Kenya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, mostly because of its diversity. Kenya really does have it all – mountains, hiking trails, safari experiences and heavenly white-sand beaches. However you like to spend your holidays, you can find something for yourself in Kenya surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and enjoying the most beautiful weather. Most lodgings, just like Angama, offers not only a place to stay but also an authentic full-Kenyan experience packed with attractions or relax – depending on what you prefer. To give you an idea (and probably an instant craving), here are some of the best things to do in Kenya:
1. See the greatest migration on Earth
From August to October, more than a million African wildebeests, antelopes and zebras migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya followed by thousands of predators. There are a lot of videos and photos of the event that you can see online, but it’s nothing like seeing it live – whether it’s from a car, an airplane or a hot-air balloon, on foot or horseback safaris. Hundreds of wild animals are everywhere you look, the ground is trembling and all you hear are thunders. Truly unforgettable.
2. Watch animals in their natural habitat
Kenya is one of the most popular choices when it comes to wildlife watching destinations. It’s a natural home to the famous Big Five (African lion, African elephant, black/white rhino, African leopard and Cape buffalo) and many, many more. The animal camps are owned by the locals and all the money goes to their communities and for maintaining the wildlife, therefore you’re not supporting any outside, big operators.
Many people consider Masai Mara as the best safari destination in the whole of Africa – it can be a little expensive, but it’s worth all the money in the world. Apart from animals watching, you can visit a traditional Masai village.
3. Climb Mount Kenya
It’s a must-do for any mountain lover. It may not be as high and snowy as Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, but it’s still impressive with its 3,800 metres (second highest peak in Africa). Thanks to that, it’s also not as crowded as its Tanzanian counterpart and you may even have the whole trail to yourself.
It normally takes five days from start to finish and you can go on an organized trip – the guide will decide which one of three possible routes is the best for you. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well as a national park, so you better prepare to be amazed.
4. Relax at Diani
It’s one of the absolute favourite destinations among people who love lying on the beach and ocean activities. Diani Beach is a true paradise – white sand, azure blue Indian Ocean and palm trees will help you take your mind off all the worries. You won’t be able to think about anything other than beautiful landscapes and heavenly atmosphere.
The beach stretches 17 kilometres along the coast, so you don’t have to be afraid that it gets overcrowded. And if you get tired of doing nothing, you can go kitesurfing, skydiving, jet-skiing or snorkelling at any time.
5. Walk around the city of Lamu
A UNESCO World Heritage city of Lamu is probably the oldest, living Swahili town. It used to be the trading point in ancient times and you may get the impression that not much has changed since then. It’s a place where you can truly get to know and absorb local culture – the main method of transport are donkeys, as cars are not allowed within the city walls, people go about their lives in traditional clothes, the mosques call people to prayers by singing out.
Of course, you can do many different tourist things in Lamu (there are also beaches to relax on), but it’s best to simply sink into the atmosphere of the town and forget the world.
6. Watch out for the crocodiles
Central Island National Park is one of many Kenyan wonders. Located in the middle of Lake Turkana, it is the home of the largest colony of crocodiles from the Nile – it’s been estimated that there are around 14,000 of them there. But it’s not the end of attractions in that region. You can visit three volcanoes that are still active, crater lakes, black-sand beaches and an isolated village that seems like it’s been unchanged since the very beginning of humanity.
7. Go birdwatching
Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley is home to over 240 bird species, and beautiful pink flamingos are, of course, among them; they descend there in flocks of one or two millions of birds – it’s hard to imagine such an amount of flamingos in one place, you simply have to see it. You can travel from campsite to campsite admiring the lake and the wildlife. You may even be able to spot a rhino or a lion.
You’re probably booking your Kenyan vacation by now – and rightly so! You don’t have to possess the soul of a true traveler to enjoy this country and its wonders. And the experience will certainly stay with you forever!
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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