10 Most Beautiful and Interesting Places To Visit in Kenya

A country of great diversity, both physically and culturally, Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular destinations for very good reason. From blissful Indian Ocean beaches to craggy mountains, lush forests and wildlife-rich savannahs, there are endless beautiful places to explore in Kenya.

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1. Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous safari destinations on the continent, but you can escape the crowds by visiting a private concession or conservancy on the edge of the reserve. The conservancies are not open to day-trippers and can only be accessed by guests staying in one of the lodges or tented camps. They have the advantage of allowing activities not permitted in the national reserve, such as bush walks and night drives.

The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa for big cat sightings: lions, leopards and cheetahs are all relatively easy to spot. Then, of course, there’s the big-ticket draw: the year-round migration that sees nearly 2 million wildebeest, plus half a million antelopes and thousands of zebras, following the rains around Tanzania and Kenya. The most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July or August and October, when the wildebeest are in Kenya.

1,286 Masai Mara Safaris

2. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a vast number of bird species, most notably large flocks of lesser and greater flamingo. These flamingo flocks have been known to comprise more than a million birds, but be warned: numbers fluctuate dramatically and sometimes there are almost none. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley lakes, and the birds are attracted to the high levels of algae in the water. Pelicans, cormorants, African fish eagles, Verreaux’s eagles, Goliath herons and hamerkops are also seen around the lake. In addition, you might spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and lions throughout the national park.

750 Lake Nakuru Safaris

3. Diani Beach

Diani Beach, easily one of the most picturesque shores in Africa, lies about 30km/20mi south of Mombasa and is just a short flight from Nairobi. Its white sands are lapped by the brilliant Indian Ocean and backed by verdant forests, where you can take nature walks when you tire of sunbathing or kitesurfing. Head out for a snorkeling tour, swim with whale sharks, enjoy a sunset cruise in a dhow (traditional sailboat), or simply relax in a hammock with a good book.

127 Diani Beach Packages

4. Amboseli

For iconic views, look no further than Amboseli National Park. Located close to the Tanzanian border and southeast of the Mara, the park boasts dramatic scenery dominated by the mighty, snowcapped Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, which rises above Amboseli from across the border. This stunning backdrop is partly why the park is among the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Another reason is its healthy population of elephants, including many with giant tusks. Then there are the lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, giraffes, pelicans, martial eagles, blue-cheeked bee-eaters, and much more.

764 Amboseli Safaris

5. Mt Kenya

Standing at 5,199m/17,057ft, Mt Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second tallest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. This stratovolcano was formed around 3 million years ago when the East African Rift (part of the Great Rift Valley) opened up. Today its lower slopes are covered in forests of bamboo and African rosewood trees, and the mountain runoff provides water for more than 2 million people. With its rugged, snowcapped peaks and glaciers along the upper slopes, Mt Kenya is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Travelers hoping to summit can hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, taking the world’s highest via ferrata (iron way) route. Alternatively, they can climb to the highest point, Batian Peak, though this requires technical climbing experience.

37 Mt Kenya Climbs

6. Samburu

In northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is considered one of the best safari destinations in the country. This region is also home to the Samburu people, who are known for their intricate, brightly colored beaded jewelry. Within the reserve you’ll find elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, plus more than 390 species of birds. You might also spot rare dry-country wildlife, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa oryx, as well as the gerenuk (a long-necked antelope) and spotted hyena.

140 Samburu Safaris

7. Ol Pejeta

Set on the Laikipia Plateau in the foothills of Mt Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) reserve known for its conservation initiatives. It was the site where the last male northern white rhino, Sudan, died in 2018. The last two females of this subspecies still live at Ol Pejeta, protected around the clock. Additionally, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located within Ol Pejeta, provides a home for chimps rescued from the black market.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Kenya, Ol Pejeta is a great destination to learn about the relationship between people and wildlife, as well as the challenges faced in the conservation industry. Visit for the day or come for a longer stay to enjoy lion tracking, bush walks and night drives.

109 Ol Pejeta Safaris

8. The Aberdares

In the cool highlands along the Great Rift Valley, Aberdare National Park is one of the most interesting places in Kenya. Not only is it a lush mountainous region of valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests, it is also home to extremely rare animals. This includes the shy mountain bongo, which is Kenya’s most elusive antelope, and melanistic (all-black) forms of genet, serval and leopard. Aberdare is also the place where Elizabeth II learned of her father’s death, making her Queen of England. Treetops Hotel, where she was staying at the time, has since become a popular destination for travelers.

44 Aberdare Safaris

9. Lamu Town

Kenya is renowned not only for its safari reserves and savannah but also for its Indian Ocean coastline. The Lamu Archipelago is among the country’s most interesting destinations, rich with history and culture. Lamu Town was founded around 1370 as a Swahili port that has since been inhabited by Europeans, Indians and Persians. As such, it’s a melting pot of multicultural influences. There are 23 mosques, a 19th-century fort and traditional dhow sailboats bobbing offshore. Then, of course, there are the surrounding peaceful and unspoilt beaches. It is the perfect place to unwind after a Kenyan safari tour.

Lamu Packages

10. Chyulu Hills

In southeastern Kenya, Chyulu Hills is a mountain range that stretches for 1,000km/620mi and peaks at 2,188m/7,178ft above sea level. They are some of the world’s youngest volcanic mountains, at just 500 years old. The range is also home to the Leviathan Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes. In the scenic Chyulu Hills National Park, you might spot eland, klipspringer, giraffe and zebra, among other wildlife. Aside from wildlife-viewing game drives, you can head out hiking, caving, rock climbing and horseback riding.

The lush hills and big skies make this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya, especially in the Maasai conservancies and group ranches on the western slopes outside the park.

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By Heather Richardson

UK

Heather Richardson is an award-winning travel writer, based in South Africa. She is interested in conservation stories, emerging destinations and adventure travel.

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