Top most places to visit in Kenya

Whether you're a Budget Traveler, Tourist, or Adventurous Backpacker, Discover Kenya will assist you in achieving the most memorable travel experience in Kenya.

This serves as Your Definitive Handbook to National Parks, Waterfalls, eVisa Kenya, Lakes, Rivers, Museums, Monuments, Mountains, Cultural Destinations, and All Things Kenya.

General travel guides and facts in Kenya

Kenya Travel Essentials and Facts

• Geographical Area: 581,309 km2 (224,445 sq. mi)
• Population: Approximately 56 Million as of June 2022 – based on the latest UN data interpolation.
• Capital City: Nairobi
• Major Cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu
• Number of Counties: 47
• National Colours: Black, White, Red, and Green.
• National Bird: The Lilac-breasted Roller
• Time Zone: GMT +3:00
• Lowest Point: Indian Ocean (0 m)
• Highest Point: Mt. Kenya (5,199m)
• Currency: Kenyan Shillings (Kshs)
• Telephone Code: +254
• Internet Code: .co.ke
• Electricity: 220/240V AC with 3-Square pin and 2-pin plugs.
• Kenyan Visa: Apply for Your Kenyan Visa Online.

Different Modes of Transport in Kenya

• Road Transport

Public transportation in Kenya encompasses long-distance buses and Matatus. Within cities and major towns, rideshare services like SWVL, Uber, and Taxify are available.

Tricycles (TUK TUKs) and Motorcycles (Boda Bodas) are common in urban areas.

• Railway Transport

Kenya's railway network includes Long-Distance Passenger Service Trains and the Nairobi Commuter Rail. The Madaraka Express and MGR Trains connect Nairobi with various destinations across the country, while the Nairobi Commuter Trains operate within the Nairobi Metropolitan area.

• List of Train Services in Kenya

• SGR MADARAKA EXPRESS TRAIN BETWEEN NAIROBI AND MOMBASA

Kenya Railways offers two Madaraka Express trains between Nairobi and Mombasa. These trains operate daily, with departures in the afternoon (3:00 PM) and at night (10:00 PM).

• INTERCOUNTY TRAIN BETWEEN NAIROBI AND MOMBASA

In addition to the Express Train, an Intercounty train serves different counties in Kenya. This train departs from both cities at 8:00 am and stops at intermediate stations along the SGR line.

• COMMUTER TRAINS WITHIN NAIROBI COUNTY

Nairobi Commuter Rail provides train services between Nairobi and settlements within the city. Notable commuter train routes include:

• Ruiru Eagle to Makadara, Umoja, Dandora, Mwiki, Kahawa West, and Ruiru.
• Kikuyu Buffalo Train to Kibera, Dagoretti, Kikuyu, and Limuru.
• Commuter Train to Syokimau via Imara Daima and Nairobi Terminus.
• Commuter Train to Embakasi Village via Donholm and Pipeline.
• DMU Trains to SGR Nairobi Terminus, Syokimau, and Embakasi.
• Commuter Train to Ngong and Ongata Rongai.

• MGR LONG-DISTANCE TRAINS

Kenya Railways operates Trains along the SGR and old Meter Gauge lines to some destinations in the country. These train services include:

• Night Train between Nairobi and Kisumu.
• Nanyuki Safari Train between Nairobi and Nanyuki.
• Suswa Long Distance Passenger Train (SGR).

• Air Transport

Kenya boasts a range of airstrips, major airports, and international airports, including:

International airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Moi International Airport.

Major airports: Kisumu Airport, Isiolo Airport, and Wilson Airport.

Airstrips: There are over 250 airstrips spread throughout the country.

AIRLINES OPERATING FROM KENYA – DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL

Numerous international flights depart from and arrive at different airports in Nairobi, primarily from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Airlines include Kenya Airways, Etihad, Ethiopian, Fly Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and KLM. There is currently a direct flight from Nairobi to the United States of America.

Domestic Flights operate from JKIA or smaller airports like Wilson and Mombasa. These flights include Jambojet, Fly540, AirKenya, and Safarilink.

• Water Transport

This mode of transport is utilised along the Kenyan Coast and Lake Victoria. The primary service is the Likoni ferry, connecting Mombasa to the South Coast.

Top destinations and attractions in Kenya

Explore Kenya boasts numerous mountains and hills that offer excellent opportunities for activities like day hikes, camping expeditions, and multi-day treks. 

Notable mountains include:

• Mount Kenya

- Second highest peak in Africa, after Kilimanjaro.

- Straddles the equator in central Kenya.

- Features diverse ecosystems due to varying altitudes.

- A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural significance.

• Mount Elgon

- Located on the border of Uganda and Kenya.

- Ancient extinct shield volcano.

- Contains the world's largest caldera.

- Rich in biodiversity and known for unique flora and fauna.

• Oldonyo Lesatima

- Also known as the "Mountain of the Bull" in Maasai.

- Part of the Aberdare Range in Kenya.

- Offers breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and surrounding landscapes.

• Mount Suswa

- Volcano in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.

- Known for its double calderas.

- Features lava caves and tunnels formed by past eruptions.

• Table Mountain

- Iconic flat-topped mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

- Offers panoramic views of the city and coastline.

- Rich in diverse flora and unique plant species.

- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

• Mount Longonot

- Stratovolcano located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.

- Has a distinctive circular caldera.

- Offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views from the rim.

• Mount Margaret

- Part of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

- Known for its challenging climbing routes.

- Offers stunning alpine scenery and glacial formations.

• Kinangop

- Stratovolcano in the Central Kenya Highlands.

- Dominates the surrounding landscape.

- Impacts local weather patterns and agriculture.

• Ololokwe

- Also called Ol Donyo Sabache, a mountain in northern Kenya.

- Features a distinctive flat-topped appearance.

- Sacred to the Samburu people and holds cultural significance.

These are brief overviews of each mountain, highlighting some of their notable features and characteristics.

In addition, the region features several hills that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Williams Hill

- Located in Kenya's Great Rift Valley.

- Offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

- Part of the Eastern Rift Valley escarpment.

• Kijabe Hills

- Situated northwest of Nairobi, Kenya.

- Known for its picturesque landscapes and cool climate.

- Offers opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.

• Cherangany Hills

- A major mountain range in western Kenya.

- Rich in biodiversity and home to various indigenous communities.

- Important water catchment area.

• Ngong Hills

- Series of peaks overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

- Popular for hiking and outdoor recreation.

- Offers stunning panoramic views of Nairobi and the Rift Valley.

• Ol Donyo Sabuk

- Also known as Kilimambogo, located northeast of Nairobi.

- Features a prominent peak and lush vegetation.

- Houses the grave of British settler Lord William Northrup McMillan.

• Chyulu Hills

- Located between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks in Kenya.

- Comprises a range of volcanic hills.

- Rich in biodiversity and offers unique landscapes.

• Shimba Hills

- Coastal hill range in southeastern Kenya.

- Houses Shimba Hills National Reserve.

- Home to diverse flora, fauna, and the rare Sable antelope.

These are brief summaries of each hill or hill range, highlighting their locations and key features.

Key Lakes in Kenya

Kenya's lakes encompass a mix of freshwater and saltwater bodies, many of which are located along the Great Rift Valley stretching from Lebanon in Asia to Mozambique in Southeast Africa. Notable lakes in Kenya include:

Certainly, here are short important notes on each of the mentioned lakes:

Freshwater Lakes

• Lake Victoria

- Largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second-largest in the world.

- Shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

- Supports a significant fishing industry and diverse aquatic life.

• Lake Makunganya (Lamu)

- Also known as Lake Amu, located on Lamu Island, Kenya.

- Part of the Lamu Archipelago.

- Important for local livelihoods and biodiversity.

• Lake Naivasha

- Located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.

- Supports a variety of wildlife and bird species.

- Important for horticulture and tourism.

• Lake Baringo

- Rift Valley lake in Kenya.

- Supports unique bird species like flamingos.

- Important for local communities' livelihoods.

• Lake Ellis (Mt. Kenya)

- Smaller glacial lake on Mount Kenya.

- Part of a series of tarns on the mountain.

- Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.

Saltwater Lakes

• Lake Bogoria

- Located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.

- Known for its hot springs, geysers, and flamingos.

- Rich in geothermal activity.

• Lake Turkana

- Largest desert lake in the world.

- Located in the northern Kenyan Rift Valley.

- Rich in archaeological and paleontological finds.

• Lake Elementaita

- Rift Valley soda lake in Kenya.

- A UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological significance.

- Supports numerous bird species.

• Lake Magadi

- Alkaline lake in southern Kenya's Rift Valley.

- Known for its vast salt flats and mineral deposits.

- Part of a soda ash extraction industry.

• Lake Nakuru

- Rift Valley lake known for its large populations of flamingos.

- Protected as Lake Nakuru National Park.

- Home to diverse wildlife including rhinos.

Other Lakes:

• Lake Jipe

- Straddles the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

- Lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

- Supports local agriculture and wildlife.

• Lake Challa

- Located on the border between Kenya and Tanzania.

- Known for its clear blue waters and surrounding forested areas.

• Lake Ol’ Bolossat

- Only natural lake in the central highlands of Kenya.

- Important for biodiversity and a water source for local communities.

• Lake Logipi

- Alkaline lake in northern Kenya's Suguta Valley.

- Home to large populations of lesser flamingos.

- Part of the Lake Turkana National Parks.

These notes provide a concise overview of each lake, highlighting their characteristics and significance.

Waterfalls in Kenya

Explore Kenya's enchanting waterfalls nestled amidst forests and nature trails, adding to the country's diverse natural beauty. The list of breathtaking waterfalls includes Thomson Falls in Nyahururu, Adamson’s Falls in Meru, Gura Giant Falls, Zaina Falls, and Karuru Falls in Aberdares, Paradise Lost in Kiambu, Sheldrick Falls in Shimba Hills, Lugard Falls in Tsavo National Park, Fourteen Falls in Kilimambogo, Karura Waterfalls, Oloolua Nature Trail, Cheap Kiit Waterfall in Eldoret, Ragia Waterfalls, Chania Falls in Thika, Kamweti Waterfalls, and Tigoni Falls.

Best museums and monuments in Kenya

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) oversees a range of Historical Sites, Museums, and Monuments, safeguarding Kenya's valuable cultural and natural heritage. Notable sites managed by NMK encompass the Nairobi National Museum, Kariandusi archeological Site, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Uhuru Gardens National Monument, Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site, Hyrax Hill Museum, Olorgesailie prehistoric site, Nyeri Museum, Oloolua Nature Trail, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Ruins of Gede, Tambach Museum, Kapenguria Museum, Rabai Museum, Malindi Museum, Desert Museum, Koobi Fora, Wajir Museum, Jumba la Mtwana, and Mnarani Ruins.

Kenya national parks and reserves

Kenya's parks and reserves are the hallmark of its exceptional safari experience, distinguishing it as a premier destination in Africa. Each of these destinations boasts unique attributes and optimal visitation times. 

Some of the foremost National Parks and Reserves in Kenya include Maasai Mara and Serengeti, Mwea National Reserve, Hell’s Gate National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Mombasa Marine Park, Watamu Marine National Park, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, Shimba Hills National Park, Haller Park, Mount Kenya National Park, and Mount Elgon National Park.

Most discussed topics in Kenya

• Key Travel Topics Related to Kenya
• Exploring Nature: Hiking, trekking, and nature walks.
• Safari Adventures: Safaris and game drives.
• Scaling Heights: Mountain climbing experiences in Kenya.
• Guided Expeditions: Tours and travel services.
• Aquatic Wonders: Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in Kenya.
• Majestic Landscapes: Mountains, hills, and forests.
• Urban Transportation: Buses, taxis, and commuter trains.
• Efficient Rail Travel: Madaraka Express Train – Schedule and fares.
• Affordable Air Travel: Budget-friendly flights between Nairobi and Mombasa.
• Hospitality and Entertainment: Accommodation, dining, and nightlife in Kenya.
• Insightful Exploration: Walking tours and expert guides.

FAQS

FAQs About Top Places to Visit in Kenya

What are the must-visit destinations in Kenya?

Kenya offers a diverse range of attractions. Some of the top places to visit include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Parks, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park, and the coastal towns of Mombasa and Malindi.

What is the best time to visit Masai Mara?

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is during the Great Migration, typically from July to October. This is when millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

What is the appeal of Amboseli National Park?

Amboseli is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, abundant elephants, and diverse wildlife. It's an excellent destination for both wildlife photography and cultural experiences with the Maasai people.

Are the coastal towns worth visiting in Kenya?

Absolutely. Mombasa and Malindi offer beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a vibrant coastal culture. Diani Beach, located near Mombasa, is particularly popular for its white sands and clear waters.

What unique experiences does Tsavo offer?

Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and is divided into East and West sections. It's known for its red elephants, diverse landscapes, and the magnificent Mzima Springs.

How can I experience Kenya's cultural heritage?

Visit Nairobi's Bomas of Kenya for traditional dances and insights into different Kenyan cultures. Additionally, explore the Karen Blixen Museum and the National Museum in Nairobi.

Are there opportunities for mountain climbing in Kenya?

Yes, Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro offer challenging but rewarding mountain climbing experiences. Mount Kenya offers various routes suitable for different levels of climbers.

What water-based activities can I enjoy in Kenya?

Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo offer boat safaris and bird watching. The coastal areas, including Watamu Marine National Park, provide opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and water sports.

Is Nairobi worth exploring?

Absolutely, Nairobi has attractions like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, and Nairobi National Museum. It's a bustling city with a mix of urban experiences and wildlife encounters.

What's unique about the Great Rift Valley?

The Great Rift Valley offers breathtaking views, unique geothermal features, and numerous lakes. It's an ideal place for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and enjoying natural hot springs.