What comes to your mind when you hear the word Kenya? Marathon runners? You are right, but that is not the only thing this great country in East Africa is known for. Kenya is also known for being a gateway to East and Central and is one of the most visited countries in Africa. Wildlife safaris are almost the signature of Kenyan tourism, but cultural diversity, endless white sand beaches, incredible hiking trails, and breathtaking landscapes have all played an important role in the tourism sector for decades in the country.
The most beautiful places in Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara is loved by locals and foreigners alike and a trip to the country is not complete without checking out Maasai Mara National Reserve. Mara is among the most glorious game reserves. It borders Tanzania and forms an extension of the Serengeti, forming one of the most spectacular wildlife corridors between these two countries. This also means that you can access Mara from either Kenya or Tanzania.
The game reserve is known for its annual Great Migration, which involves thousands of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra travel to and from the park between July and October.
Amboseli National Reserve
With Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa) in the background, Amboseli along with Mara is one of the most popular parks in Kenya.
It boasts the best place in the region to view up close large herds of elephants. But other animals such as cheetah and lion can also be spotted at the park, as well as impalas, giraffes, waterbuck, gazelle and over 600 bird species.
Amboseli is also a great place for nature lovers who can explore up to five diverse habitats including Lake Amboseli’s dried-up bed, savannah, wetlands, and woodlands.
Tsavo National Park
Located in Taita Taveta, halfway between Kenya’s capital Nairobi and Kenya’s second-largest city Mombasa on the coast, Tsavo is the largest park in Kenya, taking up four percent of the entire country’s landmass. It is home to rivers, cascades, volcanic hills, a savannah, impressive flora and fauna, and a large lava-rock plateau.
Comprising Tsavo East and Tsavo West, these two parks are known for the sightings of large herds of elephants bathing and rolling in red dust. The Galana River meanders through the park, creating contrasting habitats.
In addition to large herds of the biggest land mammals, visitors can also enjoy sightings of the Mudanda Rock, the Lugard Falls, the longest lava flow in the world, and the Yatta Plateau.
But you should expect two different offerings between Tsavo West and Tsavo East. The former is known for having a wetter and varied topographically with some stunning sightings of the Mzima Springs, crocs, hippos, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Chaimu Crater.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in Central Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most incredible places in Kenya. Why? Because of large flocks of flamingos thronging Lake Nakuru – which accounts for up to one-third of the total area of the park.
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over 450 bird species along with a rich variety of other fauna. Expect to find leopards, lions, pythons, waterbucks, warthogs, white rhinos, and hippos.
What makes this park unique is the varied landscape, which can vary from woodland and rocky cliffs to expansive grasslands bordering Lake Nakuru.
Moreover, the park is also home to Africa’s largest euphorbia candelabrum forest, which and endemic to the park and offer contrasting textural element to the largely arid topography.
Nairobi National Park
Telling from the name, the Nairobi National Park is located in Nairobi –Kenya’s capital. Its location in the city makes Nairobi the only city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep.
The park is located just 15 minutes from the city center and provides visitors with an opportunity to go on a safari without leaving their accommodations.
Visiting Nairobi National park is often among the top things to do in the city and for those who are unable to reach one of the four largest reserves in the country this can be just as rewarding.
You will find all traditional safari stars at this park, including lions, buffalo, zebras, leopards, hippos, cheetah, wildebeest, and elephants.
Moreover, you can also have a glimpse of some of the most endangered species of rhinos in the world at the park’s sanctuary.
There is Nairobi Safari Walk, which offers adventure-seekers a satisfying chance to spot game animals and birds on foot, including over 400 bird species like the grey crowned crane.
Before you leave, make sure you check out the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery.
Lamu Island
This small island is located northeast of the second largest city in Kenya, Mombasa. It is one of the oldest towns in the country with its old town listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The town dates back to the Arab period of the 12th century.
To experience Lamu’s rich history, stroll its labyrinthine cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture of the building from the Arab era, Europeans and Indians.
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