Kenya Tourism
Kenya tourism is one of the second-highest revenue-generating industry in the country. Kenya is the original safari destination and is one of the best places in Africa to see wild animals in their natural habitat, including the Big5. In this Kenya tourism article, you shall be served with a detailed Kenya travel guide with all the essential facts and information needed for one to know before getting into the country, as well as what they could possibly do once in Magical Kenya.
Destination Kenya is probably the most visited amongst all the other destinations in East Africa, for Kenya tourism has a range of iconic game parks and game reserves that include among others the great Masai Mara National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, and Tsavo National Park among so many others. Kenya tourism is very diverse, for tourists are served with a range of activities ranging from game drives and walking safaris to view wildlife including the annual beast migration to cultural encounters with tribes like the Masai that would leave any tourist satisfied while on a Kenya safari. The coastal towns and beaches of Kenya are another wonder and highly recommended especially for honeymooners. The Kenya Tourism Board is the body responsible for regulating all the tourism sites in Kenya as well as plan for and conserve the wildlife and the antiques.
Destination Kenya is located in East Africa and is one of the countries that make part of the East African Committee that includes Uganda famous for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the hospitable people, Tanzania renowned for wild beast migration and typical African safaris, as well as Rwanda known for luxury gorilla trekking. Kenya is bordered by Somalia in the north, Uganda in the west, Ethiopia and South Sudan in the north-west, Tanzania in the south and the Indian Ocean in the east. Kenya is one of the largest countries in Africa, with a total area size of about 580367 square kilometres, with Nairobi as the capital city.
Kenya tourism attractions
There are a number of Kenya tourism attractions that tourists can visit while on a Kenya safari. Kenya has 23 national parks, 28 national reserves, 6 national marine reserves and 4 national sanctuaries all of which tourists can visit while on a Kenya safari. Below are the top 11 Kenya tourism attractions that tourists should seriously consider visiting;
Masai Mara Game Reserve: This is one of the most visited places in Kenya by tourists on a Kenya safari. Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the most magnificent game reserves in the world and is most famous for the annual wildebeest migration during which time thousands of wildebeests, schools of zebras and Thomson’s gazelle cross to and from the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania from the month of July through October. Masai Mara Game reserve is 1510 square kilometres of savannah plains bordering Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. Masai Mara Game Reserve is an animal paradise with a variety of wild animals that include large numbers of lions, cheetahs, African elephants, Rhinos, African buffaloes, wildebeests, giraffes, schools of zebras among so many others roaming the vast savannah plains. It is during the months of the wildebeest migration that most travellers visit the reserve just to watch this spectacular annual activity. Booking well in advance and planning a head for the wildebeest migration perfect time is essential.
Amboseli National Park: Amboseli National Park is one of the most visited Kenya tourism attractions by visitors on a Kenya safari tour. The scenery at Amboseli National Park and the wildlife make the park very outstanding for travellers who visit it. Amboseli National Park is also close to Mount Kilimanjaro whose peak is the highest point in Africa, combining them could be great for those adventurous tourists. Amboseli National Park is one of the best places in the world to see large herds of elephants very up-close, as well as waterbucks, gazelles, elands among so many others including well over 600 bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya from where tourists can get to watch the beautiful scenery. Lake Nakuru National Park is a scenic bird sanctuary with loads of pink flamingos to see as well as other wildlife species like rhinos and leopards. There are more bird species asides from the pink flamingos, with more than 450 bird species recorded to reside in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Mount Kenya: Mount Kenya is a snow capped mountain that is very adventurous and thrilling to climb, with many classifying it as a harder climb as compared to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tsavo National Park: Tsavo National Park is the largest national park in Kenya that it was divided into two to form Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park. These two parks combined comprise of rivers, waterfalls, volcanic hills, savannah plains, a lava-rock plateau and a diversity of wildlife including elephants that can sometimes be seen rolling in red dust.
Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha is a bird haven that lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley which reduces during extreme drought. Over 400 species of birds have been spotted here for example the African fish eagles. Wild animals like hippos can be seen soaking in the lake while giraffes, buffaloes, and others graze at the shores or even have a drink of the fresh water. Colobus monkeys could also be spotted in the canopies not so far off.
Nairobi National Park: Nairobi National Park is the nearest national park that tourists could even do short safaris of 1 day or 2 if they have a limited time to spare. Here, tourists can see a range of wildlife including various prides of lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, among so many others. While in Nairobi National Park, tourists can visit the Rhino sanctuary and get to see the endangered rhino species.
Nairobi: Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and is a historical city that was once the headquarters or capital of British East Africa during the colonial times. Tourists can do a Nairobi city tour to explore the city and learn of its history and current lifestyle of the locals. Some of the sites tourists are sure to see include Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, the beautiful and ancient architectural designs, markets and so much more.
Mombasa: Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, as well as the biggest port that brought together different races including Portuguese, British, the Arabs, Indians, and Asian migrants all of which still make the city a multicultural place thereby bringing about different cultures and cuisines which are appreciated by tourists. Mombasa, which is an Island, is a great place to visit especially if one is after great beaches and relaxation with Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, and Dian Beach being very popular amongst various tourists.
Malindi: Malindi is just north of Mombasa and is a popular beach resort especially amongst European tourists. Here, tourists can find a variety of beaches which they can stay in and take part in different activities like sun bathing, relaxing over a glass of wine, good music or great book or music.
Hell’s Gate National Park: Hell’s Gate National Park is a great spot for climbers and is one of the few places in Kenya from where tourists can pitch up tents for an overnight. Tourists can spot a number of wild animals here including hartebeests, elands, gazelles, ostriches, baboons and so much more, as well as about 100 species of birds. Cultural encounters can be done here at Hell’s Gate National Park at the Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre where the local Maasai can be seen dancing, singing, crafting and more.
There are more Kenya tourism attractions that tourists can visit while in Kenya, at any time during the year for holiday, relaxation, honeymoon, adventure, and so much more.
Best time to visit Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya to engage in Kenya tourism highly depends on what activities one wants to do. Tourists after a typical African safari should best visit Kenya during the dry season during which time wildlife viewing is most enjoyable and the roads are easy to use. It is during the dry season that the coastal beaches and Mount Kenya are best visited, while during the short rains birding is one of the activities best done at that time of the year when there are migrant bird species especially from Asia and Europe.
How to get to Kenya
For international tourists, they can fly into the country through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Moi International Airport with a variety of airlines operating there including among others the country’s carrier Kenya Airways which offers a number of direct flights say from New York to Nairobi, KLM, South African Airways, Emirates, and Uganda Airlines. Once in Jomo Kenyatta or Moi International Airports, tourists can be transferred to their various accommodations and destinations by both road and air for there are various charter flights that can be booked. Tourists in nearby countries like Tanzania and Uganda can get into Kenya by road too especially if one is combining the three countries for a complete East African safari.
For one to be allowed into Kenya to enjoy Kenya tourism activities and sites, proper documentation should be presented and these include a valid passport, a valid visa and a yellow fever vaccination card. Tourists can apply for their visas online or through a trusted tour operator like Focus East Africa Tours.
Tribes and languages in Kenya
There are a number of tribes in Kenya including the Kikuyu, Luo and Masai among others, with various languages spoken but Swahili is widely used. Kenya has two official languages, that is English and Swahili. Most Kenyans speak Swahili as well as another indigenous language as their mother tongue.
Currency
The Kenyan shilling is the currency used in Kenya. The United States Dollars is widely acceptable. There are foreign exchange places scattered all over town areas, from where tourists could exchange their money into Kenyan shillings if need be, at very great rates.
Climate in Kenya
The climate in Kenya is influenced by the equator given that the Equator line crosses the country, making the country to have equatorial climate. Kenya experiences both the dry and wet seasons, with the dry seasons falling in the months of June to September and December to February. The rest of the months are wet. The coastal regions are hotter and wetter while the interior of the country is cooler and drier.
Accommodation in Kenya
Kenya is a hub of luxury, mid-range and basic accommodation facilities in all the various tourism sites and towns. Great service, great cuisine, comfort and safety are sure to be received in the various accommodation facilities in Kenya, though variant according to the budget option.
Kenya is a beautiful country with amazing scenery, magnificent wildlife and amazing climate all year long that makes Kenya tourism unavoidable thus the continued large numbers of tourists visiting Kenya over the years. Interested in exploring Kenya and enjoy the country’s magic, reach out to a trusted tour operator to help you plan a wonderful Kenya safari.
