🦁 Kenya: top 10 must-see attractions
Africa will always attract Europeans. This is a special world with a completely different culture. The “Dark Continent” is both beautiful and dangerous. What do you do when your curiosity and desire to see National Geographic animals gets the better of you? Right! Go to Kenya!
Kenya is an amazing African country. The state became independent only 60 years ago and is one of the most dynamically developing. True, it is too early to talk about the complete safety of tourists. But it is worth mentioning the breakthrough in ecology. No, no, there is enough garbage on the roads in Kenya, in this regard, unfortunately, there is nothing to be surprised about. But, interestingly, the republic has the strictest measures in the world to combat plastic bags: production, sale and use are prohibited. The minimum fine is $20,000 and up to four years in prison! Okay, okay, we won’t scare you with horror stories from the series “Children should not go for a walk in Africa.” We’ll better tell you where to go and what you should definitely see in Kenya.
Nairobi slums and
Kenya is one of those few countries in which the capital is not at all an object to visit. True, you will have to visit it in any case, because all planes arrive in Nairobi. You definitely shouldn’t go out for a walk alone: and it’s not a matter of fear of getting lost.
In Kenya, they speak English well, but, as in many African countries, you cannot avoid increased attention in non-tourist sites: requests for money, “to make friends” and to give a phone number – the locals are not afraid to be intrusive. In addition, no matter how prosperous the country is, you should not forget about security.
If you still want a thrill, but you’re scared to go alone, you can try hiring a guide through the slums. This will never be forgotten: hundreds of hectares of dwellings built from clay, plywood, broken slate and rusty tin – impressive! And it doesn't matter in what sense. True, you should approach the choice of a guide carefully: there have been cases when “grey excursion gadflies” lured tourists to unfavorable places in the city, and they returned from them naked and without money.
Masai Mara
In Kenya, instead of museums and exhibition complexes, there is nature itself. The calling card and heart of tourism in this country is the Maasai Mara Nature Reserve. The journey from Nairobi by car will take about six hours. Herds of grazing zebras and antelopes, leopards and cheetahs in the natural environment, giraffes that are already so accustomed to tourists that they are not afraid to approach cars, a river teeming with crocodiles, hyenas, rhinoceroses, meerkats – these are pictures from the cartoon “The Lion King” in reality!
The best time to visit the reserve is from July to October. During these months, you are most likely to see all the diversity of the animal world of the Masai Mara, as it migrates to Tanzania. The event is also known as the “Great Migration”.
It is worth considering that a safari is not a cheap pleasure: you should not count on less than $100 per day. Yes, and this is the most basic option, which includes food, transportation, entrance to parks and the most basic housing.
Maasai show
If you are not a sophisticated traveler and Kenya is your first African country, then you can find time for the Masai tribe in the tourist program. They are a nomadic people who live far from civilization. True, there is little that is authentic in their real way of life. Most tribes have been putting on shows for tourists for a long time.
See Africa's largest lake
In the west of the country there is part of Lake Victoria, which is also shared by Uganda and Tanzania. There are about 200 species of fish in the reservoir. So, as one of the entertainments, you can catch yourself lunch or dinner. Fishing must be arranged at the hotel. Just imagine – food from the second largest lake in the world! Immediately delicious!
Samburu
In contrast to the green Masai Mara, Samburu is surrounded by dry hills and plains. Yes, you won’t find the same African five here, but you can get acquainted with a significant number of individuals of the Nile crocodile, which lives in the Ewaso-Ngiro River.
The tour is led by local tribesmen. You can ask them to show a real, not staged village – only real life, without welcoming songs and dances. Tourists come here much less often than in the Masai Mara, so the place is considered exclusive.
Climb Kenya
And now we are not talking about the country, but about its highest point – the mountain of the same name – 5199 meters above sea level. You don't have to be a climber to decide to climb. 33 route options have been developed for different levels of training. Therefore, groups of tourists who climb the mountain unaccompanied are not uncommon here.
If the mountains don’t attract you at all, then you can take a walk through the National Park around Kenya. Buffaloes, zebras, elephants, monkeys, lakes and mineral springs – you won't be bored!
Walk along the equator
Kenya is one of those countries through which the border of the equator passes, invisible to Rome. There are two cities on the line – Kisumu and Nakuru. So if you are somewhere nearby, you should ask the driver to drive onto the conditional demarcation strip between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Apart from the information board, there is nothing special about this place, but the iconic invisible line is worth a visit anyway!
Amboseli Park
Surely this magical landscape has caught your eye at least once in your life. In the photo – you are the US point of Africa – Mount Ki Lima Njaro. Locals joke: despite the fact that the peak belongs to Tanzania, its best views go to Kenya.
Amboseli is a unique park. Since the climate here is very dry, the vegetation is low and animals can be seen very well. Hippos, elephants, flamingos – everything is in full view.
Look at the fastest people in the world
Kenyan Iten is a forge of marathon runners. In a settlement of 45 thousand people, the number of Olympic champions and world record holders is simply off the charts! 80% of the winners of recent world races train here. There is not much to do in the village itself, so visiting Iten is only suitable for those interested in sports. You can walk or jog along the track where champions train.
Dive in the Indian Ocean
A hike through the mountains, reserves and parks should end with relaxation and go to the best resort in Kenya – Diani Beach. Due to the fact that the place is located on the equator, the air and water temperatures here are consistently warm. However, in May the mood can be slightly spoiled by the rainy season. This should be kept in mind when planning a vacation.
In addition to the typical seal “lounge on the white sand beach,” you can ask local fishermen to take you snorkeling to the reef for a small fee. At some distance from the shore, corals begin to be found, which subsequently become more and more numerous. This is what makes for interesting diving at Diani Beach.
The main thing is not to succumb to the sun, keep your head sober and not agree to the offer of local children to see octopuses and sea urchins caught in a “trap” at low tide. Such a harmless walk can turn into not just begging for money, but real threats.
Despite its internal roughness, Kenya is a country with stunning nature. Take the time to see for yourself!