By Tracy Marie Wamarema
Kenya is best known for its wildlife and world-class runners, but the country’s appeal extends beyond the safaris. From vibrant cities to unique cultures, Kenya is a dream destination.
Home of the Big Five
The country is home to the Big Five: lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhinoceros all of which can be found in their natural habitats rather than within zoos. With multiple parks and reserves, there are many areas to spot these animals, stalking their prey or tending to their young.
The Maasai Mara is the most popular option for tourists. Located in Narok County, the three-hour drive from the capital city provides views of the Ngong Hills and other beautiful mountain ranges. As the name suggests, the Maasai Mara is home to the Maasai people, one of Kenya’s 42 ethnic groups. A visit to the Mara is typically led by a local Maasai guide who knows the best sight-seeing spots across the massive reserve. They are often more than happy to teach visitors some traditional dances. The Mara is especially famous for the Great Migration which is the world’s largest overland migration featuring millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes.
Nairobi National Park is particularly attractive for its convenient location. Kenya is the only country in the world that has a national park within its capital city. The park borders a major highway allowing drivers to catch free glimpses of the roaming animals. This is an ideal option for tourists who have limited time and resources as it is easily accessible.
The Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and its views of Mount Kilimanjaro— the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Coastal Getaways
Kenya has beautiful white sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean. Due to its equatorial climate, the coastal region is an attractive destination all year round with the most popular counties being Mombasa and Kilifi. A common coastal activity aside from boat rides is camel rides.
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest county, famous for its full-service resorts, Swahili culture and historical sites. These include the Vasco da Gama pillar and the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus landmark, both built by the Portuguese in the 1500s.
Kilifi is famous for Malindi city which is often referred to as “Little Italy” due to its Italian influence. It has unique geographical attractions such as Hell’s Kitchen, a colorful canyon, and Robinson Island which has golden sand dunes making it an ideal quad biking site.
Kenyan Cuisine
Something that must be enjoyed while in Kenya is the food. Traditional dishes such as ugali (cornmeal staple), githeri (maize and beans) and nyama choma (grilled meat) can be found at affordable prices in many local restaurants. Catering to their tourist population, Kenya also offers an array of international cuisines from Asian to American to Arabic.
Matatus
A must-do that will rarely be found in Kenya travel guides is taking a matatu. These colorful minibuses are the primary mode of transportation in Kenya and are famous for their loud music and strobe lights, creating a party atmosphere be it 9 a.m. or 9 p.m. They’re also infamous for stopping whenever and wherever passengers request, taking the “customer first” approach to new lengths. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than through a matatu ride.
While wildlife dominates Kenya’s tourism narrative, the country has a lot more to offer than can be shared in this one travel guide but it’s certainly a good start.
