
Kenya remains the premier safari and beach destination in East Africa. Over 1.6m foreign tourists visited the country in 2010, testifying to the country's enduring popularity. Without question one of our more popular safari destinations that we offer on Uyaphi.com.
As one can see from the below list that Kenya is most certainly not a one-trick pony, as a safari destination, with so much to offer, one can see why the country is so very popular.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Kenya in no particular order;
- The Great Rift Valley is one of the worlds great natural phenomena. Basically, a huge trench that runs the whole length of the country, interspersed with a series of mountains, lakes and active volcanoes and bordered by huge escarpments. Simply stunning.
- The Great Migration happening in the Masai Mara. One of the worlds largest animal migrations where in July of each year around 1,300,000 wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson's gazelles, 97,000 Topi, 18,000 elands, and 200,000 zebras migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture and return to the south around October.
- The Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino) wildlife found in Kenya; Kenya pioneered the modern safari industry and is still one of the great destinations to view these impressive creatures.
- It is known to be the Cradle of Mankind. It holds the world’s richest record of human pre-history, spanning over 27 million years and a rich fossil heritage stretching back over 100 million years into the dinosaur age. This is the largest and most-well documented collection of human-related fossils that exists and is unmatched anywhere in the world. Lake Turkana area is the epicentre of these archaeological finds.
- The country is internationally known for its beautiful beaches. From Chale in the south to Lamu in the north; you will enjoy a lotus-eating multitude of pristine Indian ocean beaches (see the previous blog).
- It is also known for its cultural diversity. From the larger ethnic groups of Kikuyu and Kalenjin to the smaller tribes of Masai and Turkana interspersed with Indian, European and Arab influences. A melting pot that produces overwhelmingly friendly people.
- Kenya is known for its easily accessible national parks and game reserves. Nairobi National Park, for example, is located only 20 minutes away from the city centre and there are good and regular connections by either 4x4 or plane to most of the well-known reserves in the country.
- Mt Kenya. Whilst you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania) from the Amboseli National Park, it is Mt Kenya which is the more difficult, adventurous and less frequented mountain to climb.
- Kenya is located on and straddles the Equator which explains the very pleasant weather. There are no summers or winters here, and the country remains warm throughout the year. The rains usually fall from April to May.
- UNESCO Heritage sites. Kenya is home to no less than 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
- Lake Turkana National Parks
- Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest
- Lamu Old Town
- Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
- Fort Jesus Mombasa
- Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley.
10 reasons to visit Kenya
Encounter Mara Camp
Encounter Mara Camp, located in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, offers guests fantastic wildlife sightings.
The Mara Naboisho has a higher density of wildlife than the Masai Mara National Reserve. A small, intimate yet popular safari camp awaits.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp with 12 magnificent tented suites et on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve offers guests the chance to view huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive wildlife destination located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains within the stunning and wildlife-rich Solio Conservancy. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, spectacular wildlife sightings, sumptuous cuisine, and numerous safari activities.
Solio Wildlife Sanctuary is the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuary in Africa. Experience the best of Solio Lodge and all that it has to offer for a truly unforgettable African safari experience.
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds
Elewana Loisaba Star Beds is located within the amazing Loisaba Conservancy and Laikipia Plateau that offers guests one of the finest wildlife and safari experiences on offer in Kenya today.
Loisaba Star Beds is poised on top of a kopje offering commanding views out over the plains and valleys of the Laikipia. One of the more unique and in-demand safari lodges in Kenya.
Mara Bush Houses
Mara Bush Houses are situated within the famed and wild Mara North Conservancy, surrounded by the best wildlife sightings that Kenya offers.
Two exclusive use three bedroomed Masai Mara houses await, perfect for both families or a small group of friends.
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.
The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.
Giraffe Manor
Travellers worldwide now make The Giraffe Manor (and the giraffe centre) part of their East African safari, the only place where you can enjoy the breathtaking experience of feeding and photographing giraffes over the breakfast table.
Without question, one of the best and most popular boutique guest house options in Nairobi, a must-visit and stay for all.
Saruni Wild Tented Camp
Saruni Wild Tented Camp is positioned on the Masai Mara plains bordering the private Lemek and Mara North Conservancies, surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness.
A small and intimate camp with only three tented suites available.