
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
Sanctuary Olonana Camp
Olonana Camp with 14 canvas and extremely comfortable and spacious tents is an award-winning camp on a private stretch of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Olonana Camp is close to the foot of the Siria Escarpment, close to where the last scene of "Out of Africa" was filmed.
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
The luxurious Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs lodge offers up incredible views out over the 57 000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, a Laikipia Conservancy famed for its huge herds of elephants, large lion population, wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
Saruni Samburu
Perched on the top of the Kalama mountains with an all-round view of Northern Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari destination.
Mara Plains Camp
Masai Mara Plains Camp, one of only three Relais & Chateaux establishments in Kenya, offers guests a private and intimate safari experience within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The ultimate in luxury while paying homage to that classic tented safari that Kenya is so famous for.
Little Governors Camp
Little Governors Camp in the Masai Mara with just 17 tented suites casts its spell over all who visit, from honeymoon couples to Presidents, is reached by boat and the exquisite, romantic setting has a serenity all of its own.
A classic Masai Mara safari camp that can and does compete with the best in Kenya.
Palacina Hotel
Palacina hotel in Nairobi is ideally located within easy access to downtown Nairobi and is surrounded in the tranquil gardens of the State House Valley, the ideal venue for those who wish to be centrally located but away from the noise of Nairobi.
Looking for the utmost in luxury, then the Palacina is one of the top hotels in Nairobi to consider.
Elsas Kopje
Elsa's Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa's Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film 'Born Free', released into the wild here in Meru.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Samburu Intrepids Camp with 30 tented rooms is located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, each tent sits on a raised deck overlooking the river where the elephants make an appearance or the crocodiles come out onto the river's banks.