzima springs, recognized for its hippos and crocodiles, Ngulia Rhino sanctuary, and the Shetani lava stream.
Each sections of the park are residence to plenty of wildlife, together with the Huge 5, in addition to hippos, hartebeests, impalas, elands, fringe-eyed oryx, giraffes, kudu and plenty of others.
As of 2023, entrance charges for the park are 52 USD for adults and 35 USD for kids. The park is positioned 5 hours away from Nairobi and is commonly mixed with a safari in Amboseli Nationwide Park
Elephant in Tsavo Nationwide Park
7. Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa, with a powerful peak of 5,199 meters above sea degree. Mt Kenya’s spectacular glacier-clad summits and forested center slopes make it one of many most visually spectacular locations in Kenya.
There are 12 remaining glaciers on the mountain and 4 lesser peaks on the high of the glacial valleys. The mountain itself is a phenomenal sight. As well as, conquering its peak is among the high issues to do in Kenya for energetic vacationers.
The climb to the highest of Mt Kenya is difficult and requires a good bit of preparation. There are a variety of routes you’ll be able to take to ascend Mount Kenya. The most well-liked routes are Chogoria, Naro Moru, and Sirimon. Each provides a unique surroundings.
The climb normally takes 3-7 days and is often undertaken as part of a guided tour which incorporates meals, porters and in a single day lodging in mountain huts or campsites en route.
For those who don’t wish to climb Mount Kenya, it’s value touring to the world to glimpse Kenya’s tallest mountain. Mount Kenya Nationwide Park is a superb place to go to to admire the views of the mountain and its environment. There are a variety of strolling trails contained in the park and a few picnic spots to benefit from the surroundings.
Climbing Mount Kenya
8. Spend a Few Days in Nairobi
The capital of Kenya is a sprawling metropolitan and an financial, cultural, and political heart of the nation. Nairobi has a busy metropolis heart with outlets, eating places, massive buildings and a few well-liked museums and markets value visiting.
The Maasai Market, particularly, is a superb place to purchase souvenirs in your approach out of Kenya. The market is stuffed with stalls promoting conventional Kenyan crafts, corresponding to beaded jewellery, picket carvings, and woven baskets.
A number of the extra well-liked museums within the metropolis embody Nairobi Nationwide Museum, the place you’ll be able to find out about Kenya’s historical past, tradition, and pure heritage and Karen Blixen Museum, devoted to the well-known creator Karen Blixen.
A busy road in Nairobi. Picture by Nina Inventory from Pixabay
9. Go to Nairobi Nationwide Park
Nairobi Nationwide Park is the one nationwide park positioned inside Kenya’s capital metropolis. The park spans an space of 117 sq km (45 sq miles), It’s residence to a various vary of wildlife, together with lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and extra.
One of many coolest options of this park is that its the one place in Africa the place you’ll be able to see wildlife with a backdrop of a metropolis. Nairobi Nationwide Park is greatest loved on a sport drive, though guided walks and evening safaris are additionally obtainable.
Rhinos in Nairobi Nationwide Park. Picture by Alexander Strachan from Pixabay
10. Chase Waterfalls at Karura Forest Reserve
Karura Forest Reserve is an city upland forest positioned on the outskirts of Nairobi. The reserve provides a stark distinction to the hustle and bustle of the town. It is usually probably the most well-liked issues to do in Kenya for nature lovers.
Karura Forest Reserve covers roughly 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres). It is a good instance of how companies and people can take duty for shielding pure assets in Kenya.
The reserve has many points of interest, together with waterfalls, caves, and groves of indigenous bushes. It’s a peaceable and enjoyable spot for a hike not too removed from the town.
Waterfalls in Karura Forest Reserve. Photograph by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash
11. Meet Rescued Giraffes at Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a non-profit giraffe sanctuary that focuses on restoring the inhabitants of the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. The middle provides guests a singular alternative to work together with these mild giants of their pure habitat. However their most important objective is to coach Kenyan faculty youngsters and youth about their nation’s wildlife and setting.
Contained in the Giraffe Centre, you’ll discover plenty of issues to do. There’s an elevated platform the place you’ll be able to come near the giraffes, a peaceable 1.5-kilometre nature path, an info centre and a tea home the place you’ll be able to seize a snack on the finish of your go to.
We didn’t go to the Giraffe Centre firsthand, however we had a chance to satisfy one other rescued giraffe on the Mugie Conservancy and located that have to be actually enjoyable! For those who don’t get an opportunity to go to Mugie in your journey, take into account including a cease to Giraffee Centre as an alternative.
Assembly Tala, the rescued giraffe in Mugie Conservancy
12. Go Tea Tasting at Kiambethu Tea Farm
Kiambethu is a family-run tea farm that has been in operation since 1910. The present proprietor, Fiona and her crew provide excursions of farm and share tons of details about tea manufacturing in Kenya. For those who love tea and wish to attempt some nice tea in Kenya, make sure you add this go to to your record of issues to do in Kenya.
Excursions embody a go to to the tea fields and an illustration of how tea is processed. It additionally features a scrumptious lunch made with contemporary greens from the farm’s personal backyard.
You’ll have the chance to purchase tea and discover the farm and the close by indigenous forest.
On the Kiambethu Tea Farm
13. Take a day Journey to Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park
Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park is a singular nook of the Nice Rift Valley, masking an space of 68 sq km (26 sq miles). The park is understood for its geothermal options and is a well-liked vacation spot for a day journey from Nairobi.
A number of the most important pure points of interest in Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park embody towering cliffs, stunning gorges, rock towers, and extinct volcanoes. There are additionally scorching springs to get pleasure from, a well being spa on web site in addition to nature trails for guests. Some wildlife can be discovered within the park. These embody buffalo, zebra, eland, lipspringer antelope, hartebeest, Chandler’s mountain reedbuck, Thomson’s gazelle and baboons.
Hells Gate Nationwide Park. Picture by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
13. Benefit from the Seashores of Kenya Coast
Kenya is understood for its stunning shoreline. Mombasa, the principle coastal metropolis in Kenya, boasts beautiful seashores and crystal-clear waters. The town is located alongside the Indian Ocean and is commonly a vacation spot mixed with a safari go to in Kenya.
There are a number of nice white sandy seashores positioned close to Mombasa, together with Diani Seashore, Watamu Seashore, Nyali Seashore, and Bamburi Seashore, amongst others.
With swimming, snorkelling, and even scuba diving alternatives, the seashores are an ideal spot to chill out and unwind after spending a while on a safari in Kenya. There are numerous resorts and eating places dotted alongside the seashores, providing loads of lodging and locations to eat when you chill out throughout your keep.
Mombasa itself is a vibrant metropolis with good nightlife, bars and golf equipment that cater to each locals and vacationers. The town provides a singular mix of tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence. Mombasa can be a must-see vacation spot for anybody visiting Kenya.
Camels on Diani Seashore. Picture by Herbert Aust from Pixabay
14. Go to the Gede Ruins
If you will make your technique to the Kenya coast, make sure you add a go to to the Gede Ruins Museum to your itinerary. This museum, positioned on the Kenyan coast close to Watamu Seashore, is a historic sights of an historical Swahili city courting again to the thirteenth century and offers guests with a singular glimpse into the area’s wealthy cultural heritage.
The ruins comprise an unlimited complicated of mosques, a grand palace, and residential buildings. These are all nestled in 45 acres of pristine forest. Guests can discover the ruins and be taught in regards to the historical past of this once-thriving metropolis by means of guided excursions and informational shows.
Gede Ruins Museum. Photograph by way of Nationwide Museums of Kenya
You might be certain to have a good time in Kenya regardless of which of those actions you select so as to add to your itinerary. To cowl most actions, plan a minimal of two weeks in Kenya. This contains Rift Valley safari, visiting a number of nationwide parks, and a visit to the Kenya Coast.