Discover Kenya - Tourism Guide

Kenya is one of Africa's premier tourist destinations, renowned for its incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From the Great Migration in the Masai Mara to the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean coast, Kenya offers unforgettable experiences.

Top Destinations

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's most famous wildlife destination and part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. The Masai Mara is home to the Great Migration, one of nature's most spectacular events, when over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra cross from Tanzania's Serengeti between July and October.

  • Wildlife: Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), cheetah, hippo, crocodile
  • Best time: July-October for the Great Migration; year-round for general game viewing
  • Getting there: 45-minute flight from Nairobi or 5-hour drive via Narok
  • Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, Maasai cultural visits

Amboseli National Park

Famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, rising majestically across the border in Tanzania. Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants up close.

  • Wildlife: Large elephant herds, lion, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, over 400 bird species
  • Best time: June-October (dry season, clearest Kilimanjaro views)
  • Getting there: 4-hour drive from Nairobi or short flight

Tsavo National Parks

Kenya's largest national park, split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Known for its red elephants (coloured by the red laterite soil), diverse landscapes, and the historic Maneaters of Tsavo. The SGR railway passes through the park.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Famous for its flamingo populations that turn the lake shore pink, along with rhino sanctuary, Rothschild's giraffe, and spectacular viewpoints. Part of the Great Rift Valley lake system (UNESCO World Heritage).

Lamu Island (UNESCO)

Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest inhabited Swahili settlement in East Africa. Narrow streets, traditional dhow sailing, donkey transport, and stunning architecture dating back 700 years. No cars on the island.

Diani Beach

Consistently voted Africa's leading beach destination, Diani offers pristine white sand, turquoise waters, world-class diving and snorkelling on the coral reef, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Located 30km south of Mombasa.

Mount Kenya

Africa's second-highest mountain (5,199m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular trekking routes include Sirimon, Chogoria, and Naro Moru. Point Lenana (4,985m) is achievable for fit hikers. Diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine.

Nairobi National Park

The only national park within a capital city. Just 7km from Nairobi CBD, home to lions, rhino, buffalo, and giraffe with the city skyline as backdrop. Adjacent David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues orphaned elephants.

More Kenya Highlights

Wildlife & Nature

  • David Sheldrick Elephant Trust: Visit orphaned baby elephants in Nairobi
  • Giraffe Centre: Feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes in Langata, Nairobi
  • Samburu National Reserve: Home to the "Special Five" - Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx
  • Lake Naivasha: Hippos, birdwatching, Hell's Gate National Park nearby
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth

Culture & History

  • Maasai Cultural Villages: Traditional Maasai culture, dancing, and crafts
  • Fort Jesus, Mombasa: 16th-century Portuguese fort, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Karen Blixen Museum: Home of "Out of Africa" author in Nairobi
  • Bomas of Kenya: Traditional homesteads and cultural performances
  • Nairobi National Museum: Kenya's natural and cultural heritage

Plan Your Trip

Kenya Tourism Facts

  • Visitors: ~2 million international tourists annually
  • National Parks: 23 national parks, 28 national reserves
  • UNESCO Sites: 7 (including Lamu, Fort Jesus, Mount Kenya, Great Rift Valley Lakes)
  • Coastline: 536km of Indian Ocean coast
  • Highest Point: Mount Kenya at 5,199m