Top 8 must-visit destinations in Kenya

A journey to Kenya is often synonymous with safaris, and for good reason. Its national parks are rich in wildlife, with the Masai Mara Game Reserve being the most renowned, famous for housing the Big Five: lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo, as well as the distinct Nilotic Maasai tribe known for their vibrant red traditional shuka (checkered cloth).

However, Kenya offers much more than just national parks. There are majestic mountains waiting to be explored and bustling cities brimming with rich social and cultural experiences. You can unwind on beautiful beaches, dive into the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean, or embark on an exhilarating off-road journey.

Whatever kind of adventure you’re after, Kenya has it all. Here are the top spots to include in your travel plans.

1. Nairobi

Top destination for culture and nightlife

As the heart of Kenya, the capital city is the perfect gateway for those heading on safari, relaxing on the beach, or indulging in fantastic dining experiences.

Settle in and spend a few days savoring the vibrant bar and restaurant scene in Nairobi. Explore lively spots like Cultiva, where each farm-to-table dish reflects the chef’s South American heritage, or Unseen Nairobi, an indie art house with a rooftop bar, where delicious sandwiches perfectly complement the indie film screenings.

Nairobi is brimming with cultural experiences, featuring art galleries, open-air cinemas showcasing African cinema, shopping, stand-up comedy, and museums.

Tip for planning: Even in the capital, you can encounter wildlife up close. Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned baby elephants, feed Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, or spot four of the Big Five (excluding elephants) at Nairobi National Park, all framed by the city's billboards, traffic, and skyscrapers.

2. Turkana

Ideal for rugged adventures

While Turkana may appear as a vast, barren expanse on a map of Kenya, it’s a magnet for adventurers seeking a challenge. Though the region is accessible by air, the real excitement lies in driving, requiring a sturdy 4WD to tackle the rough terrain.

In the midst of the hot, arid landscape, the stunning jade-blue Lake Turkana—the world's largest desert lake—comes as a delightful surprise. Visit Eliye Springs, where sandy beaches and tall green palm trees will transport you to Diani Beach on the Kenyan coast. You can also rent a speedboat to reach Central Island, where a brief hike leads to a volcanic crater lake. Remember to pack your swimwear, but watch out for Nile crocodiles blending in on the rocks.

The rapidly growing town of Lodwar boasts a vibrant nightlife and even features its own version of Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. For a taste of history, take a 129km (80 miles) drive west to view a replica of the archaeological fossil remains of Turkana Boy, which earned this region the title “cradle of mankind.”

Tip for planning: Align your visit with the annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in June for a deeper understanding of northern tribes like the Borana, Rendille, Turkana, and Samburu. Head east of Lake Turkana to the Chalbi Desert, where salt pans stretch to the Ethiopian border. Here, you can sandboard the dunes and engage with local cultures by visiting villagers in North Horr.

3. Masai Mara

Top destination for safari

Renowned as one of Africa's premier safari locations, Masai Mara is located in the southwestern part of Kenya and extends 1510 sq km (583 sq miles) into Tanzania’s Serengeti. Here, you can spot all the Big Five and a diverse array of wildlife, including over 450 species of birds.

Craft your own adventure by observing wildlife from a safari vehicle, taking to the skies in a hot air balloon with a champagne breakfast, riding on horseback, or joining a guided walking safari. You can also immerse yourself in the culture by visiting Maasai villages, gaining insight into this legendary tribe's way of life and their deep historical and spiritual ties to the land.

Tip for planning: The ideal time to visit is from July to October, when millions of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of lush pastures and to give birth, creating a thrilling spectacle that often attracts crocodiles and big cats hunting them down.

4. Kisumu

Top destination for birdwatching

Kisumu serves as the gateway to western Kenya and is beautifully situated near Lake Victoria, one of Africa's Great Lakes. The area is famous for its boat rides and exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Be sure to visit Le Pearl or Dunga Hill Camp to sample tilapia, prepared either deep-fried or in a rich tomato and onion sauce, paired with ugali (a local staple akin to thick porridge).

The sunsets over Lake Victoria in Kisumu are breathtaking and definitely worth the visit. You can also enjoy vibrant nights dancing to popular ohangla music at various venues, explore the Impala Sanctuary, or venture to nearby caves and rock formations like Kit-Mikayi and the lesser-known Abindu Caves.

Make your way to the lake's popular islands: Mbita, Rusinga, and Takawiri, where the beaches are powdery white and sunsets are stunning. As dusk falls, you'll witness the “ghost cities” created by countless lanterns lifted on wooden canoes by fishermen heading out for night fishing.

Tip for planning: To reach here from Nairobi, you can take a 45-minute flight or spend at least six hours driving, but the best option is the overnight passenger train service.

5. Lamu Island

Ideal for tranquil beach getaways

If you're in search of stunning beaches with a relaxed atmosphere, look no further than Kenya's Lamu archipelago.

For history enthusiasts, ancient Lamu Town is a must-visit. As the oldest Swahili settlement along East Africa’s coast, its architecture and cuisine are rich with stories. The narrow streets are car-free; donkeys were once the primary mode of transport, but now motorbike taxis known as boda-boda zip through, adding a lively energy to the town.

Take a speedboat to explore other islands in the archipelago, like Kiwayu Island in Kiunga Marine National Reserve, perfect for diving and sport fishing. In Shela village, you'll find holiday homes featuring infinity pools overlooking the ocean. The annual Lamu Yoga Festival in October attracts participants from around the globe.

Don't miss an evening sunset cruise on a traditional Mozambican-style dhow (wooden boat). The island is home to excellent dining options, including Peponi Hotel and Kijani Hotel, as well as the popular Floating Bar for drinks.

Tip for planning: Lamu is predominantly a Muslim town, so it’s advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and chest.

6. Amboseli National Park

Top destination for close encounters with elephants

Amboseli National Park is a stunning blend of dusty semi-arid grasslands interspersed with acacia trees and lush marshes fed by underground springs. Here, you can witness large herds of elephants enjoying the shallows, dust-bathing, or even approaching your vehicle closely enough to see their eyelashes.

While Africa’s tallest mountain is in Tanzania, the best vantage point for Mt Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly from Kenya. On clear days, its snow-capped peak stands majestically against the sky, offering photographers a spectacular shot. In the evening, relax with a sundowner, or opt for an early night and take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise for breathtaking views.

Wildlife utilizes the adjacent Kimana Sanctuary as a corridor to migrate between the park and the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo. Your visit supports a community-owned conservancy—Kenya’s first, established in 1996. To promote conservation over hunting in a community where lion hunting was once a rite of passage, Amboseli hosts the fun biennial Maasai Olympics, featuring competitions in club- and spear-throwing, high jumping, and sprinting.

7. Watamu

Top destination for marine life

Watamu is an ideal hub for discovering the northern coast, infused with a distinct Italian flair that has locals speaking the language; Italians first arrived in the 1960s to work at the nearby Luigi Broglio Space Center. Many restaurants feature pasta, pizza, and gelato, and even some street signs are in Italian.

Dive or snorkel in the marine park, join the Saturday night festivities at Papa Remo Beach, explore the stunning canyons of Marafa Hell’s Kitchen (just avoid the midday heat!), embark on lively sunset cruises down Mida Creek, or try kite surfing at Che Shale.

Tip for planning: If you visit in October, take a boat out and watch for massive humpback whales as they breach and splash back into the sea just a few feet away from you.

8. Matthews Range

Ideal destination for hiking

Reaching the remote Matthews Range in Samburu is a challenging journey. Hikers can select from several scenic trails, each offering its own tranquil beauty, but for the most rewarding experience, choose a path that winds through a dense canopy of trees with lush undergrowth, requiring a machete to clear your way, eventually leading to a refreshing rock pool on River Ngeng.

The tallest peak in these mountains reaches 2688m (8819ft), with temperatures dropping as low as 10ºC (50ºF). You can either camp or stay in remote lodges like Kitich Forest Camp, where a Samburu guide will accompany you, helping you navigate the terrain and identify wildlife by their tracks and calls.

As you descend from the peak, keep an eye out for Hartlaub's turaco, a bird that embodies the colors of the Kenyan flag, and De Brazza’s monkey, known for its exceptional camouflage skills.