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Kenya is an iconic tourist attraction for travellers looking to experience the wild side of Africa. The country is home to numerous parks, reserves and conservancies making it one of the magnificent wildlife tourist attractions in Kenya. The land is home to the largest and the most diverse populations of wildlife on the planet. Kenya takes pride in this diverse natural abundance which helps them to market the importance of nature conservation. The country is one of the leading destinations that are switching to eco-tourism to help reduce the impacts of carbon footprint. And also educate travellers about the benefits of eco-tourism at the same time. Thus, below is an interesting read for the best time to visit Kenya and some of the iconic tourist attractions to explore in the country.
Best Time To Visit Kenya
10. Maasai Mara National Reserve
The first stop on the best time to visit Kenya is the world popular Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is one of Africa’s largest and most magnificent reserves that witnesses some extraordinary wildlife events that take place on the planet. One such event is the great wildebeest migration that happens every year a few months after the birth of the new generation of wildebeest. That signals the planet’s largest mass movement of animals. Furthermore, the reserve is home to several species of animals both large and small that contribute to keeping the balance. The word ‘Mara’ is also a reference to the Mara river that flows through the reserve.
Month to Visit: July to October
9. Tsavo National Park
The next on the list of the best times to visit Kenya is Africa’s largest national park, Tsavo. Also, the park is so massive that it has two sections known as Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together both sides of the park constitute nearly 4% of Kenya’s entire area. The area includes numerous savannah’s volcanic hills, waterfalls, rivers and a wide range of different flora and fauna. Moreover, Tsavo east may not be the best place to explore the local wildlife, but is certainly one of the best scenic places in Tsavo. The region offers some mesmerizing views of the horizon with occasional sightings of elephants playing and rolling in mud.
Month to Visit: June to October
8. Lamu Island
To the northeast of Mombasa lies an island that speaks of the old world charm known as Lamu Island. The island is a UNESCO world heritage site and the Lamu Old town is one of the oldest settlements dating back to the 12th century. Walking the streets of the Lamu Old town is one of the most popular things to do. In addition, the streets retain their old rustic look the same as they were during the 12th century with minor changes taking place over the years. One can find popular architectural features from India, Arab and Europe with a Swahili touch evident in a number of structures found in the town. Hidden courtyards, rooftop patios, verandas, carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings are some of the features that emit influence from the above-mentioned civilizations.
Month to Visit: July to October
7. Lake Naivasha
The next destination is a haven for bird lovers wishing to witness some truly unique birds of the region. Lake Naivasha lies on the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. Over 400+ species of different birds call the lake their home. Some of the popular ones include several different species of Kingfisher birds, the African fish eagles, jacanas and many more. One of the best ways of transport and sightseeing are boats that cruise the river with hippos coming to the surface for an occasional breather. And animals like zebras, buffaloes, giraffes in search of fresh vegetation on the banks of the river.
Month to Visit: August to October
6. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery
The next one on the list is an orphanage for the little wild ones. The nursery takes in and gives food to orphaned giraffes, elephants and baby rhinos. The view of a baby elephant being fed milk from a massive jar like bottle is a sight that melts your heart. Furthermore, a visit to the nursery gives you the sense of achievement of being able to give back to nature. As the nursery allows you to adopt any young calf you like. And you will be getting constant updates in regards to all development that happens with the adopted animal.
Month to Visit: August to October
5. Malindi
The next destination lies in the north of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast known as Malindi. The popular location is part of an old town settlement and part of a popular tourist hub. Moreover, as a result of its rich trading history, the land has become a melting pot of many different cultures and cuisines. Making the destination popular with Europeans, who visit the attraction either to soak up the sun or take a dive in the coral reefs of Malindi. Also, the town is a rich source of Swahili history that one can explore when visiting Malindi.
Month to Visit: August to October
4. Mount Kenya National Park
In the central highlands and to the east of the Great Rift Valley lies a UNESCO heritage site called the Mount Kenya National Park. Furthermore, the site is a rare spectacle of equatorial snow, which also encompasses the country’s highest peak at 5,199 meters above sea level. The peak came into existence post volcanic eruptions and gave rise to three glacier cloaked peaks. The highest one is Baitan, however, the second one highest known as Nelion is a much tougher climb. And the third highest peak is Lenana, which is the easiest to climb. However, the region often suffers from unpredictable weather making it difficult to scale. The mountains and the flatlands at the foot of the mountain is home to several unique species of flora and fauna found only in Kenya.
Month to Visit: December to March
3. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The next on the list is a location that lies 200 km north of Nairobi and very close to Mount Kenya National Park known as the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Conservation and sustainability are some of the major key factors in this 365 km² area of the private game reserve. The conservancy is one of the well-known regions in Kenya, where one can witness the might of the big five (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo) in one region. Other species of animals include cheetah, gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, hyenas and many more. There are many lodging facilities in the region if one wishes to stay overnight.
Month to Visit: September and October
2. Mombasa
The next spot is a coastal city that lies on the Southeastern coast of Kenya known as Mombasa. The city is home to several immigrants from nations Britain, India, Portugal, Arab and Asia, which has a direct influence on the culture and cuisine found in the region. The coastal city is a bunch of islands that lie within the Kenyan landmass. That connects the mainland through bridges, causeways and ferries. Natural coral reefs surround the islands as far as 450 km, making them the best place for a dive and a unique snorkelling experience. Places like Mombasa Marine National Park and Wasini Island are some popular places to try them out.
Month to Visit: July to October
1. Nairobi
The last stop on the list is the largest and the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. The city is popular for its colourful and colonial history. And was once the capital of British East Africa. Enticing traders and settlers who came to Nairobi to stake their fortunes in the coffee and tea industries. Moreover, the contemporary city of Nairobi is home to several popular historic sites and unique wildlife attractions. Nairobi has something for everyone from history to culture and from nature to contemporary art, the city has all.
Month to Visit: June to October
