Kenya is a country that is full of surprises. It’s an alluring place to visit, with plenty of things to see and do. If you’re looking for an adventure, you’ll find it in Kenya. Here are nine incredible reasons to visit this amazing country!
Kenya is a country in East Africa, cocooned by an Indian Ocean coastline and dramatic mountain highlands. In the middle are vast expanses of savannah and lakelands, incredible wildlife and vibrant towns and cities. Kenya is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. From the bustling capital of Nairobi to the stunning landscapes of the Maasai Mara and beyond, there are many sides to this enchanting country.
Traveling to Kenya is easy too. Several airlines offer direct flights from the US, and there are plenty of tour operators offering safaris and other travel packages. Recently, the visa on arrival changed to an eVisa online, making it easier to get a digital visa before you travel and meaning shorter wait times at the airport.
So what are you waiting for? Here are just a few of the many reasons to add Kenya to your travel list.
1. The Great Migration
One of the most popular reasons to visit Kenya is to witness the Great Migration. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It’s an incredible natural phenomenon that you can only see here. The best time to see the migration is between July and October, when the animals are drawn to the Mara River in search of water.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a truly unique experience, hot air balloon safaris are a must-do in Kenya. There’s nothing quite like floating above the African plains at dawn, watching as the animals below go about their day. It’s an unforgettable way to see the Kenyan landscape and wildlife. Hot air balloon safaris typically take place in the Maasai Mara, and you’ll often enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush at the end of the journey.
3. Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is an immense geographical feature that runs all the way from Ethiopia to Mozambique. The unique geography means it can be seen from space! In Kenya, it’s home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. From Lake Nakuru, with its flamingos and rhinos, to Lake Bogoria with its geysers and hot springs, there are plenty of photo-worthy spots to explore.
4. Elephants Of Amboseli
The elephants of Amboseli are some of the most iconic in all of Kenya. These gentle big-tusked giants can often be easily seen roaming through the plains or bathing in waters. It’s an amazing sight, and one that you won’t forget in a hurry. This locality is often referred to as the “land of the giants” for good reason! Amboseli National Park is also home to nearly 400 bird species, and Mount Kilimanjaro creates an impressive backdrop of many photos.
5. Beach Life In Mombasa
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers, and there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Mombasa is the most popular beach destination, with white sand beaches, coral reefs and clear blue waters. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of watersports on offer, from snorkeling and diving to windsurfing and kitesurfing.
6. Rugged Wilderness In Tsavo West
Tsavo West is one of Kenya’s largest national parks, and it’s home to a huge variety of wildlife. From elephants and lions to rhinos and cheetahs, you’re sure to see some incredible animals on a safari here. The landscape is also very diverse, with open plains, woodlands, mountains and rivers, as well as volcanic hills and craters. You can often spot Nile crocodiles and hippos at the Mzima Springs too. It’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for some adventure.
7. Red Elephants In Tsavo East
Fans of elephants have no shortage of these creatures to spot in Kenya, and in the Tsavo East National Park, they are often covered in red soil! This is because of the high concentration of iron in the soil, which elephants love to bathe in. The park is also home to lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, so there’s plenty of wildlife to see. This national park is actually the largest protected area in Kenya.
8. The ‘Special Five’ Of Samburu
While many people on safari go looking for the ‘Big Five’, in the Samburu National Reserve, you can find the so-called ‘Special Five’. These are animals that are unique to this specific region. These include the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich and Gerenuk. Of course, there are plenty of other animals to see in Samburu too, including lions, leopards, elephants and cheetahs.
9. Safaris With Tribespeople
One of the best things about Kenya is that you can go on safari with local tribespeople. The Maasai tribe is one of the most well-known, and they are often featured in documentaries and movies set in Africa. Going on safari with them is a truly unique experience, and you’ll get to learn about their culture and way of life. You also get to see some amazing animals, as the Maasai are expert trackers. The Samburu tribe also do guided bush walks for visitors.
And that’s just the beginning! Kenya is a country with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or simply want to relax on a beautiful beach, you’ll find it all here.