For many people, Kenya is the original safari destination, and it is still one of the best places to visit for a classic African experience. It is one of the most diverse countries in East Africa. Whether you are looking for a great safari experience, a hiking adventure, or a moment to relax on beautiful white-sand beaches, Kenya is indeed a fantastic country to visit.
Aside from its game reserves, the are many things to discover in Kenya. Therefore, if you want to plan an adventurous getaway with your family or friends, it is one of the best places you can visit. If you want to have some ideas, then here’s a list of the best things to do in Kenya.
Chill on a Beach at Diani
If you are a beach or an ocean person, then you’ll love Diani Beach in Kenya. It is an Indian Ocean paradise that features white sand that’s continually lapped by azures waves and palm trees. It is a place where you can truly unwind, relax, and enjoy swimming and hanging out by the beach. While having your downtime, you can also enjoy betting in Kenya via online sportsbooks and betting sites, as long as you have a smartphone or tablet, and internet connection.
Having a coastline to die for, hitting the beach at Diani, is definitely one of the best things to do in Kenya. It is also perfect if you’re with your whole family.
Witness the Maasai Mara’s Great Migration
If you are visiting Kenya from August to October, you will have the chance to witness the Great Migration. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope migrate together from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, going to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Their migration depends on the rains, but they usually enter Kenya in August and spend September and November on its lush southern plains.
The Great Migration is one of the most iconic natural phenomena in the world. If you want to see the action clearly, then you can consider staying in a mobile camp.
Take Photos of Flamingoes at Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park can be found in Central Kenya. It is on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, which is popular for its huge soda lake. The lake is a third of the park’s total area, and it attracts lots of flamingoes who come to mate, raise their young, and as well as feed on the lake’s algae.
Aside from flamingoes, this place is also a birding hotspot. You can find more than 450 other avian species in this park. Also, there are leopards, lions, and white rhinos, making it a spectacular euphorbia forest in Africa. If you want to see lots of flamingoes, then you should definitely visit Lake Nakuru National Park.
Explore the Landscapes and Cultures of Northern Kenya
The most iconic game reserves in Kenya are found in the south, but its northern part is also worth visiting. You can go further north to the Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs national reserves, which straddle the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river. This place is home to some equally unique wildlife, including oryx antelopes, the desert-adapted gerenuk, and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Aside from animals, the place is also home to semi-nomadic, pastoralist Samburu people. There are cultural tours that you can take to get a fascinating insight into these people’s way of life.
Hell’s Gate National Park, which can be found in the northwest of Nairobi, is a three-hour drive from the capital city. It is different from any other park in Kenya because it’s part of the Great Rift Valley. It is a place for geothermal activity, and it features soaring cliffs, plunging valleys, and enormous rock pillars. The place also looks dramatic due to the clouds of escaping steam and swimmable thermal springs.
This national park allows walking safaris, and they also have designated trails for mountain biking and hiking. There are also sites that are popular for rock climbing and for spotting nesting birds of prey. Some of the best birds you can see here are the Egyptian vultures and the majestic Verreaux’s eagle.
Stroll on the Streets of Lamu
Lamu is a small town on Lamu Island in Kenya. It is located at the northern tip of Kenya’s coastline, and it is the oldest, living Swahili town. It is an ancient trading port that you can visit if you want to learn more about the unique culture of the coast. This walled city does not allow any cars. The primary mode of transportation in this town is riding donkeys. When you visit this town, you will hear mosques sing out their call to prayer, and you’ll see children wearing traditional clothes while dashing through the streets.
Lamu is the perfect place to relax and spend your time wandering around its fascinating streets. There are also beautiful beaches that you can explore here.
Be Amazed by the Elephants in Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park is one of the top national parks in Kenya, and you can spot lots of elephants here. If you haven’t seen an elephant in person yet, then you will have a chance when you visit this park. Spotting elephants in the wild with the towering backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest peak in Africa located in Tanzania, will surely give you an unforgettable experience.
Buy Souvenirs in Nairobi
Traveling to a place is not complete without shopping for souvenirs. If you are wondering where you can do it, then going to Nairobi is the answer. Even though Nairobi is known for its high crime rates, there are still a lot of things you can do in Kenya’s capital city. There are also National Parks, gardens, museums, and churches that you can visit there. And souvenir shopping is also the best in Nairobi. There are plenty of markets in the center of the town which offer many opportunities to snap up a bargain. Just remember to always keep your valuables close to you when you shop.
These are some of the best things you can do when you visit Kenya. This country may not be one of the top tourist destinations for most people, but if you are looking into visiting a unique place where you can learn a lot about wildlife and culture, then traveling to Kenya is perfect for you.
Tips for Traveling to Kenya
Traveling to Kenya is the ultimate adventure because this country is diverse and exciting. You will experience some of the most beautiful natural attractions and incredible wildlife. The country is home to 45 million people and has Africa’s second tallest mountains. Since there are many things to do in Kenya, you should plan beforehand to ensure you can experience everything possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling to Kenya.
Protect Yourself From Illnesses
Falling ill when you are on vacation is a huge bummer, which is why you should visit your doctor beforehand and ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, since there is a risk of Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, you need to be prepared to protect yourself against all kinds of mosquitos. You can take malaria medication beforehand, wear long-sleeve clothing and apply insect repellent. If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to follow the instructions for optimal protection.
Bring US Dollars With You
Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan shilling, but it is best that you bring some US dollars along with you because prices are often quoted in USD. Additionally, you can bargain in cities such as Nairobi. As a traveler, you may also be invited by the local vendors to see what they have for sale in various stalls and markets.
Try Some Street Food
Kenya is known for their incredible street food, so you should definitely try out dishes such as nyama choma, matoke, and more. Nyama choma is roasted meat, and matoke is plantain stew. Often goat and beef are used to make these dishes, and the meat is mixed with onions, chilies, garlic, and lemon juice. Due to the popularity of these dishes, they are served nonstop in Kenyan markets.
Conclusion
Kenya is an incredibly diverse country in East Africa and has a lot to offer for those planning to visit. Therefore, it is essential that you know beforehand where you want to go and what you want to do in your limited time there. Additionally, you should also be well-prepared for your trip so that you can have fun and not run into any trouble.