Tourist attractions & activities in Kenya
Mount Kenya
The mountain that named a country, is Kenya’s highest mountain and the second largest in Africa after Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain was formed around 3 million years ago and the highest peak is named Batian at 5,199 meters high. There are a total of three major peaks in the central area and 12 remaining glaciers lay on the mountains, which are all receding. The habitats included; as elephants, buffalo, zebra, rhino, etc.
Climbers are increasingly turning to Mount Kenya for their African climbing experience as Kilimanjaro becomes too crowded.
Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara
The world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most remarkable reserves and safari destinations as well as the country’s most sought-after tourist attraction. The Masai Mara is a northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and is the site of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place from late July through to early October during which millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebras migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Mara’s Great Migration is regarded as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles and natural wonders to witness first-hand. By far the most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July and September as the animals enter Kenya.
Lake Naivasha
The name Naivasha is derived from a word in the Maasai language meaning rough water as sudden storms can occur on the lake. Located northwest of Nairobi and southeast of Lake Nakuru, the Great Rift Valley Lake offers a fantastic place to observe some of the 400 different birds in the region. You can spot various animals on game drives and river cruises, such as the hippos and different birds. Enjoy cruises on the lake to spot cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and eagles. The other birds include jacanas, egrets, bee-eaters, and storks. You will then see the millions of greater and lesser flamingos at the lake edges.
Nairobi National Park
The main tourist attraction in Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park is unique since its the only national park within a city boundary. As a matter of fact, it was Kenya’s first national park and from the edge of the city, you can even see giraffes in the distance. The wide-open grasslands of the national park are backed by the city’s buildings and you can find a wide variety of iconic wildlife living here, such as lions, giraffes, cheetah, hyenas, buffalo, and a diversity of birdlife. Although a small national park, many animals call it home and it’s the destination of choice for a great many migrating herbivores. Besides, there are around 500 different bird species found within the park boundaries making it a great place for birders.
The Bomas of Kenya
The area was founded by the Kenyan government as a way to preserve and promote ethnic identities, while also providing a tourist attraction as a way to educate visitors about Kenya’s cultural identity. Located near the main gate of Nairobi National Park, the dances and shows are adapted from the 16 major tribal groups that live across Kenya, including Embu drumming, Kalenjin warrior dances, and Swahili taarab music. The Bomas of Kenya show the country’s culture through the different group’s music, dances, crafts and ways they live. The word ‘bomas’ itself is a Swahili word for home and each ‘bomas’ shows the culture of a particular traditional group. The houses themselves are styled in a traditional African manner in an ancestral fashion.
Hot air balloon
As a fantastic draw to Kenya, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride over to see some truly remarkable wildlife spectacles from a very unique perspective. The balloon rises with daybreak as the first glimpses of sunlight illuminate the savanna. You will then be on your adventure in the suspended basked beneath the balloon with your camera poised for some fantastic images. The flight lasts around 60 minutes and we will drift where the wind takes you. There will be many opportunities for photographs or filming a unique angle on the animals. In keeping with true hot air ballooning tradition, your flight then ends with a champagne breakfast, which will be cooked where you land followed by a transfer back to your comfortable camp.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake and is the jewel in the Great Rift Valley region. The lake then feeds the Nile River, the world’s longest and most historically significant river. The lake itself is shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and plays an important role in each country. Named after Queen Victoria, the lake is only exceeded in size by Lake Superior and is a marvel to behold when standing on the lake shore. The lake area is home to a number of birds and contains around 200 different fish species such as the Tilapia. However, the wildlife here is quite sparse compared with nearby lakes, such as Lake Nakuru. Lake Victoria is the preferred place for relaxation and contains some beautiful islands where you will enjoy tours around the lake to observe different birds and beautiful scenery.
Nairobi City Tour
Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi is the base for many tourists visiting Kenya for their African safari experience. Nairobi was initially established as a rail depot by the British and grew to become the country’s capital. This is now a vibrant and culture-filled city with fantastic restaurants and attractions, including the national museum, orphanages for various animals, the nearby national park, and some fascinating buildings. The Nairobi National Museum is an interesting place to visit to learn about Kenya’s natural and cultural history and there are many different anthropological items on display. There are some great shopping areas, such as the Masai market to haggle over different crafts and souvenirs. There are also a few art galleries to visit, cultural centers, tea and coffee houses, and a butterfly house.
The Giraffe Center
Established as s breeding sanctuary back in 1979, the center has provided many breeding pairs of giraffes to several protected areas in Kenya. The main draw of the center for visitors is the raised observation platform where people can feed the giraffes. To add a little diversity, the center is also inhabited by a number of warthogs that live happily with their larger long-necked friends. Not only actively involved in Kenya’s conservation programs, the sanctuary also has different education programs for Kenyan schoolchildren as part of the community outreach program.
Food
Kenyan food is delicious and as usual with African cuisine usually means barbecued meat, but there is diversity of dishes with a range of flavors. The staple food for many Kenyan’s living inland is a carbohydrate rich cornmeal bread called ugali, which is often served with stew or vegetables. However, there are a range of others flavors, snacks, and dishes on offers. The most often eaten meats are goat or sheep. One of the most famous dishes in Kenya is called Irio, which is a mix of mashed potatoes and peas served with a heavy stew. Other dishes include roasted and barbecued meats, flavored rice, Kenyan styled bajis, flatbreads, and sausages.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is one the most popular lakes of the Great Rift Valley and is protected in the Lake Nakuru National Park. The picturesque Lake Nakuru and national park is well known for abundant flamingos, rhino and fantastic scenery. Although Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s smallest national parks, many visitors regard it as one of the most attractive. The lake itself draws many different animals, such as the great and lesser flamingos, which are the stars of the area, but also a large number of rhinos. In addition to the flamingos and many other birds, the other animals to see in the area include warthogs, baboons, hippos, and of course the rhinos.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Just south of Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park was named after a narrow passage in the cliffs, which was once a waterway that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. The protected area is a great place to see spectacular scenery with some incredible natural features. This is also a great place to enjoy a variety of activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and visiting the natural hot pools. Hell’s Gate National Park is also famous for its steam geysers and geology. The area also has some fascinating wildlife and is well known for the many great areas to see birds of prey, such as the raptors. The red cliffs and grasslands provide a fantastic backdrop while you walk among the different wildlife, such as herds of zebra, antelope, and gazelles. Although the large predators here are rarely seen, some visitors do get lucky and you have chance opportunities to see lions, leopards, and cheetah.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is Kenya’s main beach destination and is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mombasa. The water is crystal clear, warm, shallow and turquoise blue with palm trees and other vegetation dotting the coast. The sand itself is then soft and white creating the postcard-perfect beach everyone dreams of. The beach itself is the main attraction and its white sands are popular for relaxation and also various activities, such as kite boarding. The beach is very attractive for surfers and you can also explore the coral reefs, which are only 10 minutes by boat away.