Exploring Top Interesting Places In Kenya With Us

By Katie May | Update on: May 27, 2023

Interesting places in Kenya: Kenya is brimming with surprises, treasures, and adventures. This East African gem is home to enchanting wildlife parks, enlightening museums, stunning beaches, and charming old towns. With its close proximity and favorable year-round climate, Kenya is a budget-friendly and exhilarating choice for travelers.

You should visit Kenya at least once in your lifetime because it offers numerous tourist attractions. Beautiful beaches, national parks, and other natural treasures may all be found throughout the nation. In this article, we will introduce to you the top 5 interesting places in Kenya that you absolutely must see at least once in your life.

Top 5 Interesting Places To Visit In Kenya That Should Be On Your Travel List

After compiling and sifting information from many reliable sources along with our Kenya travel experience, here are the top interesting places to visit in Kenya you should know:

1. Mombasa

Mombasa is an enchanting gem of Kenya, beckoning visitors to breathtaking natural wonders. This vibrant city boasts pristine beaches caressed by turquoise blue waters, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life and lush palm groves. The rainforests are home to a stunning array of African wildlife, making for a charming oasis. Mombasa exudes a mysterious charm that is hard to resist when immersed in a space rich in history like any East African city.

In addition to marine parks, sun-drenched beaches and mouthwatering world-class cuisine, Mombasa also thrills visitors with its vibrant nightlife. When in Mombasa, take some time to wander the European Old Town, sample spicy Indian-influenced curries and soak up the energy of Mombasa's port. 

Especially when coming to Mombasa, it is highly recommended you visit Mandhry Mosque - one of the interesting places to visit in Mombasa, which was built in 1570. It is one of the oldest Mombasa attractions still in use.

  • Getting there: The railway is the recommended and cost-effective way to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa. Flights to Mombasa International Airport are also available. 

Mombasa is a captivating blend of history and mystery in Kenya

Mombasa is a captivating blend of history and mystery in Kenya 

2. Naivasha

When visiting Nairobi, visitors should take a road trip to Naivasha and explore attractions near the lake town. It’s one of the best places to visit in Kenya with family and friends. You might decide to take a boat trip to Lake Naivasha, where you can see great white pelicans, fish eagles, and hippos. Afterward, savor some delicious fish at Karagita Market before venturing to Crater Lake Game Reserve for a unique wildlife encounter.

Situated just south of Lake Naivasha, the renowned Hell's Gate National Park is an interesting place to visit in Naivasha since it stands out as one of the few parks in Kenya that allows camping and offers opportunities for walking or cycling, making it a favorite choice for adventurous explorers. Naivasha and its surroundings should definitely be on your list if you're looking for distinctive destinations to explore in Kenya. There is no shortage of engaging activities and attractions to keep you entertained while in Naivasha.

  • Getting there: The most affordable option to reach Naivasha is a Matatu. Alternatively, self-driving or hiring a van provides a reliable and convenient alternative. 

3. Nairobi 

Nairobi, the bustling capital city of Kenya, is a captivating metropolis brimming with diverse attractions and a vibrant atmosphere. Known as the "Green City in the Sun," Nairobi offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The city boasts an array of captivating landmarks, including the iconic Nairobi National Park, where visitors can spot wildlife against a backdrop of skyscrapers. Nairobi's vibrant cultural scene is showcased through its art galleries, theaters, and music venues, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local creative scene. 

The city is also a culinary delight, with a wide range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines to tantalize the taste buds. Nairobi is also widely known for having a Giraffe Center. Since it was established in 1979, this reserve is considered a wildlife sanctuary, located 20 km from Nairobi, their homeland. The sanctuary has become one of the most interesting things to do in Nairobi - a place where you can feed the resident giraffes and get a kiss or scratch their ears.

  • Getting there: Most visitors to Kenya arrive at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Taxis, trains, and buses provide easy access to the city center.

Giraffes and tourists at a giraffe center in Nairobi

Giraffes and tourists at a giraffe center in Nairobi  

4. Masai Mara

Masai Mara is one of the best places to visit in Kenya for safari which is located in southwestern Kenya. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Masai Mara offers an unrivaled safari experience for visitors. The vast grassy plains, dotted with acacia trees, provide the perfect backdrop for thrilling encounters with Africa's iconic wildlife. Plus, the Great Migration in Masai Mara is a mesmerizing event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrate across the Mara River, showcasing the circle of life in the animal kingdom.

Beyond the wildlife, Masai Mara offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, renowned for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. With its unparalleled natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife sightings, and cultural encounters, Masai Mara truly stands out as one of the fun places to visit in Kenya for an unforgettable safari adventure.

  • Getting there: The Mara can be accessed through different points (Sekenani, Talek, Musiara, Oloololo, and Oloolaimutia), with the primary entry being the Sekenani Gate.

Giraffa camelopardalis on the Maasai Mara National Reserve safari in southwestern Kenya

Giraffa camelopardalis on the Maasai Mara National Reserve safari in southwestern Kenya 

5. Lamu 

Lamu Island is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kenya historically. Lamu prides itself on Lamu Old Town as a testament to Kenya's ancient heritage. This 12th-century town invites leisurely strolls along its narrow streets, where ancient structures and intricate designs narrate its illustrious past. 

Lamu's vibrant commercial history echoes through bustling markets and charming alleyways. The town immerses visitors in a captivating journey through time, with traditional sailboats adorning the harbor, donkeys gracefully crossing the streets, and a community that preserves important customs.

The Lamu Islands offer a captivating blend of culture, history, architecture and natural beauty. Furthermore, some places such as Lamu Fort, Donkey Sanctuary, Old German Post Museum and Lamu Museum offer insight into the lives of the Swahili, the core inhabitants of the old town, enriching Lamu's vibrant heritage tapestry.

  • Getting there: Lamu is conveniently reached by air, with frequent flights available from Nairobi to Manda Airport. 

Lamu is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kenya historically

Lamu is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kenya historically  

Some Tips For Travelers Before Visiting Interesting Places In Kenya

Embarking on a trip to explore Kenya is an experience that will leave you with memorable memories of amazement and awesomeness in this country. 

  • Best time to explore interesting locations in Kenya

For a memorable trip to Kenya, choosing the perfect time to go is essential. The best time to go is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October when wildlife is more prevalent and easier to see around water bodies.

Having your own visiting list is great preparation for your trip, it makes your sightseeing easier and more convenient than ever because you know where you want to go and the conservancies that best align with your interests and budget. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera with a zoom lens are must-haves for your adventure.

  • Applying for a Kenya visa online through Kenya Immigration Services website

However, don’t forget to check Kenya ETA requirements first prior to planning your trip to discover Kenya attractions. Apply for your Kenya e visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. 

You can easily apply for a Kenya ETA online through Kenya Immigration Services official website or at the nearest Kenyan embassies/consulates

Contact us to keep track of the progress of your Kenya e visa application, and their support staff is accessible to address any queries or problems you might have.

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