Kenya is one of the east African countries and the second largest among all covering approximately 224081 square miles. And bordered by Indian Ocean in the south east, it has about 50 million people in 47 counties. Led by governors elected by the citizens. Kenya is a famous tourism destination. Due to its breath taking sceneries and diversity ranging from the Great Rift Valley that bisects the country forming mesmerizing physical features, vast savannahs to snowcapped peaks.
It has got a lot to offer and these include its rich cultural heritage of over 42 tribes with the Masai being the most popular and Swahili being the most used language other tribes. There is luo, kikuyu, Samburu and many more, it has over 55 gazetted areas purposely for wildlife. And these include sanctuaries, game parks and game reserves, the wildebeest migration which happens annually, the amazing beaches at the coastline, flocks of flamingo at lake Nakuru. Mountains to mention but a few and this makes a trip to Kenya worth it.
Kenya is a gem of east Africa with lots of attractions basing on the tourists interests. However beneath are the top 10 attractions which you shouldn’t risk to miss out while on a safari in Kenya;
Masai mara national reserve is the supreme wildlife viewing centre , it is located in south west of Kenya in Narok County. It derives its name from the Masai people. The major attraction in the park is the wild beast migration that occurs annually around July to October crossing the mara river which is a home to thousands of crocodiles. The park harbors 95 mammal species including lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes and many more with over 570 bird species.
The park is suited south of Lake Naivasha and was gazetted in 1984. It has beautiful sceneries ranging from dramatic rocky outcrops, water gouged gorges to sandstone cliffs harboring a variety of mammals like zebra, heart beasts, gazelles, leopards, elands and many more with over 120 bird species including the rare ostriches. It has no predators making it the best spot for nature walks and cycling.
This is the most rewarding attraction, it is suited on the Indian ocean coastline approximately 100 km in the north from Mombasa. While on this beach you can decide to go for swimming or go for a boat cruise in a glass bottomed boat and get to explore the wonders of mother nature. As you get to see serene coral reef gardens revolving rapidly with marline life fish which camouflage hence a rewarding experience.
Lamu fort was built in 1821 by the sultan of Oman, it is located in the centre of the island with Lamu museum which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Swahili through ceremonial homes, art collections, the different tribes of Kenya, songs from takwa and super Swahili house.
The park is suited on the foot hills of Mount Kilimanjaro in loitoktok district and it’s among the most visited destinations in Kenya. It harbors 600 bird species including Pangani long, lesser flamingo, dickens hornbill and many more with a variety of mammals including cheetahs, lions, herds of elephants, jackals, hippos, serval cats to mention but a few. You will be amazed by the beautiful views of the snow caped Kilimanjaro Mountain in a backdrop.
Mount Kenya is suited in the eastern part of the east African rift valley, it is a volcano with three peaks namely batian, nelion and lenana peaks. Hiking is the major activity in the park and hikers who reach the summit are will get spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, different water bodies , springs and glaciers hence unforgettable memories.
Located in Mombasa and constructed by king Philip 1 of Portugal in 1953. In order to protect Mombasa port from the Arabs and other invaders. It is one of the best protected military architectures with a unique feature of big canon guns pointing directly in the ocean. The fort is currently a UNESCO heritage site and this means it’s unique and worth a visit.
One of the virgin safari destinations suited in the north side of Nairobi on the rim of the east Africa rift valley. The reserve offers activities like game drives, camel back safaris, guided nature walks and horseback riding
A stop over to kakamega as you passing by Kisumu is a must do and get yourself a glimpse to the stones. Which are balanced on columns of rocks and as water flows in-between it seems like there are tears rolling down. Hence referring to them as the crying stones.
The rift valley a among the geological wonders of the world, it leaves beautiful and mesmerizing features like lakes and escarpments as it bisects different countries in Africa and Asia. Kenya is one of the countries bisected by the rift valley. Hence creating beautiful landscapes which will amaze a number of tourists.
This country open all year round however for tourists the best time is during the dry months of January to March and June to October. The great wild beast migration takes place in august to October meaning those interested in it should target this period. This is a peak season with clear wildlife viewing opportunities.
