03 July 2017 Tripindigo 5 min read

Top 10 things not to miss in Kenya.

If you are you dreaming about booking a trip to Kenya, or have already taken the plunge, we advise you to keep reading.

No matter how far you are in the booking process, make sure you use this checklist for ideas on where to go, and what to do when in Kenya. You won’t regret it.

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is perhaps the most famous place in Kenya, synonymous with Africa’s wild animals and cultural heritage. It is a vast area, teeming with wildlife, and ready for you to explore. The great migration takes place yearly in the Masai Mara, and if you are lucky and time your safari right, you might see the enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the mighty Mara River. Seeing it with your own eyes is so much better than on National Geographic.

Great migration in Masai Mara National park.

Great migration in Masai Mara National park.

Hike to the top of Mt Kenya

Not the highest peak of Africa, but according to most who have climbed both Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, it is the more scenic hike of the two. Mount Kenya is also is Kenya’s tallest mountain, which automatically makes this item climbs to the top of any hikers must do list in Kenya.

The scenery is amazing and depending on the route you take; you could summit the third highest peak, Point Lenana, in 4-5 days. The two highest peaks of Mt Kenya are not often visited, as they require technical skills for multiple pitched climbing.

Point Lenana, Mt Kenya

Close up of Mount Kenya

Also, if you are an avid hiker but looking for a more easy paced trail during your trip have a look at our list of top hiking trails around Nairobi for some less intensive experiences.

Check out the Great Rift Valley

Visible from space it is often simply called The Rift. It is known for its amazing scenery and its abundant wildlife. The Rift runs for more than 6,000km from Syria in the north to Mozambique in the south. In East Africa, it splits into an eastern and a western rift valley.

In Kenya, the valley is at its deepest just north of Nairobi. If you drive from the capital to the Masai Mara, you will most likely descend the escarpment and pass several kiosks and viewpoints to admire the impressive scenery. Make sure you stop and take it all in.

Great rift valley viewpoint at curio Shop.

Image By:Christine und Hagen Graf /Flickr

Great Rift Valley stretches into the distance

Also, if you find yourself in Eldoret make it a priority to find views overlooking the Great Rift Valley, as this town has some of the best there is to offer.

Immerse yourself into vibrant Nairobi

Nairobi is a large cosmopolitan city with an excellent vibe. Cultural experiences, energetic nightlife, excellent food options, souvenir shopping with a difference, the famous elephant orphanage and giraffe centre, and its very own national park within the city borders, Nairobi offers something for everybody and should definitely be included on your bucket list for Kenya.

Explore the Cradle of Mankind in the far north of Kenya

Certainly off the beaten track and very remote, the stunning landscapes of Lake Turkana wow everybody who ventures this far north. Several national parks can be visited of which Sibiloi NP with the archaeological sites of Koobi Fora being the most famous. This is where the Leakey family and others discovered many ancient human skeletons, giving us glimpses into our mysterious origins.

Lake Turkana South Island

Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the plains of the Masai Mara

The ultimate safari experience is viewing the waving grass of the Masai Mara dotted with animals from the sky. The huge hot air balloons are filled as the morning light peeks over the horizon, and just before sunrise, you lift off. The fun doesn’t end there, as you will finish with a champagne breakfast in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by just wilderness. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hot balloon at Masai Mara.

Visit some of Kenya’s lesser known national parks and conservation areas

Most people when they want to visit Kenya focus on the Masai Mara, which is entirely understandable as it is truely amazing. But why not explore some of the other amazing national parks, and even conservancies of Kenya. There are so many of them, for example Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Mt Kenya NP, Samburu National Reserve, Tsavo East and West, Meru NP, Nairobi NP, Mt Elgon NP, Hell’s Gate NP and the entire Laikipia Plateau with its many private conservancies.

Pelicans at Lake Nakuru Kenya

Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – the elephant orphanage

One of the must-see attractions in Nairobi is the elephant orphanage. Seeing these baby and toddler elephants up close is wonderful, you can ask any question, touch them if they get close and learn all about them from the keepers. Watching them guzzle down their milk, frolic in the mud bath or learn how to dust themselves with the red soil is beautiful. You can adopt one for USD50 a year, which allows you to visit them any day at 5 pm when they get ready for bed. This is a highlight for many who visit Kenya.

Baby Elephant getting his/her bottle at the Nairobi elephant orphanage

Head to Kenya’s stunning beaches

Kenya has been blessed with white beaches lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The long coastline offers plenty of options to unwind or participate in the many watersport activities on offer. Lamu, Watamu and Diani are some of the most popular spots on the Kenyan coast. More on the top spots to do some beach bumming in Kenya.

Shanzu beach kenya

Image By:travelstart.co.ke

Wander around the streets of Lamu

Step back in time, re-set your soul, admire the Swahili architecture, float away on a sunset dhow cruise, tickle the taste buds with yummy food and fresh juices, walk the pristine beaches or bring a good book and a towel, cool off in the crystal-clear waters, and soak up the rays in this tropical climate with blue skies. Experience it all in wonderful Lamu, a beach paradise for those who truly want to relax.

Lamu Town

Lamu beaches with Dhow

There you have it, the 10 best ways to indulge in Kenya's Beauty! Book your flights to Kenya on Tripindigo and get the best deals in East Africa

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