Top Most Places to Visit in Kenya

Whether you are a budget traveller, tourist, or adventurous backpacker, this guide to Kenya helps you make the most of your travel experience.

This serves as Your Definitive Handbook to National Parks, Waterfalls, Kenya eVisa, Lakes, Rivers, Museums, Monuments, Mountains, Cultural Destinations, and All Things Kenya.

General travel guides and facts in Kenya

• Geographical Area: 581,309 km² (224,445 sq. mi)
• Population: Approximately 56 million (based on 2022 United Nations estimates)
• Capital City: Nairobi
• Major Cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu
• Number of Counties: 47
• National Colours: Black, Red, Green, and White
• National Bird: Lilac-breasted Roller
• Time Zone: East Africa Time (UTC/GMT +3:00)
• Lowest Point: Indian Ocean (0 m)
• Highest Point: Mount Kenya (5,199 m)
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES / KSh)
• Telephone Code: +254
• Internet Country Code: .ke
• Electricity: 220–240V AC, 50Hz; Type G (UK-style three rectangular pin) plugs.
• Kenyan Visa: Apply for your Kenyan visa online before travel

Top Destinations and Attractions in Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa’s most diverse travel destinations, offering mountains, lakes, wildlife reserves, waterfalls, cultural landmarks, and marine parks. Each region provides a distinct experience, from high-altitude trekking to world-class safaris and coastal relaxation.

1. Mountains and Hills in Kenya

Kenya’s highlands and volcanic landscapes offer excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, camping, and scenic exploration.

• Mount Kenya: Africa’s second-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for alpine scenery, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems.

• Mount Elgon: An ancient extinct volcano on the Kenya-Uganda border, featuring caves, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity.
• Mount Longonot: A dormant stratovolcano in the Great Rift Valley, popular for day hikes with panoramic crater views.

• Mount Suswa: A volcanic mountain famous for its double caldera and extensive lava tube caves.
• Ololokwe: A sacred, flat-topped mountain in northern Kenya with strong cultural significance to the Samburu people.
• Ngong Hills, Chyulu Hills, Shimba Hills: Ideal for short hikes, photography, and nature walks.

2. Lakes in Kenya

Kenya’s lakes, many of which lie along the Great Rift Valley, are renowned for their rich birdlife, geothermal features, fishing activities, and scenic beauty.

Freshwater Lakes

• Lake Victoria: Africa’s largest lake, supporting fishing communities and cross-border trade.

• Lake Naivasha: A wildlife-rich lake popular for boat rides and birdwatching.
• Lake Baringo: Known for bird diversity and cultural interactions with local communities.

• Lake Ol Bolossat: The only natural lake in Kenya’s central highlands.

Soda and Alkaline Lakes

• Lake Nakuru: Famous for flamingos and rhino conservation.

• Lake Bogoria: Known for hot springs, geysers, and flamingos.
• Lake Elementaita: A UNESCO-listed soda lake with rich birdlife.
• Lake Turkana: The world’s largest desert lake and an important archaeological region.
• Lake Magadi: An alkaline lake known for soda ash mining.

3. Waterfalls in Kenya

Kenya’s waterfalls are scattered across forests, highlands, and national parks, offering cool retreats and scenic viewpoints.

• Thomsons Falls: One of Kenya’s most famous waterfalls.

• Karuru Falls: A spectacular multi-tiered waterfall in the Aberdare Range.
• Fourteen Falls: A popular waterfall near Thika.

• Sheldrick Falls: Located within Shimba Hills National Reserve.
• Lugard Falls: Rock formations and rapids along the Galana River.

4. Museums and Historical Sites

Kenya’s cultural heritage is preserved through museums, archaeological sites, and monuments managed mainly by the National Museums of Kenya.

• Nairobi National Museum: Showcases Kenya’s culture, history, and biodiversity.
• Karen Blixen Museum: Former home of the famous author.
• Fort Jesus: A UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting coastal history.

• Gede Ruins: Remains of an ancient Swahili town.
• Thimlich Ohinga: A pre-colonial dry-stone settlement.

5. National Parks and Reserves

Kenya’s parks and reserves form the backbone of its world-renowned safari tourism.

• Maasai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the Great Migration and big-cat sightings.
• Amboseli National Park: Known for large elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views.

• Tsavo East National Park & Tsavo West National Park: Vast wilderness areas with diverse landscapes.
• Samburu National Reserve: Home to rare northern wildlife species.

• Nairobi National Park: A unique wildlife park bordering the capital city.
• Watamu Marine National Park & Malindi Marine National Park: Protected coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Modes of Transport in Kenya

1. Road Transport: Buses, matatus, ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt), tuk-tuks, and boda bodas are widely used in cities and towns.

2. Air Transport: Kenya has international and domestic airports, as well as over 250 airstrips, with flights operated by local and international airlines.
3. Rail Transport: The Madaraka Express (SGR) connects Nairobi and Mombasa, supported by commuter trains within Nairobi.

4. Water Transport: Limited services, mainly the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa and ferries on Lake Victoria.

FAQs About Top Places to Visit in Kenya

• What are the must-visit destinations in Kenya?
  Kenya’s top attractions include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Parks, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park, and the coastal towns of Mombasa and Malindi.
• What is the best time to visit Maasai Mara?
  The best time to visit Maasai Mara is from July to October, during the Great Migration, when large herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains.
• What is the appeal of Amboseli National Park?
  Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds, open savanna landscapes, and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Are the coastal towns worth visiting in Kenya?
  Yes. Mombasa, Malindi, and nearby Diani Beach offer beautiful beaches, historic sites, and rich Swahili coastal culture.
• What unique experiences does Tsavo offer?
  Tsavo, Kenya’s largest national park, is famous for its red elephants, diverse landscapes, and attractions such as Mzima Springs.
• How can I experience Kenya’s cultural heritage?
  Visitors can explore Kenya’s culture at the Bomas of Kenya, Karen Blixen Museum, and Nairobi National Museum.
• Are there opportunities for mountain climbing in Kenya?
  Yes. Mount Kenya offers rewarding climbing and trekking routes suitable for different experience levels.
• What water-based activities can I enjoy in Kenya?
  Boat safaris and birdwatching are popular at Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo, while Watamu Marine National Park offers snorkelling and diving.
• Is Nairobi worth exploring?
  Absolutely. Nairobi features attractions such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, and Nairobi National Museum.
• What is unique about the Great Rift Valley?
  The Great Rift Valley is known for its dramatic scenery, geothermal features, and lakes, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature exploration.