4 Places to visit in Kenya.
These are some of the best places to visit when touring Kenya.Make sure you pack adequately and prepare for the best time of you life
1. Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is 18,700 acres of wilderness which belongs to a Maasai community who leased it to Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps for it to be set aside for the purposes of wildlife conservation. Ol Kinyei Conservancy is home to only two small permanent camps, the Porini Mara Camp and Porini Cheetah which between them accommodate a maximum of only 24 guests at any given time – making this not only an exclusive experience but one that respects the principles of eco-tourism. Located within the Serengeti-Mara eco-system, Ol Kinyei is renowned for its unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with diverse terrain offering on one hand open savannah plains and rolling hills on the other.
2. Maasai Mara
One of Africa’s great bucket-list safari destinations, Maasai Mara lies in Kenya’s southwestern region and stretches for 1510 sq km (583 sq miles) into Tanzania’s Serengeti. Spot all the Big Five and other wildlife, as well as more than 450 species of birds. Encounter wildlife from a safari vehicle, hot air balloon with a champagne breakfast, on horseback or on a guided walking safari.
You can also visit Maasai villages for a first-hand insight into this famous tribe’s way of life, from women building houses plastered with cow dung to their close relationship to the cattle they herd.
Planning tip: The best time to visit is in October, when millions of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem in search of verdant pasture and to calve, an action-packed scene that often involves them being hunted down by crocodiles and big cats.
3. Lamu Island
If you’re looking for a laid-back destination with gorgeous beaches in Kenya, the Lamu archipelago is the place.
History buffs should head to ancient Lamu Town – as the oldest Swahili settlement along East Africa’s coastline, everything from the architecture to the food is storied. The streets are so narrow that it’s inaccessible by car; donkeys or walking were once the only mode of transport, but in recent years, motorbike taxis called boda-boda have changed the vibe of the town, whizzing through the corridors blasting the latest hits.
Hop on a speedboat and explore other spots across the archipelago, such as Kiwayu Island. Sitting in Kiunga Marine National Reserve, it’s ideal for diving or sportfishing. In Shela village, holiday homes with infinity pools that gaze out to the sea are the norm. The annual Lamu Yoga Festival in October draws students from across the world.
An evening sunset cruise aboard a traditional Mozambican-style dhow (wooden boat) is a must. The island has lots of great restaurants, such as those at Peponi Hotel, Kijani and Diamond Beach Village (don’t miss the full moon parties!), or have a drink at the Floating Bar.
Planning tip: Modest clothing is expected, covering shoulders and chests; Lamu is a largely Muslim town.
4. Amboseli National Park
With miles of dusty semi-arid grassland unexpectedly dotted with acacia trees and green marsh fed by underground water sources, Amboseli National Park features large herds of elephants wallowing in the shallows, dust-bathing or coming so close to your vehicle that you can see their eyelashes.
Africa’s tallest mountain might be in Tanzania, but the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro are undoubtedly from Kenya. On a clear day, you can see its snowcapped peak jutting out into the sky, making an incredible capture for photographers. Come evening, kick back with a sundowner and enjoy the views, which are even better at sunrise from the vantage point of a hot air balloon.
Wildlife use the neighboring Kimana Sanctuary as a corridor to move from the park to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo, and your visit supports a community-owned conservancy – Kenya’s first, set up in 1996. To champion the shift from hunting to conservation in a community where killing lions was once a rite of passage, they also host a fun biennial Maasai Olympics, in which young men compete in the club- and spear-throwing, high jumping, and sprinting races.
