Kenya is one of the most distinctive and stunning countries in Africa, and Planet African Safaris will take you to some of the country’s most breathtaking locations. Thanks to sustainable tourism and a globally renowned style of wildlife management, you may see unspoiled wilderness and globally significant ecosystems where wildlife, including rare and endangered species like the Big Five, can roam freely. Visit the magical nation of Kenya to witness the wonders of Africa.
Kenya is a land of mystery and adventure that dates back to the dawn of humankind. It travels through diverse deserts and deep woods as well as miles of white sand beaches. Famous sites like Mount Kenya are perched above tropical forests and savannah plains, and its elaborate waterfalls are tucked away in the montane foothills. The numerous coastal cities and islands in the country are rejuvenated by the refreshing winds that blow over the Indian Ocean. Kenya offers you the African vacation of a lifetime, from her highest peaks to her deepest ocean depths.
Kenya is bordered to the west by Uganda, to the northwest by South Sudan, to the east by Somalia, to the north by Ethiopia, to the south by Tanzania, and to the southeast by the Indian Ocean. Kenya has an area of approximately 224,081 square miles. Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, is the source of the nation’s name. Kenya is home to over 50 million people and is divided into 47 counties, each of which is headed by an elected governor. Mombasa is the oldest city, although Nairobi serves as the capital. Other more recent cities are Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nakuru. East Africa’s second-biggest nation is Kenya.
Major Tourist Things to do in Kenya.
Wildebeest Migration.
Enter a real-life nature documentary about the Great Migration in Kenya. Your tour guide from Planet African Safaris gestures enthusiastically to a billowing cloud of dust on the horizon as you drive through the expansive terrain of Masai Mara National Reserve, which is open from July to October. As your expectation grows, your eyes remain fixed. What exquisite scene is in store for you? You notice a little trembling on the ground as your safari vehicle approaches the source of the aerial disturbance. Out of nowhere, the massive silhouettes of wildebeests start to show through the dust. Across the plains thunders a jumble of hooves, gray-black fur, white beards, tails, and short manes.
Zebras can be seen as flashes of black and white indicate their presence as you pass the herd. As you follow their path, you’ll come across what appears to be an infinite number of these similar animals munching on emerald-green grasses. Just past a crest of hills, your guide approaches the animals with caution and points out the Mara River. The Mara River is not far away from this amazing viewpoint that your guide leads you to. You can feel the electricity in the room. A ledge above the river is occupied by dozens of wildebeests, which are stomping and grunting with eagerness. You look to the river itself while you consider their uncertainty.
Wildlife Game Drives.
One of the best places in the world to see wildlife is Kenya! Some of the largest and most varied animal populations on the planet can be found in its parks, reserves, and private conservancies. As you journey through expansive vistas illuminated by gentle morning light, your visions of Africa come to life. Amboseli National Park’s grassy plains and swamplands offer a famous view of elephants silhouetted against the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, which forms the northern Tanzanian border. Giraffes, active antelopes, buffalos, zebras, hippos, warthogs, and numerous more herbivores surround these lovely creatures. Masai Mara National Reserve is home to a large number of predators! Strong predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and others live all year long on the local prey.
The second-highest concentration of Kenyan wildlife, including the Big 5 (elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions, and leopards), may be found in Laikipia, a region in northern Kenya. The “Samburu Special Five” Somali ostriches, grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, beisa oryxes, and gerenuks are introduced to you at the Samburu National Reserve. In the Tsavo East and West National Parks, maneless lions, hyenas, and cheetahs gracefully stalk their prey, which includes gazelles, elands, impalas, and other small animals, from the shelter of thick grasses.
Bird Watching Expeditions.
The Great Rift Valley’s marshes and lakes in Kenya are essential ecosystems that are home to some of the world’s most exquisite and varied bird species! Join millions of flamingos as they assemble around the beaches of the well-known alkaline Lake Nakuru, where they consume approximately 250,000 kilogrammes of algae responsible for their vivid pink plumage. A small sample of the more than 450 recorded species is represented by these lesser and greater rosy-colored feathered creatures, which coexist with one of the highest concentrations of long-crested eagles, cormorants, goliath herons, African fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans, and other speckled birds. With more than 373 known bird species, Lake Bogoria, another Great Rift Valley lake, is one of Kenya’s most abundant Important Bird Areas. Similar to Lake Nakuru, millions of Lesser and Greater flamingos flock to the lake, but in freshwater lakes like Baringo, raptors take front stage. Strong, avian hunters soar above you, searching the water for fish and other delectable treats. A tawny, steppe, or fish eagle can swiftly descend and use its massive talons to seize a squirming victim.
Visit Private Conservancies
Private conservancies have played a significant role in Kenya’s achievement in preserving its wildlife and environment. Important habitats and migratory routes that would otherwise be lost are covered by the conservancies. You get access to the unique safari experiences that are only found in these exclusive conservancies as a guest of Planet African Safaris. There are countless options for what you could find. The conservancies that encircle Masai Mara transport you into secluded ecological regions with few guest houses and cars. Go under the cover of darkness to witness the entertaining antics of bush infants in a forested outback, and to witness a pride of lions feasting on their kill of the night. Accompany a Maasai warrior on a bushwalk to spot animal activity indicators like scat, tracks, carcasses, and sleeping spots. You engage with the microscopic world of blossoms and insects while learning about the medical applications of plants and listening to old folktales.
Cultural Experiences
You can interact up close and personal with the Maasai, Samburu, Swahili, Turkana, Pokot, El Molo, Rendille, and other tribal people of Kenya through cultural tours. Planet African Safaris arranges excursions to genuine villages that surpass standard guided tours! You take part in the customs and rituals of the indigenous people. Imagine being invited to a true Maasai wedding, staying at a Swahili family’s Lamu home to assist with cooking a supper by the coast, and spending time with the women of Samburu village as they demonstrate how to make elaborate beaded chokers. The Samburu, who have a close kinship with the Maasai, inhabit the northern Kenyan region surrounding the Koitogor-Ololokwe Mountains’ foothills in the Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs wilderness areas.
The semi-nomadic lifestyle and pastoral surroundings offer a pure wilderness in which animals can coexist. An opportunity to engage with Swahili people can be found when vacationing by the shore in eastern Kenya. The sweet sounds of traditional Swahili music, or “taarab,” fill the winding alleyways of Lamu’s coastal islands. There are several indications of Swahili culture throughout the streets, including architectural elements.
Explore Kenya Islands and Beaches.
Kenya’s coastline and islands evoke dreams! Long stretches of white sand beaches in Kenya are swept by the Indian Ocean’s warm, azure blue waves. Little islands like Funzi, located just beyond the South Coast, offer peaceful seclusion from the hectic modern world. In Lamu Island, a stunning collection of 13th-century buildings, time seems to have frozen. Mombasa provides visitors with the small-town charm of a coastal town along with the experience of an intriguing island on its north and south beaches. Entering Mombasa from the coastal mainland is surreal.
As you walk past Swahili houses in winding lanes, marketplaces, mosques, churches, temples, and other structures with beautiful Arabian architectural elements, the air is filled with the perfume of exotic spices. Other Kenyan beach towns include Kilifi, which is well-known for the Mnarani Ruins from the 14th to 17th centuries, and Watamu, which has distinctive coral formations in a variety of coves. Kenya’s many Indian Ocean islands, such as Kiwayu, Lamu, Manda, Chale, and Funzi, offer an ideal African beach vacation. The islands of Lamu, home to one of Kenya’s best-preserved Swahili communities, provide even more value to your time in East Africa.
Popular Places to Visit in Kenya.
Nairobi
Kenya’s capital and largest city is Nairobi. With incredible attractions (fauna, museums, and historical sites), it is a contemporary, multicultural, and historic town. Nairobi benefited from having the greatest concentration of European settlers in the area as it served as the capital of British colonial administration over East Africa. The majority of the settlers were plantation owners, but there were also administrators and Queen’s delegates in the area. Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, the Bomas of Kenya, and the Nairobi National Museum among the city’s main tourist destinations. To find out more about the history and culture of the Kenyan people, visit the Nairobi National Museum. There is no other national park in the world that is this near to a major metropolis than Nairobi. Without having to travel to the larger national parks in the countryside, you can see all five of the great animals. Many of Nairobi’s attractions will be covered separately.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
This is possibly the greatest spot to watch animals in Africa and the greatest tourist destination in Kenya. Situated near the Tanzanian border in Narok County in the southwest of the nation is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Named for the Maasai tribesmen, the reserve is a component of the larger Mara Ecosystem, which consists of 11 other ranches. The magnificent Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is extended into the Mara. The two national parks come together to create a world-class wildlife corridor. Every year, more than 290,000 people visit the Reserve. The Great Wildlife Migration, which takes place in the arid months of July through October, is the main draw.
Samburu National Reserve
Even though it receives less visitors than other Kenyan tourist spots, this one has unique characteristics of its own. This northern Kenyan conservation park is home to the Samburu people. The Samburu are a distinctive people who love brightly coloured clothing and jewellery. Dry plains, rocky slopes, and sun-parched hills are what define Samburu National Reserve. The Uaso Nyiro River flows through the park, leaving behind woods and lush green vegetation even in the driest months. Samburu National Reserve is not very popular with travellers, but for those that are, amazing sightings of lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, wildebeest, Nile crocodiles, and many antelopes are possible.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and close to Tanzania’s border, gets its name from the Masai phrase meaning “salty dust.” This alludes to the dry conditions seen in the park. Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most well-known national reserves. The park’s principal attractions are one of Africa’s largest herds of elephants and the opportunity to engage in unique cultural interactions with the Masai people. The finest place to see large herds of wild elephants is in Amboseli National Park. Giraffes, waterbucks, lions, leopards, cheetahs, gazelles, and eland are also visible. More than 600 different species of birds can be found in the park. The welcoming savanna grasslands and forests, the vistas of the mountains, and the chance to discover more about Masai culture and customs will enthral visitors as well. It takes about forty minutes to get by flight from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is by far the largest national park in the country. Tsavo is regarded as Kenya’s greatest national park for solitary or private exploration in the African bush. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are the two regions that make up the vast area. Tsavo National Park is home to breathtaking plateaus, rivers, savanna grasslands, waterfalls, and volcanic highlands. Tsavo West offers excellent landscape all year round and receives more rainfall. The massive craters and Mzima Springs are the main draws of Tsavo West. Compared to Tsavo East, the animals are harder to see due to the heavier vegetation. Tsavo East has little vegetation because it is a generally dry area. Elephants and other park animals are simpler to locate. Despite being dry, the Galana River flows through Tsavo East, providing water. In an otherwise semi-arid area, the river fosters the growth of lovely palm trees and other greenery.
Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park is one of the numerous protected areas in Kenya. It is located in Kenya’s central highlands, near the eastern arm of the vast Rift Valley. Elevated to a height of around 10,000 feet, the park is characterised by lush, foggy forests, tumbling rivers, and deep canyons. Numerous animals can be found here, including serval cats, eland, colobus and Sykes’ monkeys, baboons, lions, and the elusive bongo. About 250 different species of birds can be found in the park, including Jackson’s Francolin, sunbirds, plovers, sparrow hawks, and goshawks.
Lake Nakuru National Park
In Kenya, one of the most visited tourist destinations is Lake Nakuru National Park. It is located 152 km from Nairobi in the centre of the nation. The park’s high biodiversity was intended to be preserved when it was created in the early 1960s. The largest euphorbia candelabrum forest on the continent, forests, rocky cliffs, and Savannah grasslands make up the majority of the park. One million Lesser flamingos, Goliath herons, hammerkops, African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and Verreaux’s eagles are among the more than 450 kinds of birds that can be seen here. Because of the abundant algae and the lake’s relative isolation from people, flamingos and pelicans flourish in the salty waters of Lake Nakuru.
Mount Kenya National Park
At more over 17,000 feet, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the tallest peak in Kenya. The eastern portion of the East African Rift Valley is home to Mount Kenya. Lenana, Nelion, and Batian are its three peaks, which were produced by volcanic activity. The tallest mountain is Batian, but the hardest peak to climb is Nelion, which is the second highest. The Sirimon path in Nanyuki and the Naromoru route are two of the routes that can be taken to reach the summit. Beautiful landscape including lakes, springs, glaciers, alpine forests, bamboo forests, and unobstructed views of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro await hikers who reach the summit of the mountain.