Support
Sign in
Planning a trip to Kenya? We share a few interesting tips on visiting Kenya, a country in East Africa, widely known for its diverse wildlife preserves and picturesque landscapes. Its coastline is on the Indian Ocean. Kenya is home to a vast amount of wildlife like rhinos, lions, elephants, etc. It circumscribes the Great Rift valley, the Savannah and the mountain highlands. A place blessed with nature’s magic and delight.
Why should you visit Kenya?
· Vast and beautiful wildlife
Kenya is one of the most splendid wildlife locations in the whole world. It has everything one can think of! Visiting Kenya is a joy for wildlife lovers as one can find African buffaloes, cheetahs, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, baboons, impalas, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, zebras and so many more wildlife wonders.
· The breathtaking spots
The reserves, private conservations and the huge parks shelter a vast population of wildlife. It has magnificent scenery and is filled with beautiful destinations and one of the reasons for visiting Kenya.
· Activities
Viewing the wildlife, horse-riding, fishing, golf, rafting, kite surfing, cycling, trekking and so much more can be done here. If you are someone who loves adventure, this country is for you!
Best time to visit Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya is during the months of January and February as the weather is the most favourable at this time and the wildlife can be easily spotted in the open. June to October is also a good time, if you wish to experience and view the annual wild beast migration that takes place here. However, sadly if you plan to go here during the months of March to May, we suggest you reconsider as it is the season of heavy rains, and one could avoid going there during monsoons.
The most convenient time to visit Kenya for safaris is anywhere between the months of June to October. If you travel here in early September, you will encounter the infamous wild beast migration that takes place in Masai Mara, annually.
So, now it's time to know the best places in Kenya. While visiting Kenya keep in mind to make the most of the trip by exploring various destinations suggested by our experts.
We share a customised itinerary to visit Kenya:
Best places in Kenya
DAY 1 – 3
Visit Nairobi
While visiting Kenya get the best wildlife experience that is out there on your trip to Nairobi. You can visit several spots. It will not only introduce you to animal conservation in this country but also help you prepare for safaris and treks.
Kick off your tour with the Nairobi National Park. This place is very close to the capital center, and tourists are offered a really unique wildlife experience here.
Spotting animals in their natural habitat, going about their daily routine is an absolute pleasure. You can also take a game drive around the park and explore the place. If you are more inclined to game centers, then you can also try out the Elephant Orphanage, which takes care of the baby and orphaned elephants and Giraffe Center, which shelters the Rothchild’s giraffe, which is an endangered species.
On your visit here you can stay at many locations. These can range from affordable to luxury hotels, so there is a pick for all, two of them are:
- Eka Hotel, Nairobi - $133
- Khweza Bed and breakfast, Nairobi - $31
DAY 4 – 6
Visit Maasai Mara (9) Masai Mara | The Safari of a LIFETIME! - YouTube
- Go up the sky
You will be convinced that visiting Kenya is a lifetime experience when you take a trip to Maasai Mara. Create unforgettable moments by taking a tour in a hot air balloon. Wake up before the sun rises and jump on a hot air balloon safari that will take you high above the Mara plains.
As you soar high, relish the beautiful sight of all the birds that surround you, and all the animals that awaken beneath you as you peek below. You may also be able to see the Great Migration! This core memory will be perfectly packed with champagne popping right open as you float across Mara.
- Meet the community
Go on a community visit here and meet the people of Maasai Mara. Your trip would not feel fulfilled if you did not meet the locals here. So, bring in your communication skills and meet the people of Maasai, learn about their unique traditions and culture. They are very welcoming; they will invite you into their manyattas made of sticks and mud. Thus, visiting Kenya will be the most enjoyable experience.
- Go on a horseback safari
Just like olden times, if you want a special experience at Mara, go on their horseback safari! Leave behind all the jazzy vehicles and dive into the place with nature, exploring the vast area. You will not only be having human companions, but you will also be galloping along with the giraffes and zebras here.
Places to stay here:
- Fairmont Mara Safari Baharinirs - $ 391
- Maasai resort - $37
DAY 7 – 9
Visit Mombasa Mombasa – One of Kenya's Oldest Cities | Sun, Strand and a Historic Old Town - YouTube
Mombasa is the largest port city of Kenya. This cosmopolitan city is located on the Southeast coast of Kenya. Mombasa attracts all kinds of tourists because of its diverse culture. This city is a fusion of different forms of art, cuisines, architecture, traditions and a lot more. It is a culmination of Arab, Indian, Portuguese and British culture too, thus, is probably the best place in Kenya.
Mombasa is also known for its corals and beaches. Do not forget to take a trip down their busy street markets and get all of your souvenirs here.
Even as you enjoy the beaches you must visit the older monuments here; they truly are a spectacle! Some famous attractions of Mombasa are the Nyali Beach, the Old Town, Diani Beach, Fort Jesus and the Mombasa Marine National Park. As an adventure lover don’t miss snorkeling, diving and wildlife safari here. Visiting Kenya will overwhelm you owing to its diversity and rich native culture.
Places to stay:
- The Reef Hotel, Mount Kenya Road, Mombasa - $75 per night
- The Sands at Nomad Hotel, Diani Beach Backpackers Paradise, Diani Beach Road - $176 per night
DAY 10
Visit Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park | Mount Kilimanjaro | andBeyond
Amboseli National Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous places especially if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Adorned by the enormous Mt. Kilimanjaro, this majestic place is surely somewhere you will never regret going while visiting Kenya.
Once you enter, you are going to be in awe at the breathtaking views of the highest peak of Africa. You will find a number of wildlife like giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, large herds of African elephants and a lot of different birds. So, while planning a trip to Kenya, Amboseli National Park should be on your itinerary.
The park timings are from 6 am to 9pm.
The entry fees are $47 for adults, and $28 for children.
DAY 11 – 12
Located high at the altitude of 5,199 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the second highest peak in Kenya. It was established for the conservation of endangered species of all the surrounding areas of the mountain. A must visit place for nature lovers and photographers. The Mt. Kenya National Park has now turned into a huge tourist attraction, and is known to be one of the top sight-seeing places in Kenya. It is also well known for its wildlife safari tours.
It is a delight for most travelers visiting Kenya.
The timings for this place are 9 am to 9 pm. The entry Fee for adults is $41 and $21 for kids.
Places to stay:
- Westwood Hotel Nyeri - $39
- The White Rhino Hotel - $74
- House of Waine – $441
- Medina Palms - $274
Foods you should try here:
Nyama choma is a grilled goat or beef dish. The Kenyan citizens are meat lovers, one will surely find open grills all through the country. Fish and chicken are also popular choma options here.
Kachumbari is Kenya’s most delicious salad. Made from thin slices of freshly picked tomatoes, green/red pepper, lemon juice, onions, and coriander.
When you’re in Nairobi, you must try Mukimo, which was initially developed by the Kikuyu people. Mukimo is a mashed potato dish with some more ingredients added to it, like corn, peas, and spinach that will just make you go “WOW!”
Omena is a devoured delicacy in Kenya, which graces tables in the whole country and is most popular among the Luo community! When you are visiting Kenya remember to go to the food markets, where you will find baskets filled with Omena everywhere!
Festivals you can attend in Kenya
5 Cultural Festivals of Kenya — Google Arts & Culture
The Lake Turkana Festival, celebrated in May, takes place at Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya. The main feature of this festival is that everyone puts their cultural differences aside and come in union to create a sense of togetherness. This festival features 10 unique performances from different communities, who are local to the region.
The International Camel Derby, in August is celebrated in Samburu. It has grown even more popular over the years among people visiting Kenya. This event attracts so many tourists from all over the world, everybody brings in their finest racing camel and comes decked in so many vibrant colors!
Once it’s early November, the Mombasa Carnival MOMBASA CARNIVAL – Kenya’s Mega Street Party – Africa Leaders Magazine (africanleadersmagazine.com) takes place. In the event, there are colorful parade floats, everyone is dressed up in traditional attire. There is a lot of music and dance and all the street vendors across Kenya bring in their specialty. This is truly the best festival to visit if you want to experience all the cuisines of Kenya!
Then in late November, Kenyans have the Lamu Cultural Festival. Lamu, a small island in Eastern Kenya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site Lamu Old Town - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The locals get together to celebrate their past and their future. There are unique activities that take place like henna painting, donkey racing, poetry, dhow sailing, and they also have a lot of architecture on display. The festival ends with a munching on traditional Swahili food.
So, now that you know about all the fun things while visiting Kenya, go ahead and have the most vibrant trip of your life!
Also, while you get in touch with tour operators ensure they are using a travel planning software to render the best travel service and a customized itinerary.
Get in touch with the ETOS - Top Travel Technology Providers in India | ETOS Global team to know more about travel management software and keep visiting our blog - Insights on Travel Industry | ETOS Global Blog for more updates on interesting travel destinations around the world.
