From dense equatorial forests to tropical beaches, freshwater lakes and coral reefs, Kenya has some of the world’s greatest tourist attraction sites and has attracted adventurers, travellers and explorers to Africa for centuries. Kenya’s wildlife safaris have been attracting tourists for decades, but there’s more to this country of dramatic extremes. Other highlights include trekking over Mount Kenya, prehistoric excavations, and adventure sports, including the following four top tourist attractions in Kenya, written in collaboration with Hippo.co.za.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya #1: Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru, known as “The Bird Watcher’s Paradise”, is located in central Kenya and attracts great numbers of flamingos – often called the greatest bird spectacle on earth; it’s been reported that there can sometimes be over a million flamingos at the same time, attracted by the lake’s abundance of algae. However, in recent years the quantities of flamingos at Lake Nakuru have sadly been dropping as a result of environmental pollution and deterioration.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya #2: Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most popular game park and one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya. Thousands of tourists visit the national reserve every year to see the phenomenal population of game and the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest. The “great migration” happens every year, from July to October when a vast number of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya #3: Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is not only Kenya’s largest national park but also one of the largest in the world. It is the perfect destination for travellers looking for solitude and privacy as well as an opportunity to delve into the wilderness. Due to its size, the park was divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, whose relative closeness to the beaches and other tourist attractions make it an ideal one-day wildlife safari destination for visitors who choose not to stay overnight.
Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya #4: Lamu Island
A peaceful tropical island with stunning beaches on Kenya’s far north coast, Lamu Island emanates a relaxed atmosphere which makes it a perfect destination for a break away from the demands of the urban environment. The island’s climate is flawless and the cool breeze makes touring it a pleasure. This natural gem’s striking beaches, outdoor activities and warm locals make Lamu Island an impressive destination, and among Kenya’s most visited attractions.
Getting to Kenya
You can expect to pay around R7 600 for a return flight to Nairobi from Cape Town with Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airlines. A return flight from Durban will cost you about R6 800 with Ethiopian Airlines. One of the most affordable return flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi costs around R6 400, with Rwandair to Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines on return. Check out ‘A Guide To Kenya’ for more information about travel requirements. Should you be brave enough to drive from border to border, ensure you find out whether you’ll be covered by your Car Insurance when travelling outside of South Africa with your own vehicle.
