Are you planning to travel to Kenya and stuck on the best places to visit? Well, there are plenty of them. Kenya is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most spectacular travel destinations, with many magical places to visit and a wealth of experiences for adventurous travelers such as bush safari, mountain climbing, balloon safari, beach holidays, all in one destination.
In this guide article, we will take you through some of Kenya’s top safari destinations while outlining their unique attractions for a stellar experience when you visit. It also highlights five safari destinations to visit for a magical experience in Kenya. The destinations include:
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is synonymous with wildlife Safari and the Maasai cultural experiences. This is a must-visit destination if you have Kenya on your bucket list. The reserve is approximately 5 hour’s drive from Nairobi. It is known for its annual Wildebeest migration that sees millions of wildebeests and other herbivores cross the Mara River between July and October. The reserve is home to the big five animals comprising Lions, Elephants, rhinos, leopards and Buffalos. It is also home to Giraffes, Zebras, crocodiles, hippopotami, jackals, cheetahs and hyenas, including over 470 species of birds, such as the Marabou storks.
Activities you can experience in Masai Mara National Reserve include game drives, guided nature walks, and visiting Maasai villages for new cultural experiences; you will learn one or two things about the Maasai culture, hot air balloon safari and out-of-the-world bush breakfasts. 2024 entry fee to Masai Mara National Reserve for non-residents is $100 per adult per day from 1st January to 30th June 2024 and $200 per adult from 1st July onwards. Children between 9 to 17 years pay $50 throughout the year while those below 9 years enter free of charge. You will also get various camps and lodges with friendly accommodation offers, from luxury lodges to tented camps.
Amboseli National Park
The park is located in Kajiado at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, about 215KM and is approximately 3 hours from Nairobi. The park offers stunning views of Africa’s tallest mountain peak and diverse wildlife around the park. Many herds of elephants mainly characterize it, but there are other animals too. The best times to visit Amboseli is during the dry season, around January and February, when the wildlife congregates around the water sources, and June to October. Other activities you can enjoy around the park include game drives, nature walks, a chance to visit the Masai communities around the park and learn about their rich culture and an experience of the sunset/sundowner drives.
Amboseli National Park entry fees for international non-residents in 2024 are $100 for adults and $35 for children for the period between July and March, while tourists from African countries other than EAC citizens/residents pay $50 per adult and $20 per child. Between March and June, international non-resident adults pay $80 and $20 per child while those from African countries pay $35 per adult and $10 per child. EAC resident/citizen adults pay Ksh1,000 and Ksh500 for children for the period between July and March and Ksh800 per adult and Ksh250 per child between March and June.
Tsavo National Park
The Tsavo National Park forms one of the largest national sanctuaries with diverse habitats packed with an incredible array of wildlife from Tsavo East and Tsavo West Parks; located just 300KM from Nairobi, you get to experience large herds of elephants and diverse landscapes, volcanic hills and springs for your view. The best time to visit Tsavo is during the dry seasons between January and February and June to October. During this time, the park experiences dryer and clearer conditions that make it easier to spot wildlife.
Other activities at Tsavo National Park include game drives, birdwatching, and scenic viewpoints of the volcanic springs, including the famous Mzima Springs. Tsavo offers various accommodation options, including lodges and luxury camps.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park entry fees for international non-residents in 2024 are $80 for adults and $35 for children for the period between July and March, while tourists from African countries other than EAC citizens/residents pay $30 per adult and $20 per child. Between March and June, international non-resident adults pay $35 and $20 per child while those from African countries pay $18 per adult and $10 per child. EAC resident/citizen adults pay Ksh500 and Ksh250 for children for the period between July and March and Ksh300 per adult and Ksh250 per child between March and June.
Aberdare National Park and Mount Kenya
The park is about 150 km east of Nairobi, roughly a 2-hour drive from Nairobi. It hosts beautiful mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests, picturesque waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Mount Kenya, on the other hand, provides an opportunity for scenic hikes and breathtaking views. You get a chance to capture the beauty of the surroundings through photography in the mist-shrouded forests of the Aberdare.
Accommodation options to consider include camps such as the Sweetwater’s, cottages and self-catering accommodations, fishing cottages, lodges, and tented camps.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is located on the rift valley floor, about 170 km and 2 hours from Nairobi. It is a spectacular tourist site. The park boasts of wildlife, such as the black and white Rhinos and Hippos, including 400 species of birds to watch, and is widely known as a birdwatcher’s hub. It also hosts spectacular landscapes. Other activities to enjoy at the park include nature walks, game drives and visiting the Unique Makalia Falls.
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, from July to March, for a more accessible view of the animals as they gather around the lake for water. Accommodation options include lodges and tented camps located around the park. Lake Nakuru National Park entry fees for international non-residents in 2024 are $100 for adults and $35 for children for the period between July and March, while tourists from African countries other than EAC citizens/residents pay $50 per adult and $20 per child. Between March and June, international non-resident adults pay $80 and $20 per child while those from African countries pay $35 per adult and $10 per child. EAC resident/citizen adults pay Ksh1,000 and Ksh500 for children for the period between July and March and Ksh800 per adult and Ksh250 per child between March and June.
Kenya is one destination that will leave you with a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to unwind or go on safari, by combining these travel destinations in Kenya, you can enjoy diverse activities, including birdwatching, scenic landscapes, rich wildlife encounter and rich cultures in a relatively short period.