Discover Kenya
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is Kenya’s first national park. It covers approximately 117 square kilometers (45 square miles) and is unique for its proximity to Nairobi, the capital city, which lies just 7 kilometers (4 miles) to the south. The park features a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. It is particularly renowned for its black rhinoceros sanctuary. The landscape is a mix of open grass plains, acacia bush, and wetlands, with the dramatic backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline visible from within the park. Nairobi National Park is a significant conservation area and a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a wildlife experience without leaving the city.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park, located in central Kenya, is renowned for its ecological diversity and picturesque landscapes. Established in 1961, the park spans approximately 188 square kilometers (73 square miles) and is centered around the shallow, alkaline Lake Nakuru, which is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. The park is famous for its rich birdlife, particularly the large flocks of flamingos that often blanket the lake’s shores, creating a spectacular pink panorama. Over 450 bird species have been recorded here, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. In addition to its avian inhabitants, Lake Nakuru National Park hosts a variety of wildlife, including both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos, and Rothschild giraffes. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from grasslands to marshes and acacia woodlands, support this wide array of fauna. Notable features within the park include the Baboon Cliff, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding areas, and the Makalia Waterfall. The park also places a strong emphasis on conservation, particularly concerning the protection of rhinos, making it a critical sanctuary for these endangered species. Overall, Lake Nakuru National Park is a vibrant and vital ecosystem, offering both visitors and wildlife enthusiasts a unique and enriching experience.
Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve is a renowned wildlife conservation area in southwestern Kenya, contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It is named after the Maasai people, who traditionally inhabit the region. The reserve is characterized by vast savannah grasslands, rolling hills, and acacia trees, providing a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. It’s particularly famous for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrate in search of fresh grazing. The Mara River runs through the reserve, known for its dramatic crossings during the migration season. Masai Mara is also home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it a prime destination for safari adventures and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park, located in Kenya, is one of the largest national parks in the world, spanning approximately 22,000 square kilometers. The park is divided into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is renowned for its vast open spaces and the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, while Tsavo West is known for its rugged landscapes, Mzima Springs, and diverse wildlife habitats. Both sections are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the famous “Tsavo lions,” elephants, rhinos, and numerous bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near the border with Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity. Covering approximately 392 square kilometers, the park is famed for its picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which forms a majestic backdrop. The park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Its diverse ecosystems range from expansive savannahs and woodlands to wetlands and marshes, supported by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Amboseli’s landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for tourists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The park also offers cultural experiences with the indigenous Maasai people, who live around the park and maintain their traditional lifestyle.
Mount Kenya
Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breathtaking. It is a pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forests, mineral springs, and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game, and unique montane and alpine vegetation. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, camping, and caving with the mountain’s rugged glacier-clad peaks providing the perfect backdrop.
Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro. On the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. There is a wide variety of animal and bird life seen at Samburu National Reserve. Several large game species common to Kenya’s northern plains can be found in abundance here, including the following dry-country fauna: gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and reticulated giraffe. All three big cats, the lion, cheetah, and African leopard can also be found here, as well as the elephant, Cape buffalo, and hippopotamus.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a large freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Covering an area of around 139 square kilometers, it sits at an elevation of about 1,884 meters above sea level. The lake’s name is derived from the Maasai word “Nai’posha,” meaning “rough water,” which reflects its propensity for sudden storms and turbulent waters. Lake Naivasha is an ecological hotspot, home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Its shores are lined with papyrus and acacia woodlands, providing habitats for a variety of bird species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. The lake also supports populations of hippos and other aquatic life. The surrounding region is agriculturally fertile, benefiting from the lake’s water, and is known for its flower farms, which export blooms worldwide. Despite its ecological and economic significance, Lake Naivasha faces environmental challenges, including water pollution, over-extraction of water, and habitat destruction, necessitating concerted conservation efforts.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a renowned wildlife conservancy located in Laikipia County, Kenya. It spans over 90,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Ol Pejeta is particularly known for its conservation efforts, including its role in protecting endangered species such as the northern white rhinos. It also focuses on sustainable land management and community development initiatives, making it a significant hub for both wildlife conservation and ecotourism in East Africa.
Lamu
Lamu, one of the most magical destinations in Kenya, is famed for being the oldest and best-preserved example of a Swahili settlement in East Africa. The Old Town has been inhabited for over 700 years and is made particularly beautiful by the assortment of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European architecture. It enchants visitors with its narrow-cobbled alleyways, wandering donkeys, weather-beaten stone buildings, hidden courtyards, and the sight of rustic wooden dhows sailing in the distance. Visit the local mosques, wander the streets of quaint Shela village, and sail over to the luxurious Majlis Resort for a swim and a cocktail.
Mombasa
Lamu, one of the most magical destinations in Kenya, is famed for being the oldest and best-preserved example of a Swahili settlement in East Africa. The Old Town has been inhabited for over 700 years and is made particularly beautiful by the assortment of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European architecture. It enchants visitors with its narrow-cobbled alleyways, wandering donkeys, weather-beaten stone buildings, hidden courtyards, and the sight of rustic wooden dhows sailing in the distance. Visit the local mosques, wander the streets of quaint Shela village, and sail over to the luxurious Majlis Resort for a swim and a cocktail.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is a 25km strip of pale, sugary sands backed by the cerulean Indian Ocean. As one of the more developed towns on the Kenyan coast, there’s a great variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops here. Also on offer are activities from horse riding to kite-surfing and tours of the ancient Kaya Forest. Popular spots in Diani include the Forty Thieves Beach Bar – renowned for its fun beach parties and tasty pizzas, as well as Ali Barbour’s restaurant – set inside a candle-lit cave that opens out onto the starry night sky above. Also, the beach offers some of the most beautiful sundowners you can experience in Kenya.
Malindi
Diani Beach is a 25km strip of pale, sugary sands backed by the cerulean Indian Ocean. As one of the more developed towns on the Kenyan coast, there’s a great variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops here. Also on offer are activities from horse riding to kite-surfing and tours of the ancient Kaya Forest. Popular spots in Diani include the Forty Thieves Beach Bar – renowned for its fun beach parties and tasty pizzas, as well as Ali Barbour’s restaurant – set inside a candle-lit cave that opens out onto the starry night sky above. Also, the beach offers some of the most beautiful sundowners you can experience in Kenya.
Watamu
Nestled between pristine beaches and lush forest, the peaceful town of Watamu is ground zero for water sports in Kenya. A maze of rich coral reefs skirts the shoreline, creating a home for giant sea turtles and exotic fish that can be seen year-round, and at certain times of the year majestic whale sharks pass through this region, making it a snorkeling and diving haven.
