The 5 Best Holiday Destinations in Kenya

Kenya was ranked as the World’s Best Safari Destination of 2019 during the Annual World Travel Awards held in Muscat, Jordan. In addition, Kenya has consistently ranked as the best safari destination in Africa. Some of its most popular tourist attractions include Diani Beach, Mount Kenya, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park and more. 

During safari trips to any of these destinations, you will enjoy viewing the big 5, the big cats, bird watching safaris, visiting historical sites, and cultural diversity among other adventurous activities. Simply put, an all-inclusive holiday in Kenya exceeded the expectations of most tourists. It takes you to remote places in Africa where the fun and adventure is at its highest. But which are the 5 best African safari destinations in Kenya? 

Masai Mara National Park

Masai Mara National Park, also called ‘The Mara’, is a wildlife corridor stretching between Kenya and Tanzania. It has one of the richest animal varieties you will find in a national park around the world. It is also the stage for The Great Wildebeest Migration that has since been recognized as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. 

Masai Mara National Park is located 300km southwest of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. You can enjoy a 6-8 hours scenic road trip to the Mara or take a 30 minutes flight right into the park. In 2017, Masai Mara was voted as the Best Park in Africa during the World Travel Awards, WTA because of its plain scenery, diverse wildlife, the spectacular wildebeest migration, and the unrivaled safari activities tourists can enjoy at the park. 

Talking of safari activities, it is the site for the much famed hot air balloon wildlife safari. You glide over the park without disturbing the animals, allowing you to see animals in their natural habitat. On the ground, you can take guided safari drives and interact closely with wild animals like elephants, buffalos, lions, and all species of gazelles. Do not be surprised when a cheetah hitches a lift on your tour van. The park then offers a unique and breathtaking sundowner as you prepare to camp with the animals around a bonfire. 

The park is open to tourists at any time of the year. Engage accredited tour companies to prepare your safari, especially to coincide with The Great Wildebeest Migration in June and July. Photo moments in Masai Mara are unrivaled, aside from maybe when you do the Serengeti Marathon next door in Tanzania. 

Lamu Island

Lamu Island sits at the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is just 240km from Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya and the largest port in East Africa. It takes an hour to fly directly into Lamu from Nairobi or just 30 minutes if you are flying from Mombasa. Traveling by road is even more interesting because you will be driving along the coastal strip, giving you endless opportunities to interact with people and visit other tourist attractions along the East African coastline. 

Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its continued settlement since the 12^th Century. You can see the centuries of civilization on its streets, giving it a mix of Swahili, Indian, European, and Arabic architecture. Storeyed buildings are carved out of coral and have been inhabited for years, the doors are made of carved wood, with hidden corridors, and curved rooftop patios. A dowl ride will help you complete one of the most fascinating trips back in time. 

Mt. Kenya National Park 

The world is still fascinated by the rare occurrence of snow on the equator at Mt. Kenya. The mountain that gave Kenya its name, is found in the Central Highlands and North East of Nairobi. It is just 138 km from the capital city, Nairobi. Once you land in Nairobi, you can travel by road through the highlands and will be at Africa’s 2^nd highest peak in two hours. 

Mt. Kenya National Park is perfect for nature trail lovers and hikers. The path to the 5,199m peak allows you to interact with the African elephants, buffalos, and lions, among other wild animals. A hike to the second-highest mountain in Africa brings you face to face with some of the most pristine lakes on mountain tops. 

There are campsites along the path for bonfire nights. Since there are different routes to the top, each of them offers a unique experience. Going up and coming down are distinct experiences. The mountain awaits your visit at any time of the year with its tourist-friendly environment. It is also scenic, giving you the best safari album in the world. MasaiMarasafari.in will help you plan the best holiday. 

Lake Turkana

Let me take you to the world’s largest permanent desert lake, Lake Turkana. It is 498km northwest of the capital Nairobi. It will take slightly over one hour on a domestic flight from Nairobi.

 The lake is unique because of the unique Nile crocodiles in the desert water. The high evaporation rate in the desert has made the water among the most saline in Africa. You get to enjoy your safari in tented camps and exclusive resorts at the tip of Kenya and Ethiopia. 

Lake Turkana also takes you 1.5 million years back to witness the fossils of the Turkana Boy, the oldest complete hominid fossils ever discovered in the world. The history lesson also includes chapters on mammalian and molluscan. The surrounding Sibiloi National Park will give you the chance to see oryx, Grevy zebras, and Gerenuk, among other animals. The rich history classroom is open at any time of the year. 

Lake Naivasha 

At the highest point of the Great Rift Valley is a bird haven called Lake Naivasha. The lake is less than an hour’s drive from the capital, Nairobi. With more than 400 bird species, hippos sloshing in water, giraffes enjoying the acacia trees, elands, and buffaloes grazing at the shoes, it remains one of the spectacles for tourists visiting Kenya. You have to watch out for the playful Columbus monkeys as you enjoy your fish, fresh from the lake. 

Over to you…

You will be spoilt for choice when planning your travel bucket list trip to Kenya. With one of the most liberal local communities, friendly climate throughout the year, and the best airport connection to destinations around the world, Kenya will exceed your holiday expectations by far. Contact AjKenyasafaris.com for the best safari experience in Africa.