With breathtaking national parks, safaris full of exotic animals, and beautiful beaches, Kenya may very well be the ideal vacation spot for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, families, and beach lovers.
According to kenyanevisa.com, this little piece of paradise hidden in the heart of Africa has so much to offer that you will probably want to extend your stay in Kenya once you get a glimpse of it in person.
Without further ado, here’s a roundup of the 5 best places to visit in Kenya.
Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
If you —or your kids— have always dreamed of seeing wildlife animals in their natural environment, a safari in Kenya is a must.
From elephants to giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, and lions, Kenya has some of the most worthwhile wildlife sanctuaries and parks to offer.
The most-visited Kenyan safari destination is undoubtedly the Maasai Mara National Reserve. However, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, and Tsavo National Park are also worth a visit if you have the time during your stay.
Diani Beach
If you can only visit one beach when you go to Kenya, make sure you spend at least a day lazing on Diani’s powder-white sands in Mombasa.
Although Kenya is usually better known as a safari destination, it’s beaches are truly worthwhile. With crystal-clear waters in uncountable shades of blue, the perfect weather —and monkeys swinging from branch to branch right above you— it’s the ideal place for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Chale Island
If you have more time and love the sea, make sure to also spend at least a few days on Chale Island —a private island resort that offers visitors a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kenya’s mainland and an immersive natural environment.
Snorkeling, kayaking, catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing and excursions up the coast are available if you’d like to do more than soak up the sun.
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
Located just outside Mombasa are the sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests —10 separate forest sites spread over some 200 km along the coast that was granted UNESCO world heritage status in 2008.
Nature enthusiasts looking for ecotourism activities in Kenya can enjoy the biodiversity of these untouched forests.
The Kayas are fortified villages that date back to the early 16th century. They were inhabited by the Mijikenda people until the 1940s. This Kenyan location offers a unique glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of its former inhabitants as well as an understanding of some of Kenya’s cultural practices.
Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city
Nairobi is often the gateway into Kenya. The city offers great lodges and comfortable hotels in close proximity to its famous Maasai street markets and Nairobi National Park.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is quite close to Nairobi National Park and offers visitors the chance to visit baby elephants orphaned by poaching.
In Lang’ata, which is on the outskirts of Nairobi, you can also visit a Giraffe Centre where you could feed this endangered species by hand.
If you’d rather see ostriches and crocodiles, then make sure to head out to Mamba Village —a pleasant park that is home to many of these animals.
Bomas of Kenya gives tourists a bird’s eye view into Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes and artifacts, as well as enjoy traditional music and dancing.
Like most capital cities, Nairobi has a lively nightlife and chaotic traffic, as well as a few areas you’d be better off avoiding. Hiring a local guide will help you get the most out of your stay in Nairobi.
Now that we’ve gone over all the wonderful sites to see in Kenya, you must be wondering about some travel details to help you plan your trip, so let’s go over them.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
Kenya is generally safe to visit with a very well established tourist industry that is focused on visitors’ wellbeing.
Nevertheless, it is always good practice to take the same precautions you would in any major city, including keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas after dark. Rest assured that tour operators will only take tourists to visit places that are considered safe.
How much is a holiday to Kenya?
Your expenses when vacationing in Kenya will largely depend on your budget, preferences and, activities.
A traveler looking for a budget-friendly vacation in Kenya may spend about $15 per day, whilst avoiding tourist attractions and safaris —both of which ramp up expenses significantly.
Meanwhile, someone on a luxury holiday in Kenya can spend upwards of $200 a day, excluding safaris and tours around national parks.
Is food expensive in Kenya?
Both food and drink in Kenya are considerably more budget-friendly than in most parts of the US, Canada, or Europe.
With a basic meal in a simple restaurant in Kenya at around $5, coffee and beer just under $3, and fine-dining complete with a 3-course meal at around $30, there’s something for every budget.
How much does it cost to go on a safari in Kenya?
According to Bwindi National Park, prices for a safari in Kenya range from anywhere around $300 a day per person for a budget-friendly tour to luxury options that climb well over $1500 a day per person.
What is the best time to visit Kenya?
If you are planning a family getaway with your children in Kenya you will be please to find out that the most popular time of year to visit Kenya conveniently coincides with schoolchildren’s summer holidays.
If that doesn’t fit your schedule, and you would prefer to escape the cold weather in the US and Europe around Christmas time, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s precisely when the nicest weather for a beach vacation occurs in Kenya.
Most travelers dreaming of a safari in Kenya prefer the dry season — from June to October— with the Great Migration taking place in August.
If you’d like to avoid crowds while on safari —or spend time at the beach in Kenya— you may prefer to visit between November and February.
Travel tips for Kenya
Make sure to prepare well for your trip, account for the weather, and choose the right time of year to visit in order to catch the animals you’d like to see during their migration.
If you are visiting during the hotter months, make sure to stay hydrated, and dress accordingly.
Although the heat makes it tempting to wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts, it is usually best to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers most of your skin to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes as well.
Make sure to regularly apply sunscreen as well as DEET-mosquito repellent on all exposed areas of skin.
Temperatures drop considerably as soon as the sun sets, so although it may be very hot during the day, you may need to put a sweater on in the evenings.
If you’re traveling with family, make sure to speak to your own doctor as well as your children’s pediatrician to get any vaccines and medication they consider necessary before your trip.
Families traveling together will be pleased to find out that only adults and kids over 16 years of age need a visa. Fortunately, Kenya eVisa is quick and easy to obtain online.
