Most tourists in Kenya only know about the Masai Mara and coastal safaris. They do not realize that there are a lot of places to visit in Kenya for adventure travel and luxury tourism. Kenya is home to more than 45 unique tribes and has a population of more than 53,000,000 as of 2021.
There are more than 30 places that tourists in Kenya can visit. All the locations mentioned in this blog are meant to inspire and help you create a unique and customized Kenya safari holiday.
30 Places to Visit in Kenya as a Tourist
Most travel agencies in Kenya only offer generic safaris. They will create an itinerary around Masai Mara, Nairobi, and Mombasa. However, what about other unique regions in Kenya? What about Trukana county, which is the cradle of humankind? What about Samburu and Marsabit Counties?
These tourist safari destinations give you a unique experience of Kenya and show you intimate locations of the country.
Nairobi Safaris
The capital city of Kenya is Nairobi which is a Masai word ‘Enkare Nairobi,’ meaning a place of calm waters or the City Under the Sun. Nairobi is safe for tourists because it is home to various international agencies such as the UN-Habitat, UNEP, and 23 other agencies.
The City has thousands of police officers patrolling the streets with high-tech surveillance systems that guarantee the safety of tourists. Some of the places to visit in Nairobi Kenya are
1. The Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is the only park in the world located less than 20 kilometers from the capital city. The park is home to the Big Five, except for the elephant. The best time to visit Kenya is during July – October when the grass is short.
If you do not want to visit the park, you can visit the animal orphanage, a rehabilitation center for animals such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, and exotic monkeys. Luxury tourists can also safely walk through sections of the park on the Nairobi Safari Walk.
2. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Tourists on a Nairobi Kenya safari can spend time with baby elephants and rhinos by visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The trust operates a thriving elephant rehabilitation program recognized around the world. Here, tourists can feed baby elephants and see how they are rehabilitated back in the wild.
3. The Giraffe Center
Tourists in Kenya can enjoy a Nairobi luxury safari by visiting the Giraffe Centre and staying at the Giraffe Manor. The giraffe center is home to three male and seven female giraffes. Visitors at the center can take photos and feed the giraffes with pellets. You can also visit an art gallery and buy one or two souvenirs.
For a Nairobi luxury safari experience, stay at the Giraffe Manor, Which is one of the most Instagrammed properties in the world. The Giraffe Manor is a 12-acre private land surrounded by Rothschild’s giraffes. Yes, you have breakfast with a giraffe’s neck protruding in your bedroom!
4. Mamba Village Centre
Your Nairobi tours can only be completed with a visit to the Mamba Village Centre. The Center attracts both international and resident tourists. It is home to one of Africa’s most dangerous water predators: the Nile crocodile. Tourists at the center can learn about Nile crocodiles, hold baby crocodiles, and even feed one or two of them. The center is also home to the African Python.
5. The Village Market
The village market is a commercial building with plenty of things to do for visitors. You can enjoy quality time by visiting the Ozone Trampoline park or an undersea adventure playground, ideal for children. The Village market also has numerous five-star hotels, such as the Tribe and Trademark hotel. Shopping is one of the fun things to do in Kenya because products are unique and affordable.
The venue is also suitable for shopping, buying jewelry, and African arts. Tourists can also play games such as virtual reality and paintball shooting.
6. Bomas of Kenya
Bomas of Kenya is a tourist attraction site in Kenya that shows Kenya’s culture to the world. It showcases traditional Bomasa {homesteads} used by various communities in Kenya, such as the Kikuyu and Mijikenda. Tourists who visit the Bomasa of Kenya enjoy cultural performances by Harambee Dancers, who showcase more than 50 cultural dances.
The venue also displays Kenya’s cultural artifacts, such as traditional stools, beverage containers, and food. After the show and dance, you can enjoy five-star dining at the Utamaduni restaurant. The restaurant cooks Kenya’s traditional foods.
7. Nairobi Railway Museum
The Railway is accredited with creating Kenya as a country. It all started in 1896 when the British colonialists built the first lunatic express railway track. The railway track was to start in the coastal City of Mombasa and end in present-day Uganda. The museum is located within the Central Business District, and tourists can experience the steam age by seeing steam engines and coaches.
The museum’s outdoor section is also ideal for weddings, photo shoots, picnics, and modeling. The museum’s interior has several displays, such as Inspector’s bicycle, a steamship model, and locomotives.
Other tourist attractions in Nairobi include the Karen Blixen Museum, Kibera {largest slum in Africa}, the carnivore, and the Muthaiga country club.
Places to Visit in Samburu
Your Kenya safari tours cannot be complete without visiting Samburu county. The county is famous worldwide because it was popularised in the Born Free Film shot in 1966. The county is also known for its beautiful culture, tourist attraction sites, camel racing, and natural beauty. Tourist attraction sites in Samburu are
8. Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river and has a square kilometer of 165. Animals in Samburu national reserve include the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, zebras, elephants, and the Somali ostrich. Tourists can also see great cats such as the cheetah and leopard.
The reserve has various lodges, including the Samburu National Reserve Lodge, Larsen’s camp, Sopa lodge, and the Elephant Bedroom Camp.
9. Kenyatta House
Kenyatta house is a few kilometers from Maralal town and surrounded by verdant hills. It is a national monument because it is here that Kenya’s first president was detained when he negotiated for independence with the British colonial administration.
The house has historical photographs, an original telephone, and furniture used by the first president.
10. Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mararal wildlife sanctuary is located 1.5 km from Samburu town. This Wildlife conservancy sits on a famous Wildlife corridor and is known to have wild animals such as leopards and elephants. Other animals found in the wildlife sanctuary include jackals, zebras, wild dogs, giant leopard tortoises, monkeys, and lions.
Tourists in Samburu county can explore the sanctuary on foot with the help of a local ranger. Tourists can stay in several lodges, including the Maralal Safari Lodge.
11. Maralal International Camel Derby
If you are in the country during August, you can have a chance to experience the Maralal International Camel Derby. The Derby is an international camel racing event that attracts competitors from countries such as Japan, Mexico, Australia, Spain, China, and South Africa.
The County government creates a unique theme for the Carmel Derby each year. The government is also responsible for the security and marketing of the event.
Lastly, tourists can end their Samburu safari by visiting the Malaso World End Viewpoint. It is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya. Tourists at the viewpoint enjoy panoramic views of the steep dropoff into the Northern Rift Valley. During sunset, the area becomes a paradise for landscape photographers.
Other things to do in Samburu County include cave excursions, village visits, and spending time with elders over a bonfire and cow darting.
Lake Turkana Adventures – Lodware Tourism
Turkana county is the second largest county in Kenya {77,000 sq. km} and is known for its rich culture and Scenic landscapes. It is home to the famous Eliye Springs, located in a remote village on the western shores of Lake Turkana. The county is also home to the Lake Turkana National Park, a declared Unesco national heritage site.
Turkana has three national parks, home to snakes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterfowl. The area is rich in historic fossil remains {Yes, you can find one by accident}, mammalian, and Koobi Fora deposits. Lake Turkana is one of the few places to visit in Kenya if you are looking to understand the origin of mankind. Some of the things to see or do in Turkana county are
12. Central Island National Park
Another place to visit in Turkana, Kenya, is Central Island, National Park. The island is located in the largest permanent desert lake in the world. It consists of three active volcanoes emitting sulfurous steam and smoke. In addition, it has three crater lakes; crocodile lake {Yes, it has plenty of crocodiles}, flamingo, and Tilapia lake.
Crocodile lake is unique because it has 12,000 crocodiles that have not evolved for the last 130 million years. The crocodiles here are monstrous in size with a terrifying appearance. They feed on fish found in the lake. The Crater Lake is also the world’s largest crocodile nursery, and crocodiles lay their eggs from April -May.
Things to do in Turkana county – Central Island National Park
Apart from visiting the world’s largest crocodile nursery, tourists in Kenya can also see some of the world’s most venomous reptiles. The venomous snakes include the puff adder, Cobra, and saw-scaled viper.
The lake is also home to several fish species, such as the tilapia, Nile perch, and puffer fish. The presence of puffer fish indicates that prehistoric Turkana was once connected to the Red Sea.
The Central Island is also home to over 84 water bird species and 34 European migrant bird species. It is also a breeding ground for several Birds, such as the African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, and African open-billed stork.
13. South Turkana National Reserve
South Turkana National reserve forms part of the Lake Turkana National Parks, consisting of South Island and Sibiloi National Parks. In total, the national parks cover an area of 161,485 hectares. The Turkana basin has a surface area of 7 million ha, and it is essential to note that Lake Turkana is also known as the Jade sea because of its color.
Though the South Turkana National reserve is less famous than the Masai Mara National Park, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya for a romantic safari. However, it is home to magnificent beauty that consists of vast Plains of anthills and mountain ranges. The national reserve is also home to the Big Five, such as elephants, buffalo, lions, and Leopards. This is an excellent place to go for your Kenya safari because it is less crowded when compared to the Masai Mara.
14. Ferguson’s Gulf
If you plan to swim in Lake Turkana and spend time on white sandy beaches, your best bet is to visit Ferguson’s Gulf. Ferguson’s Gulf is a sandy Ridge with overgrown palm trees, a paradise hidden in the wilderness. It is a popular fishing spot with thousands of pelicans, billed storks, and flamingos. At Furguson Gulf, tourists can experience the life of traditional fishermen by taking a canoe ride or go for fishing.
The Gulf is found near the Kalokol center in Turkana. Activities at the site include sunbathing, canoeing, fishing experience, and photography. Tourists can access the area through Elliye Springs or a fishing center called Kalokol. If Furguson Gulf forms part of your Kenya tours, ensure you taste at least one of the 47 fish species found in the lake.
15. The Kalokol Standing Stones
The Kalokol standing Stones are next to the road when traveling from Lodwar to Kalokol. The stones are found at a place known as Namorutung’a. The archaeological site has historical markings on them.
This historical site is dated to be more than 2000 years old and is believed to be a spiritual power place. The local population still prays at this historical site. According to locals, an evil wizard turned dancers into standing stones.
16. Turkana Cultural Festival
If you’re in the county during June, you can only complete your Kenya safari after experiencing the Turkana cultural festival. This three-day festival involves traditional music, dances, art exhibitions, competitions, and games. The festival is a fantastic opportunity for tourists to understand the culture and heritage of the oldest civilization on Earth.
During the festival, more than 14 different North Kenya tribes will meet at Loyangalani, wearing traditional clothes and playing melodious music from their traditional instruments. The culture magnifies the event and makes the ceremony a memorable experience.
17. Kapedo Hot Water Springs
The Kapedo hot water springs are between Baringo’s border town and Turkana county. At Kapedo, two hot waterfalls, flow down the escarpment before merging with the Suguta river. If you are traveling by road, you can stop at the waterfall, take a hot bath {a few meters downstream, where the water is lukewarm}, then continue with the journey.
Places to Visit in Marsabit County
Marsabit county borders Ethiopia to the North, Turkana to the west, and Samburu to the South. The county also borders Isiolo and Wajir Counties to the east. The county has an area of 70,961 square kilometers, and just like Turkana, it is also regarded as the cradle of humankind. One of the beautiful places to visit in Kenya, Marsabit County, is the Sibiloi National Park.
18. Sibiloi National Park
The Sibiloi National Park is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, known as Kobi Fora. It is at this archaeological site that humans can understand their origin. Sibiloi National Park is a semi-desert habitat with open volcanic formations.
The park is also a major breeding ground for the Nile crocodile and a stopover waterpoint for migrant waterfowl birds. At the park, tourists can spend time with terrestrial wildlife, which includes striped hyenas, cheetahs, lions, leopards, Grant gazelles, and Zebras.
The region is also ideal for cultural tourism because it is surrounded by indigenous communities such as the Dassanach, Turkana, and Gabra.
Interesting facts about Sibiloi National Park
- In 1972 a two million-year-old fossil skull was discovered at the site
- It is home to the Koobi Fora Museum, which displays the remains of ancient fossils
- The park is home to an ancient elephant site that dates back more than 1.7 million years
- Sibiloi National Park is home to a 1.6 million-year giant tortoise
- It forms part of the Jade sea
- It is home to an ancient cedar forest that existed more than 7 million years ago
- Home to several prolific birdlife such as the Somali Ostrich, Northern Carmine bird, and the Heuglin’s bustard bird
19. Marsabit National Park
The Marsabit National Park is known as a remote Paradise for nature lovers. It is located on a densely forested mountain with three different crater Lakes. The Lakes provide a haven for four types of reptiles, mammals, and bird life. In addition, it is a refuge for huge tusked bull elephants, reptiles, and bird life.
Tourists visiting Marsabit can travel through the dense Forest while riding on camels. Activities at the Marsabit National Park include game viewing, bird watching, hiking, camel riding, and visiting singing wells.
Singing wells are areas where the local community mine dry riverbeds for water using a human chain {Yes, like ants} until they reach the water. The warriors sing in unison to keep the digging rhythm and stay in sync.
20. Lake Paradise
Lake Paradise forms part of the three crater Lakes found in the national park. It is the second largest lake, locally known as the Maar lake. The term paradise lake was given to the lake by American adventurers Martin and Osa Johnson. Do not worry about visiting Lake Paradise because it sits on an extinct volcano. Yes, it will not erupt.
Safaris to Lake paradise and the entire northern frontier of Kenya, are a bit pricey because you may need to travel for several days by road. It is an exciting opportunity to see the landscape and numerous attraction sites along the way. The distance is shorter when you use air travel, as it’s just 2 hours by air. To get an estimate of how much it will cost, reach out to us for a comprehensive quote. Alternatively, you can get a rough idea by reading our Kenya Safari Cost guide.
The lake is also home to the legendary elephants known as Ahmed and Abdul. The elephants are legendary because they had the longest tusks recorded in Kenya. Unlike the rest of Marsabit County, known for its dry climatic conditions, Lake Paradise has a unique climatic condition: chilly and Misty in the morning and cool in the evenings. The lake is one of the many beautiful places to visit in Kenya
21. Mount Kulal Reserve
Mount Kulal is an eroded-down extinct volcano in Marsabit county. It is east of Lake Turkana and a UNESCO-recognized tourist site. The mountain is important because its ecosystem captures moisture in mist and rain, providing a crucial hydrological service to the Northern county.
Though the county is dry, the reserve has flourishing fauna and flora, making it a paradise in an unusual place. The site holds water and delivers it to locals using underground springs,
22. Chalbi Desert
A visit to Marsabit county can only be completed with a visit to the Chalbi desert. The desert is one of the hottest and most arid regions in Kenya. It covers an area of 100,000 square kilometers, and the ground consists of dried mud and salt. It is also home to ancient fossils such as the Nile perch. This is because the area was once a shallow lake more than 11,000 years ago.
The desert is full of Fauna such as the African elephant, Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, and the Grevy zebra. Tourists in the area can also spot lions. A few decades ago, the black rhinoceros also lived here but were hunted to extinction.
Things to do at the Chalbi Desert
- Desert safaris that include dune surfing and racing
- Camel riding while exploring the desert
- Cultural tourism to experience the culture of local communities such as the Rendile and Samburu
- Game viewing
Places to Visit in Kenya- Isiolo County
Isiolo county is located in the eastern region of Kenya and borders counties such as Wajir, Meru, Garissa, and Samburu. It has a population of 143,000 and an area of 25,336 km squared. Some places to visit in Isiolo include the Samburu Game Reserve, Lewa conservancy {which can also be accessed from Meru}, and the Shaba game reserve.
23. Shaba National Reserve
The Shaba national reserve is known for its beauty and plenty of flora and fauna. The reserve also has dramatic landscapes: dry grasslands, volcanic hills, and scattered woodlands. The Shaba reserve is also home to endangered animals such as the grevy’s zebra and William’s lark. The reserve has been featured in several films, such as Born Free and Out of Africa.
Many lions rest under the thicket of toothbrush trees and hunt at night. Other animals found in the reserve include the black-backed Jackal, spotted hyenas, reticulated giraffes, and the endangered Grevy zebra. Shaba National Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Kenya with family. It has plenty of things to see and 5-star child-friendly accommodations.
24. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The Buffalo Springs National Reserve lies South of the Samburu National reserve. It is known as Buffalo springs because of its clear water oasis in the Western part of the park. The Oasis is fed by underground streams that originate from Mount Kenya. This tourist attraction hoasts animals such as Buffalos, cheetahs, leopards, lions, giraffes, and Gazelles.
This national reserve is also suitable for bird watchers because it hosts more than 390 species. Some birds include the African swift, Somali ostrich, Acacia tit, and the Ashy Cisticola. The Bufallo springs consist of 3 main springs {two walled} with one breaking out into the plains.
Activities at the reserve include:
- Bird watching
- Cultural safari
- Walking safaris,
- Swimming
Places to Visit in Meru
Meru county borders Isiolo, Tharaka-Nithi, and six other counties. Some major towns in Meru County are Meru town, Maua, Nkubu Timau, and Larre. Meru county has more than 39 tourist destinations and 200 healthcare facilities. The places to visit in Meru can be categorized into sports tourism, medical tourism, culture, people, and agrotourism. Some of the best places to visit in Kenya, Meru county are:
25. The Equator Tamaduni Cultural Centre
The Equator to Tamaduni cultural center is a private museum that preserves Meru traditional items and weaponry. The museum also preserves traditional clothing, ornaments, objects, and kitchenware. At the museum, cultural tourists will also see items such as the Thigaka, a traditional container that stores poisoned arrows.
Other items at the center include:
- The Migwi ya Ubai – Posioned arrows
- Meru warrior huts
- Igaajii – traditional handcuffs
26. Learn the history of the Meru
Meru is an excellent place to visit in Kenya because of its rich history and culture. When you visit Meru, you will get an opportunity to learn about traditional circumcision rituals. In this ritual, young men would dance with women the night before circumcision day.
During the circumcision day, the boys would get their parent’s blessing, get anointed with white soil on their forehead, and march to the river naked. The river would numb the penis, and a circumcisor would cut the foreskin of the penis without anesthesia. Villagers would cheer on the boys to be brave.
27. Meru National Park
The Meru national park is known for its luxuriant jungles, khaki grasslands, coursing rivers, and gaunt termite cathedrals. It is an ideal place for luxury tourism. The national park is suitable for game viewing because tourists can spend time with animals like elephants, lions, zebras, and buffaloes.
Meru national park is also ideal for bird lovers because it has more than 427 recorded bird species. Luxury tourists can stay in lodges like the Murera cottage and Meru Guest house. Other attractions in the park include spectacular views of Mount Kenya, the mighty Tana river, and Adamson’s fall.
28. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy lies at the foot of Mount Kenya in Meru County. It is home to the Big Five, such as elephants, buffalos, Lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Conservancy is also home to endangered species, such as the black rhino and Grevy’s zebra {around 380 zebras exist}.
Lewa wildlife conservancy has gently rolling hills and virgin beauty. It is a good place for tourists to go on a luxury Kenya Safari.
29. Ngare- Ndare Forest
The Ngare-Ndare forest is located on the Northern slopes of Mt.Kenya and occupies 5,540 hectares of land. It has a half-kilometer walk-through canopy that enables tourists to see wildlife below. The forest also has the Ngare-Ndare waterfall, and it is popular because it is part of a migratory corridor for wild animals such as elephants.
The Ngare-Ndare forest is also a “maternity” site for animals such as elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. The word Ngare-Ndare is a Massai word meaning water and goats. Tourists can visit with the help of a local guide or armed KWS rangers.
30. Mt Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is known for its dense Forest, Mineral Springs, wilderness lakes, and glaciers. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage recognized park that has 12 glaciers which are rapidly receding. The Ngare Ndare forest and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy surround Mt.Kenya.
Animals that you can see in the park include elephants, white-tailed mongooses, and rhinos. There are also Cape buffalos, mountain Bongos, colobus, and Sykes monkeys.
From Meru county, adventure travelers can climb Mount Kenya using the Sirmon route from the Kenya Wildlife Services {KWS} gate. You must trek from the gate for 3-4 hours until you reach Judimier camp. Thereafter you will proceed to other camps like Old, Moses, and Shipton. You can then proceed to Lenana, one of Kenya’s three peaks. The other peaks are Nelion and Batian.
In conclusion, there are a lot of places to visit in Kenya. Some are located within the capital city, such as the Nairobi National park, while others are located hundreds of Kilometers away, such as Lake Turkana. If your Kenya safari involves a road trip to Turkana, it will take three days. However, this is much shorter when you prefer an air Safari {1 hour 225 minutes}.
A good Kenya safari should be customized to your individual needs. For example, if you prefer an adventure Safari, then a 3-day road trip to Lake Trukana is ideal. During the journey, tourists visit multiple places to appreciate the beauty and culture of local populations.
For a customized Kenya safari, don’t hesitate to contact our local experts for more ideas on places to visit in Kenya. In addition, don’t hesitate to say what exactly you prefer.
