Kenya is situated in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The country boasts one of the top tourist destinations in the world for wildlife viewing and birding. The country is also renowned for its scenic landscapes.
There are several activities you can do while visiting national game parks and reserves in Kenya, including birdwatching, wildlife watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, guided nature walks, balloon safaris, visiting local communities, mountain climbing, and hiking. Kenya has 22 national parks and 28 national reserves, making a total of 50 conservation areas in the country.
The Kenyan national bird is the lilac-breasted roller. This bird was chosen as the national bird because of its diverse colors, representing the diverse tribes found in Kenya, with over 60 languages spoken throughout the country.
Kenya is home to the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya, after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Although some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro are in the famous Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The remote northern part of Kenya is home to Lake Turkana, which is the world’s largest desert lake. Interestingly, Lake Turkana National Park has three national island national parks found in the lake’s islands: Central Island National Park, Sibiloi National Park, and South Island National Park.
IS KENYA SAFE?
Kenya is one of the safest tourism destinations in the world, with thousands of tourists visiting the country. There are some security measures that every responsible tourist should be cautious about.
All travelers should take into account security advice provided by their hotels and the travel companies they are using. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in isolated areas. Beware of thieves who pose as security guards and police officers, especially at night.
Most national parks and reserves are safe to visit; however, use reputable tourism companies and try to get to your destinations before dark. While at the park, don’t wander off alone and remember to closely follow rules and regulations from the park authorities.
While traveling within the country, always carry a copy of your passport and national identity card. Just like in many other countries, pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in public places like bus stations, taxi parks, and airport areas. You should stay vigilant and keep your personal belongings close to you. Kidnappings and car hijackings are not very common but can happen. Crime rates have been recorded as high in big cities like Mombasa and Nairobi.
Sometimes, expensive items like watches, jewelry, and necklaces may attract robbers. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers because some robbers use this method to drug people and rob them.
All tourists traveling from their home country to another country must take safety precautions for themselves, regardless of how safe the destination is. You need to research the security conditions of the specific areas you plan to visit.
Sometimes, demonstrations might occur in some areas, especially during campaigns. In case you hear of any demonstrations, monitor local media and avoid demonstration areas and political gatherings. It’s advisable to avoid traveling to some areas of Kenya, like the Somali-Kenya border, some parts of Lamu County, Carissa County, and some areas of Tana River County. Some parts of northeastern Kenya experience cattle rustling and tribal clashes, although foreigners are not their main target. You should be cautious while in those areas and avoid traveling at night.
While traveling on water, especially off the Somali coast or the Indian Ocean, always stay out of designated high-risk areas to avoid the risk of being hijacked or held for ransom. Air travel is generally safe when using domestic flights, or you can check the IATA list of registered airlines considered safe.
Tourists traveling by train from Mombasa to Nairobi should always take care of their personal belongings while on the train and at rail stations. If you plan to do self-driving in Kenya, you will need a valid driving license from your country, which should be valid for up to three months. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to obtain a Kenyan driving license. Avoid driving at night, keep your windows and doors closed while driving, and if you are renting a car, make sure it’s from a reputable company and inquire about their rules and regulations for driving.
Some of the best tourist destinations you can visit in Kenya include Masai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
