Kenya

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Remarkable natural landscapes, bountiful wildlife, history-steeped cities and a fascinating tribal heritage make this East African country a must visit.

Think of Kenya and images of safari treks and untouched wilderness probably come to mind. But this captivating East African nation doesn’t just comprise epic savannah it also offers cosmopolitan cities, historic towns with narrow winding streets and tropical beaches galore.

More than 47 million people, representing a diverse range of ethnicities and tribes, call Kenya home. Swahili and English are the country’s national languages, though many Kenyans will speak a tribal language with their own family or community. Take the time to learn a few phrases in Swahili before heading to Kenya. Useful phrases include the popular greeting, “Jambo!”

Visit Nairobi to experience modern Kenya. Discover preserved Kenyan artifacts and artwork at the Nairobi National Museum. Just under 2 miles (3 kilometers) northwest of the city center is the Nairobi Arboretum. Have a picnic here and be alert to spot some of the resident monkeys and birds. Just south of Nairobi is Nairobi National Park, a vast expanse of plains and forest where zebras, rhinos, cheetahs and lions wander free.

Kenya’s animal conversation sites are not to be missed. Feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Center in Langata. Just north of Nairobi, take a tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which includes the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. See elephant calves at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where elephants and rhinos who need specialized treatment and care are taken in.

Other popular wildlife-watching destinations include the scenic geological fault line, the Great Rift Valley, where millions of flamingos congregate on lakes. For a more traditional sun and sand vacation, head for the white-sand beaches of Watamu on the Indian Ocean coast.

The most common entry point into Kenya is via a flight into Nairobi’s international airport. To travel around the more populated towns in Kenya, take a “matatu.” These privately owned minibuses serve most major roads and suburbs. Find reliable taxi services, including boda-bodas (bicycle or motorcycle taxis) in Kenya’s smaller towns and cities.

In addition to city breaks and remote safari treks, you can also visit small Kenyan villages to meet native tribes and witness local traditions.

Popular cities in Kenya

Mombasa
Mombasa
Known for Beaches, Relaxing and Swimming
Come to relaxing Mombasa and enjoy its beaches, fishing, and safaris.

Reasons to visit

  • Diani Beach
  • Tiwi Beach
  • Diani - Chale Marine National Park and Reserve
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara
Known for Wildlife, Safaris and Nature
Get away to upscale Maasai Mara! Enjoy the wildlife, adventure, and safaris.

Reasons to visit

  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Olare Orok Conservancy
  • Oloololo Gate
Nairobi featuring skyline, a high rise building and a city
Nairobi
Known for Shopping, Safaris and Nature
In the “Green City in the Sun”, you can enjoy a safari with giraffes, elephants, lions and other wildlife, all within the city limits.

Reasons to visit

  • Kenyatta International Convention Centre
  • Nairobi National Park
Hippos abound at Lake Naivasha, outside of Nairobi. 
#outdoors
Naivasha
Known for Lakes, Wildlife and Boating
Escape to relaxing Naivasha! Enjoy its lake views and wildlife.

Reasons to visit

  • Lake Naivasha
  • Hell's Gate National Park
Malindi
Malindi
Known for Kite surfing, Scuba diving and Surfing
Explore Malindi: its kitesurfing, aquarium, beaches, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Malindi Beach
Kisumu
Kisumu
Known for Fishing, Libraries and Temples
Escape to quaint Kisumu! Enjoy its fishing, library, and parks.

Popular places to visit

Kenya

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