Places to Visit in Kenya

Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve, located along Kenya’s coast, is a biodiversity hotspot known for its unique forest ecosystems. Spanning 420 square kilometers, it is home to various species, including the endangered Amani sunbird and the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose. The reserve features diverse habitats, from coastal forests to wetlands, making it a vital conservation area for wildlife and plant species.

Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya, East Africa. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including montane forest, alpine moorlands, and glaciers. Its highest peak, Batian, rises to 5,199 meters, offering breathtaking vistas. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and endangered species like the bongo. It's a hiker's paradise, with challenging trails attracting adventurers worldwide.

Maasai Mara is one of the most incredible game reserve of the world. Nestled on the border of Tanzania, Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti. It makes for the wildlife corridor between the two countries Tanzania and Kenya.

Located in the southern part of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is one of the most exciting places to visit in Kenya in December with your loved ones. This park is famous for the majestic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro that you can see on the horizon and large herds of grazing wild elephants.

Spread over a vast area of 715 square km, Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949, to protect Mount Kenya and its surrounding biodiversity.

Lake Victoria is also known as Victoria Nyanza and is the largest lake in Africa making it one of the best places to visit in Kenya. It was named Lake Victoria, by British explorer John Hanning Speke. The vast lake is spread over an area of 69,484 square km and preserves more than 200 species of fishes.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya and a part of the Great Rift Valley. The name ‘Naivasha’ is derived from the native Maasai language ‘Nai’posha’ means ‘rough water’. Due to sudden storms, the water turns very rough in this lake, which is the phenomenon from which the lake gets its name.

The Samburu National Reserve was established in 1985. It is a game reserve situated on the banks of River Ewaso Ng’iro in Kenya. Spread over a sprawling area of 165 square km it is one of the best places to visit in Kenya due to the ecological wealth that it possesses.

The picturesque Diani Beach is amongst the most scenic places to visit in Kenya, where you can relax and unwind and take in the serenity of nature. Surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean, this mesmerising beach is famous for its soft white sand, the pleasant ocean waves and a thick outgrowth of swaying palm trees.

The Masai Village in Kenya offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Maasai people, known for their vibrant culture, traditional attire, and unique customs. Visitors can experience their way of life, learn about Maasai traditions, watch traditional dances, and interact with community members. It’s a chance to understand their connection to nature and rich heritage.

The word ‘Uhuru’ means ‘freedom’ in Swahili. The Uhuru Gardens is a memorial park in Nairobi, which symbolises the celebration of independence from British rule in 1963. This park also celebrates the inauguration of Jomo Kenyatta – the first president of Kenya.

Hell’s Gate National Park is situated in the southern part of Lake Naivasha and to the north-west of Nairobi. It was established in 1984. The park is spread over an area of 68.25 square km.

Tsavo National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya, covering an area of 13,747 square km. This park was established in 1948. A large part of this park is covered by semi-arid grassland and savannah. It is home to a vast number of magnificent animals and birds.

Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spanning an area of approximately 188 square kilometers, the park is characterized by wooded and bushy grasslands surrounding the picturesque Lake Nakuru. Its rich biodiversity includes over 50 mammal species, such as rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, olive baboons, impalas, waterbucks, and hippos. The park is particularly famous for its large flocks of flamingos that gather along the lake's shores, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and hiking trails while exploring this natural haven.

Nestled near Diani Beach in Kenya, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest offers a tranquil escape into the rich cultural heritage and biodiversity of the area. This ancient forest, one of the sacred kayas of the Mijikenda people, is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a serene sanctuary filled with ancient trees, medicinal plants, and rare wildlife. Visitors to Kaya Kinondo step into a world where nature and culture coexist harmoniously, surrounded by the lush canopy of old-growth trees and soothing sounds of birds and insects.

The Cherangani Hills, located in Kenya's Rift Valley Province, are a stunning range of rolling highlands that offer both natural beauty and cultural significance. Rising to an elevation of around 3,365 meters at their highest peak, these hills are part of the western highlands and form one of Kenya's five main water catchment areas. 

The hills are a biodiversity hotspot, home to diverse flora and fauna, including indigenous forest ecosystems. The region supports a variety of wildlife such as colobus monkeys, leopards, and a wide array of bird species, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. 

Kitum Cave, located in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, is a fascinating geological wonder known for its unique formation and rich history. This expansive cave, carved out of soft volcanic rock, stretches about 200 meters into the side of Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano. What makes Kitum Cave especially intriguing is the fact that elephants visit it regularly to mine the cave’s salt-rich walls. These elephants use their tusks to scrape off salt deposits, which are essential for their nutrition, earning Kitum the nickname "Elephant Cave."

Jeevanjee Gardens, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, is a lovely green space right in the middle of the city. It's like a breath of fresh air amidst the busy streets.

Spread across a large area, Jeevanjee Gardens is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. Picture yourself walking on lush green lawns, surrounded by colorful flowers and shady trees. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply finding a quiet corner to relax with a book.

What's special about Jeevanjee Gardens is its history. It was created by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, a well-known figure in Kenya, back in the late 19th century. Since then, it's been a place where people come together for cultural events, music concerts, and other activities that celebrate Nairobi's vibrant spirit.

For families, there's plenty to do at Jeevanjee Gardens. Kids can run around in the playgrounds, splash in the fountains, and just have fun outdoors. It's a great place for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The Kongo Mosque, located in Mombasa, Kenya, is one of East Africa’s oldest mosques, dating back to the 14th century. Known for its coral stone architecture and serene beachside setting, it remains a significant spiritual and historical site.

Jacaranda Watamu Bay is a serene beach resort located in Watamu, a picturesque coastal town along Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline. Known for its idyllic, palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life, Jacaranda Watamu Bay offers a perfect tropical getaway. The resort is especially popular for its strategic location, which provides easy access to Watamu’s attractions, including the Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, the Mida Creek mangroves, and the nearby Gede Ruins.

Soysambu Conservancy, nestled in the heart of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, is a hidden gem offering an incredible wildlife experience. Spanning over 48,000 acres, this privately-owned conservancy is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting a unique blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

One of the most remarkable features of Soysambu Conservancy is its incredible biodiversity. It’s home to over 450 bird species, including the magnificent flamingos that flock to the nearby Lake Elmenteita, creating a pink spectacle along the shores. The conservancy also serves as a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Rothschild's giraffe, which finds safe refuge here, alongside other wildlife like zebras, buffalos, and elands. Visitors often encounter these majestic creatures during guided safaris or nature walks, making every moment an adventure.

Meru National Park, located in eastern Kenya, is a striking and diverse wilderness area renowned for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Covering approximately 870 square kilometers, the park is characterized by its lush riverine forests, vast savannas, and rolling hills, offering a rich mosaic of landscapes. It gained fame as the setting for Joy Adamson’s famous book *Born Free*, which tells the story of Elsa the lioness. 

Tsavo West National Park, in Kenya, features diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, volcanic hills, and wetlands. It's famous for its large elephant herds, rich wildlife, and the scenic Mzima Springs, offering visitors stunning landscapes and exceptional safari opportunities.

The Shimoni Slave Caves in Kenya, located in the southeastern coastal town of Shimoni near the Tanzanian border, are a significant historical site, bearing testimony to the region's dark history of slavery. These natural limestone caves, now a popular tourist destination, were once used to confine enslaved Africans before they were shipped across the Indian Ocean to markets in the Middle East and Asia. The Arab slave traders who controlled these operations used the coastal caves as holding cells, keeping slaves in deplorable conditions for days or weeks. The narrow pathways and dim chambers of the caves, along with the chains still embedded in the cave walls, offer a stark reminder of this painful period.

The Khoja Mosque in Nairobi is a prominent religious landmark, serving as a spiritual center for the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community. With its elegant architecture and rich cultural significance, the mosque fosters a sense of community, offering prayer services, educational programs, and a hub for social gatherings, reflecting Nairobi's diverse cultural tapestry.

Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, often called the "home of dolphins" in Kenya, is a hidden gem along the Kenyan coast that promises a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and marine adventurers alike. Located near Shimoni, south of Diani Beach, this pristine marine sanctuary spans approximately 39 square kilometers and is part of a larger marine reserve, teeming with an array of colorful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and a rich variety of marine life.

One of the park's major highlights is its thriving dolphin population. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen playfully swimming alongside boats, offering unforgettable close encounters. Many visitors come specifically for the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, while snorkeling or taking boat excursions. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park also boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Kenya. The vibrant coral gardens, home to over 250 fish species, create an underwater paradise. Visitors can spot angelfish, parrotfish, groupers, and even sea turtles gliding gracefully through the warm waters.

The Great Rift Valley Viewpoint in Kenya offers a breathtaking panorama of one of the world’s most iconic geological wonders. Situated along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, this vantage point provides a sweeping view of the vast valley, dotted with escarpments, lakes, and lush vegetation. The valley, formed millions of years ago by tectonic forces, stretches over 6,000 kilometers from the Middle East to Mozambique, with Kenya showcasing some of its most stunning features.

Diani Beach Art Gallery, located along the stunning coastline of Diani Beach in Kenya, is a vibrant cultural hub that showcases the rich artistic heritage of the region. The gallery features a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles created by local and regional artists. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging talents, fostering creativity and promoting the unique styles influenced by the coastal environment.