Kenya is located in East Africa, and is one of the most diverse and beautiful travel destinations around the world. You will find savannah safaris and mountain trekking, but also forests, and the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Kenya offers a wide range of experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you like animals, or culture trips or beach time, Kenya offers unique opportunities.
This article to consider the best places to go in Kenya, with credible information and recent tourism data, to give you clarity on where to go, what to see, and why these places matter.
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
Possibly the most well-known safari destination in Africa, no trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to the Masai Mara. It is part of the much larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and is particularly famous for the annual Great Migration. The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebra and antelopes that event between July and October, as they move from Tanzania to Kenya.
It is also worth noting that the reserve has abundant wildlife year-round with the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros present all year long, just to name a few! Game drives are taken in open vehicles giving guests an excellent opportunity for photography and animal viewing.
Why Go: World famous for wildlife, sweeping landscapes, and the Maasai culture.
Best Time to Go: July to October for the migration, otherwise wildlife is present year round.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya by the Tanzanian border. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The park is known for its large herds of freely roaming elephants in open plains.
You will often see fantastic photos of elephants with the snow-capped Kiliminjaro in the background. In addition to elephants, visitors can expect to see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and hundreds of bird specices.
Why visit: Iconic views of Kilimanjaro, elephant viewings and some of the best birdwatching in Africa.
When to visit: June – October and January – February.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru, found in the Great Rift Valley, is known for its monstrous flocks of flamingos which come to feed on the algae in the shallow water. The shores of the lake are also home to white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species.
Because the park is relatively small, it can be explored in a single day but the density of wildlife along with its beautiful scenery makes it well worth the trip.
Reason for visiting: Flamingos, Rhino conservation, and scenic viewpoints like Baboon Cliff.
Best time to visit: June to March during the dry season.
4. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is a bit of an adventure safari in northern Kenya. Home to the “Samburu Special Five” – five rare species found only in this part of Kenya: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
The Samburu region is also home to the semi-nomadic Samburu people, who have a strong connection to nature and conservation, which provides an additional cultural component to your experience.
Why visit: Rare species, cultural experiences, and fewer tourists.
Best time to visit: June to October and December to March.
5. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Located in Laikipia County, at the base of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta is a benchmark for conservation tourism. Here you can see the last two northern white rhinos on the planet alongside chimpanzees, black rhinos, and the Big Five.
Activities for guests include traditional safaris, walking tours, night drives, and even conservation education experiences.
Why visit: Rhino conservation & chimp sanctuary, broad variety of wildlife.
Best time to visit: Year-round.
6. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, rising to 5,199 meters (17,057 ft). This National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is suited to climbers, trekkers and anyone who enjoys nature.
There are multiple routes to the summit, each with varying levels of difficulty, so climbers of all skill levels can reach the summit as well as day trekkers. There are alpine forests, glaciers and wildlife to experience at Mount Kenya.
Reason to visit: Climbing expedition, scenery and biodiversity in the mountain landscape.
Best time to travel: January to March and July to October.
7. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley and a popular weekend escape from Nairobi. It is a bird paradise with over 400 recorded species of birds; some of the highlights that you may encounter include kingfishers, pelicans, African fish eagles and of course, the hippos, which are frequently seen while boating.
The nearby Hell’s Gate National Park has hiking, cycling and rock climbing in stunning canyons and geothermal landscapes.
Why? Birdwatching, boating and hiking at Hell’s Gate
When? July to October.
8. Lamu Island
If you want a cultural and coastal escape, go to Lamu Island on Kenya’s northern coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Swahili Town is one of the oldest and most well-preserved towns in East Africa, with winding alleyways, authentic Swahili architecture, and no cars, only donkey or dhow boat transportation.
Lamu Island is home to pristine beaches, mainly untouched by large resort hotels; rich in cultural heritage; and is a great spot to relax and explore.
Why should you visit this little gem? For the experience of Swahili culture, awe of ancient architecture, and beach relaxation.
Best time to visit: December – March and July – October.
9. Diani Beach
Diani Beach is located a little south of Mombasa and continues to be rated as one of the top beaches in Africa. Diani Beach has everything a beach needs, from soft white sand and turquoise water to coral reef and palm trees. Diani Beach is truly a beach bum’s paradise, and also allows for water sports.
Snorkeling, kite surfing, diving or just lounging by the beach can all be consumed at Diani Beach. The beach provides access to Shimba Hills National Reserve where elephants and very rare sable antelope can be found.
Why go: Beautiful beach, water sports, and coastal wildlife.
Best time to go: December to March and June to October.
10. Nairobi City
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and is a modern, urban city that embraces nature. One of the most unique things about Nairobi is that it has a national park only 15 minutes from the city center, where you can see lions, rhinos, and giraffes with a skyline in the background!
Another feature of Nairobi is the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and museums like the Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Museum.
What to see: City wildlife, culture, and historic places.
When to visit: Anytime!
Conclusion
Kenya is more than a safari destination. It is an open-mouthed opportunity only for a lucky few, with its juxtaposition of geographical diversity, immersive cultures, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether exploring the big five on flat plains in the Masai Mara, trekking the peaks of Mount Kenya, or unwinding on the beaches of Lamu and Diani, there is a special charm that permeates every corner of the country.
Kenya has a strong ethos of conservation, close-knit communities, and rich and varied biodiversity; Kenya will always be a leader in connecting travelers to their natural, adventurous, and cultural desires.