
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
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.
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.
Leopard Beach Resort
Situated on Diani Beach near Kenya's bustling port of Mombasa, Leopard Beach enjoys a position on Diani Beach with 158 comfortable and welcoming rooms. One of the more popular beach lodges near Mombasa.
Sea views, water-based activities and scuba diving are all exceptional, pair those with excellent service and location, and one will not be disappointed.
Saruni Samburu
Perched on the top of the Kalama mountains with an all-round view of Northern Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari destination.
Mount Kenya Safari Club
The Mount Kenya Safari Club is a unique boutique hotel located in the Mount Kenya region that offers guests a variety of activities, including horseback riding, golf course, and fishing safaris. The lodge also has a heated swimming pool and superb cuisine.
One of the highlights of the Mount Kenya Safari Club is the forest reserve walking safari, where guests can see wildlife in their natural habitat. Guests are encouraged to stay at least for 2-5 nights in order to experience all that the boutique hotel and surrounds have to offer.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge, a classy budget-orientated safari lodge situated in the heart of the Amboseli National Park, one of East Africa's most popular wildlife and nature parks.
The Amboseli Park is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants with the backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is at Ol Tukai Lodge.
Sasaab Lodge
The Sasaab Lodge with 9 luxurious rooms is in the midst of a community conservancy, rich in raw Samburu culture and traditions and has been built with wildlife conservation and preservation of the environment foremost in mind.
AndBeyond Bateleur Camp
AndBeyond Bateleur Camp offers the utmost in privacy and luxury for those interested in staying in and experiencing all that Kenya's famous Masai Mara region has to offer.
Incredible wildlife, birding, cultural activities, game drives, hot air balloon safari, service levels and cuisine awaits all that visit.