Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya, Top Kenya Tourist Attractions

Kenya tourist attractions rank among the top and best explorations to discover in Kenya for your Kenya safaris and travels in East Africa.

Kenya, also known as the “Pride of Africa” boasts a multitude of top tourist attractions for travelers to explore and have an amazing time during their visit in Kenya.

The Great Wildebeest Migration, the wildlife in their natural habitat, national parks, and the wildlife reserves for wildlife safaris. On the other hand, coastal beaches make the country an impressive destination for finding Africa’s most sought-after attractions. The old town destinations like Fort Jesus on the East African coast are also great places to learn about the cultures of the people and their way of life.

Discover the unspoiled attractions of the country in one of the amazing trips and wildlife safaris to the welcoming destinations of this East African country.

Below, we look at the different top tourist attractions to explore during your visit to Kenya in East Africa.

Top 10 Attractions in Kenya | Best Tourist Attractions in Kenya 

Below, we look at the top 10 tourist attractions in Kenya, East Africa.

1. Kenya National Parks
2. Kenya Wildlife Reserves
3. Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya
4. Wildebeest migration in Kenya
5. Wildlife in Kenya
6. Birds in Kenya
7. Coastal Beaches | Top tourist attractions in Kenya Coast
8. The Great Rift Valley
9. Nairobi City
10. Cultures in Kenya

Let us look at these top tourist attractions which include places to visit in Kenya below

1. Kenya National Parks | National Parks in Kenya

Kenya does not just hold the highest number of national parks in Africa, that is 24 including both the terrestrial and the marine national parks. These wildlife parks are rich sanctuaries to some of the important wildlife of the country thus attracting various visitors from far and wide.

Common Marine parks include Mombasa Marine National Park and Watamu Marine National Park.

This is among the best places to visit in Kenya and the parks by the Kenya Wildlife Service include the Tsavo Parks, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Meru National Park, Aberdare National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park,  Haller Park, and famous Nairobi National Park.

Let us look at some of the best places to visit in Kenya below.

Tsavo National Park (Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park) 

This is one of the largest national parks in British East Africa, divided into the Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park sections. Together, both the Tsavo National Park areas cover 4% of Kenya’s area and it is a great place to spot the extensive wildlife for example the wild Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Masai Giraffes, Wild Dogs, Crocodiles, and Hartebeests, among others.

The different landscapes that comprise Tsavo National Park, known to be one of the largest national parks in East Africa for wildlife include the savannah plains, volcanic hills, rivers, and waterfalls.

You will thus participate in various activities of the Tsavo National Park for example game viewing, nature walks, and rock climbing, among others.

Amboseli National Park 

Amboseli National Park is among the most visited parks in Kenya with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, famous for the protection of various wild African Elephants which are commonly sighted around the swamps.

While the open plains of Amboseli National Park give you incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, you will watch various animals in the park including the Giraffes, Wildebeests, Buffaloes, Hippos, and the big cats.

Amboseli National Park displays great views of the Mount Kilimanjaro snow peaks and it offers memorable safari experiences like nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, game viewing, and camping tours.

This therefore makes Amboseli National Park one of the best places to visit in Kenya while for your visit in Kenya.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is found east of the Great Rift Valley in the Central Highlands. This park, Mount Kenya National Park, protects Mount Kenya, a mountain with breathtaking views of the beautiful snow on its top.

This park, Mount Kenya National Park, was named after Mount Kenya, which stands at an altitude of 5,199 meters above sea level. This makes Mount Kenya the second-highest mountain in Africa after Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Thus Mount Kenya National Park is among the few parks in Africa offering authentic hiking experiences.

The beautiful sceneries from Mount Kenya in Mount Kenya National Park include glaciers, mineral springs, lakes, alpine, and bamboo forests, thus among the best places to visit in Kenya for these experiences.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is among the few parks famous for both the Lesser Flamingos and the Greater Flamingos at Lake Nakuru one of the Rift Valley soda lakes in the northwest of Nairobi City center.

It is found in Central Kenya and has savannah grasslands, rocky cliffs, woodlands, and the largest euphorbia candelabrum.

Other than the Flamingos, which mostly stay at Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes, Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to various wildlife like the Goliath Herons, Cormorants, African Fish Eagles, Hammerkops, White Rhinos, Lions, Waterbucks, Leopards, and Pythons, among others. This makes it one of the most adorable places to visit in Kenya.

Aberdare National Park

Found in the Kenyan central highlands on the Eastern part of the Great Rift Valley, Aberdare National Park is a rich national park where you can see the elusive Bongo, Colobus Monkeys, Black Leopards, and Elands, among others.

Also, there are over 250 bird species to see in the wildlife parks for example the Jackson’s Francolin, Eagles, Plovers, and the Sparrow Hawks, among others.

Thus, Aberdare ranks among the best places to visit in Kenya for your tours.

Hell’s Gate National Park 

Hell’s Gate National Park is among the few parks famous for its features for example the gorges, volcanoes, obsidian caves, volcanic plugs, and countless rocky cliffs & formations, hot springs, among others. However, there are various animals and over 120 bird species protected in Hell’s Gate National Park for wonderful adventures.

Thus, Hell’s Gate National Park will grant you the opportunity for various safari activities like rock climbing, wildlife safaris, birding, and nature walks, among others.

Nairobi National Park 

Found in the country’s capital city of Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park provides an exquisite experience for travelers in the country’s largest city with views of various wildlife including mammals and over 400 bird species. Nairobi National Park sits on extensive open grass plains, the scattered acacia bushlands, in the background of beautiful skyscrapers. You will enjoy walking safaris, game viewing, camping, and picnic tours in the park.

Nairobi National Park is thus among the best places to visit in Kenya.

Meru National Park

Although not commonly known, Meru National Park is a remarkable destination for viewing wild animals, birds, and scenery. Expect the views of various animals like Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Buffaloes, Lions, wild African Elephants, Antelopes, and over 300 bird species, among others. Thus, among the best places to visit in Kenya by any traveler.

Haller Park in Mombasa 

Haller Park in Mombasa is found on the coastline of Mombasa. It was begun by Dr Reed Haller to protect the red-legged millipedes which she predicted to re-engineer the forest.

However, Haller Park is now home to various other animals and plants today and is one of the many places to visit in Kenya by tourists.

Mombasa Marine National Park is another attraction in Mombasa.

Lake Naivasha National Park 

Lake Naivasha National Park was named after Lake Naivasha, a feature in its premises that harbors various wildlife species, especially birds like Jacanas, Kingfishers, and Bee-eaters.

It is also home to various animals like the Hippos, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Zebras, and Elands, among others.

Lake Naivasha which is also a Crater Lake Game Sanctuary has a wildlife-rich nature trail to facilitate safari activities like nature walks, making it one of the best places to visit in Kenya on visit in Kenya.

2. Kenya Wildlife Reserves | National Reserves in Kenya 

The Kenya national reserves are also among the most renowned attractions and some of the best places to visit in Kenya inviting various travelers from every part of the world. Kenya has 28 national reserves, which are all managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and Masai Mara National Reserve is considered the most famous reserve and protected area in the country because of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Other than the Masai Mara National Reserve, other common national reserves in Kenya include the Nasalot National Reserve Shimba Hills National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

Below, we look at these major national reserves of Kenya that rank among the best places to visit in Kenya.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

This is the best and major tourist attraction in Kenya and it was named after the Maasai local people and it includes a larger ecosystem that has 11 other ranches.

The popular tourist attraction is famous for the great Wildebeest migration which is one of the “wonders of the natural world”. You will see the wild beasts at different points of their movement with the most captivating one being as they cross the Mara River.

Wildebeests, Zebras, and Antelopes adding to about 2 million in total move between Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park through the wildlife corridor between the two protected areas.

Masai Mara Reserve also boasts about 95 mammal species and over 570 bird species thus granting tourists the chance to experience wildlife safaris like game viewing experiences and bird watching adventures.

Nasalot National Reserve

The Nasalot National Reserve boasts an endless plain of nature to behold through amazing features like the rugged and beautiful Mount Melo.

Other amazing experiences to have at the Nasalot National Reserve are game viewing, camping, bird watching, nature walks, and fishing.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve 

The reserve is also known as the “canopy of natural beauty” as it spans a rich rainforest keeping various mammals, for example, the Colobus Monkeys, Pottos, Bush Pigs, Forest Hogs, and the Debrazzat Monkeys.

Most sought-after bird species are also protected in the reserve for example the Turacos, Parrots, among others. Some of the activities to enjoy in the reserve include hiking and scenery viewing.

Shimba Hills National Reserve 

Shimba Hills Reserve is a small national reserve that is 33 kilometers away from Mombasa. It comprises grasslands, coastal rainforests, and woodlands, thus making it among the best places to visit in Kenya. Orchids and Cyads are some of the rare plants found in the national reserve.

Nonetheless, you can enjoy the sight of different wildlife species like over 700 Elephants, and different bird and butterfly species.

3. Wildlife Sanctuaries and Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya 

The wildlife sanctuaries and conservancies are also famous attractions in Kenya for safari tours. Like parks and game reserves, they are also home to some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife, birds, physical features, and cultures.

Common sanctuaries in Kenya are Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary (LEWS), Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Lake Simbi National Sanctuary, and Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the most common in the country, known for protecting both the black and white Rhinos.

Among other wildlife conservancies in Kenya, you can visit among others Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Mara Naboish Conservancy, and Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

4. Wildebeest Migration in Kenya

The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya is an annual event where over 2 million wild animals majorly Wildebeests move in the Serengeti-Mara Conservation Area that spans Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Other animals that join during the migration at Masai Mara include the Zebras and the Antelopes and the experience is considered one of the “natural wonders of the world”.

The annual Wildebeest Migration is an astounding experience that allows you to watch one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the world.

The adventure involves dramatic movements of the wild animals and fast movements while they move between the two safari destinations.

When is the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?

The Great Migration occurs all year round. However, July to September is considered the best time to watch this popular tourist attraction as the wild animals move in the largest numbers as they cross through the borders.

5. Wildlife in Kenya Africa

The wildlife contributes as one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya for outstanding African wildlife experiences. Kenya has more than 400 mammal species including about 22 species that are endemic to the nation.

The popular tourist attraction of wildlife also includes reptiles, amphibians, and vegetation especially the protected areas like the parks and the reserves.

Some examples of the common wildlife to see in Kenya include the most sought-after big five which are the Lions, wild Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes. However, other famous wildlife in Kenya to watch during your Kenya wildlife safaris are the Wildebeests as they cross the Mara River, Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, Antelopes, Zebras, and the Masai Mara Giraffes, among others.

There are different destinations to watch these amazing wildlife in Kenya, Africa including Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, famous Nairobi National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Naivasha National Park, Lake Victoria, Shaba National Reserve, etc.

6. Birds in Kenya Africa

Kenya is also a famous destination and refuge for various bird species thus a rich place for your bird-watching trips in the country.

Kenya has more than 1090 bird species and they range from water birds to savannah and forest birds. Migratory birds especially those from the Palearctic regions come around September to April.

Birds can be seen in all the protected areas in Kenya but the most famous destinations to go to Kenya birding in Africa include Lake Nakuru National Park in Central Kenya, Lake Naivasha NP, Tsavo East National Park, Shaba National Reserve, Lake Victoria and Amboseli National Park.

There are both small birds in Kenya and big birds in Kenya and common examples include Vultures, Pelicans, Weavers, Ostriches, African Fish Eagles, Flamingoes, Starlings, Secretary Birds, and the Kori Bustard, among others.

7. Coastal Beaches | Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya Coast 

Being a country on the East African coast, Kenya boasts a lot of coastal beaches, attracting various visitors to awe at their beauty in the Indian Ocean.

The most common is the tranquil Diani Beach which comprises beautiful white sandy beaches with beautiful coconut palms and amazing coral reefs. Diani Beach is in the Southern part of Mombasa and you can add Monkey trekking safaris to your beach tours through the surrounding forests.

Being one of the leading coastline beaches, Diani Beach has been developed to offer world-class experiences. Around Diani Beach are various facilities like restaurants, accommodations, and supermarkets.

Other beaches to explore in Kenya include Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, and Watumu near Watamu Marine National Parks, etc.

There are different activities that you can do at the beach including snorkeling, jet skiing, kitesurfing, and skydiving.

8. The Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is an amazing geological attraction running from Northern Kenya to the South and one of the special wonders of the world. Various physical features form the Great Rift Valley for example the escarpments, underground forests, volcanoes, and lakes.

Some famous features that makeup part of the Kenyan Rift Valley include Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru in Lake Nakuru National Park, Ngong Hills, and Lake Turkana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other places covering the rift valley include Mount Kipipiri, Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita, Lake Magadi, among others.

Some of these features comprise glaciers, hot springs, obsidian caves, natural geysers, and hisses, among others.

The Rift Valley in Kenya protects a multitude of wildlife for example the African Spoonbill, Little Grebe, Black black-winged stilt, Gull-Billed Tern, Black Necked Grebe, Pied Avocet, Yellow Billed Stork, African Fish Eagles, Grey Headed Gull, among many other birds.

Among animals, the Rift Valley is home to various animals for example the Greater Kudu, Cheetah, Wild Dogs, Black Rhinos, Lions, and Rothschild’s Giraffe, among others.

9. Kenya Nairobi City

Kenya Nairobi City is also one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya for its amazing welcoming life and various offers to tourists in the country.

Nairobi City, which is also Kenya’s largest city, is an incredible destination to discover various tourist destinations for example, Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Center, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, Kenya Bomas, Nairobi National Museum, Ngong Hills, among others.

Through these tourist destinations, you can discover captivating things to do in the country’s capital.

Let us look at some of these amazing destinations in Nairobi below.

1. Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park is a wildlife paradise found in Nairobi City, the Kenyan country’s capital thus making it the only city center in the world with a national park.

Various wildlife can be seen in this only national park in Kenya’s largest city for example the Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Buffaloes, and Warthogs, among others.

On the other hand, visitors can enjoy incredible safaris in the country through amazing birding experiences in the park by watching various species for example the Abyssinian Thrush, Jackson’s Widowbird, Secretary Bird, Sooty Falcon, White-Headed Vulture, Ostriches, Sharpe’s Longclaw, and the Grey Crowned Crane.

Nairobi National Park also joins as a wildlife corridor for the Athi-Kapiti plains southwards – one of the best places to visit for your trip.

2. Giraffe Center 

The Giraffe Center sits at the edge of Nairobi National Park and it is a nonprofit center. Visiting the giraffe center is among the important things to do in Nairobi City, the country’s largest city. The giraffe center will allow you to learn about these wild animals and have a look at them up close.

Other than meeting the giraffe at the giraffe center, you can also have a forest walk with a guide which goes on a distance of about 1.5 kilometers.

3. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust 

In 1977, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was founded by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of David Sheldrick who was her late husband and warden of Tsavo East National Park.

The facility is a rescue and rehabilitation place for the young and abandoned Elephants and Rhinos. By visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you will get to engage with the wild animals as you watch them go about their day for example watching them as they lay in the mud.

4. Karen Blixen Museum 

The Karen Blixen Museum is among the top tourist attractions in Kenya’s Nairobi City center found at the foothills of the Ngong hills.

The Karen Blixen Museum was a former residence of the African-Danish author, Karen Blixen between 1917 to 1931. She also had a coffee plantation and when you visit the museum, you will be given a tour of the different parts of her house.

In the Karen Blixen Museum, you get to see some of the belongings of Karen Blixen and her husband including books and photographs.

Karen Blixen wrote the book, “Out of Africa” which reveals her life at the farm and in Kenya from which the movie “Out of Africa” was produced.

5.  Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum shows different items that reveal Kenya’s natural and cultural history.

If you wish to learn about the culture and the history of Kenya, then the Nairobi National Museum in Nairobi, Kenya’s largest city will give you the best experience. Discover the best local arts, for the local ethnic groups to discover more about their culture, history, and politics.

A guide will lead you through the Hominid Vault which has a collection of prehistoric bones and the geology gallery which has a collection of rocky cliffs, and different minerals.

10. Cultures in Kenya 

The cultures in Kenya are a great opportunity for Kenyan cultural tours to find out about the different indigenous people and their way of life like dances, festivals, food, and music, among others.

Different cultures will give you incredible adventures for cultural experiences in the country for example,

1. Visiting the Masai people of Narok in the Loita plains
2. Exploring the Islamic Culture at the Lamu Island/Lamu old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Discovering the Samburu people near Samburu National Reserve who are like the Maasai culture.
4. You may also visit the Turkana and the El Molo people
5. Visit the Luo people at Kisumu and Nyanza, etc

The historic old town of Malindi provides an opportunity for beautiful cultural experiences as you learn more about the Swahili history of the East African coast including Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town along the Indian Ocean dates from the 12th century and some of the attractions here include the Church of St Francis Xavier which is among East Africa’s oldest churches.

On the other hand, the old town is also home to the Vasco De Gama Cross which is considered one of the oldest standing monuments of Africa. Malindi’s old town likewise protects the Falconry of this East African country and the Marafa Depression also known as Nyari or Hell’s Kitchen comprised of sandstone gorges that were formed by the wind and rain.

The Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus are also a great destination to discover the different cultural mix among the people that cover the Portuguese, British East Africa, Indian, Arab, and Asian immigrants. You may see this in the architecture of the area while in this popular tourist attraction.

Culture also spreads through the coastal white sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean like Diani Beach, Nyali beaches, and Watamu near Watamu Marine National Parks, among others.

Other attractions in the country are Lake Victoria and other lakes, and rivers, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

1. What’s Kenya Known For? | What is the Most Famous Thing in Kenya?

Many exceptional attractions make Kenya famous and known all over the world. Some of the various things that make Kenya famous include the Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five, Kenya parks, the beautiful flamingoes, and Mount Kenya.

2. What is the Leading Tourist Attraction in Kenya?

Masai Mara National Reserve and its Wildebeest migration is the major tourist attraction in Kenya attracting the highest number of tourists in the country. Millions of visitors visit the Masai Mara Reserve yearly to go for the Great Migration.

3. What do Tourists Come to See in Kenya?

Tourists to Kenya come to see the various top tourist attractions in Kenya like the parks, national reserves, the Great Rift Valley, cultures, wildlife, and the coastal beaches. Other attractions include physical features like rivers and lakes for example Lake Victoria.

4. What Tourist Activity is Most Common in Kenya?

Game viewing is the most common tourist activity in Kenya. Travelers often come to have a look at the Great Wildebeest Migration, do some game drives, and also explore the importance of wildlife safaris through other activities like nature walks, and boat cruises, among others.

In conclusion, therefore, top tourist attractions in Kenya are incredible, inviting visitors from far and wide and providing the best experiences for travelers. Some of the best attractions in Kenya, Africa include parks, game reserves, sanctuaries, wildlife, birds, and the Great Rift Valley, among others.