Best Places to Visit in Kenya: Complete Travel Guide

Searching for a great holiday escape? If you are up for some thrilling wildlife encounters and untouched beauty, then Kenya would be the ideal holiday destination for you. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or family or on your honeymoon, Kenya offers experiences for every type of traveler.

Why choose Kenya for your upcoming holidays?

There are many reasons why you should choose to visit Kenya for the holidays. First Kenya is one of the most awesome holiday destinations with a diverse landscape. Its diversified landscape is home to snowy mountains, deserts, beaches, savannahs, lakes, rivers, volcanoes, and varied species of plants, trees, shrubs and bushes.

From the snow covered mountain peaks of Mount Kenya to the stunning beaches (like Diana and Watamu) and vast plains of the savannahs, where many wild animals live.

Imagine waking up early in the morning, going on a game drive, watching the sun rise over golden savannahs while elephants move silently through the mist, giraffes crossing roads, lions on the prowl, and zebras heading towards the waterholes to quest their thirst.

Explore the naturally beautiful places, taste spicy street food and fresh tropical fruit and know about the ancient Maasai culture that thrive till date, and more.

To make sure that you don't miss any of the best places to visit in Kenya, we have jotted down the list for you, have a look:

Must-visit tourist attractions in Kenya

Below are the best places to visit in Kenya, explained in detail, which you must definitely include in your Kenya trip itinerary:

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned around the world for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras cross the Mara River, from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya. The reserve is spread across the savannahs, and is home to many wild animals.

Things to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve:

• Game drives at sunrise or sunset
• Witness Great Migration, if visiting between July to October
• Hot-air balloon ride above Maasai Mara watching the wildlife below
• Wildlife photography
• Visiting Maasai community villages, learning about their culture and tradition

Best time to visit Maasai Mara:

• July to October to be a part of the Great Migration
• January to February for pleasant weather and wildlife viewing.

How to reach Maasai Mara National Reserve?

• By Air: Fly from Wilson Airport, Nairobi to one of the airstrips inside or near Maasai Mara (like Kichwa Tembo, Musiara, Serena, Keekorok, Ol Kiombo). It will take around 45 minutes to 60 minutes to reach.
• By Road: From Nairobi private and shared safari vehicles will pick and will take around 5-7 hours to reach depending on the entry point gates (like Sekenani, Talek, etc).

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya

You will be surprised to know that Nairobi is the only capital city in the world that has a national park situated nearby, wildlife near the modern city skyline.

Things to do in Nairobi Kenya:

• Visit Nairobi National Park
• Giraffe Centre
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• Nairobi city museums
• Local markets

Best time to visit Nairobi Kenya: June to October and January to February.

How to reach Nairobi Kenya:

• By Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for both international and domestic flights. And Wilson Airport (WIL) for domestic and safari flights.
• By Road: Nairobi is well-connected to all destinations in Kenya and neighboring African countries like Arusha (Tanzania), and Kampala (Uganda).
• By Train: Standard Gauge Railway runs between Mombasa and Nairobi

3. Amboseli National Park

This national park is known for its postcard perfect landscape, home to large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro at the setting, Africa’s highest mountain.

Things to do in Amboseli National Park:

• View large herds of elephant
• Explore Mount Kalimanjaro, highest mountain in Africa, situated near the Equator, but still has glaciers and snow near the equator and has Five ecosystems (alpine desert, rainforest, heathland, and arctic conditions)
• Postcard photography
• Take cultural tours, interact with the Maasai community.

Best time to visit Amboseli National Park: January-February and June-October.

How to reach Amboseli National Park:

• By Road: From Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, around 230-250 km away.
• By Air: From Wilson Airport, Nairobi to Amboseli airstrips (Amboseli, Tortilis, Kimana or Satao)

Lake Nakuru National Park

This is a beautiful national park, home to the largest number of rhinos and seasonal flocks of flamingos.

Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park:

• Watch thousands of Flamingos, making the Lake look pink
• Engage in game drives and photography.

Best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park: All throughout the Year, but dry seasons are the best.

How to reach Lake Nakuru National Park:

• By Road: From Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park (via the A104 highway), around 160 km away.
• By Air: From Wilson Airport, Nairobi to Naishi Airstrip (inside the park)

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is popular for Mount Kenya which is the second highest mountain in Africa and the mountain has glaciers, alpine vegetation, and scenic lakes.

Things to do Mount Kenya National Park:

• Hiking and trekking alpine landscapes, rainforests and bamboo zones
• Mountain Climbing to Point Lenana (only for fit hikers) and Batian and Nelion peaks (only for technical climbers)
• Wildlife encounters (elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, giant forest hogs, and Rare species like bongo antelope) and birdwatching
• Nature walks, and camping

Best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park: January-February and July-October.

How to reach Mount Kenya National Park:

• By Road: From Nairobi to Mount Kenya National Park, around 175–200 km.
• By Air: From Wilson Airport, Nairobi to Nanyuki Airstrip, then short drive to Sirimon Gate or nearby lodges

Diani Beach, Kenya’s coastal destination

Diani Beach is Kenya's one of the coastal destinations along the Indian Ocean, popular for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Things to do in Diani Beach: Relaxation, Wellness Retreat, Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and dolphin watching.

Best time to visit Diani Beach: December-March and July-October.

How to reach Diani Beach:

• By Air: From Nairobi (Wilson Airport or JKIA) fly to Ukunda Airport (also called Diani Airport or Ukunda Airstrip)
• By Train: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nairobi to Mombasa, then take a taxi or shuttle to Diani Beach
• By Road: From Nairobi through Mombasa Highway, Likoni Ferry and Road south to Diani Beach. Have to take a private taxi or opt for an Express or Coach bus.

Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal city

Mombasa is a vibrant coastal city of Kenya, known for its history, culture (mix of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese cultures), nature and beach fun.

Things to do in Mombasa:

• Visit Fort Jesus: A 16th-century Portuguese fort, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Heritage Walk around the alleys of the Old Town
• Relax at one of the beaches (Bamburi, Nyali Shanzu or Pirates beach)
• Scuba diving and snorkeling at Mombasa Marine National Park
• Tour Haller Park Nature Sanctuary
• Visit Mamba Village Centre, a crocodile farm
• Set sail on a traditional dhow boat

Best time to visit Mombasa: December–March

How to reach Mombasa:

• By Air: Fly from Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson) to Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
• By Train: SGR Madaraka Express from Nairobi Terminus to Mombasa Terminus
• By Road: Take a bus from Nairobi to Mombasa or self-drive or hire a private taxi.

Lamu Island, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lamu Island is a Car-Free Zone, you can explore this old town either on foot or on donkeys. This town is known for its Swahili culture, history, beaches, and ocean adventures

Things to do in Lamu Island:

• Enjoy traditional Dhow sailing
• Explore Lamu Old Town, popular for centuries‑old Swahili architecture structures
• Be a part of the cultural festivals.
• Kayaking and Mangrove Tours

Best time to visit Lamu Island: November-March.

How to reach Lamu Island:

• By Air: From Nairobi and Mombasa flights are available to Manda Airport, then a short boat ride (5-10 minutes) to Lamu Town or Shela Village.
• By Road: You will have to take a bus from Nairobi or Mombasa to Mokowe Jetty, from here boat or ferry to Lamu Island (15-30 min).

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is a geological park, located in the Great Rift Valley, near Lake Naivasha. Here you can watch up close the geothermal wonders, gorge, volcanoes, wildlife, and rare birds.

Things to do in Hell’s Gate National Park:

• Walking safaris and hiking through certain trails like the gorge walk.
• Cycling through the open plains, grassy savanna, and near cliffs
• Rock climbing on the volcanic peaks like Fischer’s Tower (for beginners and intermediate climbers) and Central Tower (for experienced climbers).
• Explore the Hell’s Gate gorge’s magnificent cliffs, steam vents, and narrow rock pathways

Best time to visit Hell’s Gate National Park: All throughout the year, but dry months are the best.

How to reach Hell’s Gate National Park:

• By Road: From Nairobi to Hell’s Gate (Elsa Gate), around 90-110 km via Mai Mahiu + Naivasha + Moi South Lake Road
• By Air: From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Naivasha Airstrip (near Lake Naivasha) you have to take a charter flight, then from Naivasha Airstrip short road transfer to Hell’s Gate National Park

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve in Kenya is famous for its dramatic semi‑arid landscapes (open plains, riverbanks, and acacia woodlands) and northern species, the special Five.

The Samburu Special Five or Northern species of Kenya:

• Gerenuk ( long‑necked antelope)
• Reticulated giraffe
• Grevy’s zebra
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich

Things to do in Samburu National Reserve:

• Exhilarating game drives and wildlife safaris
• Visit the Ewaso Nyiro River (lifeline of this park)
• Birdwatching
• Elephant Tracking and Conservation Insight (world’s longest ongoing elephant studies)
• Explore its diverse landscape (Koitogor Rock and Ol Donyo Kuroi, riverine forests, and vast plains)
• Heritage village tour of Samburu community
• Traditional camel safaris
• Riding hot air balloon above the reserve

Best time to visit Samburu National Reserve: June-October

How to reach Samburu National Reserve:

• By Road: From Nairobi to Samburu Gate (main entrance), around 320–350 km away, via Thika Superhighway/A2, Nanyuki, Isiolo and Archer’s Post.
• By Air: From Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Samburu airstrips (Samburu Oryx, Kalama and Buffalo Springs Airstrip)

Other Important Must-Visit Attractions in Kenya:

Tsavo East National Park: World-famous for Red-dust elephants

Tsavo West National Park: Famous for dramatic scenes of Lava flows, Mzima Springs, game drives and scenic views.

Lake Turkana: Home to the largest desert lake in the world, named as the “Jade Sea.”

Kericho: Charming Tea Highlands

Ruma National Park: Home to the endangered Roan Antelope and thrilling Game drives and birdwatching.

Aberdare National Park: Known for Forest walks, waterfall visits, and wildlife

Lake Naivasha: Famous for hippos and rare birds

Chyulu Hills: Renowned for volcanic hills, scenic views, hiking and horseback riding

Watamu: A coastal destination with beach, and surrounding waters are home to marine life, perfect for snorkeling.

Malindi: Quiet beach and historic landmarks like the Vasco da Gama Pillar.

Sample 10 Days Kenya Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, take a tour of the city

Day 2-3: Head to Maasai Mara for thrilling game drives and safari experience

Day 4: Visit Lake Nakuru to watch thousands of flamingos at once

Day 5: Tour of Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate

Day 6: Amboseli Safari to watch large herds of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro at the backdrop

Day 7: Explore the Old Town Mombasa

Day 8-9: It’s Beach Time! Head to Diani or Watamu Beach

Day 10: Departure, fly back to your home country

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October when the weather is pleasant and best for wildlife viewing.

• January-February: When the weather is Warm and dry
• April-May: The landscape is lush green due to monsoon. Few tourists visit
• June-October: Best season for wildlife viewing as the weather is pleasant.

How to reach Kenya?

Kenya is well connected by air, road, sea and rail, here are the list of options to reach Kenya according to your convenience.

By Air

International Airports

1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi

• This is the Main international airport
• Flights land here from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America

2. Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa

• Best for travelers who want to visit the coastal region for beach vacation.

Major Airlines Flying to Kenya

• Kenya Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates
• Lufthansa
• Ethiopian Airlines
• British Airways
• Air India (seasonal)
• Turkish Airlines

3. Wilson Airport, Nairobi (Domestic and Safari destinations)

Fly from Wilson Airport, Nairobi to one of the airstrips inside or near Maasai Mara (like Kichwa Tembo, Musiara, Serena, Keekorok, Ol Kiombo), Amboseli airstrips (Amboseli, Tortilis, Kimana or Satao)

Travel can fly from Wilson Airport, Nairobi if they need to visit the towns and cities in Kenya and the safari destinations. For example, for visiting Maasai Mara, the airstrips include Kichwa Tembo, Serena, Musiara, Keekorok and Ol Kiombo), and for Amboseli the airstrips include Amboseli, Kimana, Tortilis, and Satao.

By Road (if visiting from Neighboring Countries)

Kenya can be easily reached by road (by buses, private vehicles and tourist coaches) from neighboring African countries like:

• Tanzania (via Namanga or Taveta)
• Rwanda
• Uganda (via Malaba or Busia border)
• Ethiopia
• South Sudan

By Rail (within Kenya)

• Travelers can travel from Nairobi to Mombasa in Kenya by using the modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
• The international railway lines from the neighboring countries are limited.

By Sea

• Kenya has its own port; tourists can easily reach by sea through the Port of Mombasa
• You can find cruise ships, and private yatchs here.

Do you need a visa to enter Kenya?

Yes, you need to apply for Kenya eTA visa, which is online visa, also called Kenya online visa. Travelers no longer have to apply for the Kenya traditional visa which required you to visit the embassy to submit the Kenya visa application form. For any information you can Contact Us here.

Who Needs the Kenya eTA / Travel Authorization?

The Kenya eTA or Kenya e visa needs to be obtained by travelers who want to visit Kenya for tourism, transit or business purposes. The travelers are required to obtain the Kenya online visa before their date of journey.

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If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.