Kenya is one of the best travel destinations in the world, and should be on every tourist’s wish list. Once the pandemic is over, travel lovers will wish to visit beautiful locations that offer scenic views and exciting experiences. Here are the 10 top rated tourist spots in Kenya that you should visit.
1. Nairobi
The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, is an excellent spot to visit. Here, tourists can find luxurious and comfortable accommodation with top class facilities. The city is home to local and international stores and restaurants. Nature lovers can visit Nairobi National Park to find spectacular wildlife such as lions, wildebeests, hyenas, giraffes, gazelles, warthogs, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, ostriches, and approximately 400 species of birds! With more than 50 black rhinos, the park is famous as a rhinoceros sanctuary. A great location for history lovers is the Nairobi National Museum where they can learn about the natural and political history of Kenya. One could also visit the Giraffe Center which is home to a number of giraffes. Visitors can get so close to the giraffes that they can even lick the person’s hand!
Nairobi Kenya Street Crowded, Image Source: Nina Stock via Pixabay
2. Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is famous for its safaris, wildlife, and game viewing. One can spot the glorious ‘Big Five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes), gazelles, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, dik diks, foxes, monkeys, warthogs, aardwolfs, baboons, and mongooses! The region is named after the Maasai people, who wear red robes and carry spears. Taking a cultural tour to visit them is a great idea. They are friendly, and tourists can interact with them to learn about their culture and heritage!
Kenya Masai Warrior, Image Source: Gabriel LE NAOUR via Pixabay
3. Malindi
Malindi Airport allows tourists to reach the area and explore it. Malindi Bay is a great surf spot as surfers can enjoy the small swell and the bigger waves. Malindi Marine National Park offers glass bottomed boat rides, scuba diving and snorkelling experiences, and allows visitors to view marine creatures such as Mako sharks, whale sharks, and green turtles! Tourists can go to the unique Crocodile Farm and Snake Park to interact with the vicious animals!
4. Mombasa
Mombasa Island is famous for its beauty and history. It was fought over by Turks, Arabs, Persians, and the Portugese, till it came under the sultan of Zanzibar in 1840, and then under British rule in 1895. The relaxing beaches act as the perfect getaway spots, and visitors can enjoy watching the vivid greenery. Tourists can also go to Fort Jesus, a historic location which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It allows tourists to observe a variety of artefacts collected through the ages! Mombasa is home to marine creatures such as crabs, jellyfish, lionfish, angelfish, sea urchins, sharks, octopuses, zebrafish, and starfish. Tourists can enjoy exciting water activities such as boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving among the vibrant coral reef.
5. Watamu
Watamu is known for its stunning coral gardens and sandy beaches. Visitors can go to the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve to find manta rays, corals, and hawksbill turtles. Travellers can enjoy diving and snorkelling at Watamu beach, and kiteboarding at Garoda Beach. Tourists can also go to the Gede ruins to see the extraordinary sight of ancient Swahili architecture.
6. Kilifi
At the south of Kilifi Creek, tourists can visit the ruins of the ancient Swahili city of Mnarani. The Great Mosque and its inscriptions are still preserved. At Bofa Beach, guests can enjoy the beauty of swaying palms, the clear water, and the white sand. The gorgeous location has cliffs, and crabs!
7. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its biodiversity, as it is home to lions, wild dogs, white rhinos, zebras, impalas, baboons, African buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, vervet and colobus monkeys, and waterbucks! The park is great for birdwatching, as tourists can spot a large number of flamingos, fish eagles, storks, hammerkops, and yellow-billed pelicans! The park is home to around 400 species of birds, most of which migrate from lake to lake within the Rift Valley. Travellers can also hike up to breathtaking Makalia Falls!
8. Nanyuki
The gorgeous region of Nanyuki acts as a gateway to the majestic Mount Kenya, visitors can enjoy the vivid greenery, and visit the nearby animal orphanage! At Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, one can enjoy the scenic view of cascading waterfalls. Mount Kenya National Park is home to wildlife such as grevy’s zebras, leopards, mongooses, elephants, and black rhino! Guests can go to Equator Marker where they can stand at both sides of the equator!
Antelope Sunset Kenya, Image Source: Dan Sudermann via Pixabay
9. Lamu
Another top rated location in the country is Lamu Island. It’s diverse culture Swahili, Omani, Portuguese, and Turkish influences. Tourists can enjoy the mouthwatering local food, ride a dhow, or relax at the pristine sandy beach. The island is peaceful and serene so visitors can unwind and let go of their worries and stresses. In the town, tourists can move around on donkeys, which is a unique and memorable experience. Nearby, travellers can visit archaeological sites and ancient ruins at Manda, Kiwayu, Siyu, and Pate.
10. Amboselli National Park
At Amboselli, visitors can enjoy the view of the glorious Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Named after the Maasai word "Amboseli", which means "salty dust," the park is parched and dry. It is home to animals such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, elands, giraffes, waterbucks, impalas, and gazelles. The park is a great location for bird watching as tourists can find over 600 species of birds. Visitors can interact with the local Maasai people who live nearby, or explore the diverse landscapes of the region.
Giraffe Kenya Africa Wildlife, Image Source: HowardWilks via Pixabay
