There’s so much to see and do when you visit Kenya. As one of Africa’s most famous destinations, it has a high concentration of all the very best the continent has to offer. This destination will surprise and enchant every visitor, including everything from world-class cities and fascinating culture to diverse wildlife, fauna and flora.
We share ten of our top reasons why you should add Kenya to your African itinerary.
1. Meet The Famous Maasai
One of the most famous African cultures is that of the Maasai. There are many derivatives of this heritage, each with unique customs and traditions. This is evident in the cultural villages scattered around the Maasai Mara Reserve, blending into a symbiotic relationship with the wildlife deep in the African bush.
Read more about their unique African traditions, giving insight into what makes them a focal point in Kenya’s history.
2. Enjoy Some of Africa’s Best Game Viewing
Home of the wide-open Savannah plains, Kenya is most famous for safaris. The Maasai-Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo are among the most famous. However, there are over 60 national parks and reserves found throughout the country.
Visit Kenya to find yourself in a wildlife paradise where sightings of the Big 5 are almost guaranteed. Other exciting species you can expect to see are cheetah and a variety of antelope. Keen photographers should also keep an eye out for the ultimate Savannah shot, featuring a flat-topped acacia tree set against the golden sunset.
3. Relax on Kenya’s Rustic Beaches
Beaches may not be the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about Kenya. However, its Indian Ocean coastline is simply sublime. The white sands and warm waters of Diani Beach and Watamu are straight out of a tropical island paradise dream.
Soak up the sun on Funzi Island or along the Lamu Archipelago for a relaxing beach break. Alternatively, explore the enchanting cultural influences of Mombasa and venture to various other historical colonial ports along the coast that shaped Kenya’s fascinating history.
Read more about the best beaches in Kenya, as well as the variety of cultures that influenced them.
4. See Cultures Collide In The Old Town of Lamu
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Lamu has been continuously inhabited for over 700 years. Lamu’s architecture and urban structure showcase the cultural influences that collided here over hundreds of years. These influences stem from Europe, Arabia, and India, combining with the traditional Swahili techniques for the distinct culture it’s known for today.
Highlights here include seeking hidden secrets in the narrow alleyways of this bustling town and experiencing sacred traditional ceremonies.
5. Live Your Best Life At Luxury Safari Lodges
Kenya is the classic safari destination. Therefore, as you may expect, it’s host to a vast array of luxury safari lodges. As a result of their prime location, world-class service and fine dining, you can expect only the very best at these establishments.
In addition, expert guides at each lodge provide insight into local heritage and the area’s astounding fauna and flora. A luxury safari experience in Africa comes with an old-world sense of adventure, encapsulated in sophistication. There’s simply no better way to safari than in style!
6. Experience The Great Migration
A must for any nature enthusiast visiting Kenya is witnessing the Great Migration. This is, without a doubt, nature’s most remarkable journey and features thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traversing across East Africa.
The herds are most often present in the Maasai Mara from June through to October. However, August is the best bet for seeing the river crossings made famous by nature documentaries. Where the herds go, the predators follow. Therefore, any Great Migration safari is bound to offer an array of thrilling wildlife sightings and experiences.
7. Visit Kenya for its Cosmopolitan Capital City
Nairobi is a vibrant and modern African city, complete with boutique shopping, artisan eateries, tech start-ups and high-rise buildings. Moreover, it’s home to several art galleries and the Kenyan National Theatre. As a result, Nairobi is known as the country’s arts and culture hub.
Friendly faces greet you around every corner while you enjoy all the comforts of home with the special touches of Africa. One of the city’s unique features is that it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see four of the Big 5, set against a backdrop of skyscrapers. This is due to the city’s proximity of Nairobi National Park.
8. Admire Africa’s Great Lakes
Africa’s Rift Valley Lakes network across three large catchments, spanning several borders. Kenya is home to eight of these lakes, including Lake Naivasha, a freshwater source that draws exquisite birdlife. Lake Nakuru is a “soda lake” famous for attracting large flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallows.
The region’s natural biodiversity led to the area around the lake being proclaimed a national park in 1961. Today, tourists can visit one of the many luxury lodges around the lakes. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a boating safari for a unique vantage point of the wildlife.
9. Exchange Winter for Warmer Climates
Africa generally has hotter weather than most European countries. More importantly, it also has more consistent temperatures. In contrast to European winters, an African winter may consist of the occasional dry chill or a thunderous downpour. However, the weather is mostly mild.
Kenya, in particular, enjoys very mild temperatures and weather patterns year-round. This means that, while it’s still quite hot during midday in summertime, the mornings and afternoons reach a pleasant temperature, often complemented by a cool breeze.
10. Marvel At Magical Mountain Peaks
Kenya has a breathtaking collection of mountains, including Mount Kenya, Mount Longonot and Mount Elgon. And although it’s technically in Tanzania, you can also see Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya’s side of the border.
Some might even argue that Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is among the best places to view Africa’s highest peak. However, if you book with one of the many lodges close to the border, you’ll get best of both worlds. Therefore, you’ll get to enjoy both refined Kenyan safaris and adventurous treks in Tanzania for the ultimate East African trip.
Visit Kenya
With such an array of attractions, you’ll leave Kenya with many priceless memories. The abundance of natural wonders and fascinating culture is forever imprinted on the hearts of travellers.
Our African Travel Experts are on hand to help you plan your visit to Kenya. Contact us to bring your African dream to life.
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Love Kenya, lived there thirteen years and everything said here is so true. A beautiful place in this world.