Kenya is located along the eastern coast of the African continent. It is a large country that is a hotbed for tourists. Although it is largely known for its safaris, there is also a lot more to Kenya, such as Nairobi, which is its commercial capital. Wildlife, heritage sites, highlands and valleys — the country truly has it all.

It’s a country full of diverse landscapes, unique cultures, unspoiled beaches, world-class hotels (like Giraffe Manor!), and unforgettable wildlife experiences on the Maasai Mara.

The best time to visit Kenya would be its dry season which lasts between the months of Late-June to October. This is the time when Kenya gets the least amount of precipitation and also due to the heat the animals come out to drink water. If your wish is to see Wildebeest migration to Masai Mara, then you may consider visiting Kenya between July and October. But there are different times to visit Kenya depending on the wildlife that one wants to see. Another great time to visit Kenya is during the months of January and February as it is ideal to view the national parks at this time.

Kenyan cuisine is diverse and often elaborate. Meat is used on a large scale in all their preparations. Sea food, mainly comprising of fish, is also consumed a lot, because of the nearby water bodies. Ugali, which is made using cornmeal, is a staple in Kenya. Pilao, a lovely mixture of rice and spices, is one of the more popular dishes, followed by biryani. Along the coastal areas of the country, coconut rice is consumed to a great extent. Kenyan tea and coffee are both extremely popular. Tea here is generally had dark, with lots of sugar.

Kenya is a lovely shopping destination. If you love art and craft, beautiful textiles, prints, and beads, you will fall in love with this country’s markets. Masai beadwork is very popular here, with designs ranging from the traditional to the modern. Apart from that, you can also purchase wooden carvings, footwear, utensils and more souvenirs. Maasai Market, KCB Village Market, and Makola Market are some of the popular ones.

The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili. English is the language of big business, higher education and government.

1. MOMBASA

Mombasa is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations. The coastal city is located along the Indian Ocean and is the second largest city in Kenya. From thrilling safaris to relaxing beaches, this city has it all. It’s also famous for its nightlife.

Mombasa is culturally diverse – a blend of Indian, African and Arabic cultures. Mosques, Jain temples and more can be found dotted across the city. The Mombasa Tusks are an important landmark, built to form the letter M back in 1956 to commemorate Princess Margaret’s visit. Other famous spots include the Spice Market and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort Jesus.

Places to visit in Mombasa: Haller Park Nature Reserve, Diani Beach, Fort Jesus, Mombasa Marine National Park

2. MASAI MARA

Masai Mara is a well-known national reserve area of Kenya. It is an extremely popular tourist spot as well, on account of the wildlife and exotic bird species that exist here.

Masai Mara is blessed in terms of the variety of its topography. The topography of this area ranges from bushes and soft sand to vast grasslands. It is also a haven for animal lovers. The Big Five can be most easily spotted here _ the lion, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo. This is a prime area for nature and wildlife lovers, as the flora and fauna is rich and varied and more than enough to leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Things to do in Masai Mara: Balloon Safari, Game Drives, Bush Camping, Walking Safaris, Masai Village Tour, Horse Riding Safari, Visit Mara Triangle and Mara River 

3. NAIROBI

The biggest city and also the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is best known for its charm and architecture that has been well preserved since colonial times. The rich history and the tribal culture of the capital city is well depicted by the astounding landmarks, attracting vacationers from all across the globe.

The city of Nairobi, which has shown significant development in the last few decades, gives you a wholesome experience, from the lavish extravagance of the tented camps to the local hustle and bustle of the native tribes. The city once neglected by the vacationers is a tourist hub today. Nairobi’s landscape comprises plains, cliffs and forests which make up the famous Nairobi National Park.

Nairobi is a beautiful amalgamation of cosmopolitan streets and the city’s dynamic culture and its people. Home to amazing landmarks, delightful eateries and vibrant nightlife, it is a must-visit if you are in Kenya. 

Places to visit in Nairobi: Nairobi National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Elephant Orphanage or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Ngong Hills, Kazuri Beads Factory, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Oloolua Nature Trail

4. AMBOSELI NATIONAL RESERVE

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust,” an apt description for the park’s parched conditions.The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds. Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Look for the local Maasai people who live in the area around the park.

5. KISUMU

Kisumu is located in the greater Lake Victoria basin and is the third largest city in Kenya. With tourist attractions such as the Kisumu Museum and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, it is a major tourist destination in western Kenya. The city boasts rice and sugar industries and a variety of natural resources. It has an international airport, a good road network, and newly-established health centers, making it another of the fastest growing urban areas in Kenya.

Places to visit in Kisumu: Kisumu Museum, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Lake Victoria

6. SAMBURU

Samburu County is a game reserve situated on the banks of River Ewaso Ng’iro, in the former Rift Valley province, in northern Kenya. It stretches from the south of Lake Turkana to River Ewaso Ng’iro in the north.

The beauty of Samburu County lies primarily in its two picturesque mountains, namely Ololokwe and Koigotor. Since the River Ewaso Ng’iro flows through the reserve, this area thrives with a variety of wild animals and greenery that consists of vegetation such as thorn trees, riverine forests, acacia trees and lush green grasslands.

The major tourist attractions in Samburu County are the Shaba National Reserve, which is the home to the elephant, antelope, leopard, lion, zebra, oryx, monkey, buffalo and giraffes. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the best place to watch elephant babies thrive in their natural environment. Some other attractions are the Walk with Maa Tours and Safaris, Turkana Safaris and the Elephant Watch camp and Safaris, etc.

Places to visit in Samburu: Shaba National Reserve, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Watch Camp

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