Holidays in Kenya – Top Attractions to Explore In the Country

With a delightful combination of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, exciting wildlife and enjoyable activities, Kenya has emerged as a popular tourist destination in East Africa not just among the adventure enthusiasts but also among couples and families. Here’s a list of some of the top tourist attractions you should not miss during your trip to this African gem.

Amboseli National Reserve

Beautified by the huge Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Reserve is one of the most popular natural reserves of Kenya drawing wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. Nicknamed the “Land of the Giants”, it is the best place to revel in the marvellous views of the highest peak of Africa and witness large herds of African elephants. It is where you can spot Zebras, Cheetahs, Giraffes, and different species of birds. With its mild, dry climate, the park further amazes nature lovers with five different habitats including the wetlands with sulphur springs, woodlands, savannah and the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli.

Lamu Island

Just off Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, Lamu Island is a small town with tropical, laid-back atmosphere. It is the oldest continually inhabited town of Kenya where life revolves around dhow sailing, long beach strolls and exploration of the old Swahili settlements along with their coral-stone townhouses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Island best reflects Kenya’s rich trading history through its age-old buildings, featuring a mix of Arabic, British and Indian architecture. Windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and kite surfing are some of the adventure activities the town offers for its visitors.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lying to the south of Nakuru, in the centre of Kenya, Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes consisting of around one-third of the park’s area. Consisting of the lake, bushy grassland and the rocky caves, this national park is mainly popular for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. Established as a national park in 1961, this place is an ideal haven for bird lovers to watch over 400 bird species including five globally threatened ones. Also, the first national Rhino sanctuary, the park is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of the Black Rhinoceros.

Mombasa

The oldest and second largest city of Kenya, Mombasa promises a perfect beach experience. Presenting a mix of British, Portuguese, Indian and Arab cultures, it is a multi-cultural tourist spot with a population of around a million. Here, you can relax on the palm-lined beaches while soaking up the African sun and exploring historical places like the Gedi ruins and Fort Jesus. Adventure seekers can take delight in thrilling diving and snorkelling activities at Mombasa Marine National Park and at the Wasini Island. Besides, dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing are some of the popular activities offered here.

Giraffe Centre

Situated in Langata, just outside the city of Nairobi, Giraffe Centre is a 120-acre conservation centre presenting a natural breeding ground for one of the most elegant animals of Africa. It also operates education programmes for the children of Kenyan School where kids and visitors can learn about giraffes, indulge in various conservation activities and meet the resident giraffes. Here, one can also witness warthogs snuffling in the mud and take a self-guided forest walk through the adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary.