
Kenya remains the premier safari and beach destination in East Africa. Over 1.6m foreign tourists visited the country in 2010, testifying to the country's enduring popularity. Without question one of our more popular safari destinations that we offer on Uyaphi.com.
As one can see from the below list that Kenya is most certainly not a one-trick pony, as a safari destination, with so much to offer, one can see why the country is so very popular.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Kenya in no particular order;
- The Great Rift Valley is one of the worlds great natural phenomena. Basically, a huge trench that runs the whole length of the country, interspersed with a series of mountains, lakes and active volcanoes and bordered by huge escarpments. Simply stunning.
- The Great Migration happening in the Masai Mara. One of the worlds largest animal migrations where in July of each year around 1,300,000 wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson's gazelles, 97,000 Topi, 18,000 elands, and 200,000 zebras migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture and return to the south around October.
- The Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino) wildlife found in Kenya; Kenya pioneered the modern safari industry and is still one of the great destinations to view these impressive creatures.
- It is known to be the Cradle of Mankind. It holds the world’s richest record of human pre-history, spanning over 27 million years and a rich fossil heritage stretching back over 100 million years into the dinosaur age. This is the largest and most-well documented collection of human-related fossils that exists and is unmatched anywhere in the world. Lake Turkana area is the epicentre of these archaeological finds.
- The country is internationally known for its beautiful beaches. From Chale in the south to Lamu in the north; you will enjoy a lotus-eating multitude of pristine Indian ocean beaches (see the previous blog).
- It is also known for its cultural diversity. From the larger ethnic groups of Kikuyu and Kalenjin to the smaller tribes of Masai and Turkana interspersed with Indian, European and Arab influences. A melting pot that produces overwhelmingly friendly people.
- Kenya is known for its easily accessible national parks and game reserves. Nairobi National Park, for example, is located only 20 minutes away from the city centre and there are good and regular connections by either 4x4 or plane to most of the well-known reserves in the country.
- Mt Kenya. Whilst you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania) from the Amboseli National Park, it is Mt Kenya which is the more difficult, adventurous and less frequented mountain to climb.
- Kenya is located on and straddles the Equator which explains the very pleasant weather. There are no summers or winters here, and the country remains warm throughout the year. The rains usually fall from April to May.
- UNESCO Heritage sites. Kenya is home to no less than 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
- Lake Turkana National Parks
- Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
- Lamu Old Town
- Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
- Fort Jesus Mombasa
- Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley.
10 reasons to visit Kenya
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is located on a ridge that commands magnificent sweeping views of the Chyulu Hills at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilaguni was the first safari lodge ever to be built in Tsavo West National Park and has long been a favourite of tourists by offer outstanding game drives.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara overlooks the Sand River, the endless plains and the grassy hills of the National Reserve.
Year-round wildlife sightings are nothing short of excellent; should one wish to view the annual migration, the best months for this would be August, September, and October.
Fairmont Norfolk Hotel
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya's colourful history, and continues to be one of the finest and best-known hotels in Nairobi, all 165 rooms are luxuriously furnished, have plush carpeting and deep velour soft furnishings.
One of the better hotel in Nairobi options for those seeking out only the best.
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge offers a unique experience that extends beyond game drives in the reserve, a plethora of activities to indulge in from bird watching to camel safaris to the viewing deck along the river to feed and watch crocodiles.
Sabuk Lodge
Sabuk Lodge was fashioned out of the local Laikipia landscape, built with local materials, twisted wood and stone boulders incorporated into the architecture, open walls and private veranda's face out over the Ewaso Nyiro River gorge 150 feet below.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
One of East Africa's most exotic and best-known resorts, Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, is located in a dreamlike setting, on Bamburi Beach on the North coast of Mombasa, a fusion of Swahili interiors and Arabic architecture.
Whitesands offers up a beach holiday like very few others can, the perfect setting for family holidays.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Twelve luxurious rooms at Loisaba Tented Camp overlook 60,000 acres of wilderness in a private conservancy.
This stunning lodge clinging to the edge of a five hundred foot escarpment in Laikipia has unsurpassed views which defy description.
Ol Malo Lodge
Ol Malo Game Lodge is a privately owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful Laikipia County, overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope and wildlife.
A truly magnificent lodge that offers views and safari activities that very few can match.