Scenic Kenya

Kenya is a land of contrasts. It boasts sandy, white beaches at the coast, savannah grasslands and forests teeming with wildlife, a freshwater lake, and the Rift Valley Lakes which are a birdwatcher’s paradise.

And we wouldn’t forget the undulating hills and plains framed against the backdrop of Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Range of mountains.

In this article, we look at five of the country’s top tourist destinations. These are Lamu Old Town, the Maasai Mara, the Rift Valley lakes, Amboseli – elephant country, and Laikipia, the home of luxury safaris.

1. Lamu Old Town Offers a Journey Back in Time

According to the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Lamu is the "oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa."

Visiting Lamu Old Town is like taking a journey back in time. Lamu has been described as a place “where time stood still.”

The main form of transport in Lamu is the donkey. So, to enjoy your Lamu holiday, you need to adopt a laid-back attitude. After all, how fast can you go on a donkey?

Established in the 14th century, Lamu town has been occupied continuously since.

Lamu Old Town is located on Lamu Island, some 350 kilometers (212 miles) north of Mombasa.

Lamu is one of the islands in the Lamu Archipelago, a group of islands that extends for some 100 kilometers north of Lamu town. Of the islands, Lamu, Pate, and Manda are the largest, while Manda Toto and Kiwayu are other notables.

With all these enchanting islands to visit, one is spoilt for choice.

Below are some activities to entice the visitor.

• Strolling around Lamu and Shela

• Exploring the Takwa ruins on Manda Island

• Touring the Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort

• Taking a dhow to the Kiunga Marine National Reserve

2. Maasai Mara: More Than the Wildebeest Migration

Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is best known for the magnificent, annual wildebeest migration. But there is more to the Mara than the mighty movement of animals.

The Mara is full of wildlife. It hosts the big five – lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and giraffe.

Below are five exciting activities to enjoy in the Maasai Mara.

• The Annual Wildebeest Migration

• A ride in a hot air balloon

• A game drive

• A walking safari

• Mobile camping

3. Three Stunningly Beautiful Rift Valley Lakes That Abound With Birdlife

Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, and Elementeita are three of the eight lakes in Kenya’s portion of the Great Rift Valley. The area boasts the highest concentration of birdlife in the country.

Below are some attractions that draw visitors to these magnificent lakes.

• Flamingos at Lake Nakuru

• Some 400 bird species at Lake Naivasha

• Prehistoric sites at Lake Elementeita

4. Explore Amboseli, the Elephant Country

Amboseli National Park, located in Kenya’s savanna lands, is best known for big-tusked elephants. However, it’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including some rare bird species. Moreover, the area offers magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

At Amboseli, the visitor can:

• Take splendid photographs

• Climb Observation Hill

• Go bird watching

• Visit Maasai villages

5. Thrilling Activities in Laikipia, the Home of Luxury Safaris

As a safari destination, Kenya's Laikipia County stands out. The area swarms with wildlife in private ranches and conservancies. Unlike other areas where camel treks, horse riding, and night game drives are prohibited, in Laikipia these activities are the norm.

Below is a sample of what the visitor can do in Laikipia.

• Night game drives

• Fly-camping

• Horse or camel riding in the wild

• Trekking and rock climbing

Summary

Kenya is a tourist paradise. Whether a visitor wants to while away time at the beach, go mountain, rock-climbing, or camping, fly in a hot air balloon, or go on a thrilling walking safari, Kenya offers it all.

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