25 Places to Visit in Kenya for the Ultimate Safari Adventure
Kenya is known around the world for its breathtaking landscapes, wild animals and diverse cultures. With such a vast array of amazing sights to explore, it is no surprise that tourism often finds it hard to choose the best places to visit in Kenya.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 25 most incredible destinations and tourist activities in Kenya. Before we look at them, here is how you can book your safari with us and some of the best packages from us.
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The 25 Fun and Best Places to Visit in Kenya
Next, we look at the 25 incredible places to visit in Kenya and why they should be on your travel itinerary. We also look at the best accommodations you will find here:
1. Best Places to Visit in Kenya #1. Masai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destination in Kenya. Its open savannahs, rolling hills and endless plains are haven to abundant wildlife.
The game reserve is located in the southwest of Kenya and is part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem. The Masai Mara Game Reserve offers a wide collection of wildlife like elephants, lions, cheetahs, and other predators.
Maasai Mara is the perfect destination if you are looking to see some of the best species of birds in Africa. Some notable birds you will find at Masai Mara include the secretary bird, flamingo, and vulture.
Every July to Oct, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve hosts the incredible Wildebeest Migration, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra herds migrate across the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Accommodation
Some great accommodations include the Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Sentrim Masai Mara Lodge, Basecamp Masai Mara, Sand River Masai Mara, and the Angama Mara.
2. Best Place to Visit in Kenya #2. Diani Beach
Diani beach is a beautiful, white sandy beach located on the south coast of Kenya. The beach stretches for 30 km and offers crystal clear blue waters and natural coral reefs.
Diani Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday and offers a wide range of things to do like jet skiing, kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking and more.
As one of the best places to visit in Kenya, you should include Diani Beach in your itinerary. It is often combined with Maasai Mara for a classic African safari.
Diani Beach Accommodation
Some leading accommodation in Diani beach include The Sands at Nomad, The African Princess Beach Resort, Diani Sea Lodge and Neptune Palm.
3. Best Destination to Visit in Kenya #3. Amboseli National Park
Located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is among the best places to visit in Kenya. Amboseli National Park is known for its incredible scenery, elephants and other wildlife.
The national park also offers unbeatable views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. If you are lucky, you could also spot some of the big cats like lions and leopards.
Amboseli National Park Accommodation
Some top accommodation options you will find here include Amboseli Porini Camp, Kibo Safari Camp, Tortilis Camp and Enasoit Game Lodge.
4. Best Attractions to Visit in Kenya #4. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve lies along the banks of Ewaso Nyiro River in northern Kenya and is home to some amazing wildlife.
This game reserve is known for its rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe, making it one of the best places to visit in Kenya. You will also find other mammals like elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs.
Samburu Game Reserve is also know for a wide collection of species of birds like ostriches, vultures and other raptors.
Samburu Game Reserve Accommodation
The leading places to stay in Samburu include Larsen’s Camp, Joy’s Camp, Elephant Bedroom and Ngare Serian.
5. Best Kenya Tourist Places #5. Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is a beautiful and mountainous park located in the Central Highlands of Kenya. It is home to some amazing animals like elephants, black rhinos, leopards, hyenas and buffalos.
This game park is also known for its magnificent waterfalls like Karuru Falls and spectacular vistas. As one of the best places to visit in Kenya, Aberdare National Park offers a wide collection of birds like eagles, sunbirds and African crowned eagles.
Aberdare National Park Accommodation
Leading accommodation in Aberdare National Park include The Ark, Mountain Lodge, Aberdare Country Club, Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, and Tree Tops.
6. Best Places to Visit in Africa #6. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
You cannot go wrong with Ol Pejeta Conservancy when looking for the best places to visit in Kenya. Ol Pejeta is one of the most popular game reserves in Kenya and is haven to the most endangered species like black rhinos, chimpanzees and Grevy’s zebra.
The conservancy also offers some of the most spectacular views in Kenya and is a great place to spot big cats like lions and leopards. Even better, you find the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world at Ol Pejeta.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Accommodation
Accommodations available at Ol Pejeta Conservancy include Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp and Porini Rhino Camp.
7. Best Places to Visit in Kenya #7. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park is located near Lake Naivasha in Kenya and it a haven for hikers, bikers and photographers. The national reserve is famous for its unique Geological features, including the cliffs (a tributary of a lake that fed early dwellers of the Rift Valley) and the gorges of Fischer’s Tower & Central Tower.
It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including zebra, eland, gazelles, hartebeest and hyena. The Hell’s Gate National Park is also the only Kenyan park where you easily walk or bike through the wildlife & explore its trails.
Hell’s Gate National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Hell’s Gate include Lake Naivasha Country Club, Enasoit Game Lodge, & Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.
8. Best Place to Visit in Kenya #8. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is among best places to visit in Kenya and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its stunning scenery and is home to some of the highest mountains in Africa, including Mount Kenya.
The national reserve is also haven to some of the most unique wildlife and vegetation. It is the best place where you can find animals such as hyenas, buffalos, antelopes as well as colobus monkey.
Mount Kenya National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Mount Kenya National Park include Mountain Lodge, Serena Mountain Lodge, and The Ark.
9. Best Attraction to Visit in Kenya #9. Meru National Park
Meru National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Kenya. The park is located near the equator and is a great place to explore its vast savannahs, open plains and wetlands.
Meru National Park is paradise to most famous big cats including lions, leopards and cheetahs. The national park also has a wide collection of birds & other wildlife, making it one of the best places to visit in Kenya.
Meru National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Meru National Park include Elsa’s Kopje, Bateleur Camp, & Rhino River Lodge.
10. Best Places for Tourism in Kenya #10. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is a great place to visit in Kenya. This national park is located just minutes away from the Nairobi city center and is home to some majestic wildlife such as lions, leopards and cheetahs.
The park also offers spectacular views of the city skyline, making it a great place for photography. The national park also has unique attractions like giraffe centers, snake parks and even an elephant orphanage nearby.
Nairobi National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Nairobi National Park include Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Tented Camp, as well as Sirikoi Lodge.
11. Best Destination to Visit in Kenya #11. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is famous for being a bird-watcher’s paradise and is one of the best places to visit in Kenya. This large freshwater lake is surrounded by forests and it is heaven to a variety of birds and wildlife found in the country.
Lake Naivasha offers some great sightseeing and things to do like fishing, boating and canoeing. It is also among the best places to spot hippos & other wildlife in Kenya.
Lake Naivasha Accommodation
Accommodations on Lake Naivasha include Crescent Island, The Great Rift Valley Lodge and Gardens and the Lake Naivasha Country Club.
12. Best Attraction to Visit in Kenya #12. Crescent Island
The famous Crescent island is located in the Lake Naivasha and is among the best places to visit in Kenya. This small island is rich in wildlife, including zebra, giraffes, wildebeest as well as hippos.
It is also a great spot for bird-watching as the island is paradise to over 350 species of birds. You can also enjoy a variety of activities like game viewing, fishing, and canoeing around the island.
Crescent Island Accommodation
Accommodations on Crescent Island include The Great Rift Valley Lodge and Gardens, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Sawela Lodges, and Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
13. Best Destination to Visit in Kenya #13. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is a most popular national park in Kenya and is a great place to visit. The national park is paradise to beautiful landscapes and is where you can find elephants, lions, crocodiles, hippos as well as a variety of bird species.
Tsavo East also offers some great activities such as game drives, bush walks & camping. Furthermore, you may also find a variety of accommodation in the park ranging from budget to luxury lodges, making it among the best places to visit in Kenya.
Tsavo East National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Tsavo East National Park include Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Kudu Camp Tsavo East and the Satao Elerai Camp.
14. Best Places to Visit in Kenya #14. Tsavo West National Park
Kenya is famous for the many national parks and game reserves it provides. Tsavo West National Park is one such attraction for its stunning landscapes and is located in the southern Kenya. This national park offers some of Kenya’s richest wildlife and you can find elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards here.
Tsavo West also offers a variety of activities ranging from the popular game drives to bush walks & bird watching tours.
Tsavo West National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Tsavo West National Park include Ngulia Safari Lodge, Galdessa Camp, Kilalinda Lodge and the Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp.
15. Best Attraction to Visit in Kenya #15. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular and best places to visit in Africa. This attraction is located in the central part of Kenya and is haven to a large population of birds as well as other animals such as rhinos and lions.
The national park offers some great activities like bird watching, game drives & walking safaris. Furthermore, you will also find a variety of accommodation ranging from budget to luxury lodges.
Lake Nakuru National Park Accommodation
Accommodations in Lake Nakuru National Park include Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Flamingo Hill Camp and the Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
16. Best Attractions in Kenya # 16. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The city of Nairobi offers some great attractions and one such places to visit while in Kenya is David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This trust is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, rhinos and other animals in Kenya.
You may get close to these animals & learn about their conservation efforts during a tour of the conservancy.
The trust also offers a great opportunity for photography as well as educational tours.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Accommodation
Accommodations near David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage include Nairobi Safari Club, Eka Hotel and Sankara Nairobi.
17. Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya #17. Giraffe Center
You will also find Giraffe Center in the city of Nairobi. It ranks among the best places to visit in Kenya for its conservation efforts and wide variety of activities.
The center is haven to more than 100 giraffes, who are taken care of by a team of dedicated veterinarians. Furthermore, you can feed and even kiss the giraffe here, making a must-visit destination while you are in the country.
Giraffe Center Accommodation
Accommodations near Giraffe Center include Ole Sereni Hotel, Sankara Nairobi & Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands.
18. Best Place to Visit in Kenya #18. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most unique places to visit in Kenya is Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Taita-Taveta County of Kenya, this sanctuary is paradise to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species including elephants, leopards, birds such as griffon vultures and augur buzzards.
The sanctuary offers some great activities such as game drives, bush walks, bird watching & more, making it popular among tourists.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation
Accommodations in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary include Tsavo Lions Rest Camp, Sayari Mara Camp and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge.
19. Best Attraction to Visit in Kenya # 19. The Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley in Kenya is a stunning landscape and one of the top places to visit in Kenya. It stretches from the Dead Sea all the way up north to Mozambique, traversing the country and offering some stunning views along its vast expanse.
You can explore hiking trails in the trough of the rift valley as well as visit local markets and villages. The region also offers great opportunities for bird watching & wildlife viewing, seen from the ridges of the rift valley.
The Great Rift Valley Accommodation
Accommodations near the Great Rift Valley include Lake Naivasha Country Club, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, and Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort.
20. Best Attraction to Visit in Kenya #20. Mount Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot National Park is located in the central part of Kenya and is one of the most exciting places to visit in Kenya. The national park offers great opportunities for camping, trekking, biking, and rock climbing.
You can also explore its lush green forests as well as some viewpoint which offer spectacular views of the African savannah. Furthermore, you can take a guided tour of this park and learn more about its inhabitants and the local culture.
To the avid hikers, the best activity here is climbing the steep slopes of Mount Longonot & exploring its crater.
Mount Longonot National Park Accommodation
Accommodations near Mt Longonot National Park include Mbirikani Luxury Camp, Oldarpoi Mara Camp, and Sopa Lodge.
21. Best Places to Visit in Kenya #21. Mombasa Marine National Park
Marine National Reserve in Mombasa is a beautiful park located off the coast of Kenya. It offers some stunning views of the Indian Ocean and its coral reefs.
The park is home to more than 600 species of marine life which makes it a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers. Furthermore, you can explore various activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.
Mombasa Marine National Park Accommodation
Accommodations near the national park include Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Voyager Beach Resort & Nyali International Beach Hotel.
22. Best Place to Visit in Kenya #22. Lamu Island
You cannot go wrong with Lamu Island if you are looking for one of the most history places to visit in Kenya. This island has been around since the 12th century and was once the main port for the Sultan of Oman.
Today, Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers some amazing attractions like the famous old town, fortifications, mosques, Swahili Culture Museum, local markets and more. Making it must visit destination in the Kenya’s costal region!
Lamu Island Accommodation
Accommodations near Lamu Island include Manda Bay, Peponi Hotel and Swahili House.
23. Best Destination to Visit in Kenya #23. Wasini Island
As the name suggests, Wasini Island is yet another island you can visit and is located on the coastal region. The island is located south of Mombasa and is home to a beautiful marine park, the Kisite Marine National Park.
The national park offers some stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and swimming. You can also explore the mangrove forests, visit the local village, and explore some stunning beaches.
Wasini Island Accommodation
Accommodations near Wasini Island include Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Wasini Island Lodge & Kizingo Lamu.
24. Best Places to Visit in Kenya # 24. Mombasa Town
One of the most visited places in Kenya is the Mombasa town. It has been around for centuries and offers some amazing attractions like the Old Town with its fascinating architecture, Fort Jesus-a world heritage site, & Haller Park-which is home to a variety of wildlife.
The city also offers stunning beaches, local markets, mosques and temples. All these make Mombasa town among the top places to visit in Kenya.
Mombasa Town Accommodation
Accommodations near Mombasa town include Leopard Beach Hotel & Resort, Voyager Beach Resort & Pinewood Village.
25. Best Places to Visit in Kenya #25. Haller Park
Haller Park is a private nature sanctuary located on the outskirts of Mombasa. It covers more than 300 acres and was once an abandoned quarry site.
The national park has been transformed into an ecotourism destination with its lagoons, trails and man-made lake that are full of wildlife. You can explore bird watching, fishing, and visit the local wildlife including hippos & crocodiles.
Haller Park Accommodation
Accommodations near Haller Park include Bamburi Beach Hotel, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, and Reef Hotel.
FAQs About Kenya Tourism
Below are among the most commonly asked questions about tourism in Kenya.
1. What kind of tourism is popular in Kenya?
Kenya is a popular destination for adventure, wildlife and beach tourism. There are various activities you may explore in the country like safari tours, camping, hiking, beach activities, and more.
2. Why is Kenya a good place for tourism?
Tourism in Kenya is one of the most popular in the world due to the diverse attractions. These range from beautiful beaches, wildlife parks and national reserves, historical sites & the cultural attractions in the country.
3. What is the main problem facing tourism in Kenya?
The main problem facing tourism is drought, which affects the availability of water for drinking and tourism activities. Additionally, poverty is also one of the problems affecting tourism in Kenya as it limits some people’s ability to visit certain areas & access tourist attractions. These are the two main problems facing one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.6
4. Is Kenya good for tourists?
Kenya is a great destination for tourists, as it offers diverse attractions that range from stunning beaches to wildlife parks & national reserves. Additionally, the country is heaven to numerous activities that you may explore during your visit.
