Top Ten Tuesdays – Things to Do in Kenya

This week’s “Top Ten Tuesdays” post gives us ten things to do while visiting the country of Kenya. As Africa’s tourism industry continues to grow, countries like Kenya are given a chance to shine and show off their natural beauty and unspoiled wonder. Here are ten things to do in Kenya, enjoy!

Samburu
A national treasure – this national reserve and home to the Samburu tribe hosts some of the rarest African animals, including the Grevy zebra, the reticulated giraffe and Beisa oryx. The scorching and dramatic landscape is also host to lions, elephants, ostriches, and cheetahs. The nearby Ewaso Ngiro River is the crocodile capital of the country.

Masai Mara
A visit to the lands of Kenya’s most famous and vibrant tribal people is an absolute must for travellers looking to experience Africa at its best. The nomadic Masai people can be recognised by their colourful jewellery and body paint. Visit their traditional homes and take part in traditional dance ceremonies. Also see the leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants and buffalos that make the Mara land their home.

Lake Naivasha
This ten mile long freshwater lake sits in the middle of the Rift Valley and is also one of the top places to see flocks of flamingo but also fish eagles, hippos and monkeys. Activities include hiking, climbing and biking around this superb natural attraction.

The Coast
To the east of the country lie the enchantingly blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s beaches are chalk white and often deserted. Visitors can arrange fishing, dolphin and whale watching trips or simply enjoy sunbathing in a tropical paradise.

Mount Kenya
At 5,199 metres this is Kenya’s largest mountain and the second highest in Africa behind Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing and trekking expeditions around this UNECSO heritage site take place year round – and the ancient dormant volcano is famed for panoramic views and stunning climbs.

Tsavo
Including both eastern and western halves this is Kenya’s largest national park, occupying a mind-bogglingly large 13,000 square-miles – larger than Wales in the United Kingdom. The abundance of rivers and natural springs from the mountains means that the wildlife has plenty of watering holes to go to, so there is a lot to see on safari here.

The Aberdares
This tempestuous mountain range tops the Rift Valley and provides stunning views for climbers and trekkers of the landscape below. The land was declared a national park and it is therefore an untouched paradise for wildlife.

Lake Nakuru
This haven for beautiful pink flamingos is a natural wonder. The spectacle of thousands of these birds flocking in the heart of this lake draws bird spotters and wildlife photographers from across the world. There are over 450 recorded species of other birds found in the lake and the surrounding nature reserve – and tree climbing lions, buffalo, waterbuck and mighty hippos also wallow in the shallows.

Amboseli
Kenya’s national park is tantalizingly close to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro – which lies just across the border with Tanzania. The park spans 300 square-miles so visitors should take their time to explore by booking out a few days. Stay in the hotel accommodation provided by one of the excellent safari lodges – there are several with incredible views of the mountain – daily hiking trips to the top can be easily arranged.

Lamu
A jewel in the Indian Ocean – this is Kenya’s paradise island and oldest living town. There is a pristine two mile-long beach, an incredibly picturesque harbour and charmingly ramshackle old town. The forests of the interior are a delight to behold.

For more information on this lovely African country visit My Destination Kenya.

This post is by Leon Levy. Leon is a British writer specialising in travel, the environment and current affairs. He has a particular interest in the Middle East and South Asia. The content and photos of this post are not the property of BackpackingWorldwide.com but are used with permission.