You cannot separate the name Kenya and safari. Tourists love this country because of its diversity. From the abundant wildlife to rolling white sands along the coastline, Kenya is an ideal tourist destination. There are many tourist destinations in Kenya. There is something for everyone. For lovers of wildlife, Kenya is the go-to destination. If you love hiking and trekking, Kenya should top your tour list. If you love beaches, think about the Kenyan coast. We want you to be a well-informed traveler. In this article, we have combined a list of 17 top Kenya’s tourist attractions. Plan for a longer visit to discover these fascinating places.
17. Mombasa
The main tourist attraction along the coast of Kenya is Mombasa. It is one of the popular Kenyan destinations for tourists. It is home to several attraction sites. Travelers visit Fort Jesus to learn more about various cultures. Tourists who love snorkeling and diving visit Mombasa Marine National Park. This park is surrounded by popular beaches such as Shanzu, Bamburi, and Nyali. Travelers also love Mamba Village Centre. Here, they learn more about crocodiles and their lifecycle.
16. Diani Beach
Travelers love visiting Diani Beach. It is about an hour from Mombasa. The sparkling white sands make Diani an ideal tourist destination. Visitors relax next to the warm Indian Ocean and sunbathe on the white sands. The sparkling clean water makes Diani an ideal place for diving and water sports. Just 15 KM from the beach, is Shimba Hills National Reserve. This protected area is home to diverse wildlife including monkeys, elephants, and birds among others.
15. Malindi
Malindi is a popular tourist destination in Kenya. Tourists visit the Malindi Marine National Park. This park has colorful fish and fine beaches. Travelers get close to history by seeing the Vasco da Gama pillar. Malindi is great for local and international tourists.
14. Lamu
Travelers love Lamu. It is a beautiful tourist destination along the coastline. Tourists visit Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, Kiwayu Island, Lamu Old Town, etc.
13. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya’s tourist attractions. It is rich in wildlife. It is home to rare species such as Somali Ostrich, Grevy Zebra, and Reticulated giraffes. These rare animals make Samburu among the popular Kenyan destinations. The reserve is home to over 900 elephants. There are other predators such as Leopards, Cheetahs, and Lions. The reserve has recorded over 450 species of bird.
12. Tsavo East National Park
The main tourist attraction along the coast of Kenya is the Tsavo National Park. It is divided into two. Tsavo East National Park is home to larger mammals such as hippo, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The park has recorded over 500 species of birds. Visitors enjoy game viewing, trekking, camping, and bird watching.
11. Tsavo West National Park
Visitors enjoy beautiful sightings of the “Big Five”. The park is also home to many bird species and diverse plant species. Visitors enjoy game viewing, bird watching, and the spectacular sight of Mzima Springs.
10. Nairobi National Park
This is one of the popular tourist attractions in Nairobi. The park is just a short drive out of the central business district of Nairobi city. It is home to buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, black rhinos, and other animals. The park has recorded over 400 species of birds. Visitors enjoy game drives, bird watching, and camping among other activities.
9. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT)
This is also among the unique places to visit in Kenya. It is known for protecting elephants. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Nairobi. You can even adopt an orphaned elephant.
8. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdare National Park has mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, rivers, and valleys. It is among the popular Kenyan destinations. It is rich in wildlife. African elephants, leopards, cape buffaloes, and lions are common. Tourists love bird watching in the dense forest. Game view drive is an amazing experience.
7. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The conservancy is located between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. Visitors can see the “Big Five” and chimpanzees. It is home to more than 10,000 large animals. You can see the endangered black rhinos. Visitors enjoy safari game drives, horse drives, camel drives, and game walks.
6. Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya (5199 meters). It ranks second after the highest Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It is one of most loved Kenya’s tourist attractions. Visitors enjoy hiking and camping. They enjoy sightings of wildlife. Common animals here include mongooses, elands, and elephants. Rare animals include hog and leopard. The park has recorded many species of birds. Visitors must have a certified and qualified guide as safety is a priority.
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
This is an ideal place for climbers. The park offers great hiking and climbing opportunities.
4. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a haven for bird lovers. Here, over 400 bird species have been spotted. It is popular for high populations of flamingos and hippos. You are guaranteed of seeing bright pink-colored flamingos.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is among the best Kenya’s tourist attractions. The lake itself gives breathtaking scenery. The park has other attractions such as the beautiful flamingos and many other bird species. It has waterbucks and white rhinos and other 54 species. Visitors also enjoy waterfalls and unique vegetation.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is among the popular Kenyan destinations. It is known for the African Elephants. Visitors enjoy watching large herds of elephants. Visitors enjoy sightings of wild animals such as lions, buffalo, leopards, and giraffes among others. If you are a birdie, this is your go-to destination. The park has recorded over 600 species of birds.
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
This is among the most popular Kenyan destinations. It is among the best Kenya’s tourist attractions. Why must you visit Masai Mara?
- To see the “Big Five” and other animals during game drives. Mara is home to lions, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards. It is home to other animals such as zebra, gazelle, crocodiles, and impala among others.
- To watch birds. Masai Mara is home to over 450 species of birds. Skies always have something beautiful for visitors.
- To watch the great migration. The wildebeest migration makes Mara among the unique places to visit in Kenya. It makes Masai Mara among the most popular Kenyan destinations. Visitors witness the migration of millions of animals into the Mara. Over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River. Visitors enjoy watching the survival of the fittest.
- To meet the Maasai people. These are the ancestral inhabitants of Masai Mara. They have a beautiful culture. Travelers enjoy interacting with them.
We have researched and given you a list of 17 Kenya’s tourist attractions. All these destinations offer an unforgettable experience. You can choose a destination based on your preferences. However, we recommend that you make time for most of these tourist sites. Feel free to contact us for more information. Being well-informed is very important to make the best out of your vacation.