Kenya As a Self-Drive Safari Destination
Dubbed “magical Kenya”, Kenya is one of the best tourist destinations in Africa, making it a perfect place for self drive adventures. This amazing country is located at the far east end of the continent being bordered by the Indian Ocean in the East, Tanzania in the South, Uganda in the west, Ethiopia in the north, South Sudan in the northwest, and Somalia in the southeast. It is the second-largest East African country with a total surface area of 224,081 mi2.
Within its territories, it has a wealth of unique landforms like mountains, rift valleys, lakes, and rivers, and exciting wildlife species that make it one of the best places to explore on your own. Kenya has some great-looking urbanized cities for example; Nairobi city the largest and capital, Mombasa the oldest and port area, and Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nakuru, the newly elected cities.
Kenya is a republican country headed by an elected president but with 42 different tribes of different traditions and cultures. Swahili is the most popular language spoken in Kenya, almost spoken by everybody in the country though English is the official language.
The most dominant tribes in Kenya are the Kikuyu and Luo and these take most of the political offices in the country. However, Masai is the most popular tribe in Kenya as it is known the world over for its unique culture. The Masai live within the major national parks which are hotspots for foreigners.
Economically, Kenya has a gross domestic product (GDP) of 106.04 billion US dollars according to the 2021 budget reading and this makes it the largest economy in the East Africa region.
Its major economic contributors are Agriculture, Tourism, and industry. Tourism is the major forex earner of the country. The tourism sector is very vibrant and Kenya is known to be the custodian of classic African safaris.
Over two million tourists visit the various tourist sites of Kenya to mainly experience the common big wild animals in their natural setting. This achievement is entirely attributed to the Kenya Tourism Board which does a tremendous job of marketing the country as a safari destination around the world.
Some of the niche attractions fronted by Kenya as a tourism destination are the big five animals (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos) found in the various parks like Masai Mara and Amboseli national reserves, the Great Migration of Wildebeests in Masai mara, the historical sites and beach resorts in Mombasa, the surreal concentration of flamingo on Lake Nakuru, the beautiful city of Nairobi, the unique culture of Masai People and stunning views of Mountain Kenya.
Kenya has a lot more to offer, the attractions aforementioned are just a sneak peek. This East African country has 55 national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves. The country has so much more to encounter and fall in love with on a self-drive safari.
Places to Visit on Self Drive Kenya
Nairobi
This is a dreamland for every Kenyan because it is the capital, commercial, and most developed area in the country. Nairobi is a multinational, historical, and trendy place with some natural beauties and wildlife around it.
Nairobi was majorly developed by the British colonialists as it acted as their base in the times of imperialism. The British structures are still standing; modern-day establishments have been added to come up with an amazingly beautiful city to visit.
Some of the monumental establishments to tour in Nairobi are the historical museums like Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Museum, popular sites like the Village Market, Kibera, Kenya international conference center, and areas of nature namely Nairobi national park, Ngong Hills, giraffe center, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Karura forest.
Of the listed attractions in Nairobi, Nairobi National Park is the most visited. It is unreal to find a wildlife habitat in the capital but here you are, Nairobi beats all the odds! Nairobi national park is a popular habitat for the big five animals and other mammals. A game viewing session around the park offers such a thrilling experience of wilderness.
Nairobi National Park
This is a peculiar feature and a game changer in Kenya safari experiences. It is very hard to find a wildlife habitat in the middle of the capital city, here we are, Nairobi National Park does exist just 16 minutes away from the business center of the city. It is a very convenient safari destination for travelers on a short trip (1-3 days stay). The popular animals to see in Nairobi National Park are leopards, elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, rhinos, buffaloes, birds, and many more.
The Giraffe Center
The center is found in Langata about 20 kilometers away from the Nairobi center. The giraffe center was established to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffes that are only found in the East African region wilderness. The giraffe center project was founded by Betty and Jack Leslie Melville in 1970 and their sole purpose was to raise awareness and educate people about Kenya’s wildlife and biodiversity at large.
The couple found out that a certain ranch in Kenya that hosted 120 Rothschild giraffes was in contention to become a human settlement. Betty took and reared two giraffes at her large home and eventually started out a non-profit organization, The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya (AFEWK). The latter is the official name of the project but it is popularly known as Giraffe Centre.
Infant giraffes are kept and grown on this ranch danger free from predators and poachers. 500 giraffes have been grown on the ranch and later reintroduced into the wilderness through the breeding program. Within the center, there is a presence of different bird species to sight and enjoy. Nonetheless, the prime highlight of the center is the giraffes, the visitors tour around watching and touching the giraffes within their enclosures.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve
This natural wildlife habitat is the leading tourism destination in Kenya and one of the grand safari destinations in Africa. Maasai Mara is situated in Narok County southwest of Kenya, about 276km from Nairobi which is about 5 hours by road means.
Masai Mara makes up a very large ecosystem that spans as far as Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Maasai Mara National Reserve is popular for hosting the big five animals that loiter in its open savannah grasslands, other big mammals like giraffes, elands, warthogs, hyenas, 570 bird species, and hippos, and crocodiles are present on River Mara.
It is also a famous place for viewing the great migration of wildebeest, gazelles, and Zebras which takes place in the dry season in the months of July-October and December-march.
This natural occurrence presents the highest concentration of animals moving together as millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras and gazelles are seen moving between Masai Mara and Serengeti forth and back looking for water and greener pastures.
The great migration of the angulates is an interesting natural occurrence to experience. It is one of the reasons why Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most-visited safari destinations in Africa with about 300,000 visitors recorded annually.
Samburu National Reserve:
This is located in the Northern semi-arid and mountainous areas of the country. Samburu National Reserve is less known by tourists of Kenya but one of the wildlife habitats with some peculiar species to discover.
The people that reside around the reserve are also an attraction, the Samburu people are very unique and so true to their ancient traditional culture. Their sense of fashion is something to wonder about, they have the most sparkling attires with bright colors and the jewelry crafted and worn is authentic and raw.
Though its visitor numbers are still slim, Samburu offers an incredible sight of wildlife species like majestic lions, elusive leopards, gigantic elephants, fast cheetahs, wet hippos, deadly crocodiles, and ever-present antelopes.
Samburu is home to some rarest species of animals in the world like Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Blue Legged Somali Ostrich.
Tsavo National Park
This takes up 4% of the total surface area of Kenya thus making it the largest natural habitat in Kenya.
Albeit Tsavo’s wildlife especially the predators were killed during the construction of the East African railway in colonial times, it offers a unique wilderness due to its seclusion. Its landscape comprises plateaus, savannah plains, rivers, waterfalls, and volcanic hills, making it a perfect gem for wildlife habitation. The park has two sections, the West and East.
Tsavo West is so virgin with plenty of rainfall throughout the year and evergreen thick vegetation cover. With thicker vegetation, animals are hard to see in this area. The Tsavo East is dry with open semi-arid grasslands hence providing clear-cut chances of viewing the game, especially the elephants.
During the dry spell, Tsavo East is fed by the Galana River. The animals to see in Tsavo national park include buffaloes, Masai Giraffes, leopards, Lions, Rhinos, Hartebeest, lesser Kudu, crocs, hippos, and a reasonable number of birds. Other physical attractions in the park are Mzima Springs, Lugard Falls, Mudanda Rocks, and Yatta Plateau.
Arabuko-Sokoke National Park
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the only existing coastal forest in East Africa sitting 110 km on the north coastline of Mombasa. It was gazetted into a national park in 1089. The management of the forest is a combination of four organizations namely Kenya Wildlife Service, The Kenya Forest Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, and National Museums of Kenya, and in partnerships with various international nature conservation entities.
Arabuko-Sokoke faces a lot of environmental adversaries like lumbering and encroachment from humans but the government and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to alleviate the vices threatening the forest. Arabuko-Sokoke is a perfect place for a birder. It has over 250 bird species flying and residing in its forests namely; Spotted Ground Thrush, Sokoke Pipit, East Coast Akalat, Sokoke Scops Owl, Amani Sunbird, and Clarke Weaver. There are also peculiar tree species, herbs, reptiles, and amphibians in this eco forest. a nature-guided walk around is always magical!
Chyulu Hills
Found in the southeastern part of Kenya, Chyulu Hills are one of the youngest volcanic mountains on Earth. It is said that their volcanic eruption and formation process took place about 500 years ago. The Leviathan Cave is the main attraction of the hill and this has the longest lave tubes the world over. Activities to participate in at the hills include rock climbing and hiking, horse riding, and cave tours. Chyulu is too a natural habitat for living species like black rhinos, elephants, bush pigs, cheetahs, lions, and so forth.
Town of Meru
Meru is an amazing tiny town near the slopes of Mount Kenya. Due to the fertile volcanic soils and favorable weather, Cash crop growing is popularly done in the area. Meru is one of the leading coffee producers in Kenya and the East African region at large. There is a chain of coffee processing factories and cooperatives locally owned around the area.
Meru is also famously known for being a grower of Miira. Miira is a green herb that can make a person hyperactive. Its leaves are chewed to make one hyper. Miira is a legal herb in Kenya, in other African countries, and the middle east but it is illegal in most countries around the world. Meru has incredible tourist sites to visit like the National Museum and Meru national park. The National Park is a great place to sight common wildlife species. The Meru National Museum has lots of archaeological and cultural items to look at, namely; ancient textile materials, fossils of wildlife, and traditional weapons.
Amboseli National Park
This is the second most visited park in Kenya after Masai Mara. It is situated in the South of the country on the margins of Kenya and Tanzania just a few miles away from the base of the Towering Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Amboseli hosts the highest number of elephants on the African continent. It is home to common mammals like giraffes, impala, waterbucks, giraffes, elands, gazelles, lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs, and over 600 species of birds are recorded in its territories.
The Masai people who reside around and within the park are a source of attraction too. They have an interesting traditional ethos compelling to practice and learn.
This natural habitat was named Amboseli meaning “Salty Dust” in the Masai dialect due to dry spells experienced in the area.
The Central Highlands
Central Highlands are one of the areas in Kenya with the highest population and thus are regarded as the heartland of the country. The highlands are nestled on the eastern side of the rift valley where Mount Kenya and Aberdare National Parks are situated. The highlands have a chunk of arable land and a great climate, agriculture is both done on a large and small scale. In colonial times, the British official resided on the highlands and established big farms which are still in existence up to date.
Aberdare National Park
This is one of the numerous wildlife-gazetted areas in Kenya lying on the central highlands on the edges of the eastern side of the Great rift valley. The park is dominated by evergreen forests, deep ravines, mountain water streams, and waterfalls. Within the forest, there are wildlife species which include small primates like colobus monkeys, baboons, Syke’s monkeys, dangerous cats like lions, black leopards, serval cats, forest ungulates like giant forest hogs, and the rare bongo.
Birds are also present with about 250 species recorded, namely sparrow hawks, sunbirds, plovers, eagles, and goshawks to mention but a few. While in Aberdare national park, Queen Elizabeth II was informed about the passing on of his father who she subsequently succeeded. The Queen lodged at Treetops Hotel on a trip around the park. Her monumental stay made the hotel a very popular lodge in the park and tourists still seek it.
Meru National Park
The park is situated in the East of Meru, 350km away from Nairobi. Meru National Park is a less popular wildlife game park in Kenya but with some breathtaking highlights. This wildlife habitat is so virgin because of being less visited by tourists. The park has so much greenery around it from the tall grasses, palm trees, forests, and lush swamps and this is mainly attributed to the frequent rains that fall in the area.
Meru National Park is also characterized by 13 rivers and that’s why there is a huge presence of hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic bird species. Meru game park has the highest number of buffaloes around Kenya and is home to leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, lions, different species of antelopes, and elephants too.
The Crying Stones in Kakamega
This is more like a stopover site along Kisumu-Kakamega Road. The stones are naturally placed on tall standing rocks acting as supporting pillars, where water flows through the gaps left which look like tears. It is such a spectacular natural feature to watch. The locals regard the flowing waters (tears) as a symbol of a future successful harvest.
The Great Rift Valley
During the continental drifting, one of the natural features to have been formed was the great rift valley, a huge and long depression that runs from Asia through Africa creating lots of other natural wonders like lakes, volcanic mountains, escarpments, and beneath forests to mention but a few.
The rift valley occupies so much of Kenya’s land and a visitor cannot wholly tour it on safari. The main sites to explore around the rift valley are Hell’s Gate National Park or Lake Nakuru a bird haven and Ngong Hills.
Kakamega Forest Reserve
The Natural Reserve is a tropical rainforest situated in Nandi county northwest of Nairobi at the Uganda border. This was at one time part of the iconic great tropical rainforest that spanned across the central and east African regions. However, due to human settlement and climatic change, it was fragmented and a small portion of it remains and a big part in Congo.
The small portion of forest left in Kenya is now a reserve with lots of natural beauty. The animals that abode in the forest include giant hedgehogs, bush pigs, squirrels, pottos, cobras, De Brazza’s monkeys, and innumerable bird types. The reserve has unique rocks, intriguing tree species, streams, and waterfalls to experience. A nature-guided walk around the forest costs 25$ per adult.
Bungee Jumping
It is the least-marketed adventure activity in Kenya. Bungee jumping in Kenya is a rare activity to find a tour operator promoting but it does exist. It is mainly done at a cliff on the Sagana River. Come and level up your adrenaline energies by taking up a jaw-dropping jump on the a high cliff into River Sagana.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The water-dominated habitat is known for its high concentration of lesser Flamingos, over a million of them reside on the shores and waters of the lake. With such unique birds, lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular and visited wildlife destinations in the country. It is located at the heart of the country, 152 kilometers away from Nairobi.
Apart from Lake Nakuru, it has other impressive physical features namely forests, cliffs, savannah grasslands, and woodlands. Within its territories, there exist living species like warthogs, leopards, white rhinos, pythons, waterbucks, and lions. Lake Nakuru is a bird haven with over 450 bird species recorded namely the lesser flamingos, African fish eagles, cormorants, goliath heron, etcetera.
Kisumu Town and its Museum
Kisumi is one of the popular cities along the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest inland freshwater body in Africa. The port town of Kisumu acts as a cargo transport way between Kenya and Uganda. On the shores of the lake, it has some nonchalant beach resorts to loosen up and unwind. Kisumi has a very attractive museum too.
The museum comprises ancient musical instruments, animal sculptures and exhibits, intriguing artifacts and paintings, traditional weapons, and traditional home and farming tools. The museum tenders an in-depth insight into how the ancient people of Kenya led their lives.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The conservancy was founded to protect the white rhinos, a rare and endangered species. The sanctuary is nestled in the lowlands of Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta came to prominence being the abode to the last male northern white rhino, Sudan. At the death of Sudan in 2018, he left two females of the northern white rhino species.
The two rhinos are honorably guarded against any threats. Their counterparts, the southern white rhinos are also critically endangered. The Conservancy is not all about rhinos, it has other animals like lions, giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. Within the conservancy, there is Sweeter Water’s chimpanzee sanctuary which hosts rescued chimpanzees. Ol Pejeta is such a great place to visit especially for persons interested in wildlife conservation and education.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
The wildlife reserve is situated a few miles away from the coastal city of Mombasa about 33 kilometers. Due to being within the vicinity of the coast, Shimba Hills National Reserve’s vegetation covers comprise coast rain forests, woodlands and grasslands, cycads, and orchids.
It has quite a couple of wildlife species to enjoy for instance; it is a popular home for birds and butterflies, the unique sable antelopes, and elephants. The conservation of the elephants in the reserve is remarkable as the population has grown now to 700 individuals. Thanks to the establishment of Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary in the northern section of the national reserve.
Watamu and its beaches
This is a tiny fish landing site within the locality of Mombasa. Watamu is regarded as the “area of sweet people”. Watamu is such a breathtaking place with white sand beaches, lagoons, and budding tropical forests. It has an amazing beach resort, tourists seek sun and sand from the area from time to time.
The sharks and giant manta rays are sighted in the Indian Ocean waters of the area. There are also green and hawkbill turtles present around the shores. Watamu has other attractions to enjoy for example Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and the ruins of Gede.
Watamu Marine National Park
Away from Watamu town and its beaches, there is Watamu Marine National Park in the area which needs a lone mention. This is more of a natural aquarium which was established in 1968. It has over 580 fish species in its coral areas, invertebrates, crustaceans, and innumerable mollusks.
It is also a popular habitat for two species of turtles. Its coral ponds are popular sites for kite surfing, fishing, scuba diving, volunteering, and snorkeling. During the snorkeling adventures, giant manta rays, barracuda, sharks, whales, and octopuses are sighted. Kids love it here as they tour around looking and learning about the different unique marine animals.
Eldoret
It is one of the most exciting places in Kenya but it has a small town. The town lies on the margins of the Rift Valley around the borders of Uganda. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has some programs going on in the area. The divorced rich American couple makes frequent visits to the place. There are some fancy bars and restaurants in the area to dine and wine. It is also possible for one to stay in a hotel where Bill Gates normally sleeps- The Naiberi River Campsite & Resort.
Ice Skating, Go Karting, and Quad Biking
These fun faring activities are famously enjoyed on a visit to Nairobi. They are activities that would make your kids have a good and exciting time in Kenya. The ice skating is conducted at Panari Sky Centre situated along Mombasa Road. The place offers skating lessons to both adults and kids. Skilled skaters are also welcome to the place.
It is the only place in Kenya that organizes ice skating. Panari Sky Centre is such a big establishment with other facilities in a place like the luxury hotel and sumptuous hypermarket. Quad biking is another adventurous activity to enjoy while in Kenya as you can explore the countryside and destitute areas of Nairobi on a four-wheeled bike. There is also an opportunity to showcase your driving skills by engaging in go-karting in Langata.
Siawa Swamp National Park
Situated in Kakamega in the west of the country, Siawa Swamp National Park is the smallest national reserve in Kenya. The park is mainly dominated by swamps and forests hence the huge presence of forest and wetland animal species namely small primates, sitatungas, and countless species of birds.
Che Shale Beach
This is a resort beach situated on the coastline of Mambrui. It consists of serene and transparent waters, a nonchalant atmosphere, coconut palms, and white sands and these are components of relaxation and unwinding. There are lots of reveling spots around the beach from the bars and restaurants, and spas to the discotheques. It is an ideal place for vacationers and honeymooners. It is the only place in the country with a Kitesurfing center and school. Other adventures to enjoy on the beach include snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and nature walks.
The Island of Lamu
Lamu is the cradle land of people with original Swahili heritage. It is a tiny island detached in the northeast of Mombasa. Dating back to the 14th century, locals, the Indians, Arabs, Europeans, and Persians resided on the islands which are revealed by the ancient architectural structures and Swahili cultures that exist.
The island has remarkable ancient buildings constructed as far as the 12th century and this is why it is under the UNESCO Heritage Sites. The place has a small population and most of its areas are still virgin and preserved. The façade of the islands is incredibly enthralling with most of the buildings still in the old-age architectural design of coral stones, wooden doors, artistic molding, hidden courtyards, and concrete and stone-made balconies. The island has been preserved with its old setting, and no modern developments have been made.
No roads for cars, only alleys, and pedestrian paths are networked around. The main means of transport are dhows and donkeys. While at the islands, there are lots of activities to engage in for example; visiting the Lamu museum, Lamu Fort, and a donkey sanctuary touring the white sand beaches, and participating in the different water activities.
Lamu Fort and Museum
The fort was constructed in 1821 by the Sultan of Oman. It acted as the major camp for soldiers when sent to Lamu Island. The establishment is situated in the main square of the island. During the long-distance trade times, the island became safe and the Arab traders started to build other structures like shops hence developing the area.
Later on in colonial times, the fort became the home of Jack Haggard, the British representative. Remains are still present that reflect on how the Swahili culture was started around the Museum for example; monumental homes, Takwa, art sculptures, paintings, and pictures of the different Kenyan tribes and the island at large.
Manda Island
This is one of the small islands found at Lamu. Its discovery dates back to the 9th century by the Persian Arab traders. With its white sand beaches, tropical trees, and sunny weather, the tourists love vacationing on the island. It is a great place for swimming, surfing boat riding, and snorkeling. There is also some sort of museum with ancient memorabilia like pottery, molds, sculptures, glass, and ceramics.
Paté Island
On the Lamu archipelago, Pate Island is the biggest of all islands. It is dominated by mangrove swamps. It is the first settlement area for Arabs in the 7th century. The place has so much prestige and heritage of the Islamic and Swahili cultures in Kenya. A tour to the island graces you with opportunities to sight remarkable ancient Arab architecture, mosques, and ancient tombs. The main fort at Siyu is also noteworthy. The island can be accessed by a ferry from Lamu.
Siyu
It is a town found on Pate Island, in the 15th century, it was mostly populated with indigenous Kenyans of about 300,000 individuals. It is one of the popular places in Kenya that vehemently resisted Arab invasions and remained colonial-free. The most iconic tourist site in the area is Fort Siyu and other attractions are the resort beaches, Swahili artifacts, and tombs.
Mida Creek
This is one of the Mangrove forests found on the Indian Ocean. It is within the vicinity of Malindi Marine National Park and Matamu Island. Mida Creek is composed of warm shall waters that are perfect habitats for aquatic bird species like the Malachite kingfisher, great white egret, greater flamingo, and yellow-billed stork. Migratory birds like whimbrel, sanderling, crab plover, and curlew come from as far as Europe in the winter season. The best time to see birds in this wetland is between March to May.
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
The Conservancy is a 3,500-acre natural habitat situated in the middle of Nakuru and Naivasha. Its vegetation cover comprises riverine woodlands, euphorbia, and Leleshwa shrubs. It abodes so many animals to view on a Kenya safari for example; elands, hippos, hyenas, impalas, and gazelles. The birds are present too, over 210 species are recorded in the conservancy. An electric fence was set up to alleviate animal-human conflicts and poaching.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha seethes in the semi-arid at the summit of the rift valley northwest of Kenya close to Naivasha town, about 100km away from Nairobi. The name Naivasha comes from Nai’posha a Masai word meaning “rough water”. The lake is characterized by swamps and papyrus hosting a mammoth of birds.
Lake Naivasha is regarded as the best birding destination in Kenya. It is home to over 400 bird species, namely lily trotters, ospreys, and black crakes to mention but the least. The birds are best sighted sailing on a canoe. During the dry spells, the water part and levels decrease leading to the death of numerous birds. Lake Naivasha is also a natural habitat for common animals like giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, zebra, and elands.
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is also known as the “Mountain of Buffalo”. It is one of the least-known wildlife parks in the country. The main highlight in the park is hiking the mountain which rises at an altitude of 2,148 meters above sea level. It is such a habitable area for buffaloes over 250 individuals are recorded. This is why the park is called “the Mountain of Buffalo”. The other wild animals to sight at the park are colobus monkeys, impalas, duikers, baboons, birds, and bushbucks. It also has viewpoints where Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro can easily be sighted.
Mamba Village in Nairobi
Wishing to have a date with one of the deadliest marine animals, Mamba Village in Nairobi is the place to visit. This is without a doubt the biggest crocodile farm in the East African region. The crocodiles are normally sighted busking in the sun at the water ends of the pools, opening their wide jaws and tapping in flies.
They are also seen fighting for food as the caretakers pour it into the pond. There is a crocodile documentary to watch at the farm. For those interested in having a bite of croc’s meat, it is available in the restaurant. Within Mamba Village, there are green botanical gardens for picnics and refreshing. Camel or horse riding for both infants and adults is also available in the Village.
Lake Victoria
Victoria is the largest inland freshwater body in Africa and the second largest in the world. It spans its waters in three countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, covering a total surface area of 23,146mi2. On the Kenya side, Lake Victoria can be reached through Kisumu. On this lake, there is a port, a couple of fish landing sites, and beach resorts.
Tourists can soak in the sun tack some tilapia and Nile perch and also go for a boat ride around the lake. It is a great place to relax and re-energize. Maritime species are spotted while touring the lake, namely African Helmeted turtles, giant otter shrews, Mud turtles, Nile crocodiles, African clawless otters,s and a wealth of bird species.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Wildlife Trust was founded in memory of a phenomenon naturalist David Leslie William Shedrick, the initiator of Tsavo National Park as a charity fund organization in 1977. David Leslie worked in the park as the executive officer of the planning unit of the newly formed Wildlife Authority in Kenya between 1948 to 1976.
The wildlife trust was started after his death by his Wife Daphne Sheldrick. The offices of the trust were established at the main entrance of Nairobi National Park. The Trust mainly indulges itself in rescuing orphaned and vulnerable elephants, rehabilitating and reintroducing them into the wild. It is a very integral entity in wildlife conservation, preservation, protection, and rehabilitation. During a visit to the center, the visitors get a chance to interact with the young elephants, and watch and observe the keeper nurture and feed them.
Climbing Mount Elgon
This dormant volcano is found at the border of Kenya and Uganda. It is the second-highest mountain in Kenya only beaten by Mount Kenya. It has the largest volcanic caldera and the feature is one of the compelling features on the mountain that attracts tourists to hike it. Due to its fertile soils, a lot of cultivation is done on its slopes and one of the main crops grown is the Arabica coffee.
Mombasa Port
This is the main port of Kenya, and most of the imports and exports are shipped from this coastline area. It is also the second biggest city in Kenya. Other than being a port, Mombasa is a tourist area with many attractions to enjoy from the white sand beaches to the ancient forts and remnants.
The Swahili Arab culture is the most dominant in the area though other cultures are also embraced and do exist. It has all sorts of people around from the indigenous Kenyan, Swahili people, Arabs, Portuguese, British, and Indians. Mombasa is the best place for vacations and honeymoons because of the presence of striking white-sand beaches and resort hotels along the shores of the Indian Ocean. There are also museums, forts, and other ancient remains to visit and get to know the past.
Malindi
This Island has a great connection with Mombasa. It is a renowned place for vacationing by many people around the world due to its stunning white sand beaches and good-looking hotel resorts. It is a very serene place for relaxation and unwinding. It is characterized by people of Arab and Swahili origin.
The major places to visit on these islands are Watamu Marine National Park, Watamu Beaches, the cross of Vasco Da Gama, the Jami Mosque, and the church of St. Francis Xavier (one of the oldest churches in East Africa). Tourists can also visit Marafa Depression- a sandstone gorge and Falconry of Kenya a rehabilitation centre for injured birds.
Diani Beach
This is one of the most exciting coastline places in Kenya lying 30km south of the Island of Mombasa. It is the prime reveler’s spot. It has also sort of facilities for mass tourism from resort hotels, white sand beaches, bars and restaurants, shopping malls, and night spots. On its waters, activities like kitesurfing, skydiving, jet skiing, and snorkeling are carried out. It is an ideal place to relieve the stress from the daily routine.
The Gedi Ruins
Gedi is a huge relic establishment consisting of historical sites like tombs, a palace, residential houses, and mosques. Gedi was established by the first Arab settlers in the 13th century but in what used to be one of the most industrious areas in Kenya, only the Gedi ruins are left. The Gedi ruins have been turned into a historical site where tourists visit to look at how the Arab settlers led their lives in the past centuries.
Fort Jesus in Mombasa
It is a popular UNESCO heritage site in East Africa. It used to be the military camp for the Portuguese as they fought Arabs and other invaders. The fort was established during King Philip 1 reign in 1593. The lead constructor of the fort was Giovanni Battista Cairati.
Fort Jesus is now preserved as a heritage site where tourists go and tour memorabilia like torture chambers where the slaves were locked before being taken to Europe and the colossal canon guns pointing towards the Indian Ocean. San Antonio De Tanna is another remaining to sight, a gunner that sank near the fort in the 17th century.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The conservancy started out as a cattle ranch and later turned into a rhino sanctuary to stop poaching that was leading to their extinction. This rhino conservancy is situated at the base of Mount Kenya in the North of Kenya. The project of conserving the rhino has been a success as the population has increased from 15 in 1984 to 150 now.
The strategies used to conserve the rhinos are fencing the rhino habitats, awareness of the local communities, giving back to the locals, tagging advanced trackers on the rhinos, and heavy recruitment of security patrols.
Mount Kenya National Park
This is one of the most famous natural features in the country. Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is majorly dominated by Mountain Kenya, the second-highest volcanic mountain in Africa at an altitude of 17,057 feet.
It has three peaks namely Batian, Nelion, and Lenana. Mount Kenya National Park is nestled in Meru, on the margins of the Eastern Rift Valley. Mount Kenya is very challenging to climb but hikers conquer their fear and reach its top using any of the two routes of Sirimon and Naromoru. The features sighted while climbing Mount Kenya are the alpine forests, glaciers, bamboo forests, water streams, and crater lakes.
Wildlife species like elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, and monkeys are present on the lower slopes. At the top of the mountain, visitors have a chance of sighting the frosty Kilimanjaro “the roof of Africa”. Mount Kenya poses a harder task to climb than Kilimanjaro. It takes 5 days to ascend to its summit and if you are not well conditioned both physically and mentally, you might not reach the final destination.
However, there are options for hiking the lower slopes and summits. The best period to climb the mountain is the months of August- September and December- February. Other things to do at Mount Kenya National Park are the Mau Mau cave tour, fishing, playing golf, and tennis. Visiting the local communities should not be ruled out.
Nyama Choma
Spiced smoked and roasted beef and goat’s meat is one of the tastiest delicacies in Kenya. The Nyama Choma is sold in most restaurants, hangout spots, and on the roadsides. The meat is organic, fresh, and delicious, you can never get enough of its bites. It gets better by complementing it with a fizzy drink or beer.
Hell’s Gate National Park
This is a small national park that was established in 1984. The game habitat derives its name from a break-off cliff of one of the prehistoric lakes that fed the early humans around the area. Though small in size, Hell’s Gate National Park is a real deal for nature lovers. It has eye-catching natural features like gorges, two extinct volcanoes, numerous rock formations, volcanic plugs, hot springs, and obsidian caves.
Habitable as Hell’s Gate National Park is, there is a huge presence of wild animals like leopards, gazelles, elands, hartebeest, ostriches, and innumerable birds. Due to the few predators in the area, a national park is an ideal place for camping expeditions, nature walks, and bike tours. Noteworthy is the Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre. A visit to this amazing center is life-changing and revealing.
Whitewater Rafting in River Tana
Whitewater rafting is an activity hard to find around but on River Tana, it is readily available and exciting. There are three lower-grade rapids to maneuver and overcome during a rafting experience on the river. Since the rapids and tides on the river are not so vigorous, there is room for a rafter to savor the amazing surroundings of the water body. There are other activities to enjoy on the river for example fishing, kayaking, and birding.
Village of Obama’s Father
Kogelo is the birthplace of Barack Obama’s father. Barack Obama was the first-ever black president of The United States of America. Therefore, Obama having roots in the Kogelo, it has made it a major tourist site in Kenya. Away from the heritage of Obama, Kogelo is a true African village with interesting traditional people (Luo) and amazing landscapes, forests, and lakes to enjoy on a Kenya tour.
Haller Park
The nature park is situated on the Island of Mombasa, near Bamburi Cement Factory along Makindi Mombasa Road. The park was formerly known as Bamburi Nature Trail till 1999. Rene Haller, a naturalist created the park in 1971 to save wild animals as their habitat was destroyed to set up a cement manufacturing company.
The park was established more like a rehabilitation center and animals like bushbucks, oryx, zebras, hippos, giraffes, elands, and duikers were protected and conserved. A tour around Haller Park enables visitors to see the aforementioned animal species. The prime time to visit the nature park is between 11 am to 3 pm
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
The aquatic park is nestled on the Southern coast of Kenya on the Wasini and Shimoni Islands. The major attractions to see are dolphins, Angelfish, humpback whales, groupers snappers, and turtles. The period from August to October is the highest time to watch the marine animals because it is normally bright. Snorkeling, bird watching and other water activities are also available at the park.
Eat Local and Continental Dishes From Local Restaurants
With a combination of Swahili and Arab cultures, Kenyans make the best chefs in Africa. Spiced and seasoned food is the order of the day especially around the coastal areas. The major dishes in Kenyan restaurants are Mukimo, chapatti, pilau and Ugali (Posho) served with chicken or beef stew. Restaurants that serve foreign dishes are available, especially in the major cities of Kenya.
Important Information Visiting Kenya
Any foreign traveler wishing to visit Kenya is requested to get a visa. The Visa must be presented to the immigration officer at the airport or any border point. One can acquire a visa online or simply get to the airport or a border point and make an application where one will be issued one. It is advised for travelers wishing to visit other East African countries in particular Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda at the same time to apply for an East Africa visa. The East Africa visa enables one to travel around the three countries simultaneously without reapplying and paying for another visa.
Vaccination certificates for certain diseases are requested for one to get into Kenya. The compulsory ones are yellow fever and COVID-19 certificates. They may ask for other diseases’ immunization cards like polio, tetanus, and hepatitis B regarding the prevailing circumstances. It is advised to carry anti-malarial drugs and other medicines for your underlying illness in case you have one.
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