Kenya is one of the best tourists’ destinations in Africa spreading across more than 580,367km2. At times when tourism is at its peak, about 1.8 million foreign tourists visit annually. Tourism is the country’s biggest earner of foreign exchange. Kenya has numerous tourist destinations but there are only a few unique ones that stand out above the rest.
Playing host to the 7th wonder of the world, the 1530km2 Maasai Mara National reserve from July to November hosts the world renowned wildebeest’s migration spectacle. Because of its rowdy nature, that sees wildebeest cross the crocodile invaded Mara River, international tourists pitch camp adjacent the crossing point and wait for days to see it happening.
The Maasai Mara features all the “Big Five” wildlife that is the elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo.Mara River and Esoit Oloololo escarpment are the best places to witness these wildlives. Travel companies, offer hot air balloon excursions for tourists, to allow viewing of the natural proceedings of the grassy open plains, from birds eye view. When planning a tour, visitors can opt for a Kenya budget safari or lodge safari tour.
At 37 degrees temperature, Lake Bogoria in Rift Valley is renowned for its hot springs and geysers that spewforth impressive fountains of waters. The saline spring waters are considered to have therapeutic effect on the skin. This lake does not have high tourism traffic making it a perfect getaway picnic area. Gazelles and hippos make up the wild there, not to mention the 135 bird species, that include millions of migratory lesser flamingoes that feed on the algae of the 10m deep lake. Because this is a Ramsar site, one can learn about conservation.
Resting on the waters of Indian Ocean, Mombasa is best-known for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine. Since it has a consistently warm weather throughout the year, it may be visited at any time. For a historian’s concern Mombasa has Lamu ancient town, Gedi ruins and Fort Jesus, the places which reflect Mombasa’s rich ancient history. Run by Prosurf Kenya, Nyali is the complete Wind Surfing and Kite destination for an adrenaline freak. The undersea Indian Ocean coral reef heaven streams with unique beautiful fish breeds. Dhow trips are extended to visitors wanting to experience a feel of ancient maritime ocean excursions. There are quite a number of hotels in Mombasa that cater to different kinds of visitors.
Nearly seven kilometers from the City Centre, is the 117km2 Nairobi National park, the only park in the world bordering a city. Of the “Big Five” animals, only the elephant misses from this Savannah ecosystem. It is the perfect place to hang out for visitors on stop over. It also has the David Sheldrick trust sanctuary that concerns for young orphaned rhinos and elephants. The park holds about 400 diverse bird species and 80 mammal species. The park is perfect for outings, bush dinners, team management exercises, weddings and picnics. There are many hotels in Nairobi from two star to 5 star plus hostels that play host to guests from all over the world.
The Nairobi National Museum is stuffed with eclecticist ancient artifacts that visually portray Kenya’s history. It has the botanic gardens where unique plant species like ornamental and medicinal plants and herbs are cultivated. But its main attraction is the Nairobi Snake park home to toxic vipers like cobras and mambas, and merciless constrictors like African Rock python indigenous to Kenya. Crocodiles, American alligators and Coral fishes are nurtured in the museum’s aquariums.
