Where to Go in Kenya
The Masai Mara is where to go in Kenya for the dramatic wildebeest migration but there’s a great deal more to this East African country. Other classic big game destinations such as Amboseli and Tsavo are easily accessible as is the recently opened-up Laikipia Plateau region. And after the drama of a Kenya safari, what could be better than a few lazy days on a white-sand beach? Kenya’s tropical coast offers everything from buzzing resorts to exclusive island hideaways making the country ideal for safari and beach vacations.
- Read more about East vs Southern Africa Safari experiences
- Planning a Kenya safari for the first time? Get started with Kenya Safari Guide for Beginners
Masai Mara: Wildebeest Migration & Year-Round Game-Viewing
Visit Kenya’s flagship conservation area, it’s not the country’s largest but it forms part of the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem that is home to the famous wildebeest migration. It offers the most dramatic game viewing and widest range of safari experiences. It’s where to go in Kenya for hot air balloon flights, action-packed game drives, cultural interactions and guided nature walks in private conservancies – no wonder it’s one of the world’s greatest travel destinations.
Lamu Archipelago: Classic Barefoot Luxury Beach Experience
Scuba diving and snorkelling on pristine reefs, sunset dhow cruises and swimming with dolphins – the unspoilt Lamu Archipelago combines all the elements of a fantastic beach holiday and is a perfect add-on to a Kenya safari. It is also one of the best holiday destinations in Kenya for a sensational honeymoon getaway. Superb luxury accommodation is available both on Lamu Island and nearby Manda Island.
Nairobi: East Africa's Logistics Hub
With the majority of our best Kenya safaris starting or ending in Nairobi, a stopover in this city is almost inevitable. International visitors will fly into Jomo Kenyatta Airport but it’s Wilson Airport, some 90 minutes away, that provides regional and charter flights Kenya’s safari destinations such as the Masai Mara. Nairobi is an extremely lively city – the largest between Johannesburg and Cairo – and is one in which you can experience the authentic ‘everyday Africa’.
Downtown Nairobi is best avoided however, especially as most of the city’s main places of interest – the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – are located in the city’s leafy suburbs. The Nairobi National Park, despite a startling backdrop of city skyscrapers, is a haven for lion, rhino, zebra and various species of antelope and serves as a great introduction to East Africa’s wildlife.
Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Family Resorts & Luxury Lodges
With all the attention on Kenya’s safari destinations, it’s easy to forget that the country has a dazzling tropical coastline. Mainland Mombasa is a one of the family-favourite places to go in Kenya for got-it-all beach resorts, but ask us about Kenya’s more exclusive mainland beach lodges where the accent is on exclusivity, luxury and indulgence.
Amboseli National Park: Best Views of Mt Kilimanjaro
A short distance from Nairobi, Amboseli is where to go in Kenya to get classic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, ironically situated across the border in Tanzania. There’s great big game viewing as well – especially around the Amboseli’s wetland areas – although it’s a popular and busy park at the best of times so expect to share your sightings with other visitors.
Laikipia Plateau: Private Reserves & Outstanding Accommodation
Kenya’s newest safari destination lies north of Nairobi on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. An area of thriving private reserves, luxurious family-friendly accommodation and huge honeymoon views, Laikipia is a must-do for those who want an air of exclusivity and a diverse Kenya safari experience away from the crowds.
Mount Kenya & Central Highlands: Game Viewing Away from the Crowds
While there’s no doubting the allure of the Masai Mara, visitors to Kenya who want less crowded safari destinations should head for the rugged Central Highlands. Africa’s second highest peak, the 5200m Mount Kenya looms over much of the region which includes great wildlife destinations such as family-friendly and multi-activity Meru National Park, the private Lewa Downs Conservancy in the foothills of Mt Kenya, the Mount Kenya National Park and the amazing forests of Aberdares National Park.
If you’re looking for a relaxed Mount Kenya safari, then any one of these parks fits the bill. Recently UNESCO has announced that the Mount Kenya-Lewa Wildlife Conservancy will be added as an extension to Mount Kenya National Park, enhancing the protection of the property as a World Heritage Site.
Lake Nakuru: Flamingos & Game Viewing
Home to a shallow soda lake, Nakuru is among the best places in Kenya to witness mesmerizing flocks of flamingos and plenty of opportunity for game viewing around the lake shores. Rhino and hippo are among the heavyweights though bird watchers will be more interested in the 400 species of birds recorded here.
Aberdare National park.
Get ready to enjoy one of the most scenic National Parks in Kenya! The Aberdare National Park uniquely combines two very different eco-systems, making it one of Kenya’s most unusual safari destinations. A variety of animals thrive in the forested lower mountain slopes and birding is outstanding! Come with us to experience the charm and unique beauty of the Aberdare Mountains at first hand.
Amboseli National Park
Set against the backdrop of snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli can boast a wide diversity of easy-to spot wildlife dotted around the open grasslands. Come on safari with us to Amboseli National Park for outstanding Elephant viewing in a truly magnificent African landscape setting.Experience the thrill of an up close encounter with Africa’s largest land mammals at Amboseli National Park, where Elephants are the star attraction.
Lake Baringo.
Take a motorboat safari across idyllic Lake Baringo, a vast freshwater lake famous for its birds, fish, crocodiles and hippos. This peaceful wetland habitat is a birdwatching hot spot, home to over a third of all Kenya’s native bird species – one local ornithologist saw 342 bird species in an hour! Visit authentic lakeshore villages and spend the night on one of Lake Baringo’s picturesque islands. This is the northernmost lake of the Great Rift Valley, just a short drive from the hot springs and flamingos of Lake Bogoria. Lake Baringo is a peaceful, wetland oasis surrounded by mountains and rocky hills. A dormant volcano, Karosi, dominates the landscape at the northern end of the lake. Even if you’re not mad about birdwatching, the passion of the ornithological guides is infectious.
Hell’s Gate National Park.
Despite its rather sinister name, Hell’s Gate National Park is a place of surprising natural beauty and an excellent anti-dote to life in the fast lane. Hell’s Gate is one of only two National Parks in Kenya where walking, hiking, climbing and even camping is not only allowed, but actively encouraged! Hike the amazing gorges, climb the towering stone outcrops and enjoy discovering hot and cold waterfalls in this surprising corner of Kenya’s amazing Rift Valley. Plan your visit today!
Lake Bogoria.
In 1892, the famous English geologist JW Gregory said Lake Bogoria was “the most beautiful view in Africa” – and he’s not wrong! At the foot of the Laikipia Escarpment lies Lake Bogoria, a 32 sqkm volcanic soda lake just 8m deep – the perfect environment for a huge population of Flamingos, all feeding on the blue-green algae that they find so delicious. The shallows of the lake appear almost completely pink, due to the sheer number of flamingos standing in the water. Close up, you can appreciate the fantastic range of colours as the birds stand out remarkably well against the rich turquoise waters, coloured by volcanic minerals. Visit the western shores to marvel at the supernatural landscape of swampy crusts, hot springs, bubbling pools and wild geysers that shoot steam and boiling water 3m high every 3 minutes. It’s weirdly dramatic, a scene from another world. Bird watching is excellent in the riverine forest surrounding the lake and, if you visit in the evening, you’ll see the park’s large herd of greater kudu coming out to play.
Kenya Walking safari
There are plenty of fun and interesting African walking safaris to pick from, and among the best are the Kenya Walking Safaris.Are you searching for a safari away from vehicles and their window views? Experience the subtle sounds of the African bush on foot where you smell the fresh aroma of the morning grass on the plains or wander through a mountain valley and beautiful sceneries. Our local tribal guides with intimate knowledge of their surrounding accompany us to ensure we miss nothing. We visit colorful areas of the Maasai villages and get a chance to observe their traditional ways of life.
Para Gliding.
Kenya has the best escarpment allure for para-gliders from all over the world. The Great Rift Valley offer unmatched expedition option. Keiyo escarpment is a favorite destination. Kerio Valley with its clear blue skies is located at 500 km/310 mi from Nairobi City. It is one of the landmark features of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. In paragliding, the ‘pilots’ who fly the gliders run a few meters down the scenic cliffs of the Elgeyo escarpment and then soar high like eagles landing down the rolling tea plantations.You will not only glide but also get the opportunity to enjoy the best scenic beauty of the country. You will also have the opportunity to para glide with the variety of birds like the Buzzard, hawks and eagles. The best moment is between January and early March when accessibility and suitable wind direction makes the quality of the glide.
Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve allows you to get up-close and personal with the incredible variety of wildlife and the enchanting people that call Africa their home. Come with us to for this unforgettable Kenyan safari – the experience of a lifetime. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a jewel in the crown of African safari destinations. Known simply as The Mara to the locals, this sensational corner of Narok County, Kenya, is home to Africa’s Big Five, the world’s greatest concentration of big cats, and is world renowned for the incredible sight of the Great Migration. The park offers visitors the chance to observe dozens of species of wildlife in their natural habitat and is a photographer’s’ dream destination. Come and experience the grandeur of nature in this unspoilt wilderness.
Meru National Park.
Come to Meru National Park, one of Kenya’s best kept safari secrets, to enjoy a wildlife adventure like no other! Meru National Park is remote, rugged and completely unspoilt, the perfect safari destination for those who want to escape the crowds and get up close to a wide variety of wildlife in an outstanding setting. Join Africa Point on a classic Kenyan Big Five safari to Meru!