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Discover Kenya’s Top 6 Must-See Destinations
When envisioning Africa, Kenya often springs to mind. It’s a breathtaking destination that sits prominently on many travellers’ Africa bucket lists, and rightfully so.
Kenya boasts numerous enchanting places to explore, each with its own distinct charm and allure. While the Masai Mara is renowned for the dramatic wildebeest migration, there’s much more to discover throughout this captivating East African nation.
1. Masai Mara National Park
The Masai Mara National Reserve stands as Kenya’s most renowned and revered wildlife reserve, stretching to meet Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Its robust anti-poaching measures have earned it a reputation for thriving populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
From July to October each year, the Great Migration unfolds, with thousands of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles kicking up dust as they rush towards greener pastures in the Serengeti. Their journey is marked by frantic movement, as they evade prowling lions and watchful crocodiles along the riverbanks.
Bordering the Masai Mara National Park are 15 wildlife conservancies, equally rich in wildlife but allowing activities like night drives and guided game walks, offering visitors a unique perspective on the area’s biodiversity.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, following Maasai Mara, ranks as Kenya’s second most-visited destination. Its expansive arid landscapes contrast with vibrant swamp oases, creating a diverse habitat within its 40,000 hectares. Mount Kilimanjaro serves as a majestic backdrop, its snow-capped peaks visible across the border.
Luxury lodges within Amboseli provide comfortable accommodations for guests to explore the park’s extensive plains. While the park boasts a variety of wildlife, including over 300 bird species, its main attraction is the opportunity to observe free-ranging elephant herds up close. These magnificent creatures coexist with the semi-nomadic Maasai people, who warmly welcome visitors to experience their culture during village visits.
3. Laikipia
Situated centrally, the Laikipia Plateau spans from Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley. It harbors nearly half of Kenya’s rhinoceros population, safeguarded within various private conservancies. Elephants frequent the area, using it as a corridor between Mount Kenya and Samburu. Laikipia is often integrated into broader Kenyan itineraries due to its abundant wildlife, including the Big 5, found in many conservancies. Additionally, it serves as a launching point for exploring Kenya’s northern regions and great lakes. While access is primarily via light aircraft flights, a five-hour rugged road journey from Nairobi offers a more budget-friendly alternative.
4. Samburu National Park
Although less renowned than other parks, the Samburu National Reserve boasts a distinctive ecosystem characterized by a drier climate than its southern counterparts, making it suitable for animals adapted to desert conditions. Renowned for the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the beisa oryx), the reserve also hosts over 450 bird species and 75 mammal species, including elephants and cheetahs. It’s also the habitat of the Samburu tribes. Visitors can partake in various activities such as walking Safaris, day and night game drives, camel rides, and quad biking.
5. Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a destination worth exploring in its own regard. On clear days, visitors can catch glimpses of Africa’s largest and second-largest mountains, Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, respectively, from the city. To the west, the iconic Ngong Hills, made famous by Karen Blixen, adorn the landscape. Blixen’s former home in Nairobi has been transformed into the Karen Blixen Museum, offering insight into her life and work. Additionally, a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within the park, is highly recommended. Here, visitors can witness orphaned elephants and rhinos being cared for by their guardians, including their daily mud bath routine.
6. Watumu & Malindi
Watamu and Malindi lie halfway between Mombasa and Lamu, often featured in bush and beach itineraries for their stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life. With a range of boutique accommodation options available, visitors can enjoy various water-based activities in the area. The Watamu Marine National Park stands out, boasting coral gardens just 300 meters from the shore and a remarkable array of around 600 fish species. Similarly, the Malindi Marine National Park attracts water enthusiasts, while the region overall offers rich historical and cultural experiences. Additional activities include dhow trips, canoeing, wind surfing, and kite surfing.