Best Travel Destinations in Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is every traveler’s dream destination. The reserve is one of the best destinations in Kenya, renowned for the spectacular wildebeest migration, which is one of a kind on Earth.
The wildebeest migration starts from the adjoining Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and reaches Kenya in July, staying through to October, coinciding with summer holidays and the peak season for tourism.
Game viewing is the highlight of the Masai Mara visit. Morning, afternoon, evening, night, and all-day game drives can be conducted in the park with very knowledgeable guides. You can also choose to view wildlife by using a balloon safari.
The best encounters are at the Mara River during the crossing of over a million wildebeests, zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, and others, closely trekked by predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, while thousands of crocodiles patiently wait in the river for an opportunity to grab a meal.
Masai Mara Game Reserve is also a birders’ paradise with over 500 species of birds recorded, including migratory birds from North Africa and Europe. Some examples of birds found in the park include Rufous-bellied heron, grey crowned crane, Schalow’s turaco, red-throated wryneck, giant kingfisher, African fish eagle, little bee-eater, spur-winged lapwing, pin-tailed whydah, black-bellied bustard, and barefaced go-away bird, among others.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is famous for its wide population of elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. In fact, some people say that “The Mountain is in Tanzania, but the best views are in Kenya.” Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. The park is located at the border of Kenya and Tanzania in Kajiando region.
Amboseli National Park was first gazetted as a reserve and later established as a national park in 1974. It was also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
Amboseli National Park is the best place for getting close to free-range elephants. Other animals found in the park include buffalos, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, impalas, topis, cheetahs, bushbucks, reedbucks, and many others.
The park also prides itself on having 400 species of birds. Bird enthusiasts can spot birds like Hartlaub’s bastard, spike-heeled heron, Dickinson’s kestrel, common redshank, African swamp hen, pangani longclaw, Taveta golden weaver, greater and lesser flamingo, and long-toed lapwing, among the rest.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park, just as the name suggests, is only 7 km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is also dubbed as the only wildlife capital in the world. The park was created in 1946 to protect wildlife that could have been endangered due to the growing city.
Although Nairobi National Park is close to the capital, it offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, just like other pristine wilderness national parks in Kenya. In fact, it’s one of the places where you can see black rhinos in their natural habitat. Other wildlife in the park includes lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, and there are also 400 species of birds recorded. Nairobi National Park is ideal for visitors with a short stay in Kenya.
Mombasa
Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya, found along the southeastern coast of the Indian Ocean. The historical town has writings dated back to the 16th century. It was the center of Arab ivory and slave trade starting from the eighth century. Today, Mombasa has a mixture of ethnicities from British, Asian, Arabic, African, Chinese, Indian, and Omanis.
Apart from its rich history, Mombasa is also home to Mombasa Marine National Park, protecting seagrass beds, coral reefs, mangroves, and marine life. You can explore the marine national park by snorkeling, diving, or using a glass-bottom boat.
Mombasa is often the best place for relaxation after a safari in Kenyan wildlife national parks. The beautiful white sand coastal beaches provide perfect spots for sunbathing, swimming, boat rides, fishing, and much more.
You can also visit Haller Park, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Mamba Village Center, Mombasa Tusks, Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Center, and Mombasa Go Kart, among others.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The park has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve due to its unique ecosystems.
The park prides itself on pristine wilderness, sparkling lakes, lush green forests, glaciers, tarns, rare plant species, birds, spectacular views, primates, and other mammals. There are seven hiking routes on Mount Kenya, and three main high peaks, although most visitors commonly climb to one peak because the other two peaks require very experienced mountaineers. You can also enjoy nature-guided walks on the slopes.
All safari destinations in Kenya offer their best, with each national park or tourist destination having its own unique ecosystem. Sometimes the best choice will depend on the tourists’ interests.