
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
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel is considered by many to be the finest Nairobi accommodation; the Serena stands amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic views over Nairobi's Central Park and the glittering downtown skyline.
When looking for a good all-round hotel with an outdoor pool in Nairobi, this option should tick all the right boxes.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp with 12 magnificent tented suites et on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve offers guests the chance to view huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard.
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.
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge, with accommodation for only 18 guests, is a small boutique safari lodge located with a private concession bordering the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering the thrill of a real African adventure coupled with the highest standards of style and comfort.
Early morning, late afternoon or full-day game drives are on offer.
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.
Elsas Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film 'Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
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.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
A quintessential classic safari experience awaits all guests when staying at AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, with sweeping views out across the surrounding plains and the Sabaringo River.
A fantastic option for single travellers, couples, families and small groups.