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17 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Kenya

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

One of the best places to go on safari in the world, Kenya is renowned for its rich wildlife and innumerable nature reserves. While most people come to see the Big 5, pearly white beaches and historic Swahili settlements line its stunning coast.

Located in East Africa alongside the Indian Ocean, it has long been one of the most popular countries to visit on the continent. Incredibly diverse, its national parks encompass everything from mountains and deserts to wetlands, plains, and lakes. They host an abundance of wildlife with the Maasai Mara and its wildebeest migration being the most famous of the lot.

The wildlife safaris have been the top tourist attractions in Kenya for decades. Other things to do include trekking Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara and snorkeling in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast. This makes for a nice change after days spent looking for elephants, giraffes and lions.

17. Lake Naivasha

A lovely day trip destination or a quiet weekend away, Lake Naivasha lies only two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Although often overlooked in favor of the nearby Lake Nakuru and its famous flamingos, it too is known for its bountiful birdlife and beautiful scenery.

Part of the Great Rift Valley, the shallow freshwater lake’s name actually means ‘rough water’ in the Maasai language. Other than a sizeable population of hippos, it is home to around 400 bird species. These include not just egrets and African fish eagles but cormorants, pelicans, and kingfishers too. Big buffaloes and towering giraffes can also be spotted along its shores.

To see as many animals and birds as possible, lots of people take scenic boat trips out on the lake. You can also stay overnight at the comfy lodges that look out over its sparkling surface.

16. Karen Blixen Museum

Lying on the southwestern outskirts of the capital, not far from Nairobi National Park, is the brilliant Karen Blixen Museum. Her former home provides an interesting look at the life of the Out of Africa author in Kenya.

From 1917 to 1931, the renowned Danish writer lived in a bungalow-style farmhouse at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Her famous memoir recounts what living on the coffee plantation was like. It also explores Kenya’s rich culture and colonial rule in British East Africa.

Now a historic house museum, its rooms are full of period pieces and original artifacts owned by the author. Surrounded by lush, green grounds, it makes for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Nairobi.

15. Tsavo East National Park

One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, Tsavo East is situated in the southeast, on the way to the coast from Nairobi. A great choice if you’re wondering where to go on safari, it boasts loads of awesome wildlife.

Once the hunting grounds of the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes, its sprawling savanna and semi-arid grasslands have been protected since 1948. As well as the Big 5, you can also spy huge hippopotami and camouflaged crocodiles alongside the Galana River. Overhead, crowned cranes and sacred ibis flap about beneath the park’s bright blue skies.

Constantly in contact with other guides, your driver will somehow get you up close to every animal imaginable. Thanks to them, we saw a family of elephants enjoying a red dust bath right beside the jeep. Although often seen throughout the park, this scene was still one of our favorite memories from our time in Kenya.

14. Tsavo West National Park

Much more mountainous and swampy than its nearby namesake, Tsavo West lies just across a river and the A109 from the neighboring national park. Due to its more varied scenery and specially protected rhino sanctuary, it is slightly more popular to visit.

Also named after the Tsavo River, its rugged reaches are dotted by dramatic black lava flows and volcanic cones. Some exciting rock climbing can also be had up its craggy cliff faces. Here too, you’ll find the marvelous Mzima Springs where you can see hippos, crocs, and turtles.

This time, the highlight of our safari was seeing an incredibly rare eastern black rhinoceros. It stopped in the middle of the road before staring at us for what seemed like an eternity before slowly plodding back into the bush.

13. Fort Jesus, Mombasa

The coastal city’s main tourist attraction, the formidable Fort Jesus watches over the Old Port from Mombasa island. A fascinating place, it has some seriously impressive architecture and an extensive collection of artifacts for visitors to enjoy.

Built between 1593 and 1596, the crumbling old fort marks the first time a European power exerted its influence over trade in the Indian Ocean. An outstanding example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, it is roughly square in shape with four bulwarks at its corners. Local Swahili people are thought however to have provided most of the labour, materials, and expert masonry techniques.

While we enjoyed seeing the fort and learning about its past, we preferred getting lost in the Old Town outside. Full of life, its traditional Swahili buildings house little local restaurants and souvenir shops selling masks, textiles, and jewellery.

12. Aberdare National Park

Unlike most of the country’s parks, Aberdare is more known for its scenic hikes and waterfalls than its abundant wildlife. Certain to delight nature lovers, it is nestled amongst the Central Highlands on the way from Nairobi to Nakuru.

Established back in 1950, it protects part of the Aberdare Mountains that range from 2,000 to 4,000 metres in height. Covering its vast valleys and the lower slopes of its prominent peaks are rivers, forests, and even some waterfalls. A large population of eastern black rhinos and elephants also live amongst these diverse landscapes.

Some of the best hikes are to Mount Satima’s summit or along the challenging yet rewarding Elephant Hills trail. Not to be missed are the stunning Chania and Karuru falls, both of which make for some epic photos and viewing hidden away amidst the verdant forest.

11. Diani Beach

If after all the safaris and sightseeing you just want to relax and unwind, then the idyllic Diani Beach is definitely the place to go. Set just south of Mombasa, all its wide, white sands are a treat to lounge on lazily. Here you can also enjoy a wealth of fun watersports.

Stretching around seventeen kilometers in length, the relaxing resort area lies alongside the twinkling Indian Ocean. Dotted up and down the palm tree-fringed beach are countless luxury hotels and resorts. Many offer all-inclusive packages and can arrange safari trips for guests.

Besides being one of the best beaches we’ve been to (it really does look breathtaking), there are loads of things to do to try. Kite surfing and jet skiing are both super fun while scuba diving and snorkeling highlight its rich marine life. You can also take sightseeing cruises along the coast or quad-biking trips around the nearby villages.

10. Hell’s Gate National Park

For those after an active holiday, Hell’s Gate National Park is a good bet thanks to its excellent hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Its relatively close proximity to Nairobi and cheaper entrance fees also mean that plenty of people head here.

Lying just to the south of Lake Navaisha, it is named after a narrow gap in the park’s colossal cliffs. Asides from the slender gorge’s ruddy red rocks, there are also a couple of long-extinct volcanoes to explore. Some of the most arresting formations to photo are those created long ago by cooling molten lava.

As very few predators reside within this part of the Great Rift Valley, many visitors hike or bike about the park. While visiting its hot springs and Maasai Cultural Centre, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Other than African buffaloes and elands, you can sometimes see hyenas, baboons, and ostriches amidst the undergrowth.

9. Nairobi National Park

The only nature reserve of its kind in the world, Nairobi National Park literally lies right on the doorstep of the country’s capital. Seeing its skyline as you look at lions, elephants, and giraffes is a surreal feeling that needs to be experienced.

Set aside in the forties to protect the region’s dwindling wildlife, it mainly consists of endless open grass plains. Here and there though, you’ll find pockets of forests along rivers and small rocky gorges scattered about. Living in the park are everything from gazelles and cheetahs to crocodiles, jackals, and common eland.

While we did do several safaris in Kenya, we are still happy we went here. Its diverse wildlife and delightfully different views made the visit quite special. After all, there aren’t many cities in the world where wildebeest and zebra migrations take place almost right through it.

8. Lamu Island

One of the best places in East Africa to experience traditional Swahili culture is the lovely little Lamu Island. Located along Kenya’s northeastern coastline, it is a very relaxing spot that feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

Part of the attractive archipelago of the same name, Lamu is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the nation. Founded in the twelfth century, the labyrinthe-like streets of its Old Town are lined by charming coral stone buildings and quiet inner courtyards.

More peaceful and better preserved than Zanzibar’s Stone Town, it is known for its intricately carved wooden doors and cute donkeys. After seeing its museum and fort, you can relax on its white sandy beaches or explore some other nearby villages. Many people also take tranquil dhow boat trips about the archipelago.

7. Mount Kenya

The second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya towers 5,199 meters above the plains, valleys, and forests below. Now protected as a national park, it generally takes four or five arduous days to reach its soaring summit. Climbing the summit is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding things to do in Kenya.

Formed around three million years ago, the enormous, extinct stratovolcano is actually where the country’s name came from. One of its main symbols and sights, its slopes are very heavily eroded while ice caps coat its upper reaches.

The mighty mount has three separate peaks for avid adventurers to summit with Batian being the loftiest of the lot. Although Nelion is the toughest of the three, Lenana’s unpredictableness can pose a problem. After braving the steep climb and challenging weather conditions though, spectacular views greet you at the top.

Another popular place to head if you’re after some sun, sea, and sand is Malindi. Located along the Indian Ocean, it has lots of fantastic beaches, hotels, and nature parks for you to stop by.

Long a hub for Italian tourists, its string of pearly white beaches is actually where Vasca da Gama landed in 1498. Still standing in the same spot overlooking the ocean is the coral pillar he erected all those years ago. For more historic sites, you can explore the Gede Ruins which protect the crumbling remains of a twelfth-century Swahili town.

Most holidaymakers however come to Malindi for its beaches. Bordered by twinkling turquoise waters, their sweeping white sands make for quite the sight. The ocean does sometimes turn a murky brown color though around the mouth of the Sabaki River.

5. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

If you’re after an unforgettable (and adorable!) animal encounter, then you just have to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. At their sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, you can watch baby elephants feed, play, and frolic about together.

Since being founded back in 1977, it has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned and injured elephants. At their center, young ones are first hand-reared until the age of two or three by their keepers. Later on, they are sent to Tsavo East before eventually being released back into the wild.

Each day, a certain number of guests can visit the orphanage and see the elephants. As you can imagine, watching them play football and roll around in the mud is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

4. Lake Nakuru

One of the most iconic sights in all of Africa is the vast flock of bright pink flamingos that live in Lake Nakuru. Instantly recognizable, they make for some fabulous photos with white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes also regularly spied nearby.

Stretching almost endlessly away into the distance, its reflective waters lie within the Great Rift Valley. Now a national park, it protects over 450 bird species alongside a handful of lions, cheetahs and leopards. At times, more than a million of the fantastic flamingos flock here due to its abundant algae.

While the rhinos and flamingos are the main attraction, there is plenty more to see along its scenic lakeshore. Zebra and waterbucks often water here while sizable pythons slowly slither their way about its dense woodlands.

3. Amboseli National Park

Thanks to its huge herds of elephants and ample wildlife, Amboseli National Park is routinely ranked among the best places to go on safari. Lying almost on the border with neighboring Tanzania, its savannas, woods, and wetlands really are a treat to explore.

Meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in the Maa language, its unique habitats have been recognized as a nature park since 1908. While some parts are incredibly arid, the areas around its swamps almost create an oasis. Here life flourishes, with 1,600 free-ranging elephants reckoned to live in Amboseli at the last count.

Besides trying to spot the Big 5, you can learn all about local Maasai culture at the traditional Muteleu village nearby. On top of this, the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro blotting out the sky on the horizon only adds to the park’s already considerable appeal.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Even more wild and remote is the incredible Samburu National Reserve to the north of Mount Kenya. Due to the long distances from Nai, it sees much fewer visitors than other parks. This and its staggeringly diverse landscapes mean large numbers of lots of animals live here.

Located almost slap bang in the center of the country, it is mostly dry and dusty though rivers and forests can be found here and there. It is this wide variety of vegetation and the winding Ewaso Ngi’ro River that attract all the animals.

Asides from your standard lions, cheetahs, and leopards, the park is particularly known for its dry-country fauna. These include the East African oryx as well as generuk, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. While it takes some getting to, Samburu is well worth it for the different animals and scenery you see.

1. Masai Mara

Renowned around the world, the Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s, and the continent’s, most famous safari destinations. The highlight of our time in East Africa, it boasts exceptional populations of lions and leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, alongside countless others.

Named in honor of the Maasai, its open grasslands and seasonal riverlets merge with the Serengeti to the south. Each year, the park’s plains host the Great Migration; an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon like no other. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate en masse as predators try to pick them off.

Seeing them all seemingly move as one is an unbelievable experience that will certainly leave you feeling small. Outside of this tumultuous time, visitors can still easily see all of the Big 5 roaming about the park. Crocs and hippos can also be spotted along the Mara and Talek rivers as long-crested eagles and African pygmy falcons swoop about overhead.

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Reader interactions.

October 30, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Kenya is absolutely an amazing country, its so beautiful, breathtaking and eccentric. What has made Kenya so special is the diverse wildlife, the beaches, the Kenyan Mountain and off course its pleasant weather. One important thing about Kenyan people I have found out, I think Kenyan people in general are humble and absolute genuine. God have blessed them all. I really love Kenya the country itself and the wonderful people. I’m actually studying Travel & Tourism. I’m really looking forward to see it. Hazjar Iraqi

October 7, 2014 at 10:31 pm

Kenya is indeed a spectacular and breathtaking place to visit in the Heart of Africa. We love you, and wish you a safe journey and good health as you plan for a visit. You will definitely experience the hospitality and warmth more than you expected. Proud to be a Kenyan Soldier. I love my country, and together we can make this world a better sustainable world. God Bless Kenya, God bless you!!

August 28, 2014 at 2:14 am

KENYA,is a great country and beautiful one having the most spetacular sceneries in the world and its peaceful nature ………..if you visit malindi ,maasai mara and mt kenya you may think you are in another universe of its own because you cant believe what you see….,i love kenya

August 21, 2014 at 6:02 am

Having been in the travel industry for about 8 yrs now,i believe Kenya is among the top travel destinations…it offers quite a variety of destinations from just day trips ,short trips and definately the long safaris which gives you an opportunity to learn much about kenya.

May 8, 2014 at 6:02 am

Kenya is like a mini earth.from snow in the mt.kenya peak,tropical forests in nyanza,vast deserts in the northern frontier..the list continues.am so proud to be kenyan

April 1, 2014 at 2:08 am

kenya is spetacular#studied tour guide and i love my job

October 18, 2023 at 1:22 am

It’s true that Kenya has most attractive animals and plants to see.

February 13, 2014 at 7:48 am

Kenya is the best country I’ve been to great fun.

November 22, 2013 at 3:43 am

i couldnt have been born in a better country.kenya is a beautiful place to be.am a proud kenyan

October 31, 2013 at 2:28 am

even though we are losing our wildlife at a devastating rate i have always been hopeful that the time has come for us to implement the new wildlife policies and save our wildlife hence continue enjoying the flow of the revenue. it is and it has been my prayer to conserve the nature of our nation

October 22, 2013 at 7:52 am

kenya is one of the best places to go in a lifetime, the variety of animals in their natural habitats and the beautiful beaches attract a lot of tourists from all over the world. Beholding the wildebeest migration in Masai mara and Serengeti should be in everybody’s to-do list

June 16, 2013 at 3:13 am

I am studying tour guiding and cannot wait to visit the fascinating wild Kenya.

June 4, 2013 at 6:51 am

I am studying tour guide I can’t wait to go on practice

May 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm

kenya is my country and i love it very much. my dream is to be become a tour guide to guide you to these beautiful resource in kenya

October 16, 2012 at 6:43 am

My friends and I are planning to come to kenya next year (2013), can’t wait.

September 20, 2012 at 5:03 am

Traveling to Kenya, especially the Masia Mara is one of my dreams. Earlier this year I was fortunate to travel most of Namibia. So, that dream realized. Next will definitely be Kenya. We must do these things before nothing is left.

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40 Places to Visit in Kenya: Tourist Places and Top Attractions

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Discovering Kenya’s Rich Tapestry: 40 Unmissable Tourist Places and Top Attractions

Kenya, a land of diverse landscapes and captivating cultures, offers a plethora of destinations that cater to every traveler’s wanderlust. From wildlife-rich savannahs to serene coastal retreats, Kenya’s tourist places and attractions promise a truly unforgettable experience. Here are 40 must-visit places that showcase the beauty and wonder of this remarkable country.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve: The Iconic Wildlife Haven

Renowned for the Great Migration and abundant wildlife, the Masai Mara stands as a world-famous destination for safari enthusiasts. Witness the spectacle of wildebeest herds crossing the Mara River and encounter the Big Five on thrilling game drives.

2. Mount Kenya: Conquer Africa’s Second-Highest Peak

Embark on an exhilarating climb up Mount Kenya’s peaks, exploring diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas. The challenge and reward of reaching its summit are unparalleled.

3. Diani Beach: Bask in Tropical Paradise

Relax on the idyllic shores of Diani Beach, where turquoise waters and palm-fringed sands invite you to unwind. Engage in water sports, sunbathe, or explore the vibrant coral reefs.

4. Amboseli National Park: Elephants Beneath Kilimanjaro

Experience the magic of elephants wandering against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Park. The park’s diverse wildlife and stunning views create an unforgettable setting.

5. Samburu National Reserve: Encounter Rare Species

Venture into the rugged beauty of Samburu National Reserve, where unique species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes roam. Immerse in the traditions of the Samburu people.

6. Tsavo National Park: Wilderness and Wildlife

Encompassing Tsavo East and Tsavo West, this vast park boasts diverse landscapes and prolific wildlife. Explore the stunning Mzima Springs and traverse lava fields.

7. Lamu Island: Timeless Swahili Culture

Step into the past on Lamu Island, where ancient Swahili culture and architecture thrive. Wander through narrow streets, relax on pristine beaches, and embrace the island’s tranquility.

8. Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingo Spectacle

Witness the breathtaking sight of flamingos gathering on Lake Nakuru’s waters. Explore the park’s abundant wildlife, including rhinos and lions.

9. Aberdare National Park: Unique Treetop Lodges

Indulge in unique accommodations like treetop lodges in Aberdare National Park. Spend nights surrounded by lush forests and the calls of nocturnal creatures.

10. Hell’s Gate National Park: Thrilling Hiking and Cycling

Adventurers will love Hell’s Gate National Park’s hiking and cycling trails amidst dramatic landscapes. Explore gorges, and hot springs, and enjoy an adrenaline-fueled experience.

11. Lake Turkana: Exploring the Jade Sea

Discover the untouched beauty of Lake Turkana, known as the Jade Sea. Experience volcanic landscapes, lakeside villages, and the captivating Turkana culture.

12. Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos and Chimpanzees

Witness rhino conservation in action at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Explore vast savannahs and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

13. Nairobi National Park: Wildlife Near the City

Spot wildlife against the cityscape at Nairobi National Park. Enjoy game drives and capture stunning images of wildlife juxtaposed with urban life.

14. Maasai Mara Conservancies: Authentic Cultural Encounters

Beyond Masai Mara, conservancies offer authentic cultural immersion. Engage with Maasai communities, learn their traditions, and support community-based conservation.

15. Lake Naivasha: Serene Boating and Birdwatching

Relax by Lake Naivasha’s tranquil waters and embark on boat rides. Witness a variety of bird species and perhaps spot a hippo.

16. Mount Longonot: Hiking an Extinct Volcano

Hike up Mount Longonot’s extinct volcano and relish panoramic summit views. The challenging hike offers a rewarding experience.

17. Chyulu Hills: Exploring Ancient Lava Tubes

Explore the mystical Chyulu Hills, where ancient lava tubes meet lush landscapes. Engage in horseback safaris and revel in untouched beauty.

18. Shimba Hills National Reserve: Rare Elephant Habitats

Encounter rare Sable antelopes and elephants at Shimba Hills National Reserve. Discover Sheldrick Falls and witness Kenya’s rich biodiversity.

19. Lake Magadi: Salt Flats and Hot Springs

Lake Magadi’s surreal salt flats and hot springs offer a unique experience. Embrace the dramatic landscapes and unwind in nature’s embrace.

20. Nairobi: Cultural and Urban Experiences

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, boasts cultural attractions like the National Museum and vibrant markets. Experience urban life while savoring local cuisine.

21. Malindi: Coastal Charms and Marine Wonders

Explore the coastal allure of Malindi, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Snorkel in the Marine National Park and delve into Swahili history.

22. Kisumu: Gem by Lake Victoria

Experience the vibrant city of Kisumu by the shores of Lake Victoria. Visit Impala Sanctuary and enjoy the stunning sunsets over Africa’s largest lake.

23. Ruma National Park: Roan Antelopes and Oryx

Discover the lesser-known Ruma National Park, home to rare roan antelopes and oryx. Embrace off-the-beaten-path adventure in this hidden gem.

24. Maralal: Camel Derby and Desert Charms

Immerse in Maralal’s desert culture and witness the colorful Maralal Camel Derby. Engage with Samburu warriors and explore the rugged landscapes.

25. Kakamega Forest: Rainforest Treasures

Embark on a journey through Kakamega Forest’s enchanting rainforest. Encounter diverse bird species, butterflies, and indigenous flora.

26. Tana River Primate Reserve: Primate Paradise

Delve into Tana River Primate Reserve’s unique ecosystem, home to various primate species. Discover the rare Tana red colobus and other wildlife.

27. Kitale: Agricultural Hub and Scenic Beauty

Visit Kitale, an agricultural town surrounded by lush landscapes. Explore Saiwa Swamp National Park and relish the picturesque scenery.

28. Lake Baringo: Birdwatcher’s Haven

Bird enthusiasts will find paradise at Lake Baringo, boasting over 450 bird species. Cruise the lake’s waters and spot hippos and crocodiles.

29. Meru National Park: Elsa’s Home

Step into the realm of Elsa the lioness at Meru National Park. Roam diverse landscapes and witness iconic landmarks like Adamson’s Falls.

30. Kericho: Tea Plantations and Scenic Views

Indulge in the beauty of Kericho’s rolling tea plantations. Enjoy scenic drives, visit tea factories, and unwind in this tranquil region.

31. Hells Gate Gorge: Geothermal Wonder

Discover the awe-inspiring geothermal features of Hells Gate Gorge. Walk amidst towering cliffs and natural steam vents in this unique environment.

32. Central Island National Park: Volcanic Beauty

Explore the volcanic landscapes of Central Island National Park in Lake Turkana. Witness active volcanoes, fumaroles, and rugged terrain.

33. Kibera: Empowering Slum Tours

Experience the transformative power of community-driven tours in Kibera, Nairobi’s largest slum. Gain insights into grassroots initiatives and empowerment projects.

34. Lake Jipe: Peaceful Oasis

Unwind at Lake Jipe’s tranquil shores, nestled between Kenya and Tanzania. Enjoy boating and birdwatching in this hidden oasis.

35. Kerio Valley: Rift Valley Gem

Marvel at the beauty of Kerio Valley, a stunning Rift Valley escarpment. Engage in adventurous activities like paragliding and exploring landscapes.

36. Chale Island: Exclusive Island Escape

Escape to the exclusive Chale Island, a paradise surrounded by coral reefs. Engage in water sports, relax on pristine beaches, and explore marine life.

37. Mombasa: Coastal Heritage and Culture

Experience Mombasa’s rich coastal heritage and cultural diversity. Explore the historic Fort Jesus, visit local markets, and enjoy Swahili cuisine.

38. Menengai Crater: Aerial Panoramas

Marvel at panoramic views from Menengai Crater’s rim, an extinct volcano. Engage in hiking and picnicking while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes.

39. Mount Elgon: Tranquil Wilderness

Embrace the tranquility of Mount Elgon, known for its lush forests and diverse flora. Trek to the Wagagai Peak and experience the unspoiled wilderness.

40. Kajiado: Maasai Heartland

Engage with Maasai traditions and culture in Kajiado, a region rich in Maasai heritage. Visit local communities, learn about their lifestyle, and support sustainable tourism.

Kenya’s tapestry of destinations offers a myriad of experiences, from thrilling safaris to serene landscapes and cultural encounters. Whether you’re captivated by wildlife or immersed in local cultures, Kenya’s tourist places and top attractions promise an adventure of a lifetime.

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Places to Visit in Kenya

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Kenya Tourist Places

Here are some best places to visit in kenya:.

Tourist places in Nairobi that are worth visiting are National Museum, Railway Museum, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen, Karura Forest, David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre, Ngong Hills, Blue Sky Tours in Diamond Plaza, Nairobi Arboretum, Panari Sky Centre, Bomas of Kenya, Uhuru Garden, GP Karting, Village Market, Mamba Village, Paintball Fury Limited, Maasai Ostrich Farm, Paradise Lost, August Memorial Park, Kenya National Archives, KICC, Art Centres and Nairobi National Park. Kenya’s largest city and capital, Nairobi implores diversity in romance and puts forward exalted adventure. The city transformed from a meek camp for the railway employees in the year 1899 to the capital named British East Africa by the year 1907. Today, the rich retrospective history and tribal culture and lifestyle are brought to life through its excellent and knowledgeable museums. In particular, the museum named Karen Blixen Museum is one of the biggest hits – not only the African fans come to praise and appreciate the museum but also people from all over the world visit the museum to view the namesake Danish author who with drudgeries toiled on the coffee farmstead in the midst of the beautiful Ngong Hills. Even in such a scampering city like Nairobi, wildlife is a colossal draw. Being a cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi is the only city in the globe that brags a safari park within its frontiers.

The travelers can relish a classic African wildlife escapade at the Nairobi National Park which is a fifteen-minute jaunt from the skyscrapers of the megalopolis. Animals like buffalo, giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra, cheetah, lion and wildebeest meander under the sun-soaked grassy plain in the tropical or subtropical region neighboring meager trees. Here animal lovers too get a chance to clasp, cuddle and embrace the baby elephants and yoke with the giraffes at the spectacular animal sanctuary located nearby. However, with a fabulous and spectacular national park located at the doorstep of the wildlife centric charismatic attractions, Nairobi maddens on, jars and counterpoints on the beautiful and glorious natural beauty. The polarising outlook and character of Nairobi assure rapturing ecstasy to the city. Also, the gateway to the world-class and popular Kenya’s safari parks, Nairobi attracts gripping seekers of adventure for over a century.

Samburu County is a game reserve situated on the banks of River Ewaso Ng’iro, in the former Rift Valley province, in northern Kenya. It stretches from the south of Lake Turkana to River Ewaso Ng’iro in the north. The beauty of Samburu County lies primarily in its two picturesque mountains, namely Ololokwe and Koigotor. Since the River Ewaso Ng’iro flows through the reserve, this area thrives with a variety of wild animals and greenery that consists of vegetation such as thorn trees, riverine forests, acacia trees and lush green grasslands. The major tourist attractions in Samburu County are the Shaba National Reserve, which is the home to the elephant, antelope, leopard, lion, zebra, oryx, monkey, buffalo and giraffes. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the best place to watch elephant babies thrive in their natural environment. Some other attractions are the Walk with Maa Tours and Safaris, Turkana Safaris and the Elephant Watch camp and Safaris, etc. There are several interesting activities that you can do when you are in Samburu. This includes overnight tours, multi-day tours, hiking, nature and wildlife tours, rock climbing, safaris, eco-tours, sporting events and much more that you can enjoy with your loved ones. The weather is generally hot and dry with much cooler nights. The temperature varies between 34 degrees Celsius during the day to 15 degrees Celsius during the night, which makes it relatively pleasant throughout the year and ideal for travelling.

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One important thing that you need to know about Nakuru is that it lies in vicinity to the most prominent destinations of the world including Kenya’s capital Nairobi and Masai Mara. In addition to this, the attractive district is also home to the Menangai Crater which is the second largest volcanic crater of the world.

Speed through Nakuru on your way to the lakes and you might be astonished as to why anyone would wish to stay here? On the first impression, the fourth largest city of Kenya is provincial and grim that does not have much to offer besides an agreeable refuel. However, you must stick around a little longer and be assured to fall in love with it. 

Nakuru is a burgeoning city that is fast evolving. Over the years, it has been extending around the edges in order to adopt some of the superior aspects of Nairobi bereft of the crime, stress and the traffic.

If you don’t wish to fork out to overnight at Nakuru Lake, the city definitely makes a great base for exploration of the parks and surrounds. Since, the weather in Nakuru is favourable throughout, tourists can plan a visit any time of the year. 

Eldoret is one of the fastest growing towns of Kenya. Nestled south of the Cherangani Hills in the verdant landscape, it is one of African paradises where everything you see has the touch of natural beauty still unadulterated by the intruding modernity. Being the bureaucratic center of Uasin Gishu District of the Rift Valley Province, makes it an even more preferable place as you can find modern amenities, lodgings and more to ensure that your stay is more worthwhile. 

Presently, Eldoret is a thriving service town sprawling Kenya Uganda highway. It is also the principal economic hub of the western Kenya but the travellers only have a little to see and even less to do here. One striking highlight however is the Doinyo Lessos Creameries Cheese Factory where you can stock up 20 different varieties of cheese. 

The name of the town comes from Maasai word ‘eldore’ which means stony river. You can also spot an exact parallel in the very source of this inspiration, River Sosiani. The cultural influences present are variable. After all the, Sirikwa, Nandi and Maasai people have called this place home over a period of offering times. 

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Kakamega is a town that is located in the western Kenya. It lies about 30 km north of the Equator. The town is densely population and is the headquarters of the Kakamega County.

Located 50 km north of Kisumu that is the third largest city of Kenya as well as a port city lying on the Lake Victoria, the average elevation of Kakamega is 1,535 metres.

Kakamega county is the 2nd most populous county after Nairobi. It has 9 constituencies in totality – ikolomani, Matungu, Lugari, Butere, Khwisero, Mumias East, Malava, Shinyalu and Lurambi, all of which have a flavour that deserves to be experienced and felt.     

The town was so named because the world Kakamega translates (in Kiluhyah which is a local dialect here) roughly to pinch. This is used to describe how the colonists of Europe would eat their staple food, ugail.

To be true, there is no certain reason as to why you should stay in this agricultural town however if you come here late in the day, Kakamega can be a convenient place to sleep over and stock up some supplies before you head to the tourist attractions as well as nearby attractions of the Kakamega. 

Meru is a city in the Meru County of Kenya. It is situated in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya and serves as the headquarters of Meru County. Located at an elevation, Meru is a thriving urban centre that is also home to several rivers, mountains and other natural elements. The beauty of Meru is highlighted with thirteen rivers and many mountain-fed streams spread all over the terrain. The rivers are home to crocodiles and hippos and numerous species of fishes and marine animals. Lush green vegetations and woodlands on the slopes of the Nyambeni Mountain Range are some of the most attractive natural features of this city. Some of the popular tourist attractions are the famous parks such as the Lolldaiga Main Gate, Mount Kenya National Park, Ngare Ngare Forest, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy – which is also a zoo. You can also visit the campgrounds of Samburu Trails. Meru has a unique and distinctive cuisine that you can sample in popular eateries such as the. Royal Prince, a restaurant and a bar serving delicious fried delicacies. Another popular place that is frequented by tourists and locals alike is the Legends Restaurant, which serves some delicious local dishes and snacks like beef stew with ugali and samosas. Other attractions include the Nakumatt Supermarket where you can buy souvenirs from your tour and the famous Meru National Museum where you can get an insight into local history. Meru experiences dry, hot and arid weather conditions throughout the year. The temperatures remain fairly the same all year round. The average temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 17 degrees Celsius during the night.

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Mombasa is situated in south-east Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful coastal city that is known as the blue and white city. It is also the oldest city in the country, with a rich and vibrant cultural history. The enthralling city of Mombasa is known for its exceptional natural beauty. This city is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise blue sea, coral reefs and thick vegetation of lush green palms. The rainforests are home to a large number of magnificent birds and animals, native to Africa. While exploring the city of Mombasa, you must visit the amazing Diani Beach, the Haller Park, the Shimba Hills National Reserve, the Nyali Beach, Mombasa Island, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the famous Mombasa Marine National Park, which are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Apart from the tourist attractions and natural beauty, you can also indulge in adventure activities in Mombasa including an illuminating full-day tour of Mombasa, a 2 -Day Safari in Taita Hills from Mombasa, exploring the Tsavo National Park from Mombasa, climbing Mount Kenya, infinite treks, hikes, safaris and more. Since Kenya primarily experiences a tropical climate, the weather in Mombasa generally remains hot and humid throughout the year. The summers are hot with occasional rain and the winters are comparatively cooler, windy and dry with clear skies.

Traversing three hours west of Nairobi, this crumbling provincial town which is also the capital of the Mara region. It is the final proper centre prior to the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara. It is a surprising and friendly hassle free place that offers few travellers with a reason to stop and unwind. A lot of people roll on in, browse the curio shops when the driver refuels before you begin rolling on out again.

Situated west of Nairobi, it has very well been capable of supporting the economy of Kenya in the south west of the country along the Great Rift Valley. It is the district capital of the Narok County which also stands as the principal centre of commerce in the district. With a population of some 40,000 people that largely comprises of Maasai people, Narok is still as pristine as ever. 

The Maasai, natives of the Narok district regard Narok as the Enkare Narok which has been named after the river which passes through the Narok town. It is a beautifully town that definitely deserves a visit when you have taken a trip to Kenya. 

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Thika is indeed one of the most discernible names to have emerged from the colonial Kenya all accredited to the articulate memoir which is Elspeth Huxley’s, ‘The Flame Trees of Thika.’ These days, in the growing modern city, you’ll actually be hard pressed to locate a tree let alone a flame tree. However, you still have an opportunity to indulge in the tiny nostalgia before you finally get back on the highway and continue further on the way.

The two children of the Aberdare Range, Thika and Chania finally unite 2 km north of the town where they plunge over a rocky, tree-lined cliff. This scene is elegantly appreciated from the porch of the Blue Post Hotel with a book in one hand and a stiff drink in the other.

With its history that outdates the town itself, the Blue Post still withholds a faint aroma of the colonial for those who wish to linger on here overnight. Undoubtedly, it was the principal location opposite the waterfalls of Thika which used to attract its original proprietors in the year 1908. At present, the grounds along with the children’s play area attract a number of Kenyan couple who intent on tying a knot in their polyester glory. When done with Thika, you can also visit the nearby destinations including Nyeri, Sagana, Embu and Nairobi. 

Kitale is a beautiful agricultural town that is located in the Western Kenya. It lies some 380 kilometres from Nairobi which is the capital of Kenya. The town lies between Mount Elgon and Cherengani Hills. The significant cash crops which are grown in Kitale include seed maize, sunflower, Pyrethrum, tea, seed beans and coffee. 

Kitale is an administrative center of the Trans Nzoia District. It lies in the Rift Valley Province. Founded by the while settlers in the year 1908, Kitale is one of most prominent attractions in Africa. A branch line of the Uganda Railway leading you to the town from the Eldoret reached the town in the year 1926 with an object of promoting growth in the town.

Agriculturally rich, Kitale is a friendly market town that has a couple of interesting museums along with a bustling market. Shopping indeed is one of the principal activity to be enjoyed here. This market makes for an ideal base when you wish to explore the Saiwa Swamp National Parks and Mt Elgon. Kitale also serves as a quintessential take off point for tourists who wish to take a trip up to the western side of the Lake Turkana. 

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Kisumu is nestled on the sloping shore Winam Gulf of the Lake Victoria. It may be the third largest town of Kenya but its relaxed atmosphere is way different from that of Mombasa and Nairobi. Until the year 1977, the port happened to be one of busiest in Kenya. In the same year because of the political squabbling the port sat virtually idle for some 2 decades. Post that there was a decline set in which led to the collapse of the East African Community. The EAC was initially established by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania so as to come up with a common market within this region.  Recently there has been an increase in the cooperation as well as the revival of the EAC that also includes Burundi and Rwanda. This in 2000 has also helped establish Kisumu as one international shipment point for the products of petroleum. Surprisingly the lake doesn’t play any part in this. So, despite the lake having been the life and blood for the inception of the Kisumu, the city still rests with its back to the water. None the less, the fortune of Kisumu is on a rise once again. This has led to a reduction in the impact of the water hyacinth. Hopefully, in the years to come Lake Victoria will again begin contributing to the economy of the Kisumu. So, play an active role in boosting the economy of Kisumu by making a visit to the town. 

Other Attractions

Mount kenya national park.

Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya, East Africa. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including montane forest, alpine moorlands, and glaciers. Its highest peak, Batian, rises to 5,199 meters, offering breathtaking vistas. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and endangered species like the bongo. It's a hiker's paradise, with challenging trails attracting adventurers worldwide.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara is one of the most incredible game reserve of the world. Nestled on the border of Tanzania, Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti. It makes for the wildlife corridor between the two countries Tanzania and Kenya.

Giraffe Manor

Amboseli National Park

Lake Victoria

Lake Naivasha

Samburu National Reserve

Diani Beach

The Great Rift Valley

Uhuru Gardens

Lamu Island

Wasini Island

Mount Longonot

Hells Gate National Park

Tsavo National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spanning an area of approximately 188 square kilometers, the park is characterized by wooded and bushy grasslands surrounding the picturesque Lake Nakuru. Its rich biodiversity includes over 50 mammal species, such as rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, olive baboons, impalas, waterbucks, and hippos. The park is particularly famous for its large flocks of flamingos that gather along the lake's shores, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and hiking trails while exploring this natural haven.

Jeevanjee Gardends

Jeevanjee Gardens, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, is a lovely green space right in the middle of the city. It's like a breath of fresh air amidst the busy streets.

Spread across a large area, Jeevanjee Gardens is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. Picture yourself walking on lush green lawns, surrounded by colorful flowers and shady trees. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply finding a quiet corner to relax with a book.

What's special about Jeevanjee Gardens is its history. It was created by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, a well-known figure in Kenya, back in the late 19th century. Since then, it's been a place where people come together for cultural events, music concerts, and other activities that celebrate Nairobi's vibrant spirit.

For families, there's plenty to do at Jeevanjee Gardens. Kids can run around in the playgrounds, splash in the fountains, and just have fun outdoors. It's a great place for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Bora Bora Wildlife Park

Bora Bora Wildlife Park, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the island paradise, offers a captivating sanctuary for both native and exotic species.

Almasi Art Agency

Almasi Art Agency in Kenya is a dynamic cultural organization fostering the growth of performing arts. Committed to enriching the local arts scene, it serves as a catalyst for theatrical innovation and creative expression.

Mzima Springs

Lake Nakuru

Fourteen Falls

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserves is known for its rich wildlife and unique variety of birds making this national reserve so popular worldwide. Tourists coming here can spot some rare species of animals, including Reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, and the Gerenuk. Apart from these species that are exclusive to this region, you can also spot a few common wildlife creatures, including Elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and hyena. If bird spotting is your game then try spotting the group of helmeted and vulturine guinea fowl during the daytime near the river Ewaso Ng'iro, when they are in search of water to quench their thirst. If you're lucky enough you can also spot marabou storks flying over the blues or see thousands of sandgrouses and doves on the tree or on the lands. Location- It lies to the north of the Ewaso Ng'iro River Entry Fee- US$45-120 depending on the age group.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Nairobi National Park

Tsavo East National Park

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Home » Travel Guides » Kenya » 15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya

15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya

Kenya lies at the very heart of the East African Rift Valley. A place of world-class wildlife viewing and legendary game reserves, it’s surely amongst the most-visited of countries in the region.

Just check out the bucket-list-busting migrations that take place in the vast Mara, or look to the soaring heights of Mount Kenya, surrounded by flamingos and rare rhinos and wildebeest and more! However, Kenya’s isn’t just about 4X4s across the savannahs to spot elephants and lions.

It’s also got mile upon mile of beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean.

And that means beaches! Yep, travelers flock to the shorelines around Malindi and Mombasa to taste all the exoticism of Zanzibar, all mixed up with the smells of Keralan curries and Arabic tagines thanks to the multi-layered history.

And then there are the cities, topping out with the heady and energetic mass that is Nairobi – one of the largest metropolises in all of East Africa!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Kenya :

1. Maasai Mara

Home to perhaps the single most famous safari park in the world (sorry Kruger), this relatively small national reserve magnesites thousands of travelers to the reaches of East Africa every year.

It’s bordered to the south (and immediately contiguous with) Tanzania’s acclaimed Serengeti National Park, and displays the quintessential backcountry of the East African Rift: undulating savannah plains peppered with galloping zebra herds; swaying grasslands punctuated with the lanky stalks of giraffes; meadows of topi and waterholes dotted with cape buffalo.

Safari is – of course – the biggest pull, with countless people heading in for The Great Migration and to see the fabled Big Five of African mammals.

2. Lamu Island

Ringed by sandbanks, bobbing dhows, mangrove swamps and the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean on the eastern edge of Kenya, little Lamu Island still plays host to one of the most historically rich towns in the nation.

Named – appropriately – Lamu Old Town, this historic port of whitewashed facades and tropical timber wood houses is tagged by UNESCO for its exposition of traditional Swahili building methods.

But that’s not it, because the villages of Shela and Matondoni further along the coast of Lamu also boast a series of fascinating ports and mosques from centuries gone by, while the age-old celebrations of Mawlid are a must for any culture vultures!

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli lives up to its reputation as one of the crème de la crème of East African safari parks, and not least of all with that fine location below the colossal outline of none other than Mount Kilimanjaro! In the shadow of that snow-topped massif – the highest on the continent – this protected reserve spreads out in a patchwork of dusty plains and savannahs, fields of curious sulphur spouts and riparian wetlands all trodden by some of the largest elephant herds in the country.

Today, wildlife lovers flock here to safari and see the great galumphing beasts next to cheetahs, wildebeest, giraffes, zebra and more!

Sprawling, steel-clad Nairobi isn’t the prettiest of African cities at first glance, granted.

But there’s real charm and energy to be found in this nigh on four-million-strong capital in the southern heart of Kenya for sure.

For starters, the town is famed as the only great metropolis with a bona fide safari park smack bang within city limits – just check out the Nairobi National Park, where giraffes meet cheetahs against the meanders of the Mbagathi River.

Add to that a series of great central markets that bubble with East African hotpots and foods, along with one of Kenya’s best nightlife scenes, and bingo: you’ve got yourself a town that’s really worth the stopover!

5. Hell’s Gate National Park

Sat midway between the city of Nairobi and the backcountry town of Nakuru, Hell’s Gate covers a humble 68 square kilometers in the midst of southern Kenya.

A place of real natural beauty, it’s defined by startling and unforgettable rock formations that rise like splinters from the scrub-dressed ground.

Considered by many to have been the inspiration for the Disney film The Lion King, the area has high escarpments and deep valleys carved through its terrain, each bearing curious monikers like Fischer’s Tower and the great Embarta.

Between the gorges and canyons, you can expect to see wildebeest and vultures, African buffalo and Thomson’s gazelle, not to mention packs of lions to boot!

6. Tsavo East National Park

One of the oldest and largest national parks in all of East Africa, the great stretches of Tsavo East rarely fail to top charts of the finest safari destinations on the planet.

They can be found cascading down from the sun-baked highlands of the Chyulu Hills that straddle the border with Tanzania to the south; a mosaic of swaying savannah grasses and red-hued rocks that rise like escarpments from the dusty, arid grounds.

The eastern edge of the park is delineated by the flow of the Athi River, which gives way to the great stones of Yatta – one of the largest lava channels in the world.

And then there are the animals: everything from white-tailed mongooses to cape buffalo, ground pangolins to cheetahs!

With overtones as exotic as nearby Zanzibar and a history as deep as any of East Africa’s cities, Mombasa is an enigmatic and wonderful place to visit.

Swahili roots and traditions die hard, even after the influence of the erstwhile Portuguese and Arabic rulers raised colonial edifices and grand mosques between the streets.

Take some time to wander the European-flavoured Old Town, sample the spicy Indian-influenced curries and take in the energy of Mombasa port.

But don’t linger too long, because the beaches await, going from the shimmering white stretches along Bamburi to the palm tree groves of Shanzu!

Ah Malindi: a town of tin-shack homes and old mosque towers from centuries gone by, where the sea has never been so warm and the sand has never been so white! Yep, this humble little trading town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast has risen and risen in recent decades to become the favourite choice of European and American visitors looking to taste the sun and salt water of East Africa.

Monuments to the great Portuguese explore Vasco da Gama Pillar still mark the center of the place – a testimony to its long past – while strips of palm-backed beaches and resorts, pretty piazzas and even pizza restaurants bring in the biggest crowds.

9. Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve marks the very heart of Kenya as a whole.

Hundreds of miles from the coast, and just edging up to the rising highlands that define East Africa, the area gets its lifeblood from the meanders of the trickling Ewaso Ng’iro, which drops down this way from the ice-caked top of Mount Kenya itself.

The terrain is defined by flat-topped acacia trees and the occasional riparian oases of palms, while the wildlife includes lions and gazelles, Tanzanian cheetahs, waterbucks, crocodiles and olive baboons.

10. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru now sits at the heart of its very own national park.

Just a small speck of blue on the Kenyan map, this curious body of water rises above the Great Rift Valley from between the acacia groves and meadows that surround it.

It’s famed primarily for its truly kaleidoscopic array of birdlife, which is defined by the pinkish glow of flamingos for most of the year.

Head up to the high-perched lookout points of Baboon Cliff for some dramatic views of the area, before hitting the winding dirt tracks that ring the water’s edge to spot Eastern black rhinos, baboons and countless migrating birds alike.

11. Laikipia

The rise and rise of the Laikipia District as one of Kenya’s prime ecotourist hotspots has defied all expectations.

Without any totemic national parks or game reserves, the region entered the scene with just the pulls of its natural backcountry.

And as soon as the tour companies caught on to the unspoilt beauties of the sweeping green highlands and hills that rise and fall here, the rest was history.

Today, oodles of safari folk flock come to enjoy off-the-beaten-track wildlife spotting, with destinations like the Sosian Game Ranch, the Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy and others boasting the likes of Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs and uber-rare black rhinos.

12. Lake Naivasha

Like Nakuru, Lake Naivasha’s little brother, located just to the north-west, this mirror-like body of water is one of the real jewels of the Kenyan Rift.

Shining in hues of sky-blue beneath the red rock ridges of the aforementioned Hell’s Gate park, the spot is widely famed for its thriving birdlife.

For example, there are uber-rare bearded vultures to see, along with ospreys, hawks and eagles.

Add to that the geothermal power plants and geological phenomenon that occur in the nearby mountains, and it’s easy to see why Naivasha is now considered such a fascinating place to visit!

With one foot in Lake Victoria and the other on the great highways that lead east to Nairobi, Mombasa and the port towns of the Indian Ocean, it’s hardly surprising that Kisumu cut its teeth in the mercantile trade.

However, things have ebbed and flowed a lot in the last couple of decades, with the steam boats and transports dropping off for some time.

Revival is now in the works, but Kisumu has a regained respect for its historical traditions and natural attractions too.

So, forget the great freights and oil pipes, and look instead to the biodiversity of Dunga Beach, or the curious architecture of the Kisumu Town Clock in the center of the city.

Nyeri is very much the self-proclaimed gateway to the Central Highlands of Kenya.

At heart, it’s a dusty transport hub of a town, with purring scooters and rickshaws moving through the square-cut blocks and between the low-rise marketplaces.

However, its enviable location on the very edge of the Aberdare Mountains, within reach of the Aberdare National Park (home to leopards, African wild dogs, giant forest hogs, cape buffalos, rhinos and more), Mount Suswa and the South-western Mau Reserve makes it a real magnet for outdoorsy types!

15. Marsabit

Rising in a medley of ramshackle tin homes and lean-to timber shacks from the midst of the great Kenyan deserts in the north, this largely untrodden town is one for the conservation buffs and ethical tourists.

It’s currently the focus of a number of humanitarian missions, which are attempting to provide schooling, clean water and the like to the local tribal communities.

More than 422 kilometers from Nairobi, the town is far-flung to say the least, but that means an authentic view of Kenyan life, and a chance to see the wilder (if that’s possible!), more arid and unexplored section of this popular East African country.

15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya:

• Maasai Mara
• Lamu Island
• Amboseli National Park
• Hell's Gate National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Samburu National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru
• Lake Naivasha

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10 Most Beautiful & Interesting Places To Visit in Kenya

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

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

2,026 Kenya Tours

1. Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous safari destinations on the continent, but you can escape the crowds by heading to a private concession or conservancy on the edge of the reserve. Aside from not being accessible to day-trippers or those not staying in one of the conservancies’ lodges or tented camps, the conservancies have the advantage of allowing activities not permitted in the national reserve: bush walks and night drives, for example. 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 two 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 as the animals enter Kenya.

Masai Mara Tours

2. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a vast number of bird species, most notably flocks of flamingos – they have been known to number in their millions, though the lake has seen a decrease in recent times. 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 hammerkops are also seen around the lake. In addition, you can spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and lions throughout the national park.

Lake Nakuru Tours

3. Diani Beach

Easily amongst the most picturesque shores in Africa, Diani Beach is about 30km/20mi south of Mombasa and a short flight from Nairobi. Its white sands are lapped by the brilliant Indian Ocean and backed by verdant forests, into which you can take nature walks when you tire of sunbathing or kite-surfing. Head out for a snorkeling tour, swim with whale sharks, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise – or simply kick back in a hammock with a good book.

Diani Tours

4. Amboseli

For iconic views, look no further than Amboseli National Park, close to the Tanzanian border and south-east of the Mara. With the mighty, snowcapped Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, rising above the park from across the border, the dramatic scenery is partly why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Another reason is its healthy elephant population, many with giant tusks. Then there are the park’s lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, giraffes, pelicans, martial eagles, blue-cheeked bee-eaters – and much more.

Amboseli Tours

5. Mt Kenya

At 5,199m/17,057ft high, the largest mountain in Kenya is also the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. The stratovolcano was created around three 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 over two million people. With its rugged snowy peaks and glaciers along the upper slopes, Mt Kenya is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Travelers hoping to summit can either hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, taking the world’s highest via ferrata (iron way) route, or climb to the highest point, Batian Peak, though this requires experience of technical climbing.

Mt Kenya Tours

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, famed for their many strands of brightly colored beaded jewelry. Within the reserve you’ll find elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, plus over 450 species of birds. You might also spot rare sub-species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and East African oryx, as well as the gerenuk (a long-necked antelope) and spotted hyena.

Samburu Tours

7. Ol Pejeta

A Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) conservancy in the foothills of Mt Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is known for its conservation initiatives. It was where the last male northern white rhino, Sudan, died in 2018; the last females of the sub-species still live at Ol Pejeta, protected around the clock. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in the Laikipia conservancy, too, providing 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 and the challenges faced in the conservation industry. Come for the day or enjoy a longer stay for lion tracking, bush walks and night drives.

Ol Pejeta Tours

8. The Aberdares

In the cool highlands along the Great Rift Valley, Aberdare National Park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kenya. Not only is it a lush mountainous region of valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests, it is also home to extremely rare animals such as the black serval, the black leopard and the eastern bongo, the country’s most elusive antelope. This is the place where Elizabeth II heard of her father’s death, making her Queen of England; Treetops Hotel, where she was staying at the time, has since become a popular place for travelers to visit.

Aberdare Tours

9. Lamu Town

Kenya is not only noted for its safari reserves and savannah but also for its Indian Ocean coastline. The Lamu archipelago is amongst the most interesting places to visit in Kenya as an area brimming with history. 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 boats bobbing offshore. Then of course there are the surrounding peaceful and unspoilt beaches. The perfect place to unwind after a Kenyan safari tour.

10. Chyulu Hills

In southeastern Kenya, Chyulu Hills is a mountain range that extends for 1,000km/620mi, peaking at 2,188m/7,178ft above sea level. They’re some of the world’s youngest volcanic mountains, at just 500 years old, and where you can find 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, amongst other wildlife. Aside from wildlife-viewing safari drives, you can head out hiking, 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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Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Dallago Tours Kenya Tanzania   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  57 Reviews

Mufasa Tours and Travels   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  386 Reviews

Kenya: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Tsavo East NP, Mombasa Beaches, Mombasa (End)

Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.3 /5  –  77 Reviews

12 Best Things to Do in Kenya

Perceived by many as the original safari destination , Kenya is still one of the best choices for a classic African experience. Lion prides range across the vast open spaces of the Maasai Mara, while wildebeest and zebra arrive by the millions for the annual Great Migration and in some places, pastoralist Maasai and Samburu tribespeople continue to live as they have done for thousands of years. There's a lot more to this country than its popular game reserves , however, as Nairobi offers multi-faceted culture while the Swahili Coast sports historic towns and picture-perfect beaches. Here’s a look at 12 of Kenya 's top attractions, all places you should check out on your next trip.

Spend Some Time in Nairobi

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Most visitors to Kenya will find themselves flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi . Instead of continuing your journey right away, consider spending a night or two in the capital. From museums, wildlife experiences, and crafts markets during the day to a rollicking nightlife and foodie scene at night, there's plenty to keep you busy for a few days before (or after) a safari adventure, especially in and around the affluent suburb of Karen, home of the city's central business district.

It's easy to get around town via taxi or by taking Kenya Bus or a traditional matatu minivan. Visit the Nairobi National Museum and the Nairobi Gallery to learn more about the city's thriving history, art, and culture. Spot wild lions and black rhinos at Nairobi National Park , watch rescued baby elephants being fed at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, and come face-to-face with rehabilitated Rothschild's giraffes at the Giraffe Center . Out of Africa fans will love the Karen Blixen Museum , located in the author's own home at the foot of the Ngong Hills.

Enjoy Kenya's Coast and Marine National Parks

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Balance some time in the bush with seaside relaxation along the white-sand beaches of Kenya's idyllic central coast. Malindi is a lively option, as an established resort destination with upscale hotels, restaurants, and bars, while neighboring Watamu charms with its rural atmosphere and protected palm-fringed shores. 

Popular beach town activities include sunset dhow cruises, scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. It's just a five-hour train ride or a one-hour flight from Nairobi to Mombasa, then a two-hour drive up the coast, or you can fly one hour straight into Malindi from Nairobi. Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is a great place to see green turtles living among its coral gardens as well as the humpback whales that pass through the area from July to October.

Located at the bottom-right corner of the country near the border with Tanzania, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve is also worth a visit, with the chance to see endemic sea life like dolphins, sea turtles, whales, coral reef systems, and more than 250 species of fish, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. Bird watching is also popular here, as migratory birds use the area to nest in large colonies.

Take a Hike in Hell's Gate National Park

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Situated about three hours northwest of Nairobi, Hell's Gate National Park is unlike any other place in Kenya. Part of the Great Rift Valley, the area is a center of geothermal activity, boasting a mix of soaring cliffs, plunging gorges, and immense rock pillars. Plumes of escaping steam and swimmable thermal springs only add to the sense of drama here. 

Unlike the country's other national parks, Hell's Gate allows walking safaris and has designated trails just for hiking and mountain biking. Sites like Fischer's Tower are popular among rock climbers while birders flock to the Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide to see nesting birds of prey in the wild, including Egyptian vultures and the majestic Verreaux's eagle.

Witness the Great Migration

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Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope make their way from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. While their exact movements are dictated by the rains, the herds typically enter the country in August and spend September and November grazing on its lush southern plains.

The Great Migration (and the Mara River crossing in particular) is one of the world's most iconic natural spectacles. The area is also home to the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African buffalo) and known for its robust predator sightings. To make sure you get front-row seats to all the action, consider staying in a mobile camp like Enaidura or Nkorombo .

Visit Both Sides of Tsavo National Park

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In the far southeastern part of Kenya is Tsavo National Park, which makes up Kenya's largest protected wildlife area and is split into two distinct sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West . Though the safari experience in each park is quite different, both sides offer a chance to spot the Big Five and 600 species of birds. 

Tsavo East is known for its picturesque red dust plains, intersected by the beautiful Galana River, which attracts diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds. This park is also home to the world's longest lava flow, the Yatta Plateau. Tsavo West, on the other hand, is wetter, greener, and even more scenic—be sure to visit Mzima Springs—although the animals living here can be harder to spot.

Discover Swahili History on Lamu Island

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Head to northern Lamu Island to immerse yourself in Kenya's Swahili culture. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town has been continually inhabited for more than 700 years and is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Visit landmarks like Lamu Fort (which now houses the fascinating Lamu Museum) or wander through labyrinthine streets admiring the traditional coral stone and mangrove timber houses. 

The Arabic, Persian, European, and Indian architectural influences you’ll see are a testament to Lamu Island's rich trading history. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, just donkey carts and dhows offering beach trips, snorkeling tours, and other touristic activities like swimming with dolphins.

Photograph Flamingoes at Lake Nakuru National Park

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Located in central Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. It’s perhaps best known for its vast soda lake, which takes up approximately a third of the park's total area and attracts hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser flamingoes who come to mate, raise their young, and feed on the lake's algae. 

Although pollution has caused the flamingoes to migrate elsewhere in past years, recent clean-up efforts have seen many of them return to the area. Flamingoes aside, Lake Nakuru National Park is a birding hotspot, with more than 450 different avian species calling it home. You’ll also be able to see lions, leopards, and white rhinos, while its spectacular euphorbia forest is the largest in Africa.

Trek to the Top of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is Africa's second tallest mountain and the inspiration for the country's modern name . Those who wish to climb it can choose between three peaks: Batian (17,057 feet/5,199 meters), Nelion (17,021 feet/5,188 meters), and Point Lenana (16,355 feet/4,985 meters). 

While the first two peaks require technical equipment and training, it's possible for amateur trekkers to reach the summit at Point Lenana. Mount Kenya's slopes are cloaked in forest and moorland, which gives way to layers of rock, ice, and snow. The best time to climb is during the drier months of January to February or from July to October. Whenever you go, be sure to book with a reputable operator like Go to Mount Kenya .

Search for Elephants at Amboseli National Park

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If seeing large herds of elephants up close is at the top of your Kenya wish list, visit Amboseli National Park . Located in the southern part of the country, the reserve is known for amazing elephant sightings set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro , which is visible across the Tanzanian border. The best time to visit is from June to October.

A diverse array of habitats also makes the park a hotspot for other animal and bird species. Keep an eye out for all three big cats, the endangered African wild dog, and more than 600 different types of birds. Maasai villages situated around the edge of Amboseli National Park offer opportunities for insightful cultural visits.

Admire the Desolate Beauty of Lake Turkana

Also known as the Jade Sea because of its pale green color, Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake on the planet and a great off-the-beaten-track spot for those who appreciate stark beauty. 

The barren shores and saline waters also happen to house the world's largest concentration of Nile crocodiles, who breed in Central Island National Park among a vivid landscape that includes three active volcanoes. Hippos and large flocks of flamingoes can also be seen here, though the park’s main attraction is its lunar scenery. Lake Turkana also has great anthropological importance as the discovery site of some of the earliest hominid fossils ever found.

Book a Stay on a Kenyan Conservancy

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For a more exclusive safari experience, book a stay on one of Kenya's famous conservancies—like Recommended conservancies include Lewa , Loisaba , and Ol Pejeta —or tracts of land owned by Indigenous communities that are rented by eco-tourism companies and operated as private game reserves. 

Choosing this type of accommodation comes with many benefits. Firstly, you can rest assured knowing your money is directly benefiting the local community, which helps to reduce conflict between traditional landowners and native wildlife, thereby promoting conservation. Secondly, conservancies aren't restricted by the same rules as national parks so they can offer special perks like night drives and walking safaris.

Explore the Cultures and Landscapes of Northern Kenya

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Kenya's most iconic game reserves may be located in the south, but it's well worth venturing north to check out Samburu , Shaba, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Located virtually next door to one another among an arid landscape dotted with granite outcrops and twisted acacias, the three National Reserves straddle the banks of the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River. The unique habitat is home to equally unique wildlife, including the desert-adapted gerenuk and oryx antelopes, the endangered Grévy's zebra, and the reticulated giraffe, which is also endangered. 

Animals are not the only attraction here, as this area is home to the semi-nomadic, pastoralist Samburu Indigenous people. Cultural tours here provide fascinating insights into their way of life.

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21 Extremely Fun Things to Do in Kenya: The Ultimate Kenya Bucket List

Kenya stands out as one of the  best countries to visit in Africa . From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the sun-kissed beaches of the Indian Ocean, from the vast savannas teeming with wildlife to the ancient Swahili towns steeped in culture, Kenya offers an abundance of experiences. If you’re seeking fun things to do in Kenya, the country has it all: adventure, romance, relaxation, and education.

In this post, we will embark on a journey to uncover the most incredible sites to visit in Kenya. You will explore the best places to see the Big Five and the Great Migration, the most unique wildlife safaris available only in Kenya, the most beautiful beaches and marine parks to enjoy the sea and sun, the most scenic and challenging mountain treks to test your endurance, and the most vibrant and modern cities to immerse yourself in Kenya’s sights and sounds.

For tips on how to pack your gear, explore this  Africa travel essentials guide .

Where in the World is Kenya and What Makes It So Special?

Kenya is situated in East Africa along the equator. It is home to the bustling capital city of Nairobi.

The country shares borders with five neighboring nations: South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania. With a picturesque coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya showcases a diverse geography.

Beyond the coast, it is renowned for its world-class national parks and reserves.

Fun Things to do In Kenya: Wildlife Adventures

1. visit the masai mara national reserve.

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous and diverse wildlife destinations in Africa. It also happens to have some of the best safari tours in Kenya .

Located in the Great Rift Valley and bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, The reserve is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) and over 40 percent of Africa’s large mammals. You will also see other animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, eland, giraffes, hyenas, crocodiles, and more.

The reserve is also famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is a spectacular annual event that involves millions of wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River.

The best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve is typically between July and September, with August being particularly ideal for witnessing the annual Wildebeest Migration.

From July to August, you will see higher numbers due to the annual Wildebeest migration. September and October are good times to spot game with large herds of plains game before migration back to Serengeti. The rest of the year you will see wildlife pretty consistently.

You can book a safari package with a reputable tour operator that includes accommodation, game drives, park fees, and optional activities, such as balloon safaris, cultural visits, or nature walks.

Visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve is a memorable and unique experience, making it one of the most fun things to do in Kenya.

2. Birdwatching at Lake Nakuru National Park

Another fun thing to do in Kenya is to visit Lake Nakuru National Park, which is located in the Great Rift Valley, north of Nairobi and south of Nakuru city. This park is famous for its shallow alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingoes and other water birds.

You can also encounter a variety of wildlife, such as rhinos, leopards, lions, cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, and more. The park has diverse habitats, such as euphorbia forests, acacia woodlands, savannah grasslands, and rocky escarpments that offer scenic views and hiking opportunities.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which spans from June to March. Although tourists frequent the park year-round, this period offers optimal conditions for wildlife sightings.

3. Visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center-Nairobi

If you love to get up close to wildlife, then you should visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center in Nairobi. These two attractions are located within the Nairobi National Park, which is a short drive from the city center.

At the elephant orphanage, you can watch baby elephants being fed and playing with their keepers, and learn about their rescue stories and the conservation efforts of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

The orphanage is open to the public every day from 11 am to 12 noon, but you need to book your visit in advance online or by email.

You can feed and interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes at the giraffe center and learn about their biology and behavior. You can also visit the Kazuri Bead Factory, which is a social enterprise that employs local women to make beautiful handmade jewelry from clay.

The giraffe center and the bead factory are open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, and you don’t need to book your visit beforehand.

Visiting these two places is a fun and educational way to spend a day in Nairobi, and also support the wildlife conservation and community empowerment initiatives in Kenya.

4. Have Breakfast With Giraffes at the Giraffe Manor

If you are looking for extremely fun things to do in Kenya, then having breakfast and taking selfies with giraffes at the Giraffe Manor should be on your bucket list.

This is a boutique hotel on the outskirts of Nairobi and is home to a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes.

These endangered and graceful animals often visit the hotel in the morning and evening, poking their long necks through the windows and doors to greet the guests and get some treats.

You can feed them with dried pellets of grass, molasses, and corn, and enjoy their gentle and curious personalities.

You will also enjoy other amenities, such as afternoon tea, guided tours, spa treatments, and more.

Giraffe Manor is open all year except for mid-April to mid-May when they do maintenance and repairs.

5. Explore the Wild and Wonderful Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Kenya. It is divided into two halves by the Nairobi-Mombasa Road.

The park offers a variety of landscapes, from savannah plains and riverine forests to volcanic hills and lava flows.

The park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five and many other animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and more.

You can also expect to see rare and endangered species, such as the Rothschild’s giraffes, the Grevy’s zebras, and the red elephants.

In addition, the park is famous for its birdlife, with over 500 species recorded, including ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and more. Exploring the park is truly a delightful experience, making it among the fun things to do in Kenya.

Some of the highlights of the park include the Mzima Springs, where you can see hippos and crocodiles in crystal-clear water, the Shetani Lava Flows, where you can walk on a dried-up lava stream, the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, where you can spot black rhinos in a fenced area, and the Lugard Falls, where you can enjoy a scenic waterfall along the Galana River.

The best time to visit the Tsavo National Park is between June and October and January to February when the weather is dry and cool.

6. Marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro and Elephants in the Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. It is situated in the south of Kenya, about 240 kilometers away from Nairobi.

The park offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sky is clear of dust.

It is also well-known for its large elephant population, which frequently exceeds 100. These elephants possess some of the largest tusks in Africa.

Observing these magnificent creatures is a captivating experience as they gracefully traverse the expansive plains, quench their thirst from the swamps, and engage in meaningful interactions with their family members

The park is also home to many other animals, such as lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, and more. You can also see over 400 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers, and more.

Amboseli has diverse habitats, from dry lake beds and savannah grasslands to acacia woodlands and wetlands.

The climax of your trip to the park will be a visit to the Maasai Cultural Village, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local Maasai people.

The park is a year-round destination, with prime visiting periods during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February.

However, if you’re interested in birding, the wet seasons from April to June and November to December are optimal.

7. Other Wildlife Adventures to explore 

In addition to the national parks and reserves mentioned above, there are several others worth visiting for an exciting wildlife experience. They include: 

• Mount Kenya National Park: This is a UNESCO site with diverse habitats around Mount Kenya. Here, you will see elephants, buffalos, monkeys, and birds while trekking through forests, moorlands, and glaciers.
• Meru National Park: This is a less crowded park in Eastern Kenya with scenic landscapes. At the park, expect to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species like the reticulated giraffe and the lesser kudu.
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy: This is a private conservancy in Laikipia County that is a wildlife haven. At Ol Pejeta, you will participate in game drives, and guided walks, and visit the chimpanzee sanctuary. You will also see the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa.
• Hell’s Gate National Park: Situated near Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate offers unique landscapes and geothermal activity. You can explore the park on foot or by bicycle and spot zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and birds while hiking through gorges and volcanic formations.

Fun Things To Do In Kenya: Cultural Encounters 

Kenya is a country of diverse cultures, each with its unique traditions and values. If you want to experience the diversity of Kenyan cultures, here are some of the options you can choose from:

1. Meet the Maasai: Kenya’s Iconic Warriors and Pastoralists

One of the most fun things to do in Kenya is to meet the Maasai, a nomadic pastoralist community that lives in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.

The Maasai are one of the most well-known and distinctive cultures in Africa, with their colorful clothing, jewelry, dances, songs, and ceremonies.

They are also renowned for their bravery and skill as warriors, and their strong attachment to their cattle.

You will learn and experience their traditional way of life, which revolves around their herds of cows, goats, and sheep.

You will also see their circular houses made of mud, sticks, grass, and cow dung and their kraals (enclosures) where they keep their animals at night.

Meeting the Maasai is a unique opportunity to learn about their culture and history, and to appreciate their values and beliefs.

2. Discover the Swahili Culture: A Blend of African and Asian Influences

Discovering the Swahili culture is a must when you visit Kenya. This culture has played a vital role in shaping the history and identity of the Kenyan coast and beyond.

The culture is the product of centuries of trade and interaction between the local Bantu-speaking people, the merchants, and settlers from Arabia, Persia, India, and China.

The Swahili culture is expressed in the language, religion, architecture, art, music, cuisine, and customs of the coastal people.

You can learn about the Swahili culture by visiting the coastal towns of Lamu and Mombasa, which are among East Africa’s most ancient towns.

3. More Cultural Attractions

Other cultural attractions that highlight Kenya’s history and tradition are: 

• Karen Blixen Museum: Visit the former home of the author of “Out of Africa” and see her belongings and farm exhibits. Enjoy the peaceful gardens and the views of the Ngong Hills. The museum is open daily and easy to reach from Nairobi. Entry fees are listed below.

Kenya Citizen – Ksh 200 for Adults, 100 for under 16

East Africa Residents – Ksh 600 for Adults, Ksh 400 for those under 16

Non-Residents – Ksh 1200 for Adults, Ksh 600 for those under 16

• Fort Jesus Museum: This is a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that showcases the history of Mombasa and its role in the Indian Ocean trade. The fortress has an impressive architecture that resembles a man lying on his back and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is open daily and easily accessible from Mombasa by various means of transport.
• Bomas of Kenya: At the Bomas of Kenya, you can experience the diversity of Kenya’s ethnic groups. You can see how they live in traditional houses, make crafts, and dress up. You can also watch them perform their dances and songs in a big auditorium. The center is close to Nairobi National Park and easy to get to from Nairobi by car or bus. It is open every day.
• Lake Turkana Festival: The Lake Turkana Festival in Loiyangalani honors northern Kenya’s ethnic groups. Here, you will enjoy lively dances, music, storytelling, cuisine, and crafts. The festival fosters peace among communities that have experienced strife in the past. Alongside the festivities, you can also enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of Lake Turkana.

Fun Things To Do In Kenya: Beach Escapes

Kenya is well-known not only for its wildlife and culture but also for its stunning and unique beaches.

Here are some of the most popular beach getaways to consider:  

1. Relax and Have Fun at Diani Beach: Kenya’s Award-Winning Beach Destination

Diani Beach offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for anyone looking for fun things to do in Kenya.

Diani Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa, in Kwale County, and has been named Africa’s top beach destination for the seventh time since 2015.

It is a tropical haven with a magnificent white-sand shoreline surrounded by lush greenery and surfable waves. You will have fun snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vivid coral reefs and aquatic life.

Take a boat excursion to Wasini Island for exhilarating snorkeling or Scuba diving adventures in the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, which is home to interesting marine life such as whales, dolphins, turtles, and colorful coral reefs. 

The nightlife is vibrant, with lively bars, clubs, and relaxed beach parties.

2. Enjoy the Natural and Cultural Wonders of Watamu Beach: Kenya’s Marine Paradise

Watamu Beach is located 30 kilometers south of Malindi, in Kilifi County, and is part of the Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine protected areas in Africa.

Watamu Beach is a pristine and tranquil destination with a stunning white-sand coastline touched by mild sea breezes. Explore the beautiful and tranquil waters, vivid coral reefs, and rich aquatic life.

You will also indulge in delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to international and vegetarian dishes as well as experience the vibrant nightlife, from cozy bars to lively beach parties.

To enhance your stay in Watamu, you can explore natural and cultural attractions such as the Watamu Turtle Watch, Bio-Ken Snake Farm & Laboratory, and the Gede Ruins.

3. Explore the Historic and Vibrant Malindi Beach: Kenya’s Little Italy

Malindi Beach is located 30 kilometers north of Watamu, in Kilifi County, and is part of the Malindi Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine protected areas in Africa.

Malindi Beach offers a long stretch of white sand beach, surrounded by picturesque views of the Indian Ocean and frequently graced by cool sea breezes. You can enjoy the clear and calm waters, the coral reefs and marine life, and the coastal town and island that offer a variety of attractions and activities.

Here, you can also sample the delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood and Swahili dishes to international and Italian options. In addition, the nightlife in Malindi is unparalleled.

4. Have a Blast at Nyali Beach: Kenya’s Fun-Filled Beach Destination

One of the fun things to do in Kenya is to have a blast at Nyali Beach. Nyali Beach is located on the north coast of Mombasa and is connected to Mombasa Island by the Nyali Bridge.

Nyali Beach boasts a wide stretch of white sand beach that is surrounded by stunning views of the Indian Ocean and gentle sea breezes. You can enjoy the clear and calm waters, the coral reefs and marine life, and the coastal town and island that offer a variety of attractions and activities.

5. Sail on a traditional dhow boat at Lamu Archipelago 

If you want to experience the Swahili treasure of Kenya, you can sail on a traditional dhow boat at Lamu Archipelago. A dhow boat is a wooden vessel with a triangular sail that has been used for centuries along the coast. You can rent a dhow boat from Lamu Town, Shela Village, or Manda Island, and explore the archipelago in the Indian Ocean near Kenya’s northern coast.

Lamu Archipelago has five islands: Pate, Manda, Lamu, Manda Toto, and Kiwayu. They offer a unique blend of African and Asian influences that have shaped the history and culture of the Swahili coast and beyond.

Fun Things To Do In Kenya: Mountain Trekking 

1. trek to the summit of mount kenya or explore its diverse valleys and glaciers: kenya’s alpine adventure.

If you aspire to create an unforgettable travel experience in Kenya, scaling the heights of Mount Kenya should undoubtedly be at the top of your list. It does, however, demand a great deal of persistence and perseverance.

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak and one of its most beautiful mountains. It is a long-extinct volcano that has been eroded by glaciers and weathering, creating steep, pyramidal peaks, deep valleys, and spectacular scenery. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

There are different routes that you can take to reach its summit (Point Lenana, 4,985 m or 16,355 ft) or explore its valleys and glaciers, such as Naro Moru Route, Sirimon Route, Chogoria Route, Burguret Route, Kamweti Route, or Timau Route. Each route has its advantages and challenges, depending on your fitness level, experience, preference, and budget.

Here are tips to prepare for a mountain trek in Mount Kenya:

• Choose the right season: Opt for the dry season, from January to March and July to October, for clear and stable weather.
• Hire a guide or porter: Ensure you have a knowledgeable guide or porter who can assist with navigation, safety, and carrying your luggage.
• Pack appropriate gear and clothing: Include essentials like hiking boots, warm layers, a raincoat, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses to tackle varying temperatures and terrains.
• Acclimate to the altitude: Ascend slowly, drink plenty of water, eat well, take regular rest breaks, and consider medication if necessary to adjust to the higher altitude.

You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain and its surroundings, as well as a sense of accomplishment and awe.

2. Hike Mount Longonot: The Volcanic Adventure 

If you are looking for a thrilling and scenic hike, look no further than Mt. Longonot. This is a  dormant stratovolcano that rises from the floor of the Great Rift Valley. 

The volcano has a large caldera that is covered by a forest of small trees and steam vents. The caldera rim offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Naivasha and other volcanoes in the rift valley. Mt. Longonot is also home to various wildlife species, such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and gazelles.

To reach the summit of Mt. Longonot, you will need to follow a 3.1 km trail that runs from the park entrance up to the crater rim. The trail is steep and eroded in some parts, so be prepared for a challenging climb.

The reward is a spectacular panorama of the crater and the valley below. You can also continue on a 7.2 km loop that encircles the crater, but be careful as the path is narrow and rocky. The whole tour (gate-around the rim-gate) of 13.5 km takes about 4–5 hours allowing for necessary rest breaks.

Make sure you bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for your hike. You can also hire a guide at the gate if you want to learn more about the history and ecology of the volcano.

Here are some important tips to hike Mount Longonot:

• Ditch your plastic: Single-use plastic water bottles are not allowed in Mount Longonot National Park. Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up at the gate.
• Visit early: Since this hike is popular with locals, I recommend arriving early to beat any crowds. The park opens at 6 AM and closes at 6 PM.
• Keep an eye on the weather: Most of this trek is along a dirt path, which can quickly turn to mud with heavy rain. For this reason, avoid hiking during the rainy season (April-May and October-November) and check the forecast before you go.
• Take note of altitude: The summit of Mount Longonot is 2776 meters above sea level, which means you might experience some altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take breaks, and descend if you feel unwell.
• Bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes: The hike is steep and challenging, and there are no facilities or shops along the way. You will need to stay hydrated, energized, and protected from the sun.
• Hire a guide: If you want to learn more about the history and ecology of the volcano, you can hire a guide at the gate for a small fee. 
• Choose your route: You can either hike solely to the rim of the crater (6 km roundtrip total) or continue your hike around the rim of the crater (13.5km round trip total). The latter option is more scenic but also more difficult and time-consuming.

If you enjoy nature and adventure, Mt. Longonot is a special and interesting place.

3. Menengai Crater: A Hiking Adventure in the Heart of the Rift Valley

A hike to the Menengai crater combines stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse wildlife. It is one of the largest calderas in the world.

The crater is located in Nakuru County, about 10 km north of Nakuru City, and is part of the Great Rift Valley.

Today, Menengai Crater is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers. The crater offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Nakuru and other volcanoes in the rift valley.

The crater floor is covered with lava rocks and grasslands and is home to various wildlife species, such as baboons, hyenas, antelopes, and birds. The crater also has a rich cultural and historical significance, as it is believed to be a sacred site for many communities and a place of legends and myths.

To hike Menengai Crater, you will need to pay an entry fee of 250 KSH for citizens and residents, and 20 USD for non-residents. 

The hike to the rim of the crater is about 8 km (one way) and takes about 2-3 hours. It is moderate to difficult, as it involves some steep sections and loose rocks.

The distance around the rim is about 32 km (round trip) and it will take you about 8-10 hours. The hike is challenging and requires good fitness and stamina. You will need to bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for your hike.

4. Aberdare Ranges: A Hiking Paradise in Kenya’s Central Highlands

If you are a hiker who loves scenic views, diverse wildlife, rich history, and cultural heritage, you will love the Aberdare Ranges, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Kenya.

Aberdare Ranges are located in the central highlands of Kenya, north of Nairobi, and span across five counties: Nyandarua, Nyeri, Muranga, Kiambu, and Laikipia. 

Aberdare Ranges are home to the Aberdare National Park, a protected area that boasts a variety of habitats, from alpine moorlands to tropical forests. The park is a major water catchment area for Kenya’s two largest rivers: Tana and Athi.

It is also a haven for wildlife lovers, as it hosts over 250 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. You will encounter in the park include African elephants, Cape buffaloes, black rhinos, spotted hyenas, African lions, leopards, olive baboons, mountain bongos (the largest and most endangered forest antelopes), bush duikers, blue duikers, waterbucks, elands, bushbucks, and giant forest hogs.

The park is also rich in history and culture, as it was once part of the “Happy Valley”, a place where British settlers indulged in decadent lifestyles in the early 20th century. The park is also famous for being the place where Queen Elizabeth II learned of her father’s death and her accession to the throne while staying at Treetops Lodge in 1952. The park was also a hideout for the legendary Mau Mau leader Dedan Kimathi during the struggle for independence.

Here is a table of the entry fees for visiting the Aberdares:

Adult Citizen – 300 Ksh

Child/Student Citizen – 215 Ksh

Adult Resident – 300 Ksh

Child/Student Resident – 215 Ksh

Adult Non-Resident – $52 USD

Child/Student Non-Resident – USD 26

5. Mt Suswa: A Volcanic Wonder in the Rift Valley

This is a spectacular volcano in the Rift Valley. It has beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.

Mt Suswa is located between Narok and Nairobi and encompasses Narok and Kajiado counties. 

Visitors must pay an entry fee at the national park gate to hike Mt Suswa. The fee is 250 KSH for citizens and residents, and 20 USD for non-residents. Guides can be hired at the gate to provide greater insights into the mountain’s beauties and stories.

To reach the summit of Mt Suswa, you need to hike for about 8 km and 2-3 hours. The trail has some challenging parts with steep slopes and unstable rocks.  It is critical to have plenty of water, food, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for the trip.

Fun Things to Do in Kenya: Explore Kenya’s, Urban Wonders 

Here are the top urban wonders in Kenya that you should not miss on your next trip.

1. See the sights and sounds of Nairobi the capital and largest city of Kenya

If you’re looking for history, culture, art, shopping, or entertainment, Nairobi has it all. Nairobi is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that offers a variety of attractions.

Here are the top attractions that Nairobi has to offer:

• Nairobi National Museum: It showcases Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage, with exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, art, geology, and wildlife. The museum also has a botanical garden and a snake park.
• Uhuru Park: You can have a picnic, take a boat ride, walk or jog around the park, or visit the monuments and statues that honor Kenya’s independence and heroes. 
• Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC): This iconic building is the landmark of Nairobi’s skyline. Take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city and beyond. 
• Ngong Hills: This is a popular hiking destination in Nairobi. Located in the southwest of Nairobi, Ngong Hills offer scenic views of the city and the Great Rift Valley.
• Karura Forest: It is fun biking around the Karura Forest. This is a green oasis amid the urban sprawl and one of the largest urban forests in Africa, covering over 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres). You will encounter various wildlife species such as monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, and birds.
• Nairobi Railway Museum: This museum bears the history of rail transport in Kenya and East Africa. It displays photographs and documents that tell the stories of the railway workers and passengers.
• Nairobi Gallery: Housed in an old courthouse built in 1913, the Gallery showcases various artworks by Kenyan artists, as well as temporary exhibitions on different themes. You can also see some historical artifacts such as furniture, stamps, and coins that belonged to the colonial administration.

Here are some tips on how to get around Nairobi:

• The most common modes of public transport are matatus (minibusses), buses, and taxis: Matatus are cheap and convenient, but they can be crowded, noisy, and chaotic. Buses are more comfortable and reliable, but they can be affected by traffic jams. Taxis are more expensive but safer and faster. You can also use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt to book a taxi online.
• To avoid traffic, use the Nairobi Expressway: It is a 27-km elevated highway from the airport to Westlands. It has four interchanges, 10 toll stations, and a Bus Rapid Transit system. It cuts the travel time from two hours to 20 minutes. You pay a toll fee based on distance and vehicle type.

Some tips on where to eat and stay in Nairobi:

• Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, and Lavington have the best restaurants in Nairobi, that offer different cuisines and prices. You can also try street food like samosas, bhajis, kebabs, and corn.
• Downtown or near City Market or Gikomba Market has the best local food in Nairobi. They serve cheap and authentic dishes like githeri, matoke, irio, and kachumbari. You can also try special restaurants for Somali, Swahili, or Kikuyu food.
• Some of the best areas to stay in Nairobi are the Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, and Lavington areas. These areas have many hotels

2. Visit other cities that are worth exploring in Kenya

There’s more to Kenya than just Nairobi! You can add these captivating cities to your bucket list:

• Nakuru City: Nakuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya and is in the Rift Valley. It has Lake Nakuru National Park with flamingos, rhinos, and other animals. You can also visit the Menengai Crater and the Hyrax Hill Museum while in Nakuru.
• Eldoret: This town is located in the western region and is the sixth largest in Kenya. Eldoret is known for its agricultural and industrial activities, as well as its sports facilities. It is the birthplace of many famous Kenyan athletes, such as Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat, and Kipchoge Keino.
• Kisumu: Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya. It is a major trade and transportation hub, as well as a cultural and educational center. You can enjoy the lake views and activities, such as fishing, boating, or birdwatching. You can also visit the Kisumu Museum or the Impala Sanctuary.
• Nyeri: Nyeri is an old town in Kenya’s central highlands with historical and cultural significance. It was the headquarters of the Mau Mau rebellion and the colonial administration. It also has beautiful views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges.
• Naivasha: This is a tourist town near Lake Naivasha. It is famous for its flower farms. Here, you can explore the Hell’s Gate National Park by bike or hike to the gorge,  geysers, and hot springs. You will spot zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. You can also take a boat ride on the lake, watch hippos and birds, or visit flower farms.

Fun Things To Do in Kenya in a Nutshell

Kenya is a great choice if you want to have a blast on your vacation. You can find all kinds of amazing experiences, no matter what you love to do. I have shared some of the fun things to do in Kenya in this blog post, like:

• Visiting some of Kenya’s amazing national parks and reserves.
• Learning about Kenya’s history and culture in its museums and heritage sites.
• Enjoy the sun and sand on Kenya’s beautiful beaches.
• Hiking some of Kenya’s spectacular mountain ranges and volcanoes
• Exploring Kenya’s urban wonders in Nairobi and other cities.

I hope that this in-depth blog post has given you some ideas on how to have fun in Kenya. Have a wonderful travel experience.

Dennis Shark

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Lapped by the Indian Ocean, and straddling the equator Kenya is a richly rewarding place to travel. With Mount Kenya rising above a magnificent landscape of forested hills, patchwork farms and wooded savanna, the country’s dramatic geography has a lot to offer. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Kenya.

1. Hike Mount Kenya

2. visit tsavo east national park, 3. watch stars at night, 4. go bird watching at lake baringo, 5. find a festival – at lake turkana, the rift valley or lamu, 6. train with warriors, 7. go on a boat ride at lake naivasha, 8. exploring nairobi national park - one of the best things to do in kenya for a wildlife experience, 9. visit desert lake, 10. david sheldrick wildlife trust, 11. explore the history of lamu island, 12. share a beach house – or rent a tree-house, 13. stay in a rainforest lodge in the shimba hills – or explore a ruined city, 14. head south into the rift valley, 15. spend a day at lake nakuru national park, 16. witness the great migration at maasai mara national reserve, 17. visit giraffe manor, 18. enjoy a camel ride, 19. backpack along the swahili coast.

• 20. Discover Hell's Gate National Park by bike

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Kenya , your essential guide for visiting Kenya .

Travel ideas for Kenya, created by local experts

11 days  / from 3089 USD

Bush To Beach Safari

Explore Kenya's vast national parks such as Lake Nakuru, the famous Maasai Mara and the well-known 'red' elephants in the Tsavo National Park. After a few days of waking up early to spot wildlife, relax on the fine sandy beaches of Diani in the Mombasa area.

10 days  / from 4059 USD

Best of Kenya & Tanzania

A fascinating trip across the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas in Kenya and Tanzania. Learn more about the traditions and cultures of the Maasai and stare in awe at the wild roaming wildlife on your several game drives in different national parks.

7 days  / from 2791 USD

Family Safari in Kenya

Take your (grand)children and embark on the adventure of a (family) lifetime: 7 days in Kenya, with up-close animal encounters, game drives to see the Big 5 and plenty of fun day activities.

An extinct volcano some 3.5 million years old, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, with two jagged peaks. Formed from the remains of a gigantic volcanic plug – most of its erupted lava and ash have been eroded by glacial action to create a distinctive, craggy silhouette.

There are four main routes up Mount Kenya. From the west, the Naro Moru trail provides the shortest and steepest way to the top. The Burguret and Sirimon trails from the northwest are less well trodden.

Sirimon has a reputation for lots of wildlife. Allocate four or five days for this hike — especially if you’ve just arrived in Kenya and are used to living at sea level.

To add comfort to your journey, also read our guide on when is the best time to travel to Kenya and explore our Kenya itineraries for inspiration.

Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the most exciting things to do in Kenya © Martin Mwaura/Shutterstock

Northeast of the highway, the rail line, and the apparent natural divide that separates Kenya’s northern and southern environments, lies Tsavo East National Park. Although it is the larger part of the combined Tsavo parks, the sector north of the Galana River has few tracks and is much less visited. It’s easy to get away off the two or three beaten tracks, and you may find something special.

After decades of poaching, rhinos are very rare in Tsavo East, but you may be lucky enough to spot one grazing quietly somewhere — especially north of the Galana. By contrast, you are absolutely certain to see a lot of Tsavo East’s delightfully colourful elephants, be they huge, dusty-red adults, or little chocolate babies fresh out of a mud bath.

Hippopotamus in Tsavo Park © Shutterstock

Booking a night out in nature under the stars at Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge and sleeping on a specially adapted “star bed” atop a secure platform is one of the authentic things to do in Kenya. This much-lauded eco-lodge, owned and managed by the local Maasai community, is perched along a ridge facing a game-rich valley. Uniquely, all the proceeds go to the local community.

The six spacious, raised, open-fronted bandas incorporate twisting branches and wonderful views, while bandas #1 and #5 have star-beds which can be pulled out onto their decks. There’s also a small infinity pool. Guaranteed wildlife, including elephants, seen daily at the waterhole.

Kenya is the safari capital of East Africa and in our guide to the best safari lodges in Kenya you will find some of the best options.

Try this fascinating tailor-made trip to the Best of Kenya & Tanzania across the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas. Learn more about the traditions and cultures of the Maasai and stare in awe at the wild roaming wildlife on your several game drives in different national parks.

Giraffes,Il Ngwesi © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

An internationally recognized Ramsar wetlands site since 2002, Lake Baringo is a peaceful and beautiful oasis in the dry-thorn country, rich in birdlife and with a captivating character entirely its own.

Depending on lake levels, the waters are either heavily silted with the topsoil of the region and appear a rusty red or streaky yellow. Or it runs through a whole range of colours from coral to purple to a brilliant aquamarine, according to the sun’s position and the state of the sky.

Baringo’s 470 species of birds are one of its biggest draws, and even if you don’t know a superb starling from an ordinary one, the enthusiasm of others tends to be infectious.

With its nature, varied safari options and abundant wildlife, Kenya is the best place for an exciting holiday with the whole family. For even more of these destinations, check out our guide to the 30 best places to go with kids .

Flamingos, lake Baringo, Kenya © Victor Lapaev/Shutterstock

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Join over a dozen local tribes for three days of traditional song and dance in a relaxed international atmosphere. Kenya may have fewer major festivals than you might expect or desire, but the few annual events that do take place are definitely worth planning a safari around. The pre-eminent festival is the Lake Turkana Festival in May, a vibrant cultural celebration held in one of the country's most remote towns.

In August, the Rift Valley Festival, a more European-style music festival, is held on the shores of Lake Naivasha and is easily accessible. Meanwhile, the Lamu Festival, held every November on the far-flung shores of the Indian Ocean, features donkey and dhow races, traditional stick fights, processions, beach barbecues, and crafts displays, with the entire old Swahili town taking part.

Turkana woman, Kenya © E X P L O R E R/Shutterstock

Head to a Maasai -run eco-camp and learn the ways of warriorhood – which you'll soon discover involves playfighting with sticks and much singing and jumping. On most safaris in Kenya, you’re likely to meet Maasai warriors, and soon realise this is no dressing-up club but a part of every Maasai man’s life.

The training for this age grade is long and arduous, but you can now sample the lifestyle at a number of camps. For the most engaging warrior training experience, sign up for a 3-to-7-day programme with Laikipiak Maasai warriors at Bush Adventures Camp .

For a quicker, low budget taste of the action, closer to Nairobi, the low-key Maji Moto Eco-Camp. Located in the greater Mara ecosystem, this experience includes warrior-training – stick throwing, dancing, singing, tracking – with every stay in its tidy dome tents.

Maasai, Kenya © Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Kenya and the perfect getaway from Nairobi . Here you'll find excellent backpackers hostels, boating, a music festival, hippos, a rich array of birdlife and the secluded Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Naivasha, like so many Kenyan place names, is a corruption of a local Maasai name, this time meaning heaving or rough water, E-na-iposha, a pronunciation still used by Maa-speakers in the area.

The Rough Guides to Kenya and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The lake is slightly forbidding – grey and placid one minute and suddenly green and choppy with whitecaps the next – but is hugely picturesque. Its purple mountain backdrop and floating islands of papyrus and water hyacinth are sure to wow.

White-tailed eagle on lake Naivasha © kyslynskahal/Shutterstock

Despite all the buzz, it's truly amazing that Nairobi National Park exists almost unspoiled, right within earshot of Nairobi's bustling downtown traffic . This park, which contains over 80 species of large mammals (excluding elephants), boasts the highest density of megafauna of any city park worldwide.

In contrast to the noisy and congested city streets, the park offers a serene wilderness where humans are just temporary visitors. It's a great place to spend some time during a layover or before an evening flight, with excellent chances of spotting various species.

Even though the park is fenced along its northern border, it's open to the south, allowing migratory herds and their predators to come and go freely. Despite the low-flying planes and minibuses, Nairobi National Park offers the best opportunity for witnessing a predator kill among all the parks in Kenya.

Zebras in Nairobi National Park, Kenya © mbrand85/Shutterstock

Straddling the Ethiopian border at its northern end, Lake Turkana stretches south for 250km, bisecting Kenya’s rocky deserts like a turquoise sickle, hemmed in by sandy wastes and black-and-brown volcanic ranges. The water, a glassy, milky blue one minute, can become slate-grey and choppy or a glaring emerald green the next.

Lake Turkana is the biggest permanent desert lake in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a shoreline longer than the whole of Kenya’s sea coast. It spread south as far as the now desolate Suguta Valley and fed the headwaters of the Nile.

Today it has been reduced to a mere sliver of its former expanse. a gigantic natural sump, with rivers flowing in but no outlets, it loses a staggering 3m of water through evaporation from its surface each year.

Desert Loyangalani lake, Turkana, Kenya © Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

Get on petting terms with tiny pachyderms at this highly regarded centre. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant and rhino orphanage, inside the western end of the Nairobi park, offers a chance to see staff caring for baby elephants. Sometimes baby rhinos, which have been orphaned by poachers, or have been lost or abandoned for natural reasons, can also be seen.

The trust is run by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, the founding warden of Tsavo National Park. During the hour-long open house, the elephant keepers bring their juvenile charges up to an informal rope barrier where you can easily touch them and take photos.

Elephant, Kenya © Lenka Krejcova/Shutterstock

There is nowhere in the world like the ancient seafaring town of Lamu, with a fort, a maze of alleys and cool lodgings on every corner. Perhaps best left until the end of your stay in Kenya, Lamu island may otherwise precipitate a change in your plans as you’re lulled into its slow, soothing rhythm, deliciously lazy atmosphere and some of the best things to do in Kenya.

All the senses get a full workout here, so while there are sights and activities on offer, actually doing anything is sometimes a problem. You can spend hours on a roof or veranda just watching life go by, feeling its mood swing effortlessly through its well-worn cycles – from prayer call to prayer call, from tide to tide and from dawn to dusk.

For more ideas on spending your time on Lamu Island, take a look at our guide to why it's time to return to Lamu .

Where to stay on Lamu Island:

• For beaches location: Jua House
• For stunning surroundings: Banana House and Wellness Centre
• For couples: The Majlis Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay on Lamu Island

Kenya's dhow in Lamu © Shutterstock

Chilling on the coast is one of the best things to do in Kenya to relax after the full-on activity of a safari. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses on the shores of the Indian Ocean, but renting a house on Tiwi Beach tops them all.

The fully staffed Olerai Beach House sleeps up to ten, so it’s ideal for a tropical house party. In the huge gardens, there’s a stunning swimming pool with a water slide and landscaped caves, while the beach lies right in front of you through the palms. It’s quite remote, so there’s the option to have a minibus and driver at your disposal for trips into Mombasa and other excursions.

However, if you’re on more of a shoestring budget, then Stilts Backpackers , on Diani Beach, is a great location for the budget traveller. Funky treehouses (huts on stilts), a tree-level bar-restaurant and plenty of convivial company make it a popular base. Here the beach is just a five-minute walk away.

African landscape with a lodge, Kenya © Shutterstock

Coastal adventures come in many shapes and sizes. Just inland from the beaches of the south coast lies Shimba Hills National Reserve. The hills, teeming with elephants and forest wildlife, house an authentic rainforest lodge . Here trees grow through the wooden building, and a treetop walkway winds through the forest to a waterhole.

Also in the forest, near the small resort town of Watamu on the north coast, the ruins of the stone town of Gedi lay hidden in the jungle for hundreds of years. The identity of the sixteenth-century inhabitants of the town, excavated in the 1940s, is still unknown, but today their houses and mosques can be explored and are particularly atmospheric at dusk.

Sunset at Shimba Hills, Kenya © Shutterstock

From Nairobi, everyone thinks of the Rift Valley as north of the city, focused around tourist hotspots like Lake Naivasha with its gardens and boat trips, or Lake Nakuru with its busy national park. But, if you head south – driving yourself or in a limited selection of beaten-up buses or taxi vans – you can explore an equally fascinating but almost unvisited stretch of the Great Rift.

The first possible stop is Whistling Thorns – much like an English Lake District youth hostel, but with ostriches and gazelles instead of sheep. Then, as you plunge down the dramatic face of the escarpment, you head out onto arid plains where there’s a great prehistoric stone-tool site, Olorgasailie, with cheap camping and cottages.

Finally, you reach the bizarre soda pans of Lake Magadi, where a factory town supports a major chemical industry. There’s a beautiful public swimming pool and excellent bird life near the hot springs, and a few options for staying if you don’t have a tent.

A group of Lesser flamingos flying over a soda lake in the Rift Valley, Kenya © Shutterstock

Just 5km outside Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular in the country and one of the best things to do in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts, offering one of the best chances in Kenya of spotting black and white rhinos. With more than 300,000 visitors each year, this is one of Kenya Wildlife Service’s two “premier parks” (the other being Amboseli).

Though not large, it’s a beautiful park, the terra firma mostly under light acacia forest and well provided with tracks to a variety of hides and lookouts. The contrast between these animated woodlands and the soda lake with its primaeval birds gives it a very distinctive appeal.

Explore Kenya's vast national parks such as Lake Nakuru, the famous Maasai Mara and the well-known 'red' elephants in the Tsavo National Park on this tailor-made Bush To Beach Safari . After a few days of waking up early to spot wildlife, relax on the fine sandy beaches of Diani in the Mombasa area.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya © Shutterstock

For a long list of reasons, Maasai Mara is the best game reserve in Kenya. Set at nearly 2000m above sea level, the reserve is a great wedge of undulating grassland in the remote, sparsely inhabited southwest of the country, right up against the Tanzanian border and, indeed, an extension of the even bigger Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

This is a land of short grass and croton bushes (Mara means “spotted”, after the yellow crotons dotted on the plains), where the wind plays with the thick, green mantle after the rains and, nine months later, whips up dust devils from the baked surface. Maasai Mara’s climate is relatively predictable , with ample rain, and the new grass supports an annual wildebeest migration of half a million animals from the dry plains of Tanzania.

Wildebeest jumping into Mara River. Great Migration in Kenya © Shutterstock

One of the most unique things to do in Kenya is to stay at Giraffe Manor . Set in 140 acres of virgin forest in the Nairobi suburb of Langatha, the property is a boutique hotel. With its elegant interiors, sunny terraces and green courtyard gardens, the place feels as if it is transported back to 1930s Africa.

A distinctive feature of the estate is the herd of giraffes that live in the area and occasionally enter the grounds hoping for a treat.

Take your (grand)children and embark on this tailor-made adventure of a (family) lifetime : 7 days in Kenya, with up-close animal encounters, game drives to see the Big 5 and plenty of fun day activities.

Planning a family trip to Kenya? Our tips for visiting Kenya with kids will help you navigate some important nuances and ensure a more carefree and enjoyable journey.

National Park for Rothschild Giraffes Giraffe Manor in Kenya © Shutterstock

There’s a positive jungle all year round at the oasis village of South Horr (horr means “flowing water”), the largest settlement between Baragoi and Loiyangalani, wedged tightly between the Nyiru and Ol Doinyo Mara mountains.

With its pleasantly somnolent atmosphere, ample shade and relaxed Samburu camel herders lounging under the trees with their beasts, this is a great place to bunk down for a night or three. Making friends with local Samburu is easy. It’s also a good place from which to set our for a walk with camels for a few hours or a few days.

Group of camels early in the morning at sunrise in the dusty town of Maralal, Samburu District, Kenya © Shutterstock

The Swahili are not a “tribe” in any definable sense – they are the result of a mixed heritage. And, while Swahili culture is essentially Muslim, people’s interpretation of their religion varies according to circumstance.

Like the Swahili language, it used to be thought that the towns of the coast began as arab or even Persian trading forts. It is now known that Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and a host of lesser-known settlements are essentially ancient African towns that have always tolerated immigration from overseas.

Lamu, Kenya © Shutterstock

20. Discover Hell's Gate National Park by bike

Named after the narrow break in its tall basaltic cliffs, Hell’s Gate was the outlet for the prehistoric freshwater lake that stretched from here to Nakuru and which, it’s believed, would have supported early human communities on its shores. Today it’s a spectacular and exciting park, the red cliffs and undulating expanse of grassland providing one of the few remaining places in Kenya.

The most popular route through the park is to enter at Elsa Gate and drive, walk or cycle right through, along the main tarmacked road along the valley beneath the cliffs. You can either return the same way or exit from the Olkaria Gate, a distance of about 14km.

Hell's Gate National Park, Kenya © Shutterstock

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• 20 Places To Visit In Kenya That Reflect The Country’s Essence Beyond Wildlife!

23 Mar 2023

From vast faunal diversity to an extensive variation in cultures, and from old world cities to ultramodern hubs, Kenya has beaten all stereotypes of being a mere wildlife safari destination . With numerous national parks, urban and rural cities, azure water bodies, geographical marvels, and pristine beaches, being some of the best places to visit in Kenya , this East African country has emerged as a popular tourist destination not only among the adventure lovers but also among families, and honeymooners.

20 Best Places To Visit In Kenya

So, here’s a list of some of the top Kenya tourist places that you must not miss during your next trip to this African jewel. Make sure you don’t forget to get your favourite travel buddies along!

• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Victoria
• Mt. Kenya National Park
• Samburu National Reserve
• Diani Beach
• The Great Rift Valley
• Jamia Mosque
• Uhuru Gardens
• Lamu Island
• Wasini Island
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Fourteen Falls
• Maasai Mara
• Haller Park

1. Amboseli National Park

Image Source

Adorned by the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit this place to spectate majestic views of the highest peak of Africa, and witness large herds of African elephants, and an extensive variety of wildlife such as Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and innumerable bird species.

Location: Loitokitok District, Rift Valley, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,850 for adults, and INR 2,250 for children

Must Read: If You Can’t Fly Like A Bird You Jolly Well Can Stay Like One At This Bird Nest In Kenya!

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2. Lake Victoria

Passing through 3 African countries namely Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the whole continent. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya where one can find peace amidst its tranquil environment, and also explore the extensive variety of aquatic life which includes species like African helmeted turtles, variable mud turtles, Williams’ mud turtle, and 500 species of fish which include non-native fishes like African tetras, Cyprinids, air-breathing catfish, and bagrid catfish.

Suggested Read: Stay At Giraffe Manor Kenya & Experience The Joy Of Living Among Rothschild’s Giraffe

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. It is one of the most popular Kenya tourist places which is known for its legendary colonial history, sprawling infrastructure, tea and coffee industry, and wildlife parks. One should definitely visit this city to capture a glimpse of the historical heritage of Kenya, peep into its vibrant culture, spectate its vivid wildlife, and witness its stunning contemporary art.

Major Attractions: Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya, Ngong Hills, and Hell’s Gate National Park Top Things To Do In Nairobi : Wildlife Safari, and Shopping

Suggested Read: Head To Masai Mara National Park For An Ultimate Encounter With Africa’s Best

4. Mt. Kenya National Park

Situated at an altitude of 5,199 meters, Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak in Kenya, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park was established to conserve the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya. It has now developed into a full-fledged tourist attraction and is one of the top Kenya sightseeing places that is known for its exhilarating wildlife safari tours.

Location: Mount Kenya National Park, Central Kenya Timings: 9 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,400 for adults, and INR 1,670 for children

Suggested Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild

Located on the Southeast coast of the country, Mombasa is the largest port city of Kenya. Being a cosmopolitan city, Mombasa is considered as a tourist magnet that attracts all sorts of travelers because of its amalgamated culture. It is one of the most famous places in Kenya that boasts of a blend of various cultures, traditions, art, architecture, and cuisines, such as, British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian. This city is also famous for its beaches, corals, old monuments, and bustling street markets.

Major Attractions: Fort Jesus, Old Town, Diani Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, and Nyali Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Shopping, and Wildlife Safari

Suggested Read: Wildlife In Kenya: Spot The Glorious Fauna In The Exotic Land That Has Got It All!

Adorning the Southeastern coast of Kenya, Malindi is a popular resort town in the country having two different faces. One part of the city reflects its rich history, while the other half is a modern day tourist hotspot. It is one of the most popular Kenya attractions that lure tourists to explore its historical monuments, pristine beaches, and extensive corals.

Major Attractions: Watamu Beach, Malindi Museum, and Watamu Marine National Parks Top Things To Do: Snorkeling, Diving, and soaking in the tropical weather

7. Samburu National Reserve

Looking for places to visit in North Kenya? Embark on an adventurous journey through the Samburu National Reserve. Located on the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro river, this protected area is known for its popular game reserve where tourist can enjoy a rejuvenating stay, and witness the extensive wildlife which includes species like Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx.

Entry Fee: INR 4,500 for adults, and INR 2,500 for children Website

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Africa: Top 11 Romantic Getaways For The Best And Unique Experiences!

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8. Diani Beach

Bask in the tropical weather, and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the palm-lined beach, and untarnished white sands, at the Diani Beach in Mombasa. Stretching from the Congo river in the North to Galu beach in the South, this 10-kilometer long beach is one of the top places to visit in Kenya where tourist can enjoy loads of watersports such as diving, fishing, kitesurfing, and much more.

Location: Mombasa, Kenya Website

9. Manda Bay

Adorning the Kenyan coastline, Manda Bay is one of the best Kenya tourist attractions for family, friends, and honeymooners as well. It is an ideal place to enjoy a luxurious vacation in opulent resorts surrounded by coconut, and tamarind trees, and overlooking wide stretches of white sandy beaches.

Location: Lamu, Kenya

10. The Great Rift Valley

Running throughout the country from North to South, the Great Rift Valley is a 6,000-kilometer long geographical formation. It is one of the most astonishing places to visit in Kenya which is of great geographical importance and can be best viewed from the town of Iten, a few kilometers from Eldoret.

Suggested Read: Top Safari Honeymoon Destinations, Experiences, & Resorts In The World

11. Jamia Mosque

Located in the central business district of Nairobi, Jamia Mosque is a popular religious place in Kenya. Known for its Arabic style architecture, this religious site is one of the best places to visit in Kenya, which also houses a library, and a training center, which is dedicated to preaching Islam to people who want to learn about the sect.

Location: Banda Street, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

12. Uhuru Gardens

This 13-hectare extensive recreational park is one of the most famous places to visit in Kenya which houses a large monument, and an azure lake. It is a popular picnic spot where people can spend quality time with their loved ones amidst its lush green surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful walking tour away from the bustling traffic of the city.

Location: Uhuru Highway-Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

13. Lamu Island

Travel back in time as you explore the oldest inhabited settlement in Kenya, the Lamu Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya to witness its rich trading history that reflects through its age-old buildings which are a blend of British, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. Strolling past the streets of the city one can notice that the city still relies on Dhows, and donkeys for commuting from one place to another.

Major Attractions: Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, and Manda Island Top Things To Do: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and water skiing

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Cape Town For A Happening Vacation

14. Wasini Island

The small island of Wasini lies in Southeastern coast of Kenya, which is known for its ultramarine waters, and extensive coral reefs. It is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for nature, and adventure lovers, who get an opportunity indulge in thrilling activities like diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sailing on a traditional Dhow.

Major Attractions: Kisite Marine National Park, Shimoni Slave Caves, and Paradise Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, sailing

15. Mt. Elgon

Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano, and the 8th highest mountain in the country, located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, in the western part of the country. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kenya which attracts a large number of adventurous tourists who wish to indulge in arduous activities like climbing, trekking, and hiking.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Places To Visit In India With Friends For A Completely Crazy, Action-Packed Vacation

16. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Established in 1977, this wildlife conservation charity is amongst the most popular ones. Managing an orphanage which looks after rhinos and elephants, this trust is known to help the Kenya Wildlife services with funds. One can also adopt an elephant at this place at a minimum price of USD 50. So, are you ready to visit one of the most serene places to visit in Kenya, Africa yet?

Location: Magadi road, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 11 am to 12 pm Entry Fee: INR 344

17. Fourteen Falls

As the name suggests itself, this site contains fourteen beautiful waterfalls that have abundant activities and tours included in here. This includes boating, bird watching, fishing and photography. To get the best of this place, it is recommended to take a guided tour of the entire region and know more about its history and geographical aspect. This is surely one of the best hidden places to visit in Kenya that you should not miss!

Location: Mary Dale Farm, Garissa Rd, Thika, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 275

18. Maasai Mara

Known to be one of the most spectacular game reserves, Maasai Mara is famous because of the local Maasais living here who take care of the land well and reside here. A unique site of migration can be witnessed in this region from the months of July to October when animals like Zebra, and wildebeest migrate to this region from Serengeti

Location: Narok KE, Narok, Kenya Timings: 6:30 am to 7 pm Entry Fee: INR 4,800

19. Kiboko Bay

Image Source If you’re looking for a luxury stay amid the stunning landscapes of Kenya, it’s time you visit Kiboko Bay resort that offers a unique experience. With ample options for the adventure-crazy folks, you can try hippo-spotting, boat tours, bird watching or simply unwind on the pristine beaches of this land.

Location: Kisumu, Kenya Timings: Throughout the year Tariff: Prices may vary depending on the time of the year

20. Haller Park

For all those who wish to interact with wildlife in a soothing environment, this park is the place to be. Giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and hippos, you can meet a number of animals and birds in this charming park. Almost 1,60,000 people visit this place annually and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya ! So, when are you coming?

Location: Trail, Mombasa, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 965 per person

Further Read: 10 Surreal Beaches In Kenya That Portray The Soothing Side Of Africa!

Dreaming of an adventurous safari amidst the best wildlife places to visit in Kenya? Then book an exciting Kenya tour package with TravelTriangle to explore the top attractions of the country during your trip to this Africa jewel. Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case this mesmerising place changes your mind and you wish to extend your vacay!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kenya

Which are the best shopping places in Kenya?

Westgate shopping mall, The Village Market of Nairobi, The Hub Karen Mall, Diani Shopping Centre, and Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Center are some of the best shopping places in Kenya.

What should one buy in Kenya?

Maasai Beads, Kitengela Glass, Beaded Bowls, Hand-Carved Wooden Sculptures, and Kikois and Khangas are some of the best things to buy in Kenya.

Which are the best authentic dishes of Kenya?

Ugali, Irio, Githeri, Kenyan Pilau, Wali wa Nazi, Sukuma Wiki, and Kenyan Stew are some of the best authentic dishes of Kenya.

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nairobi

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Nairobi, Kenya's capital and largest city, has long been the gateway to some of Africa's best adventures. But this vibrant metropolis has plenty of exciting things to do before you head out on safari.

Nairobi's rich history and tribal culture is brought to life in its excellent museums. The Karen Blixen Museum is a big hit — especially with fans of the Out of Africa book and film, who come to see where the namesake Danish author toiled on her coffee farm in the beautiful Ngong Hills.

Even in such a bustling city, wildlife is a huge draw. Nairobi is one of the only cities in the world with a safari park in its borders. A mere 15-minute drive from the skyscrapers of the city center, you can enjoy a classic African wildlife experience at Nairobi National Park . Lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, rhinoceros, and buffalo roam the sun-soaked savanna here, and animal lovers can cuddle baby elephants and connect with giraffes at the excellent animal sanctuaries nearby.

Nairobi is also the gateway to the world-famous safari parks , which have captivated adventure seekers for more than a century. Discover the top places to visit in this cosmopolitan capital with our list of the top attractions in Nairobi.

See also: Where to Stay in Nairobi

1. Nairobi National Park

2. david sheldrick wildlife trust, 3. giraffe centre, 4. karura forest reserve, 5. karen blixen museum, 6. nairobi national museum, 7. bomas of kenya, 8. kazuri beads factory tour, 9. kenyatta international conference centre, 10. ngong hills, 11. railway museum, 12. national archives, where to stay in nairobi for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nairobi, nairobi, kenya - climate chart.

Kenya's first national park, Nairobi National Park lies only seven kilometers from the skyscrapers of Nairobi's city center. A haven for wildlife, the park is also a rhino sanctuary, which protects more than 50 of these critically endangered creatures.

In addition to the rhinos, you can see lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and more than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the wetlands.

Nairobi National Park is also a famous ivory burning site. In 1989, President Moi ignited 12 tons of elephant tusks and rhino horns here, boosting the country's conservation image on the world stage. Today, a monument marks this historic site.

The Nairobi Safari Walk is a popular attraction, offering animal lovers the chance to spot wildlife on foot, and walking trails weave around the area known as Hippo Pools .

At the park's main gate, you can bond with orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

Address: Langata Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park

At the main gates of Nairobi National Park , this orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program is a must-see for animal lovers. Daphne Sheldrick founded the project in 1977 in memory of her late husband David, a former warden at Tsavo East National Park.

The center cares for young abandoned elephants and rhinos and works to release the animals back into the wild. You can watch these lovable creatures up close as they frolic in the mud and drink from giant baby bottles. Best of all, your entrance fee helps support the project's conservation efforts.

If you want to help even more, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe - you'll receive regular updates on their progress long after you leave.

Address: Mbagathi Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

At the Giraffe Centre, on the edge of Nairobi National Park , visitors can come face to face with endangered Rothschild's giraffes. This non-profit center lies on the grounds of the plush guesthouse, Giraffe Manor , and its main mission is to provide conservation education for children.

The visitor center displays information about these graceful creatures, and a raised platform allows you to feed them at eye level with specially prepared pellets.

This is one of the most unusual things to do around Nairobi, especially with children - photo ops with wet, gray giraffe tongues slurping little faces are priceless.

After communing with these long-lashed beauties, you can enjoy a 1.5-kilometer self-guided forest walk in the adjacent nature reserve.

Are you craving some solitude near the city? You're in luck. The beautiful Karura Forest is a cool, shady oasis just a few kilometers from the city center.

This lush green space is actually one of the largest urban forests in the world , and you'll discover all kinds of things to see and do here. Hike to a multi-tiered 15-meter waterfall. Enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Watch monkeys clamber through the trees, or just sit quietly by Lily Lake and soak up the tranquility. Bike riding is also popular along the well-marked red-clay trails.

Wildlife also thrives here. Besides monkeys, you might also see duiker (small antelope), butterflies, and many species of birds. After all your forest adventures, sit back and relax with a snack and a drink at the open-sided river café.

One of Nairobi's top tourist attractions, the Karen Blixen Museum, at the foot of the Ngong Hills, is the former home of the famous namesake Out of Africa author. Karen Blixen, also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen, lived in the house from 1917 to 1931, where she ran a coffee plantation.

Today, you can tour the well-preserved colonial farmhouse, a kitchen in a separate building, a coffee-drying plant in the woodland, and an agricultural college on the grounds.

Furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen and her husband is on display, as well as photographs and books owned by Karen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton. Enthusiastic guides bring the story of Karen Blixen and colonial Kenya to life.

Address: Karen Road, Nairobi

Official site: http://www.museums.or.ke/karen-blixen/

The National Museum in Nairobi is an educational way to spend a few hours on a city stopover. The museum displays diverse cultural and natural history exhibits including more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from various Kenyan tribal groups, and exhibits of local art.

In the Geology Gallery, you can explore an impressive collection of rocks and minerals and learn about tectonic plates and the life cycle of a volcano. The Hominid Vault contains a collection of prehistoric bones and fossils, including the preserved fossil of an elephant.

At the museum, visitors can purchase combination tickets, which include entrance to the adjacent Snake Park with live specimens of Kenya's most common reptiles.

If you're looking for a dose of nature on your Nairobi trip, save time to stroll around the tranquil botanical gardens here after your visit.

Address: Museum Hill Road, Nairobi

About 10 kilometers from Nairobi, Bomas of Kenya is a living museum celebrating the colorful tribes of Kenya. This is a great place to learn about the lifestyle, art, music, crafts, and culture of each tribe.

The complex encompasses a recreated traditional village with homesteads or bomas, each one reflecting the culture of a major ethnic group. Every afternoon, a team performs traditional dances and songs in the large theater. Audience participation makes the performances even more enjoyable.

Location: Forest Edge Road, off Langata Road, Mageso Chember

Official site: http://www.bomasofkenya.co.ke/

Looking for some unique souvenirs and gifts for family and friends? The Kazuri Beads Factory is a great place to shop. Best of all, you're helping disadvantaged local women at the same time.

Kazuri means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and these shiny, brightly colored beads surely fit the bill.

Join a free factory tour and see how local women, including many single mothers, make the beads and other pottery items from scratch. After the tour, you can purchase some to take with you, knowing you are purchasing from a World Fair Trade Organization member. Prices are relatively reasonable.

This is a great tour to combine with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum , as the factory lies right nearby. It's also one of the top free things to do in Nairobi, although it's hard to leave here without buying some of these beautiful beads.

Address: Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, Nairobi

Named for the Republic's First President, Jomo Kenyatta, the distinctive cylindrical Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) offers breathtaking 360-degree views from its rooftop viewing deck.

The building is an internationally acclaimed venue for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions, and it's an eye-catching landmark in the city. Though not the tallest building in Kenya, it dominates the skyline with a 28-story tower overlooking a large amphitheater. Its pale terra-cotta façade recalls the color of traditional African huts, and the central plenary hall resembles the ancient Roman Senate.

Zoom up to the rooftop viewing platform to take photos of the sprawling city below, and you can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Address: Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

"Ngong" means "knuckles" in Maasai, a fitting name since these beautiful pointed green hills resemble the back of a fist facing the sky. They are a popular place to visit close to Nairobi and provide a welcome respite from the city heat.

The Ngong Hills are the peaks of a ridge overlooking the Great Rift Valley, and many white settlers established their farms here in the early colonial days. Half-timbered houses and flowering gardens remain, but seem more suited to southern England than Africa.

Several walking trails traverse the hills, offering beautiful views of the valleys below. Wildlife is also visible in the area. Buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, the occasional klipspringer, and troupes of baboons are often glimpsed grazing along the roadside.

If you're an Out of Africa fan and you're looking for other places to visit in the Ngong Hills, stop by the grave of Denys Finch Hatton, the lover of famous Danish author, Karen Blixen. It lies on the eastern slopes, graced by an obelisk and garden.

Address: Great Rift Valley, Mageso Chember, Nairobi

The Railway Museum in Nairobi celebrates the rich history of the railroad in Kenya and its impact on the nation's development. Among the museum's fascinating collections are train and ship models, photographs from the original construction of the Uganda Railway, railway magazines, maps and drawings, and a silver service set used on overnight trains to Mombasa.

A collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock are also on display, including a model of the MV Liemba, built by the Germans and still in use along Lake Tanganyika.

A favorite exhibit is the carriage used during the hunt for the Maneater of Kima in 1900. Captain Charles Ryall, a colonial officer, positioned himself in the carriage to shoot a man-eating lion; unfortunately he fell asleep and was dragged out the window by the lion.

Address: Uhuru Road, Nairobi

You'll find a little bit of everything about Kenya at this museum. Housed in the old Bank of India building, the National Archives spotlights Kenyan tribal culture, as well as the country's art, history, and politics.

Paintings and artifacts from the collection of Joseph Murumbi, one of Africa's most famous collectors, dominate the exhibits. The main floor gallery displays historical documents and a collection of photographs.

The second floor houses more art, a display of postage stamps, and the National Archives reading room, which is used for personal and professional projects.

Along with the Nairobi National Museum, this is one of the top places to visit in Nairobi on a budget, and it will broaden your understanding of Kenya's rich history and culture.

Address: Moi Avenue, Nairobi

Travelers visiting Nairobi for the first time have two main areas where they can base themselves for prime sightseeing opportunities: To feel the pulse of this vibrant city and have easy access to its restaurants, shops, and museums, the city center makes a great base.

Those who prefer a more peaceful experience in the countryside should consider staying in the affluent suburb of Karen, home to some of Nairobi's most luxurious hotels, as well as the Karen Blixen Museum. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

• Luxury Hotels: Overlooking the Ngong Hills in the suburb of Karen, the plantation-style Hemingways Nairobi exudes colonial elegance, with four-poster beds, personal butler service, and a pampering day spa. In the heart of the city, Fairmont The Norfolk is a more affordable luxury option that feels like an elegant oasis, with lush gardens, a heated pool, and day spa. It lies within walking distance of the National Museums of Kenya, as well as many restaurants and shops. Behind well-guarded gates, 10 minutes by car to Wilson Airport and 16 minutes to the international airport, The Boma Nairobi makes a fine pre- or post-safari base. It's close to the city center and offers a spa and health club.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Within walking distance of the National Museum of Kenya, the elegant Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is at the high end of the mid-range options, and the Sarova Stanley , in the heart of the city, is Nairobi's oldest luxury hotel, with relatively affordable rates. Also in the city center, the InterContinental Nairobi is a popular base for those who prefer a large chain hotel.
• Budget Hotels: A little farther out from the city center but within walking distance to popular shopping malls, Progressive Park Hotel offers great value for longer stays, with its studio rooms and apartments. The Kenya Comfort Hotel has basic budget rooms in a convenient location close to city center sights.
• Wildlife Day Trip Adventures: Feed giraffes and get up close with baby elephants on the full-day David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center Tour . Animal lovers can learn more about these lovable creatures and the center's valiant efforts to protect this vulnerable species. The tour also includes a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Kazuri Beads factory.
• Safari Adventure and Wildlife Tour : If you want to add a safari experience to the wildlife sanctuary visits, the Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park Day Tour adds a three-hour game drive through Nairobi National Park, where you can spot animals such as lions, rhinos, zebras, and buffalo. Both tours include transport, guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and admission to all the parks.
• Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Trip : If you prefer a more active wildlife experience, the Hells Gate and Lake Naivasha Day Trip is a great choice. This full-day excursion includes a two-hour bike tour through the park to spot wildlife such as zebras, elands, and gazelles and a one-hour hike through the park's rugged gorges, with a stop at a Maasai village . For an additional fee, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and birdlife.
• Three-Day Safari: Explore one of the world's most famous game reserves and the site of the Great Migration on the three-day Maasai Mara Guided Safari from Nairobi . Expert guides take you on game drives to see some of the park's diverse wildlife, including lion, leopard, cheetah, and buffalo. At night, you will sleep in semi-luxury tents in the wilderness. An optional add-on to Lake Nakuru National Park is also available.

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Places to Visit in Kenya : Besides the wildlife adventures and colonial history of Nairobi, other things to do in Kenya including basking on beautiful beaches and snorkeling along coral reefs. Southeast of Nairobi, you'll find plenty of things to do in Mombasa as well. Stroll around its atmospheric Old Town, visit wildlife sanctuaries, or dive a wreck in Mombasa Marine National Park.

Places to Visit in Tanzania : South of Kenya, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and lies a short boat ride from the beautiful tropical islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya. And if taking the safari of a lifetime is your mission, Tanzania is home to some of the most magnificent game reserves in the world, including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

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Nairobi, Kenya - 5 Places to See if an African Safari is on your Travel Bucket List

W ith a mix of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, Nairobi , the capital city of Kenya, warmly embraces all her visitors and works to make you at home quickly. Yet despite having a space for everyone who visits, Nairobi still sets itself apart and offers a unique vacation to all its visitors.

If an authentic safari experience is on your bucket list, Nairobi is definitely worth considering. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip to Kenya.

The Nairobi Culture

Nairobi is a busy city just like any other city in the world. The streets are bustling as ever and there are tons of places to visit and see. As a Nairobian tourist, it would help to learn a few Swahili words. “ Hujambo ” for greeting or “ Habari yako ”, “ Karibu ” for “welcome”, “ asante ” means “thank you”, “ pole ” means “sorry”, and “ tafadhali ” means “please”. See the incredible thing about Nairobi, nobody expects a foreigner to be fluent in Swahili. Throw in one of the above words and continue your speech in English and that’s more than enough.

Beyond language, politeness is paramount in Nairobi. Tip your servers in the restaurants when you can. Always start all your conversations with greetings and don’t leave too many leftovers . Wasting food is looked down upon in Kenyan culture.

There is no strict dress code in Nairobi, much less for a visitor. Fridays in Nairobi are spent socializing in malls, bars, clubs, and or at restaurants for tea or coffee. If you want a never-ending nightlife, find your way to the Westlands . Indulge in some club-hopping before you retire for the night.

Things To Do In Nairobi

1. visit nairobi national park.

About an hour from the city center, you will find Nairobi National Park. Enjoy an authentic safari experience in the savannah grassland in a park teeming with lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and buffalo. The only animals you won’t find here are elephants. It’s an incredible sight to watch the wildlife in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline as a backdrop.

In addition to Nairobi National Park, the city has many animal sanctuaries in the region that are open to the public. Many endangered species of animals like Sokoke cats, buffalos, ostriches, flamingos , hyenas, blue wildebeest, rhinos, hartebeest, waterbuck, common warthog, and black-backed jackal can be seen – both at the sanctuaries and on safari excursions. In addition to endangered animals, some sanctuaries house endangered plants.

2. Explore Maasai Market

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture at this incredible market that changes its location every day of the week. This is in keeping with the Maasai nomadic culture. This market is a must-visit as part of the Nairobi experience. Stroll through the market and experience vibrant colors in beadwork, woven shukas, and house ornaments all handcrafted by the Maasai people.

3. Visit Nairobi National Museum

Enjoyed even by non-museum fans, the Nairobi National Museum is an excellent showcase of Kenya’s history. Located within the city, the museum is a popular destination and easily accessible. Besides Kenya’s history, the museum also takes you through a journey of human ancestors. Explore the snake park within the museum and the beautiful botanical garden.

4. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Located right next to the Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the animal sanctuaries that will be the highlight of your trip to Nairobi. Here you will find the most adorable baby elephants. Watch as their caretakers bring them out, feed them, and play with them. Your heart will melt at the bonds between these baby elephants and their caretakers.

5. Have breakfast at the Giraffe Manor

Can you imagine having breakfast while petting and feeding giraffes? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is home to the critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Founded in 1979, this sanctuary is one of Nairobi’s greatest gems. Meet and learn the names of the welcoming giraffes and take as many pictures as possible with these lovely creatures.

Kenyan Food You Gotta Try

Kenyan cuisine is inspired by over 44 tribes in the country of Kenya. Over time, these meals have made their way through the country and have become staples in households everywhere.

Foodies will find a haven in Nairobi as it offers dishes from just about every part of the world. From delectable and spicy Mexican dishes to creamy pasta, Kenyan dishes have made a name for themselves and serve as part and parcel of a Nairobi experience.

Sample Ugali , a meal made by adding maize flour to boiling water until it hardens. It pairs well with stews and vegetables, especially collard greens Kenyans love to call Sukuma Wiki (push the week). Ask for Pilau , a delicious traditional cinnamon, ginger, and garlic. Try chapati , a Kenyan flatbread inspired by the Indian naan. Vegans will love Kenyan cuisine for dishes such as githeri (a mix of maize and bean), mokimo (pounded potatoes, maize, and greens), matoke (cooked green bananas), and Maandazi , a sweet treat made with leavened flour.

Safety Tips

As with any big city, Nairobi has its fair share of security issues. Here are some tips to keep you safe as you visit:

• Always keep your valuables close to you. Whether it’s your handbag, backpack, or wallet, make sure it is well-kept. There are pickpockets and tourists can make for an easy target.
• Don’t walk alone at night – for the most part, Nairobi taxis are pretty safe. When you are out at night, it is safer in a taxi or any vehicle than walking alone. For more safety, you can use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to navigate your way through the city.
• Do a bit of research about Nairobi before arrival. This will familiarize you with the city, which should make your exploration much safer.
• Stay connected and reachable at all times. Stay online and inform your loved ones of your itinerary and whereabouts every day. Buy a local SIM card for your phone to ensure you have a reliable connection throughout your stay.

A Bucket List City

Boasting as the only city in the world with a national park within its confines, Nairobi is a mix of raw untamed wilderness and vast urban sprawl. Whether you decide to spend your days in Nairobi exploring wildlife in the national park and sanctuaries or embark on a museum blitz around the city, your stay in Nairobi is bound to be unforgettable.

Hujambo na karibu katika jiji la Nairobi!

Written by Sharon O. – a proud resident of Kenya.

Photo credit: Nairobi National Park

The 12 best national parks in Kenya

Apr 4, 2023 • 13 min read

Nairobi National Park is one of the best protected spaces to spot wildlife in Kenya © Heath Holden / Getty Images

National parks and Kenya go hand in hand. It’s home to a whopping 23 of them, as well as four marine national parks. From the unforgettable scene of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River during their migration to the sight of steaming geysers at Hell’s Gate National Park , Kenya certainly has no shortage of protected parks, reserves, marine parks, and privately owned conservancies.

Many people go on safari in Kenya with a steely determination to see the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions). The term originates from colonial-era hunters who deemed these to be the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, so don’t let an obsession with seeing them all stop you from visiting national parks that don’t feature the full list – you’re sure to spot plenty of other equally fascinating creatures.

From spectacular scenery and geothermal springs to brilliantly colored birdlife and the indigenous communities that live in and around these areas, Kenya’s national parks are about more than wildlife, and you’ll be in for a treat whatever parks you choose to visit. These are the 12 best national parks in Kenya.

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

Known locally as the Mara, the Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous national park, not least because from July to October, it’s the route for the Great Migration, the spectacle of thousands of wildebeest, giraffes and zebra traveling from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania across the Mara River to the lush grass of Kenya. Nile crocodiles lie on the riverbanks waiting for their prey.

The semi-nomadic Maasai communities are another draw, with travelers attracted to their traditional singing and dancing, warrior traditions and colorful dress. The Maasai people own several private reserves around the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies, and these are one way to support community-powered tourism. A bush walk with a Maasai warrior is a wonderful way to appreciate the community’s connection with the land, as they point out wildlife and medicinal plants.

It’s not always easy to ensure cultural tourism experiences are genuinely ethical and non-exploitative. Ideally, visit a Maasai-run project, or ask your tour operator exactly where your money goes. If companies claim to support community projects, ask how and if you can see them. Conversely, some tourists report being overcharged (for crafts or a photo, for example), but this is often the consequence of years of communities seeing wealthy travelers pass through their villages on expensive tours that haven’t benefited them.

The Mara is a Big Five park, home to rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopards and lions. The Mara has one of the world’s highest densities of lions, but the birdlife – 470 species, including birds of prey and migratory birds – and the wild savanna are just as alluring. To get a sense of the vastness of the Mara, book a hot-air balloon safari. You’ll see why the Maasai people named it the Mara (“spotted land”) as you float over specks of shrubs, cloud shadows, and animal herds. Walking and horseback safaris, in the company of armed rangers, are an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Mara up close.

2. Amboseli National Park

In southern Kenya near Tanzania, Amboseli National Park is known for its big-tusked (tusker) elephant herds – the population is estimated at 1500 – and its views of Mt Kilimanjaro . The relatively stable number of elephants is mostly thanks to the work of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, one of the most celebrated such projects in the world. Amboseli doesn’t get as much rain as other parks but has a network of swamps instead – due to its mountain forest environment – which attracts a lot of birdlife. The park is also home to big cats, buffalo, Maasai giraffe, antelopes and vervet monkeys.

The word “Amboseli” comes from the Maasai for “salty dust,” and you’ll often see elephants caked in this dry, white mud after a good wallow. This region is also home to Maasai people. Some conservation areas such as Selenkay are Maasai-owned, and you can support the community by staying in and visiting their villages.

To photograph views of Kilimanjaro, aim for an early wake-up call when it’s clear and before the clouds come in. Weather patterns, environmental issues and climate change have also changed the movement of wildlife, so you might now see flamingos in Amboseli, when before they were more commonly sighted at Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru . Wildebeest, not usually a common sight in Amboseli, have also been spotted recently.

Outside of the rainy season, Lake Amboseli is dry, which can make for beautifully stark photography. For incredible views of the park, head to Observation Hill, where you can see the swamp being enjoyed by elephants, hippos, and more.

3. Tsavo National Park

Made up of two national parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park , Tsavo in southwest Kenya is best known for its large elephant herds and impressive semi-arid landscape. Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s oldest parks and, combined with Tsavo West, comprises Kenya’s largest national park.

The parks were split when the railway line from Mombasa to Kenya’s interior was constructed, and now a highway also runs between Nairobi and Mombasa, making Tsavo a great safari stop-off on a city-to-coast vacation.

The two parks have slightly different terrains. Tsavo East is mostly flat plains, with the Galana River flowing through. Camping along the river is one of the highlights of Tsavo, as is taking a walking safari across the vast Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow at 300km (186 miles).

Tsavo West, home to Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs , is wetter, more mountainous and swampier. Bird spotting is better in Tsavo West, which has around 500 species. Most impressive of all is the force of Mzima Springs, where 50 million gallons of water rush out from the lava rock. The lushness makes for prolific game-viewing, with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes and monkeys hydrating and hanging out in this verdant terrain. For epic views, it’s hard to beat the scene over the plains from Poacher's Lookout .

4. Nairobi National Park

Opened in 1946, Nairobi National Park was Kenya’s first national park and is the world’s only national park within a city. Some travelers even manage to get in a few wildlife sightings on their way to or from the airport.

It’s deeply surreal to be on an open plain with Nairobi’s skyscrapers as a backdrop, and among the acacia bush, you’ll spot a variety of game, including lions, leopards, buffalo and the endangered black rhino. The park has developed a successful rhino conservation program and restocked other parks through their breeding projects. As in many national parks across Kenya, the birdlife is excellent, with more than 400 species recorded here.

The park has designated picnic spots, walking trails around the hippo pools and campsites, so it’s a viable choice for a day trip or overnight if you don’t have time to travel farther. Also inside the park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust , a rhino and elephant sanctuary that retains links with Tsavo National Park, where David Sheldrick worked as an anti-poaching warden. Visitors to the sanctuary can see the Trust’s rescue and rehabilitation program in practice and watch the animals at feeding time, from a distance.

5. Mt Kenya National Park

If you’re a hiker or a climber, Kenya’s second highest mountain, Mt Kenya , deserves a spot near the top of your best treks list for the trail to Point Lenana, the main peak for trekkers. Mt Kenya National Park has great camping, including wild camping along some of the lesser-used trails, and rock climbing on the lower peaks. The park also features a 10km (6.2-mile) hike up to the Met Station if you only have time for a day excursion.

This Unesco-listed park is pure joy to explore, with its ecosystem of lakes, glaciers, mineral springs and Afro-Alpine forest. You’re in for sweeping views of high ridges, deep valleys and dense forest gradually meeting glacial terrain as you go higher into the park.

Mt Kenya is home to elephant, mongoose, bushbuck, eland and colobus monkeys, but it’s the walking trails and scenery that are its biggest attraction. Mt Kenya lies within the Laikipia Plateau , a network of conservancies mostly managed by local communities, so it’s an excellent region for community-based tourism accommodation. The three-day drive from Nairobi to Mt Kenya National Park is also one of Kenya's best road trips .

6. Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park is perhaps the most distinctive of all Kenya’s national parks, a place to savor nature in the cooler climes of the central highlands. While you will see wildlife, Aberdare is known primarily for the outstanding natural beauty of its misty forests and river valleys. The High Park, as the higher moorlands are sometimes called, is perfect for hiking. You can climb the peaks of Lesatima, Il Kinangop and Kipipiri easily, but you’ll need a guide and a pass, so arrange your excursion in advance.

Created in 1950 to protect the Aberdare mountains, which drop to the Rift Valley on the western side, the park comprises dense forest, steep ravines, open moorland and thundering waterfalls. It is home to black rhinos, elephants, baboons, colobus monkeys, buffalo and elusive leopard. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, with more than 250 species sighted.

The park also has a lot of history. In the 1950s, the dense forest hid Kenya’s Kikuyu Mau Mau guerrillas during their struggle against European colonization. And it is home to Treetops Lodge, where Princess Elizabeth found out she would be Queen of the United Kingdom in 1952 after the early death of her father. You need a good 4WD vehicle if you’re heading to Aberdare, especially when it’s rainy.

7. Meru and Kora national parks

If you’re looking for rugged, remote and pristine landscapes, Meru and Kora national parks in the Rift Valley are great options. These parks contain vast grasslands, thorny bush, gushing rivers and thick jungle, and you’ll find Grevy’s zebras, elephants, buffalo, hippos and giraffes – plus more than 420 bird species.

The landscape, with huge swathes of savanna, dries out in the dry season, so staying cool and hydrated is important. A good eight-hour drive from Nairobi, Meru and Kora are some of the more off-the-beaten-track national parks.

8. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve , north of Laikipia, is a popular park on the northern safari circuit. It’s home to the “Special 5” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali (blue-necked) ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx (both types of antelope) – so-called because they’re not typically found in Kenya’s southern game reserves. The Samburu and Rendille people of this region are involved in protecting and monitoring Grevy’s zebras.

Named after the Samburu people, nomadic pastoralists, and a warrior people for whom this region is home, this national park is one of the best places to see leopards in Kenya, and it’s a prime spot for tuskers. You can also experience Samburu culture and go on camel-trekking safaris with Samburu guides.

Drought is an issue in Samburu. Far drier than the Mara, the Ewaso Nyiro River is a lifeline for the pastoral communities, wildlife and flora and fauna. When wildlife gathers on the river banks, it’s quite a sight, and a photographer’s dream. Samburu is one of the parks where George and Joy Adamson of Born Free -fame raised Elsa the lioness.

9. Hell’s Gate National Park

A unique element of the Great Rift Valley is the dramatic landscape of Hell’s Gate National Park , one of the most atmospheric of Kenya’s national parks. Geothermal steam rises from the ground in an epic landscape of volcanoes, basalt columns, high cliffs and gorges. From a huge natural spa pool managed by KenGen (Kenya’s main electric power producer), you can enjoy the views over a hot soak.

While wildlife isn’t the prime reason for visiting Hell’s Gate, the park counts zebras, buffalos, antelopes, and baboons among its residents. Its 100 recorded bird species include vultures and Verreaux's eagles. You’ll also sometimes spot raptors that have set up their nests in the cliffs. The park is particularly popular with walkers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and cyclists. If you’re a Lion King fan, you’ll be impressed that the rock formation at Hell’s Gate Gorge is what inspired Pride Rock.

Hell’s Gate National Park is a doable day trip from Nairobi, often combined with Lake Nakuru or smaller soda (alkaline) Lake Elmenteita , which has a population of flamingos.

10. Lake Nakuru National Park

Within driving distance of Nairobi, Unesco-listed Lake Nakuru on the floor of the Great Rift Valley allows you to pack a game drive, birdwatching, a hike and a picnic into one day.

With around 450 bird species recorded, Lake Nakuru National Park is a particularly good place for spotting water birds because of high algae levels, although flamingo numbers have been dropping as issues around pollution and human encroachment have affected the lake. It still attracts many pelicans and other water birds. You’ll also see animals such as waterbuck and white rhinos. The park is known for its annual 50km (31 miles) Cycle With the Rhinos race, which raises funds for the endangered rhino.

The lake is surrounded by high ridges: head to the viewpoints of Lion Hill, Baboon Cliffs and the Out of Africa Lookpoint for some of the best vistas over the lake and valley. Many travelers combine this national park with a visit to the Menengai Crater , the caldera just outside Nakuru town, which has incredible views over the landscape. The crater is the site of a Mau Mau Cave, where guerrilla soldiers camped out during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising in resistance to British colonial rule.

11. Lake Naivasha

Though not technically a national park, with its deep blue freshwater lake and nearby patchwork of waterfalls, gorges, acacia forests and extinct volcanoes, Lake Naivasha is one of the prettiest and most accessible areas near Nairobi. Hippos are at home in the high-altitude lake, which often has pelicans and other water birds nearby. On the banks, you’ll see small herds of zebra, buffalo and several species of antelope. It’s a top destination for birding, especially birds of prey.

The naturalist Joy Adamson lived on the shores of Lake Naivasha with her husband George, where together they raised the lion cub Elsa. The story became an award-winning book and film, Born Free . Their former home, Elsamere , is now a museum and conservation and field study center.

12. Lake Turkana National Parks

Three parks – Sibiloi National Park , the South Island and Central Island National Parks – make up the Unesco-listed Lake Turkana National Parks, surrounding the vivid greenish-blue Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake. This otherworldy region is ideal for the adventurous traveler: it’s hot, dry, windy, vast and volcanic.

Central Island consists of three active volcanoes and three crater lakes, where you’ll find the largest concentration of Nile crocodiles in the world, plus enormous Nile perch and tilapia fish. You should see a decent amount of game – such as zebras, hyenas, kudu – and if you’re lucky, lions, cheetahs and leopards. Volcanic ash covers South Island, which has become a breeding ground for more than 20 bird species and a large crocodile population.

Lake Turkana hosts one of Kenya’s biggest cultural festivals. The three-day Lake Turkana Festival in Loyangalani on the southeastern coast of the lake celebrates the heritage of the communities that live here, who fish in the Lake Turkana basin, and whose languages and cultures require the same preservation as the environment.

Lonely Planet contributor Helena Smith provided additional edits and fact-checking.

This article was first published Aug 12, 2022 and updated Apr 4, 2023.

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Explore Top 8 Places to Visit in Kenya in 2024

Imagine a terrain that offers breathtaking views at every turn, complete with pristine wilderness, entertaining perspectives, and a thriving civilization. Travelers from all over the world came here more than a century ago, drawn by tales of large-scale gaming. Their attention was piqued by the abundance of wildlife that inhabits the plains and savannahs. Greetings from Kenya, the sixth-most beautiful country in the world. Hujambo. Kenya , often known as the “Land of the Big Five,” is one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in Africa, with its breathtaking natural beauty, pleasant climate, and relaxed way of life. 

Kenya’s tourism spots cover every aspect of a holiday resort, from lush plains to towering hills. The region is extraordinarily endowed with these resources and much more, which you can only fully appreciate by selecting one of the many Kenya tour packages available for purchase.

1. Masai Mara

Certainly, there are many great locations known as the typical safari destinations such as the Masai Mara National Reserve . Nature reserves have the advantage of allowing practice of those activities that are prohibited in national reserve such as bush walks and night game drives ; the areas are also closed to day visitors and those who do not live in one of the camps or lodges. Big cats can only be viewed in three African countries and one of them is the Masai Mara where lions, leopards and cheetahs can easily be spotted. Masai Mara is one of the best places to visit in Kenya

2. Lake Nakuru

A variety of bird species may be sighted in the Lake Nakuru National Park, and the outstanding species has been the pink moments, the millions of flamingos that used to flock together although the numbers have lately been somewhat reduced in the lake. An example of the lakes found in the Rift Valley is the Lake Nakuru, and given the fact that the bodies of water are rich in microalgae, birds are usually found around the lake. Around the lake, one can also see and recognize such birds such as pelicans, gulls, African fish eagles, Verreaux’s eagles, Goliath herons, and hammerkop. Some of the common animals on the park include Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, and black and white rhinos. One of the best places to visit in Kenya is Lake Nakuru

3. Diani Beach

Located approximately 30km / 20 miles north of Mombasa and within a short flying distance from Nairobi, Diani Beach stands out as one of Africa’s most spectacular beach destinations and it is also one of the top places to visit in Kenya . With the kitesurfing and sunbathing there are other fun things that can be done on the island such as taking nature walks at the beautiful trees bounding the white sand beach which faces the Indian Ocean. Snap some beautiful fishes and corals while snorkeling, swim with whale sharks, take a romantic sunset dinner dhow ride, or simply enjoy the serene environment by reading your favorite book on a hammock.

4. Amboseli

Go no farther than Amboseli National Park one of the top places to visit in Kenya , which is southeast of the Mara and near the Tanzanian border for famous views. Its stunning beauty is mainly attributed to the fact that Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, towers over the park from the other side of the border. Kilimanjaro is one of Kenya’s most magnificent tourist destinations. Its healthy elephant population—many of which have enormous tusks—is another factor. cheetahs, Lions, buffalo, hyenas, giraffes, martial eagles, pelicans, and many other animals can be seen in the park.

5. Mt Kenya

The greatest mountain in Kenya, Kilimanjaro, is the second highest peak in Africa, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level in Tanzania. About three million years ago, the East African Rift, which is a section of the Great Rift Valley, opened up, creating the stratovolcano. More than two million individuals receive their water from the mountain runoff, which covers the lower slopes of the mountain now covered with forests of African rosewood and bamboo. One of Kenya’s top tourist destinations is Mount Kenya, with its untamed snow-capped peaks and glaciers lining the top slopes. 

Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is regarded as one of the top safari locations in kenya. The Samburu people, who are renowned for their several strands of vibrantly colored beaded jewelry, also reside in this region. Together with nearly 450 different species of birds, the reserve is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Rare subspecies like the East African oryx, reticulated giraffe, and Grevy’s zebra may also be observed, along with the long-necked antelope known as the gerenuk and the spotted hyena.

7. Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in the foothills of Mount Kenya and home to the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhino), is well-known for its conservation efforts. In 2018, Sudan, the last surviving male northern white rhino, passed away there; the remaining females of the subspecies continue to dwell at Ol Pejeta under constant protection. Additionally located within the Laikipia conservancy is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which houses chimpanzees saved from the illicit trade. Ol Pejeta, One of the best places to visit in Kenya , and also an excellent place to gain knowledge about the interactions between humans and wildlife as well as the difficulties faced by the conservation sector. Visit for a day or extend your stay to experience night drives, bush walks, and lion tracking.

8. The Aberdares

One of Kenya’s most beautiful tourist destinations is Aberdare National Park, which is located in the chilly highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley. In addition to being a lush mountainous area with valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and woods, it is also home to incredibly rare species like the eastern bongo, the most elusive antelope in the nation, and the black serval and black leopard. The Treetops Hotel, where Elizabeth II was staying at the time, is now a well-liked destination for tourists. This is the location where she learned of her father’s passing, establishing her as Queen of England.

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FACT SHEET: Kenya State Visit to the United   States

Today, President Biden welcomes President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit and Dinner to celebrate and deepen ties between our two nations.  This visit marks 60 years of official U.S.-Kenya partnership.  This partnership is founded on shared values, deep cooperation, and a common vision for the future.  The two leaders’ agenda showcases how our ties deliver tangible benefits to the people of our nations in areas including Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance; Health Partnerships; People-to-People Ties; Shared Climate Solutions; Trade and Investment; Debt, Development, and Sustainable Finance; Digital, Critical, and Emerging Technology Cooperation; and Peace and Security Cooperation.

Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights

Our countries are bonded by our shared democratic values and mutual commitment to advancing human rights and strengthening political institutions.  This historic State Visit is about the Kenyan and American people and their hopes for an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.  Our countries endeavor to guard against the erosion of political checks and balances, counter misinformation and disinformation, mitigate hate-fueled violence targeting members of vulnerable communities, and tackle corruption by building transparent and accountable governance systems.  The State Visit highlights new areas of cooperation to safeguard rights and freedoms in the face of rising authoritarianism, expand avenues for dialogue, and elevate our shared global commitment to protecting democracy.

• Delivering Democracy:  The United States has programed nearly $40 million for democracy, human rights, and governance programming in Kenya, including through Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal programs that defend democratic elections and political processes, increase women’s political participation and leadership, counter Gender Based Violence, and advance digital democracy.  Additional support for activities in Kenya under the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal build on Kenya’s important work as a member of the 14-country Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, which is advancing global policies to address online safety for women and girls, including targeted violence against women political and public figures. 
• Supporting Independent Civil Society:   President Ruto executed on May 9 the legal instruments required to operationalize the 2013 Public Benefits Organization Act, which institutionalizes groundbreaking, global best practices for civil society protections.  The United States announced $700,000 in new assistance to support this effort in addition to the $2.7 million the United States is providing to improve civil society engagement in and oversight of governance processes.  The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also announced an additional $1.3 million youth empowerment program aimed at strengthening political engagement at the subnational level and $600,000 to advance disability inclusion.
• Bringing Transparency to Government:  The United States and Kenya commit to strengthening the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which Kenya co-leads and the United States co-founded, including through robustly fulfilling our open government commitments at home.  USAID Administrator Power plans to represent the United States at the OGP event on the margins of the UN General Assembly High Level Week in September.  This event gathers world leaders for an opportunity to showcase the powerful global coalition on open government and democracy and to consider opportunities for further collaboration. 
• Promoting Human Rights:   The United States and Kenya affirm their commitment to upholding the human rights of all.  Together they stand with people around the world defending their rights against the forces of autocracy.  Kenya and the United States commit to bilateral dialogues that reinforce commitments to human rights, as well as a series of security and human rights technical engagements with counterparts in the Kenyan military, police, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening collaboration on security sector governance, atrocity prevention, and Women, Peace and Security in Kenya and regionally.
• Combatting Corruption:   The Administration intends to provide $500,000 for a new Fiscal Integrity Program to make county budget processes more transparent and inclusive and increase citizen engagement, and $500,000 to broaden the reach and effectiveness of anti-corruption advocacy by empowering civil society actors to create and disseminate multimedia content that engages citizens and mobilizes action against corruption.  To support the Government of Kenya to combat corruption, the Administration is providing $250,000 through the Global Accountability Program, and $300,000 to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law to strengthen Kenya’s anti-corruption legal architecture.  In addition, USAID has provided $2.7 million to support the improved enforcement of policy and laws that deal with fraud, waste, and abuse in the delivery of public services to Kenyan citizens. 
• Gathering Anti-Corruption Professionals:   With support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities convened a regional conference from May 20-23, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, gathering anti-corruption practitioners and policymakers from countries participating in the East Africa Anti-Corruption Platform. 
• Strengthening Police Reform Efforts:   Building on a longstanding partnership to further police capacity building and reform efforts, the United States and Kenya announced a new $7 million partnership to advance and strengthen the modernization and professionalization of Kenya’s National Police Service, with a focus on staff and training development.
• Reducing Prison Overcrowding and Improving Detention Conditions:   The United States and Kenya are committed to further advancing Kenyan-led efforts to improve the oversight of and conditions within Kenya’s prison service.  The United States announced a new $2.2 million initiative to provide training, mentoring, and technical assistance to implement priority reforms.
• Combatting Transnational Organized Crime and Supporting Criminal Justice Sector Reform:   Recognizing the regional role Kenya plays in combating transnational organized crime, the United States intends to provide $4.9 million in new funding for Kenya and other East African countries to improve cooperation and coordination in combating criminal networks and holding criminals accountable.  Funding also supports capacity building and reform efforts within the Kenyan police and justice sectors.
• Supporting Investigative Journalism:   The United States seeks to amplify Kenya’s leadership in building Africa’s digital resilience by supporting linkages between well-known international investigative organizations and select Kenyan NGOs, media outlets, and citizen journalists to build up Nairobi as a regional hub for exposing issues in the public interest.  This support also helps journalists in their pursuit of public information.  Pursuing these efforts in Kenya – a regional media and technology leader – positively impacts East Africa and the broader continent, particularly as Kenyan recipients connect with counterparts in the region.
• Strengthening Kenya’s Frameworks for Free and Fair Elections:   Working with Congress, the Administration intends to provide $1.5 million in new technical assistance to support Kenya’s electoral legal framework reform process aimed at strengthening the election commission, political parties, and campaign finance.  This funding aims to improve public awareness raising and advocacy around the reforms, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, transparent and peaceful 2027 election.  This support complements Kenya’s amendment to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, which passed the National Assembly on May 3 and is now with the Senate.

Health Partnership:  Securing Our Collective Health

Decades of collaboration between the United States and Kenya in the health sector have resulted in tremendous improvements in health not only for millions of our citizens, but also for the broader global community.  This cooperation is vital to developing medical innovations, preventing the emergence of future global pandemics, and ensuring that effective treatments are widely available.  Our governments are working in lockstep with the private sector, which is developing new manufacturing capacity in Kenya that can serve Africa and the world.  The efforts showcased during the State Visit build upon these successes to ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

• Continuing the Fight against HIV/AIDS:   The United States and Kenya are developing a “Sustainability Roadmap” to integrate HIV service delivery into primary health care, ensuring quality and impact are retained.  With more than $7 billion in support from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) spanning two decades, Kenya has successfully responded to the HIV epidemic and strives to end HIV as a public health threat in Kenya by 2027.  These efforts improve holistic health services for the 1.3 million Kenyans currently receiving antiretroviral therapy and millions more benefiting from HIV prevention programs, while allowing for greater domestic resources to be put toward the HIV response, allowing PEFPAR support to decrease over time.
• Partnering for Global Health Security:   Kenya and the United States announced a formal proclamation between the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Government of Kenya for sharing information, identifying best practices, and defining steps toward the development and full launch of the Kenyan National Public Health Institute.  As a gateway to East Africa through Port Mombasa, Kenya’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats is critical.  To support our health partnership, Kenya and the United States plan to develop and launch a customized Public Health Emergency Management training program to enhance health security across all 47 counties in Kenya. 
• Reducing the Impacts of Malaria:   Through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the United States contributed $33.5 million in 2023 to fight malaria in Kenya, providing vital financial and technical assistance to the Government of Kenya.  The United States supports resilient health systems to deliver care by training health workers, strengthening supply chains, improving data monitoring, and reinforcing national health policies and guidelines.  These investments have contributed to a 50% reduction in malaria prevalence over the last decade.  In support the Government of Kenya’s localization goals, PMI is expanding its procurement of pharmaceutical supplies from Kenyan manufacturers and intends to procure up to an additional 5 million malaria treatments and 475,000 preventive treatment doses from Kenyan producers in 2024.
• Growing Health Manufacturing:   Kenya committed to working with lawmakers to advance the Kenyan Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Act, a necessary step to boost local manufacturing of medical products and expand private American investment in the sector.  Securing and diversifying global supply chains by promoting local and regional manufacturing of health products is a priority of the United States.  The implementation of the PPB Act has the potential to increase manufacturing capacity in Kenya and Africa to ensure the availability of life-saving medicines, diagnostic tests, and devices.  This should also mitigate the impact of global supply chain shocks, which were so evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.  To further these goals, USAID provided $2.3 million in support to Revital Healthcare to develop rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, malaria, hepatitis B and C, dengue, and pregnancy, and to build a manufacturing plant capable of producing 240 million tests per year.  Additionally, USAID and the Kenyan Ministry of Health are partnering to equip all neonatal clinics with Revital-made continuous positive airway pressure machines for babies requiring respiratory support.
• Partnering with the Private Sector in Healthcare:   The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is investing in Kenya’s vibrant private sector by making a $10 million direct loan to Kenyan company Hewa Tele, which provides an affordable and regular supply of medical oxygen to healthcare facilities in Africa, and two rounds of equity investment totaling $4 million to Kasha Global, a Kenya-based e-commerce company that provides personal care, health care, and beauty products to low-income women in Kenya and Rwanda.
• Expanding Joint Research:   Kenya and the United States recommitted to our long-standing partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CDC and the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to support Kenya’s Applied Science Hub, building on 45 years of research partnership on malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and child health, emerging infectious diseases, and COVID-19.  The research in the Applied Sciences Hub aims to expand surveillance, answer critical public health questions, and introduce novel diagnostic methods, including advanced molecular and serology-based methods, and training in public health laboratory core competencies.  This year, the United States provided an estimated $12.9 million to support research efforts by KEMRI through CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense.  In FY 2023 NIH supported over 250 grants to U.S. organizations that collaborated with Kenyan organizations, covering a wide range of relevant biomedical research topics, and approximately 90 of these collaborations include researchers at KEMRI.
• Meeting Kenya’s Digital Health Goals:   The United States announced over $31 million to advance Kenya’s efforts to set up a digital superhighway to enable a holistic view of health care delivery.  The United States has worked closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to build and deploy digital health solutions to support disease programs and improve the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.  This includes $4 million through USAID Power Africa’s Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance to support solar power solutions for health facilities and activities to strengthen community and facility information systems to improve patient care and expand access to emergency medical services for mothers and newborns.  Additionally, the NIH Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa) program focuses on facilitating the use of data science to impact health outcomes in Africa and supports a data hub and training and educational development programs in Kenya.

People-to-People Ties:  Improving and Enriching Lives  

The American and Kenyan people have deep ties that go far beyond the 60 years of official cooperation between our governments.  These relationships – rooted in family, friendship, and community – improve and enrich our lives.  They drive our cooperation, underpin our shared values, and elevate our aspirations.  The benefits of these ties are particularly evident in our cooperation in educating the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.  The State Visit builds on this fundamental strength, catalyzing stronger partnerships through a series of groundbreaking education and exchange programs. 

• Strengthening Connections Between U.S. and Kenyan Educational Institutions: 
• Kennedy-Mboya Partnerships:   As the United States and Kenya celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations, and recalling the positive and enduring impact of the Kennedy-era student airlift, the newly announced Kennedy-Mboya Partnerships support a new scholarship program that promotes intellectual, academic, and innovative exchange.  The Administration intends to provide $3.3 million for a U.S. Department of State program for sixty Kenyan undergraduate students to study for a semester in the United States, with a focus on STEM.  This program supports the development and success of the next generation of Kenyan scientists, researchers, and engineers.
• Partnership 2024 :  The Administration intends to provide $500,000 for Partnership 2024 to support the development of Kenyan students, scientists, researchers, and engineers by encouraging U.S. universities to increase investment in relationships with Kenyan universities and research institutions.  Faculty and research collaboration are planned to bolster the program, supported by Fulbright Specialists to provide additional expertise.
• EDTECH Africa:   The Governments of Kenya and the United States, in collaboration with Microsoft, Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, Howard University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College announced the establishment of EDTECH Africa.  This initiative serves as an emerging technology bridge between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African scholars, aimed at cultivating educational exchanges in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technology.  This initiative expands Mastercard’s existing investment of $6.5 million for the Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative and $5 million for Howard University’s Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, actively involving African scholars with HBCU students and faculty in the journey toward greater proficiency as data scientists.  Microsoft will invest an additional $500,000 to support HBCU and Kenyan students engaged in research at the Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) in Nairobi, Kenya, complementing its recent contribution of $350,000 for the Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative to establish a network of data science faculty across HBCUs.  USAID intends to invest $850,000 to facilitate this partnership between HBCUs and Kenyan universities.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) International Activities :  NSF has committed to offering workshops, planning grants, or supplements to U.S. universities to strengthen connections between U.S. and Kenyan universities, jointly identify research foci, and facilitate collaboration in research, education, and workforce development.
• Employment Pathways for Youth :  USAID announced $6.5 million to support a partnership between Edison State Community College in Piqua, Ohio, and Kenya’s United States International University of Africa to strengthen up to 40 Kenyan technical vocational education and training institutions in the high-growth sectors of information and communications technology (ICT) and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and textiles.
• Framework for Cooperation:   The United States and Kenya signed a Framework for Cooperation to support higher education partnerships for STEM education.  The Framework describes U.S. and Kenyan priorities and is accompanied by a commitment from Microsoft, Micron, Mastercard, and several U.S. and Kenyan universities expressing their support for STEM education.  The Framework fosters higher education partnerships and commitments to partner private sector stakeholders, Kenyan institutions, and U.S. institutions to build mutual capacity in information and computer technology, microchip manufacturing, and other STEM-related education and career opportunities.
• Collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya:  The Smithsonian Institution announced a $150,000 project funded by the U.S. Department of State to assess opportunities, challenges, and possible enhancements to support the National Museums of Kenya continued evolution as a leader in cultural and natural heritage preservation.  Smithsonian officials plan to work collaboratively to identify possible areas for enhancement and growth, including facilities, collections care and conservation, curation, digital infrastructure, exhibitions, and research programs.
• Supporting Primary Education:  USAID intends to provide $24.5 million for the Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP), a new nationwide early grade literacy activity implemented in close partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Education.  KPLP programs are delivered in English and Kiswahili to all public primary schools and select private schools.  KPLP expands new innovations to address literacy needs of grade 1-3 learners while building more inclusive, accountable, and resilient education institutions and systems. 
• Bolstering Kenya’s Creative Workforce:  The United States and Kenya announced new initiatives and programs to strengthen the creative economies between our two countries.  In partnership with the Recording Academy, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, and other leading private sector and civil society institutions, the United States envisions new programs to promote collaboration, build capacity, and bolster professional creative industry ecosystems.  We seek to assist emerging leaders in television, film, and music to learn new skills, build networks, and participate in international festivals.  The two countries also promote cultural heritage and tourism by supporting the preservation of the archaeological site of Takwa through the prestigious U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
• Expanding Emerging Technology Training Program:  The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies intends to launch a new fellowship program this fall, funded in part by Meta, bringing together high-achieving mid-career government officials from select African countries.  This program equips the next generation of leaders across the continent with the policy and technical expertise needed to help their governments translate the digital transformations underway – including in AI and other emerging technologies – into broadly shared growth for their societies.  In recognition of the technology sector leadership demonstrated by both the Kenyan public and private sector, Kenya is the first country to be added the inaugural fellowship cohort.
• Increasing Diplomatic Exchange:   The United States Foreign Service Institute and the Kenyan Foreign Service Academy plan consultations with the intention of enhancing cooperation and further exchanges between the two institutions.  Sharing a mutual interest in promoting best practices for the training of diplomats, the United States and Kenya commit to exploring Kenya’s participation in an emerging international community of practice for diplomatic training. 
• Strengthening U.S.-Kenya Research Ties with Kenya’s Health Workforce:   The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Kenya is a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the AMPATH Consortium of global universities around the world led by Indiana University.  With $20.7 million in annual funding from USAID, these partners are reaching 120,000 Kenyans on life saving antiretroviral treatment.  Through AMPATH, the universities commit to continuing the education of healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and community health workers.
• Increasing Consular Capacity:   The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi expanded the number of staff working in the Consular Section to expedite the review and issuance of visas for travel of Kenyan citizens to the United States.  The Consular Section issues visas for students, tourists, businesspeople, and workers, and also processes visas to reunite families.  At the same time, our Consular Section provides services to American citizens living in or visiting Kenya.  These people-to-people links are the bedrock of our bilateral relationship.

Shared Climate Solutions:  Fostering Growth and Resilience  

President Biden and President Ruto have a shared climate vision as not just an existential challenge of our time, but as the most significant economic opportunity of the 21 st century.  It is a generational opportunity for Africa to become a leader in the global clean energy economy.  Closer partnership is generating greater advances in clean energy supply chains, mobilizing climate-related investment, sustainable agriculture, adaptation, and resilience.

• Launching the U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership:   During the State Visit, we announced the launch of a U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership to elevate climate action and green industrialization as a critical pillar of our bilateral relationship.  We also signaled our intent to implement a new green growth framework throughout Africa.  Through this partnership, the United States and Kenya prioritize cooperation across the three, mutually-supportive areas of clean energy deployment, clean energy supply chains, and green industrialization.  To support these activities under the Partnership, the United States and Kenya intend to work with international financial institutions and multilateral trust funds to identify mechanisms to mobilize investment for clean energy manufacturing and services.  The two sides intend to strategically leverage concessional finance and risk mitigation tools at the multilateral development banks and climate funds to lower the cost of capital for clean energy deployment and supply chains in Kenya and the region, including a portion of the $568 million in catalytic finance that the United States provided to the Clean Technology Fund in 2023.
• Humanitarian Disaster Response:  To date in FY 2024, USAID has provided $42 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Kenya.  Including this assistance, USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance has provided nearly $1.3 billion over the last 12 years to respond to humanitarian needs in Kenya, including those caused by natural disasters.
• Connecting Homes, Businesses, and Institutions to Reliable Clean Energy:  USAID, through the Power Africa Initiative, announced $300,000 to support women’s entrepreneurship and gender-equity in the Kenyan energy sector and committed $3.6 million in to support the accelerated connection of more homes, businesses, and institutions in Kenya to cleaner electricity as part of its Empowering East and Central Africa program.  In addition, Power Africa inter-agency partners, including the U.S. Department of Energy, DFC, and USTDA, announced key deliverables that, in partnership with the Government of Kenya, advance Power Africa’s mandate to alleviate energy poverty.
• Investing in Hydropower :  Virunga Power, a U.S. company and Power Africa partner, announced a pipeline of six run-of-river hydropower projects in advanced stages of development in Kenya.  With a total expected investment of $100 million, the hydropower projects will be constructed in sequence over the next five years and are expected to provide 31 megawatts of clean, baseload renewable energy.  The power generated should improve the stability of Kenya Power’s distribution network in Western and Central Kenya and enable new connectivity and industrial and economic growth in rural areas of the country.
• Deepening Government-to-Government Cooperation on Clean Energy and Carbon Management:  The U.S. Department of Energy and Kenyan Ministry of Energy announced their intent to sign a MOU in June in Nairobi intended to enhance bilateral collaboration and partnership in the development of clean energy, carbon management technologies, and decarbonization strategies.  This MOU establishes a framework to facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise across numerous sectors – including geothermal energy development and industrial decarbonization.  The framework forms the basis of sustainable and climate-adaptive economic growth across our countries and regions.
• Investing in Electric Vehicle Startups:   DFC announced a $10 million direct loan to BasiGo, an electric vehicle company that leases and sells electric buses to public transport bus operators in Kenya.  The loan facilitates procurement of buses and batteries for sale in Kenya and is a key e-mobility project supporting Kenya’s ambitious climate goals.  Additionally, DFC announced a $10 million loan to Kenyan company Roam Electric that supports its assembly and production of electric motorcycles on-site in its Nairobi production facility.  The U.S. Department of State also announced $100,000 for technical assistance to support accelerating the transition to zero-emissions vehicles in Kenya, including through policy development and implementation, capacity building and peer-to-peer learning, and workforce development.
• Growing Kenya’s E-mobility Sector:   DFC recently announced a $10 million loan to Mogo Auto Kenya to support affordable financing for cars, motorcycle taxis, and logbook loans in Kenya.  The transaction supports President Ruto’s Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, building upon DFC’s longstanding support for the e-mobility economy in Kenya.
• Launching the MCC-Kenya Urban Mobility and Growth Threshold Program:   The United States and Kenya are scheduled to launch a seminal partnership to deliver a more connected, mobile, and green Nairobi.  The $60 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation funds a four-year program focusing on the transportation needs of underserved groups, safer options for women and pedestrians, and climate-friendly public transportation, generating benefits for over four million residents and increasing urban mobility while decreasing transportation sector emissions.
• Increasing Plastic Recycling:   USAID recently expanded its support for the Kenyan recycling company T3, now totaling over $2 million.  T3 plans to leverage nearly $13 million in additional private investment to expand plastic collection and acquire a “bottle-to-bottle” processing line, the first in Kenya.  The line enables production of food grade recycled PET resin and is projected to more than double the amount of PET plastic recycled in Kenya.  The T3 initiative is projected to create 200 jobs and indirect economic opportunities for approximately 8,000 collectors, mainly women and youth.
• Supporting Community-Led Conservation:  The Southern Kenya Conservation Project (SOK) and the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion Project (KRRE) are building partnerships for the conservation of the southern Kenya landscape and the expansion of rhino range in Kenya.  The partnerships aim to raise significant funds to increase wildlife numbers, restore landscapes, open up wildlife corridors, and spur economic opportunity. USAID is providing $300,000 to develop landscape and fundraising strategies to help Kenya leverage funds and access financing for both projects.  SOK and KRRE will help Kenya build climate resilience and achieve their 30×30 goal of conserving 30 percent of their land and oceans by 2030.
• Promoting Wildlife Conservation:  To assist the Government of Kenya with combatting wildlife trafficking and other nature crimes, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Interior have collaborated to station a permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, strengthening the longstanding wildlife conservation partnership between our two countries.  This position was designed to assist with law enforcement coordination and consultation, facilitation of intelligence sharing and investigative support, and access to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forensic and technical support resources. 
• Amplifying Scientific Partnership:   The United States welcomes Kenya’s leadership in hosting the upcoming Smithsonian’s ForestGEO international analytical gathering in Nanyuki, Kenya, co-hosted by the Mpala Research Centre, the National Museums of Kenya, and the Karatina University, from June 29 to July 13, 2024.  The Smithsonian ForestGEO network studies the diversity and dynamics of forests, the forest carbon cycle, and the impact of climate and global change on forest biodiversity and function.
• Improving Weather Forecasting:   DFC recently announced a $1 million loan to Ignitia AB, a tropical weather forecasting service designed for smallholder farmers in Kenya, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  This loan was part of the Africa Small Business Catalyst program in partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and USAID.
• Fostering High-Integrity Carbon Markets:   The United States and Kenya established a partnership to support Kenya’s efforts to be a global leader in delivering high-integrity and high-quality carbon credits.  In support of this partnership, the U.S. State Department and USAID announced $1 million in targeted technical assistance and analytical capabilities to support development of Kenya’s framework for high-integrity carbon markets and to strengthen Kenya’s ability to engage in related transactions.
• Investing in Carbon Capture:  The U.S. Department of Energy, through Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, announced a one-year project to accelerate the commercial readiness of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal approaches that leverage the reactive CO2 mineralization storage potential in Kenya’s volcanic-hosted geothermal systems.  The project aims to develop and implement a characterization protocol to evaluate potential strategic basalt CO2 storage sites through a knowledge exchange process; parametrize a static geologic model to facilitate evaluation of CO2 injection and mineralization storage strategies; and establish the institutional foundation for sustained Kenyan collaboration within the international mineralization storage research and development community.
• Announcing New Scientific Collaboration:  The Smithsonian Institution announced a new research fellowship program in Kenya, funded by education entrepreneurs Dennis and Connie Keller, to build capacity, train, and exchange knowledge.  Alongside Smithsonian scientists, Kenyan Shared Health Science Fellows study impacts of changes in climate, pollution, stressors, and toxicants on wellbeing, health, and physiology in humans, plants, animals, and our shared environment.  Over the next four years, the program aims to provide six fellows with two years of training at the Mpala Research Centre and spend time at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
• Deepening U.S.-Africa Nuclear Industry Cooperation:  The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with Kenya and Ghana, plans to host the second installment of the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) on Industry Readiness in Nairobi, Kenya in August 2024.  Recognizing the historic relationship between the United States and Kenya, USANES 2024 envisions U.S. and African policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders convening in Nairobi to address critical issues impacting industry readiness and the future of nuclear energy on the African continent.  The Summit comprises educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics from financing and workforce development to supply chain preparedness.  The Summit aims to underscore the opportunities nuclear power presents to reach Net Zero by 2050 and further strengthen the robust ties between the United States and Kenya. 

Trade and Investment:  Generating Prosperity   

The trade and investment partnership between the United States and Kenya is driving our shared prosperity, generating well-paying jobs, expanding economic growth, protecting the rights of workers, and spurring new innovations with global benefits.  This partnership spans the full spectrum of large to small businesses.  Both countries are partnering with the private sector to further strengthen these economic ties, including in the critical areas of clean energy technology, agriculture, and affordable housing.

• Advancing a U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership:   The U.S. and Kenya have made significant progress on the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) .  We are negotiating high standard commitments in a range of areas with a view to increase investment; promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and support African regional economic integration.  The U.S. Trade Representative and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry committed in May to work towards concluding an agreement by the end of 2024.
• Signing a U.S.-Kenya Commercial and Investment Partnership:  The United States and Kenya intend to sign a Commercial and Investment Partnership, affirming a mutual commitment to deepening commercial and investment ties between our two countries.  This Partnership, with robust participation from the private sector, aims to promote a strong business-enabling environment and to facilitate trade and investment opportunities in Kenya focused on key priority sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.
• Opening a DFC Nairobi Office:  DFC announced it plans to open an office in Nairobi, playing a key role in driving DFC’s pipeline development across key sectors in Kenya such as agriculture, health, e-mobility, energy, infrastructure, and financial inclusion, including on-lending to small and medium sized enterprises and women entrepreneurs.
• Establishing A Framework Agreement with Coca-Cola:   In Atlanta, President Ruto visited Coca-Cola HQ to sign a framework agreement focused on policy engagement, mango juice production, and plastic recycling.  His visit also celebrated 70 years of Coca-Cola in Kenya, along with the company’s partnership on drought response and clean water, use of its supply chains to distribute COVID vaccines and protective equipment, and a new $175 million investment in its economy.
• Reaping Benefits from AGOA:   Vivo Fashion, a leading Kenyan women’s fashion brand in East Africa, announced the opening of its first retail storefront in the United States in Atlanta, Georgia.  Vivo Fashion is part of a growing Kenyan apparel industry that benefits from market access to the United States under AGOA, the largest single component of U.S. trade with Kenya.
• Improving Food Security through Jobs:   USAID is investing in the future with $15 million for new activities designed to reduce poverty and malnutrition and address global food security by expanding investment opportunities.  By creating over 50,000 new jobs, catalyzing over $200 million in new agricultural sales, and mobilizing over $200 million in new finance for agriculture, these activities improve food security and nutrition outcomes for over 800,000 Kenyans.
• Investing in Kenyan Businesses:
• Acorn Green Housing Project:  DFC recently approved an approximately $180 million loan to Acorn, a real estate developer that constructs and operates affordable student housing in Kenya.  The DFC investment is expected to catalyze an additional $360 million in local Kenyan investment in one of the largest green housing portfolios in Africa. With early-stage support from USAID and Prosper Africa and financing from DFC, this transaction is designed to address a critical need and is a strong example of the power of whole of U.S.-government support to the private sector as it pursues projects with an emphasis on development impact that delivers for the people of Kenya.
• Pezesha Africa Limited:   DFC announced a $500,000 technical assistance grant to build a proprietary credit scoring model to improve Kenyan company Pezesha Africa Limited’s underwriting capabilities for small and medium sized enterprise clients.  Pezesha is a capital enablement lending infrastructure platform focused on increasing access to finance for retail trade micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by integrating financial services into existing supply chain verticals.
• Keep IT Cool:   DFC recently announced a $500,000 loan to Kenyan-based Keep IT Cool, a business-to-business aggregation and sales platform to connect fish farmers with buyers utilizing cold chain technology.  This loan was part of the Africa Small Business Catalyst program in partnership with USADF and USAID.
• African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership, Inc.:   DFC recently announced a $10 million second loss guarantee to African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership, Inc. to expand the sale of fertilizer on credit to small and medium-sized enterprise agri-input suppliers in Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana.  The guaranty deal is expected to enable up to $360 million in additional fertilizer sales in these three countries over the next three years, furthering regional food security and agricultural production.
• Kentegra Biotechnology:   DFC recently announced a $10 million loan to Kentegra Biotechnology in Kenya to support the construction of a new facility to scale up its production capacity of pale refined pyrethrum extract, a key ingredient in organic pesticides.  DFC’s loan provides women farmers with more predictable income, higher prices than alternative crop options, and training to implement best farming practices and financial planning tools to fully benefit from the increased incomes resulting from pyrethrum cultivation.  USTDA previously announced a grant of $660,000 for a feasibility study supporting the development of this facility, which can facilitate Kenya’s ability to respond to international demand for safer and environmentally friendlier insecticides. 

Debt, Development, and Sustainable Finance

President Biden and President Ruto recognize that mounting debt burdens put critical investments in countries’ sustainable development and ability to address global challenges like the clean energy transition out of reach.  Countries should not have to make the difficult choice between paying back creditors and investing in their people, economy, and future.  

• Launching theNairobi-Washington Vision:   The United States and Kenya are launching the Nairobi-Washington Vision as a call to action to the international community to bring together all its tools to support countries with high ambition with respect to investments in their own development and addressing global challenges that are too often constrained by high debt burdens.  It calls on international financial institutions to provide coordinated packages of support, creditor countries to provide forms of debt relief and/or new budget-support flows, multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to facilitate private sector financing on better terms and crowd in private investment, and creditors to provide more transparent and sustainable lending.  Together we call to the international community to come together around these elements to support high-ambition countries with high-ambition financial support.
• Expanding Support to Developing Countries through the International Financial Institutions :  To make this vision a reality, the United States is stepping up support to international financial institutions.  Through efforts to evolve the multilateral development banks, the United States has worked with Kenya and other shareholders to secure reforms to unlock over $250 billion in new lending at these institutions.  The United States intends to make available in the coming weeks lending of up to $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust to support the poorest countries, and has made available this week $250 million through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window to support crisis response in the world’s poorest countries.  President Biden has asked Congress for funding in the FY 2025 budget that would enable $36 billion in new lending at the World Bank that, together with contributions from international partners, could provide an additional $100 billion boost to World Bank financing capacity over time.  Both Kenya and the United States stand in support of an ambitious policy and financing package for the replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association. 
• Enhancing Support for Kenya from the International Financial Institutions:  The United States has been a leading voice advocating for international financial institutions to step up support to Kenya to achieve development and climate ambitions.  With strong support from the United States, the IMF has doubled Kenya’s total program financing from $2.2 billion over three years to $4.4 billion over four years.  Robust U.S. financial support has enabled World Bank financing to Kenya, including through increased funding at IDA and the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.  The United States championed the expansion to select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa of the European Bank for Reconstruction (EBRD) and Development, where the United States is the largest shareholder.  The United States and Kenya worked together to successfully secure Kenya’s membership in the EBRD, which would be a boost to private sector development in the country once Kenya is granted recipient country status.

Digital, Critical, and Emerging Technology Cooperation:  Delivering Innovation, Progress, and Inclusion  

The strong and growing innovation partnership between the United States and Kenya is anchored in a shared commitment to investing in secure and resilient technology supply chains, building a skilled and technologically savvy workforce for the future, promoting the digital economy and infrastructure, and enhancing our cybersecurity posture.  Like the United States, Kenya is an engine for innovation.  Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” – a $1 billion technology hub – is home to more than 200 startups spanning a range of sectors, including clean energy, microelectronics, financial technology, and e-commerce.  The United States and Kenya share a commitment to ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in a manner that advances transparency, accountability, and human rights.  Together, our two countries are committed to seizing the opportunities of a new digital era and driving innovative approaches to solving some of the most consequential global challenges.

• Building Secure and Resilient Supply Chains:
• Establishing a New Semiconductor and Technology Partnership to Support U.S. and Kenyan Industry, Consumers, and Workers:   The United States views Kenya as a strong emergent partner in building resilient semiconductor supply chains, and we share a commitment to promoting high-quality jobs with strong labor standards for U.S. and Kenyan workers.  We aim to develop programmatic options to expand Kenya’s technical workforce and strengthen its regulatory environment to help attract further private investment and cultivate potential linkages to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.  To this end, the U.S. State Department intends to partner with the Government of Kenya to explore opportunities to grow and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem, specifically in the assembly, testing and packaging sector, under the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, created by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.  Accordingly, the U.S. State Department is working with Congress to commit $1 million in foreign assistance to promote resilient semiconductors supply chains, build secure and trusted ICT ecosystems, and complement U.S. domestic manufacturing capacity.  This would make Kenya the first country in Africa to benefit from funding through the CHIPS and Science Act.
• Partnership to Expand Semiconductor Supply Chain:  The United States is working with Congress to establish a partnership with Kenya to expand and diversify its emerging semiconductor industry in support of global supply chains.  Programs to expand Kenya’s technical workforce and streamline its regulatory environment would assist in attracting further private investment and build linkages to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, specifically in the assembly, testing and packaging sectors.
• Diversifying the Semiconductor Workforce :  NSF intends to partner with Micron and Global Foundries to launch new funding opportunities to support investments in a diverse semiconductor workforce – including through investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities – to increase equitable access to STEM education in the United States and Kenya.  In addition, NSF has committed to offering workshops, planning grants, and providing supplements to U.S. universities for research and education to strengthen connections between U.S. and Kenyan universities.
• Semiconductor Network and Welcome Corps at Work :  The United States welcomes Micron’s launch of its MSI Semiconductor Network comprised of 16 leading universities across the United States, which seeks to feature collaboration between select MSIs with universities in Kenya to develop the next generation of the semiconductor workforce from underrepresented communities.  Through funding opportunities made available by NSF, GlobalFoundries, and Micron, MSIs – like those that are a part of Micron’s MSI network – can increase access to equitable education, address student programming, and strengthen infrastructure.  The company also announced a partnership with the International Rescue Committee and Talent Beyond Boundaries, through Welcome Corps at Work, to recruit individuals from refugee and immigrant communities across East Africa, including Kenya, to fill semiconductor technician and engineer roles.
• Expanding Semiconductor Fabrication:  USTDA signed an MOU with the Government of Kenya and committed $1.3 million to support Semiconductor Technologies Limited’s expansion of its fabrication of legacy semiconductor chips at commercial scale.
• Enhancing Cybersecurity Cooperation:
• Improving Cybersecurity :  The United States, Kenya, and Google announced a joint effort to help launch a cybersecurity operations platform to improve the security of Kenya’s digital infrastructure, including an initial pilot project to enhance the resilience of Kenya’s e-government services.  Google also highlighted solutions for incident response and resilience-building measures.  Separately, Microsoft has agreed to create a new program to upskill Kenyans through free online certifications to help Kenya fortify its resilience against evolving cyber threats and support AI training and research.  In collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the University of Nairobi, Cisco launched in April 2024 its Cybersecurity Training and Experience Center in Kenya, the first on the African continent.  The Center is supporting the East African digital ecosystem, providing critical cybersecurity skills for future tech leaders. 
• Kenya Regional Cyber Sector Collaboration Symposium:   The United States and Kenya, in collaboration with the Software Engineering Institute, plan to hold a regional event later this year focused on enhancing information sharing between cybersecurity incident response teams to enable a more resilient cyberspace in East Africa.
• Commercial Law Development Program Advisory Support:   As a collaborative effort between the Departments of State and Commerce, the United States intends to provide policy and regulatory advisory services to support secure and trusted ICT ecosystems in Kenya.  Support includes policy and legislative reform advisory services, consultative meetings, capacity-building workshops, and multi-stakeholder engagement at international events. 
• Promoting Digital Connectivity:
• Expanding Digital Connectivity:   Google announced an investment in digital connectivity for Africa Connect, creating the first intercontinental fiber optic route in the southern hemisphere between Kenya and the Asia Pacific region.  The terrestrial portion of Africa Connect has regional breakout points which enable trusted connectivity from Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Google’s Africa Cloud Region. 
• Fiber Backbone and Access Network Expansion:  USTDA recently announced funding for a $1.13 million feasibility study to help Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS) expand its operations to provide new and affordable broadband network access to thousands of individuals across East and Central Africa.  This grant facilitates the expansion of BCS’s fiber backbone and access network in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.  In turn, the expansion should enable other internet service providers to make new investments that can provide affordable fixed wireless access for an even larger consumer market.
• Affordable Urban Internet Connectivity:   USTDA recently announced $1.26 million in funding for a feasibility study to assess market opportunities across Africa in support of Kenya-based Poa Internet’s delivery of affordable fixed wireless internet access.  The grant aims to evaluate the viability of expanding internet access to an additional one million households in low-income urban communities across the continent.
• Bridging the Digital Divide Reverse Trade Mission Series:   USTDA announced two upcoming reverse trade missions to introduce public and private sector representatives from Kenya and Tanzania to the latest U.S. technologies, services, and financing solutions for last-mile connectivity and cybersecurity.  Both reverse trade missions are focused on expanding internet access and improving cybersecurity governance, while increasing the likelihood that these digital transformation projects are implemented using U.S. technologies and services.
• Mombasa to Malaba Fiber and Tower Infrastructure :  At the 2024 AmCham East Africa Business Summit, USTDA announced $1.2 million to address Kenya’s internet affordability gap.  USTDA’s grant to the Wilken Group enables evaluation of the development of fiber optic infrastructure and a series of 5G-capable towers along the Meter Gauge Railway between the cities of Mombasa and Malaba.
• Africa Cross-Continental Fiber Backbone :  At the 2024 AmCham East Africa Business Summit, USTDA announced $1.3 million in funding for a feasibility study for CSquared to assess plans for a cross-continent fiber optic backbone from East Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The fiber optic backbone would help hundreds of thousands of Africans gain access to affordable broadband for the first time.  USTDA’s grant also aims to establish city-level fiber networks and last-mile connectivity to commercial buildings and homes.
• Last-Mile Internet:  The Government of Kenya and Microsoft continue to collaborate to increase internet connectivity in Kenya and throughout the region, including by bringing last-mile wireless internet access to 20 million Kenyans and 50 million people across East Africa by the end of 2025.
• Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) Partnership with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI):  DTA intends to provide $1 million to YALI’s Regional Leadership Center (RLC) in Kenya to expand digital skills and literacy, support digital entrepreneurs and start-ups, and increase private sector engagement across East Africa.  This activity should inform additional DTA-YALI activities with other RLCs in Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa, benefiting young African leaders in 49 countries.
• Construction of Green Data Center for Cloud Services :  The government of Kenya and Microsoft announced they are joining a partnership that plans to construct a 1-gigawatt datacenter in Naivasha, Kenya.  The data center will be run on Microsoft Azure cloud services and offer access to cloud-based applications and services to organizations and individuals in Kenya and East Africa – allowing the Government of Kenya to move its data and services to trusted vendors.  The data center will be powered entirely by geothermal energy and will feature state-of-the-art water conservation technology to minimize water use. 
• M-KOPA:   DFC announced a $51 million loan to Kenyan company M-KOPA to support the financing of up to $210 million of smartphone receivables, and cash loans, increasing the affordability of devices to low-income borrowers.
• Establishing Strategic Dialogue on AI :  The governments of the United States and Kenya established a Strategic Dialogue on AI to discuss deepening our collaboration to ensure the development and deployment of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.  This dialogue focuses on spurring innovation, bolstering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, promoting digital transformation, overcoming digital divides, and advancing democracy, equity, and universal human rights.  The Dialogue offers the opportunity to discuss and coordinate policies around the national security implications of AI and associated technologies.  The inaugural Strategic Dialogue on AI meeting is scheduled to take place in late 2024.
• Collaboration between the U.S. AI Safety Institute and Kenya’s Imagine Tech and Action Lab :  The U.S. AI Safety Institute and Kenya’s equivalent Imagine Tech and Action Lab plan on future collaboration to advance scientific research for AI safety, develop guidance for safety evaluations and mitigations, and work towards interoperable standards.  This collaboration fosters connections between our talent, resources, and capacity in order to harness the benefits of AI safety for all.  Through this collaboration, Kenya intends to join a growing global scientific network of institutes focused on AI safety and committed to international cooperation.

Peace and Security Cooperation:  Protecting People Across the Globe  

Decades of strong security cooperation between the United States and Kenya have played a critical role in East Africa and beyond.  This partnership extends to areas including international peacekeeping, peace negotiations, security governance, refugee inclusion, and cooperation in cybersecurity.  The U.S.-Kenya partnership plays a central role in international efforts to defeat al-Shabaab, ISIS elements based in East Africa, and other terrorist organizations.  The United States is also firmly committed to supporting Kenya in its deployment to lead the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, providing much needed security assistance to the Haitian people.

• Elevating our Bilateral Relationship:   In a powerful symbol of the close relationship between the United States and Kenya, today President Biden is informing Congress he intends to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally.  This designation is granted by the United States to countries with close and strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and defense civilians.  The United States has a deep respect for Kenya’s contributions to global peace and security.  This is the first designation of a sub-Saharan Africa nation as a Major Non-NATO Ally.
• Promoting Peace and Security:  To further strengthen and amplify Kenya’s regional role in peace negotiations and mediation, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations is funding the Public International Law and Policy Group’s 12-month training program to establish an effective mediation/negotiations support unit in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Peace and Security Directorate.
• Leading on Refugee Response:  The United States and Kenya reiterate the importance of building a strong asylum system, partnering on social and economic integration of refugees and host communities, and supporting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.  Over the past 10 years, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration provided more than $667 million in humanitarian assistance in Kenya.  This funding supports basic needs, protection, and durable solutions for refugees and other vulnerable populations and promotes economic and financial inclusion for refugees and their Kenyan host communities.  In recognition of the importance of responsibility sharing and advancing solutions in protracted displacement, the United States has resettled more than 26,000 third country refugees from Kenya since 2014.
• Investing in the Security Sector:  The United States is making long-term investments in Kenya’s defense capabilities, including by building border security capabilities, increasing maritime security awareness, improving peacekeeping capacity, supporting humanitarian response, and strengthening civilian and military defense institutions.  The United States has invested heavily in Keya’s defense capabilities, providing over $230 million in civilian security and defense sector funding since 2020, with a strategic focus on our shared counterterrorism interests, including a robust partnership with the Massachusetts National Guard under the State Partnership Program. 
• Working Together to Bring Peace to Haiti:  The United States reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s plan to deploy 1,000 police to Haiti as part of the MSS mission to Haiti to help bring security and stability to the Caribbean nation.  Answering the call from Haiti and the international community, Kenya has pledged lead an international force as authorized by a UN Security Council Resolution 2699.
• Bolstering Criminal Justice System Response to Counter Terrorism:   Consistent with the vision President Biden laid out at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism announced $18.7 million to help build the Kenyan criminal justice system’s ability to address terrorism threats in a manner consistent with the rule of law.  The funds provide training, mentorship, and equipment to investigators, forensic examiners, law enforcement, court officials, and prosecutors.  The programming also promotes the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security through specialized training and mentorship for female law enforcement officers in Kenya engaged in counterterrorism efforts and capacity-building measures to improve the meaningful participation of women in peace and security.
• Countering Terrorism:  Underscoring our shared commitment in the fight against terrorism, U.S. and Kenyan officials plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the Manda Bay Airfield in coastal Kenya by building a 10,000-foot runway.  The expanded facility provides Kenya the required infrastructure to increase operations against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
• Deepening Cooperation on Information Sharing:  The two countries have committed to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism information sharing to constitute a comprehensive response to the international terrorist threat.  Additionally, Kenya is in the process of joining Operation Gallant Phoenix, a program that advances multinational collaboration and sharing of terrorist information to build mutual capacity to collect and use battlefield evidence in civilian criminal justice proceedings in a multiagency, multinational setting.  These initiatives should help both countries better protect our borders and our citizens from terrorist actors.
• Refurbishing and Delivering Helicopters:  Kenya is scheduled to receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025 to bolster its ability to provide regional peace and security (8 Hueys) and participate in peacekeeping missions (8 MD-500s). 
• Continuing Military Procurement:  Kenya has one of the largest U.S. Foreign Military Sales portfolios in Africa.  Kenya selected approximately 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles from U.S. Excess Defense Article stocks, which are projected to arrive in Kenya September 2024.
• Collaborating in Military Exercises:  The United States welcomesKenya’s hosting of and participation in some of the largest U.S. military exercises in Africa, including Exercise JUSTIFIED ACCORD – the second largest U.S. military exercise in Africa – and Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS, which focuses on building interoperability amongst multinational partners in the maritime environment.
• Deepening A Legacy of Military Training and Capacity Building:  In summer 2024, for the first time the Kenya Defence Forces have candidates starting courses at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, building on a long tradition of the majority of Kenyan general officers benefitting from U.S. International Military Education Training courses.  The U.S. military currently has seven advisors in Kenya supporting Kenyan aviators and for the first time, the United States is providing a Strategic Logistics Advisor to Kenya’s Ministry of Defence.  Kenya’s U.S.-trained Disaster Response Battalion has also been involved in recent search and rescue operations in response to recent flooding in Kenya.

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