Discover the Hottest Holiday Spots in Kenya
Kenya really does have it all, experience luxury beaches, scenic landscapes and swanky, stunning wildlife, ultra-modern hotels, pulsating nightlife and incredible food, coastal towns, vibrant cities and sleepy villages, as well as a variety of interesting activities that will add some adrenaline to your African holiday.
Even with all these attractions, Kenya still values its traditions. The country is steeped in history and culture, and the people embrace their Kenyan roots. A cultural or traditional holiday in the country crams everything from museums, heritage citadels to the Masaai villages.
But where are the top spots in Kenya for an unforgettable experience? Here’s a list of Kenya’s 10 most popular destinations along with what makes them unique and interesting to visit!
1. Nairobi
Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi bubbles with energy as it offers a mix of buzzing lifestyle and unforgettable wildlife experience. No matter how long you intend to stay in this city, there are great experiences you can enjoy. Discover its cultural gems –museums and art venues, which ensure several cultural options for you in the city.
After exploring the stunning attractions and indulging in a wide range of interesting activities during the day, you can try the plethora of lively spots at night. The city features several luxury hotels to stay and a wide range of restaurants serving local and intercontinental dishes. What more could you ask for?
Nairobi
2. Mombasa
Mombasa is a coastal paradise with powdery sands and picturesque beaches. With lengthy miles of coastlines, a holiday in this city can last forever as the local life moves at a slow pace. The city is the second-largest in Kenya and offers a wide range of attractions and fun activities.
Enjoy sun-kissed days, morning swims in Diani Beach, barefoot walks, and sunset that will take your breath away. If you can let your hair down, allow the night-time partying attract you, as you drink and dance the night away. The city has abundance hotels, beach resorts, and restaurants. There are several cultural and historical attractions to explore when you’re not spending your day on the beach.
Mombasa Beach.Image courtesy: ByTravelmombasa
3. Malindi and Watamu
For many, a holiday in Malindi and Watamu is all about the beach. The small town of Malindi lies on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, surrounded by pristine beaches. The beaches are dotted with waterfront resorts, hotels, and villas for a relaxing break. There’s a popular resort called Silversand Residence, located in the south of Malindi. The Silversand Beach features fine swathes of sand and is a great spot for lengthy seaside walks.
| Hot Tip: If you looking to do some sunbathing, read more about the Best beaches in kenya here.
The quiet village of Watamu is located further south of Malindi, and it’s fronted by unspoilt white beaches. The coastal village has a Marine National Park, a perfect spot for diving and snorkelling. You can indulge in an array of activities in Malindi and Watamu such as fishing, sailing on the dhow during sunset, watching dolphin, sunbathing, and sightseeing.
Malindi Beach
4. Lake Turkana
There is lunar scenery around Lake Turkana, the world's largest permanent desert lake that crawls with the Nile crocodiles. Palaeontologists fulfil their dreams in this part of the world where the remains of an ancient hominid were found. The lake is one of Africa’s most saline lakes, and its water evaporates at the rate of about 2.4-metres every year.
It’s rich in fossil remains including molluscan and mammalian, and it features many archaeological sites. The lake area offers a range of attractions such as Sibiloi National Park, where you can easily spot some wildlife such as Gerenuk, Grevy Zebra, and Oryx.
Lake Turkana By Destination360
5. Tsavo National Parks
Tsavo National Park is divided into two parks – Tsavo East and Tsavo West. If you are keen on seeing the Big Five, this is the best place to visit. The national park is one of the largest national parks in East Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including a large population of elephants, Thompson gazelles, duikers, impalas, and klipspringers. The night is magical here, and you can experience it when you stay at the lodges and campsites located within or close to the park.
Lake Turkana By Guidetrip
6. Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Located in Northern Kenya, these three natural reserves are connected to one another, making it a massive reserve that gathers wildlife around the Ewaso Ngiro River. The reserves are semi-desert and located in the arid areas of the north. You will find a wide range of wildlife here such as Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy's Zebra.
Have you ever seen the blue-legged ostriches? You can find them here. Camel safari is fun, and you will find several lodges in the area.
Ewaso Ngiro River in Shaba National Reserve By Howardsaunders
7. Lamu Town
Lamu is one of the oldest towns in Kenya, a place where you can unwind and have pure relaxation after a long day of endlessly chasing the attractions it offers. Blessed with picturesque beaches and a wide range of fun activities, this traditional town has not changed for centuries. The mini-buses or matatus are not seen in this part of Kenya. The sound of the waters and donkeys make Lamu an extraordinary place to enjoy your holiday. A traditional dhow is available to help you discover the islands of Lamu.
Lamu Island
8. The Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is the wonderland of Africa! The Big Five makes the place one of the popular safari destinations the tourists visit before leaving the country. The park is renowned for the Great Migration, which is a fascinating natural phenomenon that involves the migration of wildebeest from Serengeti National Reserve in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya. Flying the hot-air balloon will give you the perfect view of the wildlife migration. It is one of the most magnificent places on earth where you will see throngs of hippotamus, thousands of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and wildebeest.
Ewaso Ngiro River in Shaba National Reserve By Safaribookings
9. Amboseli National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro stares at you from the Amboseli National Park. The park is situated on the Observation Hill. The Maasai reside around the park with their cattle. Aside Masaai Mara National Reserve, this national park is also one of the most popular destinations for safari holidays.
The park is home to an array of vegetation and grasslands such as acacia woodland, savannah grassland, observation hill, and Lake Amboseli swamps. The park has many species of birds and animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffalos, impalas, and leopards. Enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
Amboseli National Park By Safaribookings
10. Mount Kenya
Whether you are a professional or beginner in mountain climbing, Mount Kenya has an adventure for you. The mountain features scenic snow-capped peaks and has a striking height that has always attracted adventurous trekkers and climbers from all over the world.
You can climb the Batain or Nelion if you are an expert mountain climber, while anyone can go for the Lenana. You may find ice, snow, and rock while climbing this mountain. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to an array of wildlife, alpine vegetation with a variety of endemic plants, and mineral springs.
Mount Kenya By Keadventure Travel
11. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy protects endangered species in a natural environment. The endangered Grevy's zebra, sitatunga, and the black rhino are protected in this conservancy. The Conservancy is well maintained, and there are more than 200 species of birds and 60 species of mammals that live here. Choose to explore the conservancy in a local safari vehicle or for the more adventurous you may set off upon a camel.
There are several lodges around the conservancy, which offers comfortable accommodation for guests. You can indulge in some fun activities such as camel or horse rides, fly-fishing at Lake Rutundu and exploring the Maasai Cultural Village. You can also go on a day trip to Ngare Ndare Forest for some hiking activities.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
12. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake NakuruLake Nakuru is located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley, just some distance from Nakuru town. The national park is popular for its huge flock of flamingos on Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake. You will see ostriches, hippopotamus, warthogs, giraffes, and lions around the park. You will see the ostriches, hippopotamus, warthogs, giraffes, and lions around the park. You can spend a day exploring this park while you enjoy some game viewing. The lake is also home to abundant migratory bird species, and the park features the country’s largest Euphoria forest.
Lake Turkana By Destination360
Start your Journey
If you have your heart set on exploring Kenya, let us help you plan your Journey. Search and compare prices for local Kenyan flights here And while you exploring East Africa, why not have a look at our Tanzania destinations to get the most of your African Adventure!
