Top Things to Do in Kenya

Top Places and Scenic Spots to Visit

1. Nairobi

Savanna Landscapes with Zebras

As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is one of the biggest cities in Africa with about 2 million populations. Because it has been the colony of the UK, the city is full of British characteristics. Nairobi covers an area of 680 square km (263 sq mi). Because the altitude is 1,660 meters (5,446 feet), the climate is cool here. The average temperature from June to July in winter is about 10℃ (50℉), and the temperature from December to March in summer is about 24℃ (75.2℉).

Nairobi National Park is one of the most famous scenic spots in Nairobi, located 7 km (4.35 mi) south of downtown Nairobi. Built in 1946, it’s the first national park in Kenya. There are many wild animals in the park, such as African buffalos, baboons, black rhinoceros, leopards, lions, etc. During the period of dry season, the migratory herbivores will gather here. This park is also one of the most succeeded rhinos’ sanctuaries in Kenya. There is a wildlife education center in the park, which offers lectures and videos about wild animals and guide of the park.

Built in 1964, Nairobi Animal Orphanage is the earliest set animal orphanage in Kenya. It’s in the Nairobi National Park. It has been the main refuge and rehabilitation center of abandoned or injured wild animals. Most of the animals here are orphaned cubs or old and infirm animals, they are all lost their abilities of surviving independently in the wild.

Nairobi National Museum is located in the center of Nairobi city. The collection of the museum includes exhibits about origin of human, birds and marine organism, geological evolution, ancient maps and ancient paintings. There is not only permanent exhibition, but also colorful temporary ones. There is also Nairobi Snake Park, botanical garden and natural science trail on the square of museum.

Nairobi National Museum

2. Nakuru

Nakuru is the fourth biggest city in Kenya. It’s the capital of Rift Valley Province with about 300,000 populations. Located 160 km (99 mi) northwest of Nairobi, Nakuru has many kinds of landforms like highland, basin, lakes and mountains.

Nakuru National Park is in south of Nakuru city. It covers an area of 188 sq km (73 sq mi) with an altitude of 1,753~2,073 meters (5,751~6,801 feet). This park is built for protecting birds. There are about 450 kinds of birds in the park and flamingos are the most. Nakuru Lake locates on volcanic belt and has high salinity water, thus it’s suitable for flamingos to live.

Lake Nakuru Inhabited with Flamingos

3. Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is located in border areas of southwestern Kenya and Tanzania. Built in 1961, it covers an area of 1,800 sq km (695 sq mi). It’s one of the best wild animal reserves in the world. There are large amounts of animals, including about 95 kinds of mammals, and 450 kinds of birds. Every year, the famous animal migration happens between Masai Mara and Serengeti. From July to October, more than a million wildebeests and zebras trudge from Serengeti to Masai Mara. And after one or two months, they will go back to Serengeti. Apart from wild animals, the Masai people who are grazing on grassland also attracts tourists go to Masai Mara.

Masai Mara National Reserve

4. Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is located on the southern border of Kenya. It covers an area of 192 sq km (119 mi). There is a perennial dry river, Amboseli Lake inside. It is famous for the view of mirage. In this park, you can have a good sight of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Observation Hill is the best viewpoint. Beside Observation Hill is Enkongo Narok wetland, it is the best place to watch black rhinos, hippos, elephants, wildebeests, gazelle, etc. To the north of Observation Hill, the oasis beside the Kioko Lake is the best scenic spot of bird appreciation. Amboseli is the paradise of elephants. There is a large amount of elephants. African elephants have sensitive smell and auditory sense, and their average age is around 70.

Safari in Amboseli National Park

5. Mombasa

Mombasa locates in southeastern Kenya and faces the Indian Ocean on the east. The climate here is hot and humid. It’s the biggest harbor city in Kenya. The landscape there is beautiful, for its clear ocean and beach. There are many kinds of sea entertaining activities in Mombasa, such as underwater diving, parachuting, fishing, etc.

Fort Jesus is in the southeast of Mombasa. It’s used to be a military fortress. It has the length of more than 100 meters (328 feet) and the width of about 80 meters (262 feet). The wall of the fort is built on coral rock. The gate is full of stickers in case of collide of elephants.

Top Activities to Enjoy

1. Safari on Grassland

Masai Mara Balloon Safari

It means wild life appreciation and taking photos of wild animals. It is used to refer to hunting tour. Nowadays, tourists use cameras instead of shotguns. You will take a bus or a car to run on the African grassland. Then you can feel the vitality there.

2. Masai Mara Balloon Safari

It’s a special experience to watch the sunrise on balloon. You will overlook the grassland and those wild animals. After the balloon safari, you can also have breakfast on grassland.

3. Drive Through Great Rift Valley

Great Rift Valley is located in the eastern Africa. It’s the biggest fault zone in the world. Kenya is the best place for appreciation. It runs from north to south in Kenya and divides the country into two parts. During the drive, you will also see the Mt. Kenya.

Recommended Food to Taste

1. Nyama Choma

It’s one of the most famous dishes in Kenya. It means barbecue. It is usually toasted slowly on bonfire or charcoal fire and will be mixed with green vegetables when it is prepared.

2. Ugali

It’s a kind of staple food much preferred in Kenya. It’s a kind of ropy corn polenta. It is served in the shape of brick. People always break it and eat with meet and stewed vegetables.