| Reasons to visit Kenya | Why? |
|---|---|
| Witness the Great Migration | See millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move in East Africa |
| Immerse in the Fascinating Maasai Culture | Learn about the unique rituals and traditions of the Maasai people |
| Relax on Stunning Beaches | Enjoy the pristine Indian Ocean shorelines and islands of Kenya |
| Experience World-Class Game Viewing | Encounter the Big 5 and other wildlife in Kenya’s diverse national parks |
| Explore Africa’s Great Lakes | Discover the beauty and birdlife of Kenya’s Rift Valley Lakes |
| Stay in Luxurious Safari Lodges | Indulge in opulence and comfort at some of the best safari lodges in Africa |
| Discover Kenya’s Breathtaking Mountains | Admire the views of Mount Kenya, Mount Longonot, Mount Elgon, and Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Visit the Cradle of Mankind | Trace the origins of humanity at Lake Turkana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Enjoy Kenya’s Mild Climate | Experience pleasant weather all year round, with no harsh winters or seasons |
| Experience World-Class Birding | Marvel at the diversity and beauty of Kenya’s birdlife, especially in the Great Rift Valley |
| Sample Delicious Kenyan Cuisine | Taste the flavors of Kenya’s diverse dishes, from ugali to nyama choma |
| Learn Some Swahili Words | Impress the locals with some basic Swahili greetings and phrases |
| Shop for Souvenirs at Local Markets | Bargain for handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, and more at colorful markets |
| Support Conservation Efforts | Visit some of the projects that are protecting Kenya’s wildlife and environment |
| Meet Friendly and Hospitable People | Feel welcomed by Kenya’s warm and cheerful people |
Hi there, I’m Andy, your personal travel designer at The Grown-up Travel Company. I’m here to help you plan your dream African safari adventure. And today, I’m going to tell you why you should visit Kenya right now.
Kenya is one of the most authentic and captivating safari destinations in Africa. It has everything you could wish for: breathtaking wildlife, stunning landscapes, fascinating culture, relaxing beaches, luxurious lodges, and more.
Don’t believe me? Read on…
15 compelling reasons to visit Kenya – right now.
Witness the Great Migration
One of the most amazing spectacles in nature is the Great Migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across East Africa in search of fresh grass and water. They face many challenges along the way, such as predators, droughts, and river crossings.
The best time to witness this phenomenon is between July and October, when the herds arrive in Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve. Here you can see them cross the Mara River, where crocodiles await them. You can also see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators following them.
The Great Migration is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss.
Immerse in the Fascinating Maasai Culture
Another reason to visit Kenya is to learn about its rich and diverse culture. One of the most renowned groups in Africa is the Maasai people. They are known for their distinctive red clothing, colorful beads, elaborate rituals, and close connection with wildlife.
You can visit a Maasai village and see how they live. You can also join them in their dances, ceremonies, and storytelling. You can even spend a night in a traditional Maasai hut.
The Maasai culture is a fascinating and inspiring one that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Africa.
Relax on Stunning Beaches
If you think that Kenya is all about safaris, think again. Kenya also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. Along its Indian Ocean coastline, you can find pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, palm trees, and tropical islands.
Some of the best beaches in Kenya are Diani Beach, Watamu Beach, Funzi Island Beach and Lamu Archipelago Beach . Here you can relax under the sun, swim in the warm sea, snorkel or dive among colorful fish, surf or kite surf on the waves, or sail or kayak around the islands.
Kenya’s beaches are perfect for a post-safari getaway or a romantic escape.
Experience World-Class Game Viewing
Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Kenya is to see its incredible wildlife. Kenya is home to some of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa. It has over 50 national parks and reserves, where you can encounter the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and many other animals.
Some of the most popular parks in Kenya are Amboseli National Park, where you can see elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background; Tsavo National Park, where you can see the famous red elephants and the man-eating lions; and Lake Nakuru National Park, where you can see thousands of flamingos and other birds.
You can also enjoy a variety of safari activities in Kenya, such as game drives, walking safaris, horseback safaris, balloon safaris, and more.
Explore Africa’s Great Lakes
Another reason to visit Kenya is to explore its stunning lakes. Kenya is part of the Great Rift Valley, a geological feature that stretches from Syria to Mozambique. Along this valley, you can find several lakes that are havens for wildlife and scenery.
Some of the most beautiful lakes in Kenya are Lake Naivasha, where you can see hippos, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes; Lake Baringo, where you can see crocodiles, fish eagles, and pelicans; Lake Bogoria, where you can see hot springs, geysers, and flamingos; and Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the Nile River.
You can also visit Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see ancient fossils, volcanic islands, and unique tribes.
Stay in Luxurious Safari Lodges
If you want to experience the best of both worlds: adventure and comfort, then you should stay in one of Kenya’s luxurious safari lodges. These lodges offer opulence and elegance in the heart of nature. You can enjoy spacious rooms or tents with en-suite bathrooms, private balconies or verandas, and stunning views. You can also enjoy gourmet meals, spa treatments, swimming pools, and other amenities.
Some of the best safari lodges in Kenya are Angama Mara Lodge, where you can see the Maasai Mara from a cliff-top; Giraffe Manor, where you can feed giraffes from your window; and Ol Donyo Lodge, where you can see Mount Kilimanjaro from your bed.
Discover Kenya’s Breathtaking Mountains
If you love hiking and mountain climbing, then you should visit Kenya’s breathtaking mountains. Kenya has some of the highest and most scenic mountains in Africa. You can admire the views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes.
Some of the best mountains to visit in Kenya are Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano with a crater lake; Mount Elgon, a massive mountain that straddles the border with Uganda; and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits.
You can also visit the Aberdare Range, a mountain range that is home to rare animals such as black rhinos, bongos, and giant forest hogs.
Visit the Cradle of Mankind
If you are interested in the origins of humanity, then you should visit Kenya’s Lake Turkana. This lake is also known as the Cradle of Mankind, because it is where some of the oldest human fossils have been found. Here you can see the remains of Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo sapiens.
You can also visit the Koobi Fora Museum, where you can see some of the fossils and artifacts that have been discovered in the area. You can also learn about the history and culture of the local tribes, such as the Turkana, Samburu, and Rendille.
Lake Turkana is a fascinating and important place that will make you appreciate your roots.
Enjoy Kenya’s Mild Climate
Another reason to visit Kenya is to enjoy its mild climate. Kenya has pleasant weather all year round, with no harsh winters or seasons. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F), with variations depending on the altitude and location.
The best time to visit Kenya depends on what you want to see and do. Generally speaking, the dry seasons (January-February and June-October) are good for wildlife viewing, while the wet seasons (March-May and November-December) are good for birding and green scenery.
You can also visit Kenya during its festivals and events, such as Jamhuri Day (December 12), which celebrates Kenya’s independence; Madaraka Day (June 1), which commemorates Kenya’s self-rule; and Lamu Cultural Festival (November), which showcases Lamu’s Swahili heritage.
Experience World-Class Birding
If you are a bird lover, then you should visit Kenya. Kenya is one of the best birding destinations in Africa. It has over 1,000 species of birds, ranging from tiny sunbirds to huge ostriches. You can see colorful and exotic birds, such as flamingos, lilac-breasted rollers, bee-eaters, hornbills, and turacos.
The best places to see birds in Kenya are the Great Rift Valley Lakes, where you can see millions of flamingos and other waterbirds; Kakamega Forest, where you can see rare and endemic forest birds; and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, where you can see endangered and unique birds, such as the Sokoke scops owl and the Clarke’s weaver.
You can also join a birding tour or hire a local guide to help you identify and spot the birds.
Sample Delicious Kenyan Cuisine
Another reason to visit Kenya is to sample its delicious cuisine. Kenya has a diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects its history and culture. You can taste dishes that are influenced by Arab, Indian, British, and African cuisines.
Some of the most popular dishes in Kenya are ugali, a maize flour porridge that is eaten with meat or vegetable stews; nyama choma, grilled meat that is served with kachumbari, a tomato and onion salad; githeri, a stew of beans and maize; chapati, a flatbread that is eaten with curries or sauces; and mandazi, a fried doughnut that is eaten as a snack or dessert.
You can also try some of Kenya’s drinks, such as chai, a spiced tea with milk and sugar; dawa, a cocktail of vodka, honey, lime, and ginger; and Tusker, Kenya’s most famous beer.
Learn Some Swahili Words
Another reason to visit Kenya is to learn some Swahili words. Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya, along with English. It is also widely spoken in other parts of East Africa. Swahili is a beautiful and expressive language that has many words that are borrowed from Arabic, Persian, Portuguese, and other languages.
Learning some Swahili words will help you communicate with the locals and appreciate their culture. You can also impress them with your knowledge and interest in their language.
Some of the most useful Swahili words are:
- Jambo: Hello
- Habari: How are you?
- Asante: Thank you
- Karibu: Welcome
- Rafiki: Friend
- Simba: Lion
- Hakuna matata: No worries
Shop for Souvenirs at Local Markets
Another reason to visit Kenya is to shop for souvenirs at local markets. Kenya has many colorful and lively markets where you can find handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, spices, and more. You can bargain for the best prices and support the local artisans and traders.
Some of the best markets in Kenya are Maasai Market, where you can find Maasai beads, masks, and carvings; Kariokor Market, where you can find leather goods, baskets, and pottery; City Market, where you can find flowers, fruits, and vegetables; and Biashara Street, where you can find fabrics, clothes, and accessories.
You can also visit some of the souvenir shops and galleries that sell high-quality and fair-trade products, such as Kazuri Beads, Banana Box, and Utamaduni.
Contribute to Conservation and Community Projects
Another reason to visit Kenya is to contribute to conservation and community projects. Kenya has many organizations and initiatives that are working to protect its wildlife, environment, and people. You can join them as a volunteer or a donor and make a positive difference.
Some of the conservation and community projects that you can support in Kenya are:
- The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos.
- The Giraffe Centre, which educates and conserves the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
- The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world.
- The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which protects endangered species such as black rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and cheetahs.
- The Mara Conservancy, which manages the Mara Triangle section of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- The Kenya Wildlife Service, which is responsible for the management and protection of Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
- The Kenya Red Cross Society, which provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief to vulnerable communities.
- The AMREF Health Africa, which improves health care and access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas.
Conclusion
Kenya is a wonderful country that has so much to offer. It has amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, rich culture, delicious cuisine, friendly people, and more. It is a destination that will inspire you, challenge you, and reward you. It is a place that you will never forget.
If you are looking for a memorable and meaningful travel experience, then you should visit Kenya. You will not regret it.