Kenya Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit
Discover the most beautiful cities in Kenya and their tourist Attractions, making them the best places to visit in Kenya with family or as a couple so that you plan your safari appropriately. Kenya is a breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage and that is why it is popularly known as Magical Kenya.
There is no shortage of amazing tourist attractions to explore in these cities. Here is a list of the most beautiful cities to visit in Kenya that should be on every traveler’s itinerary;
Nairobi City.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, bustling metropolis with a mix of modern architecture, historical sites, and wildlife attractions like the Nairobi National Park. Nairobi is often bypassed because people want to avoid the crowded streets and busy traffic. However, if you want time to recover from your flight, there are some worthwhile activities to be done. Definitely a highlight of Nairobi city is its crowded markets and trading areas, where you will need to bargain hard.
The Giraffe Centre Nairobi offers you a rare opportunity to interact with one of the most loved wild animals, the Giraffe, and even feed them by hand. The center was opened to protect the Rothschild Giraffe, which was becoming endangered.
It is also worthwhile visiting the well-known David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which is the most successful orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.
It is also one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Enjoy a visit to this elephant rescue center and meet some of these beautiful creatures. You will be truly inspired by the work this organization does.
Don’t forget to visit Nairobi National Park as it is another unique Tourist Attractions in Kenya!
Mount Kenya
For those wanting some adventure, the superbly scenic, snowcapped peak of Mount Kenya is the second highest point in Africa at 5199m. Mount Kenya straddles the Equator about 193 km north-east of Nairobi and about 480 km from the Kenyan coast. At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and is an ancient extinct volcano.
The main summit is called Batian and the second summit Nelion, both of which are technical climbs however the third peak, named Lenana, at 4985m is more accessible and a very feasible goal for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. The hike is most commonly done over 5-7 days, depending on the route chosen.
Narok town
Narok town is a small county where we find Masai Mara national reserve, along the Great Rift valley area. Narok is the largest Masai town located a few kilometers from Masai mara national reserve – one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world and home to the annual wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara National Reserve is adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti Park which is renowned for its exceptional game viewing. With its undulating hills and rolling grasslands, the park is a home to a vast number of animals, including the “Big Five” and wildebeests.
Masai Mara national reserve is the leading top tourist attractions in Kenya due to the annual migration of the wildebeests and zebra that begins from Serengeti and reach the Mara’s lush grassland in the late July. This migration is a prime hunting opportunity for predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena. Tourists visiting in July and August can witness the thrilling river crossings of the wildebeests and other wild animals.
Game viewing is excellent year-round, in addition to the seasonal migration. The Masai Mara boasts the largest lion population, as well as cheetah, leopard, elephant, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, roan antelope, white-bearded gnu, oribi, warthog, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, hartebeest, and the rivers are home to hippo and crocodiles. This park is a must-visit place.
Nakuru City
Nakuru City is home to the Lake Nakuru National Park, a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those interested in the pink flamingos that frequent the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to two special animals: the black rhino, which are protected in a defined area of the park through a Rhino sanctuary, and the Rothschild’s giraffe.
You can see all of the Big 5 animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, as well as thousands of pink flamingos and pelicans in this top-quality national park in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru is world famous as the home of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos that frequently form a stunning pink ribbon along the edges of the lake. Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded at the lake, making it a wonderful inclusion for those interested in birds.
Naivasha City
Naivasha city is one of the prominent towns in Kenya offering great tourist experiences to travelers. Here are some of the best places to explore in Naivasha
Lake Naivasha – a freshwater lake hosting hippos, pelicans, kingfishers, and hundreds of other bird species. While on the nearby shore zebra, antelope, eland, buffalo drink from their favorite watering hole.
This is a typical scene at Lake Naivasha, just a short drive from Nairobi but home to a world of wildlife – even leopards are known to prowl its forests. You can take an easy sailing safari over this high altitude Rift Valley lake and then go for a colorful game drive through its acacia forests, tracking its many grazers.
Crescent Island game sanctuary – It’s a quick ride, sail, or even walk to this private sanctuary where you’ll find grazing buffalo, zebra, impala, and plenty of birdlife along the island’s shoreline. Lightly touristed, this small, easy reserve is a relaxed way to get close to the wildlife in a quiet, peaceful setting.
You may choose to take a guided walk amongst the giraffes and waterbuck. Bring a picnic lunch and watch the hippos, cormorants, and fish eagles move through their day alongside you.
Hell’s Gate National Park Kenya – Mineral springs, geysers, and steam vents create the “hellish” atmosphere of this unusual park, punctuated with towering cliffs, steep canyons, and dramatic rock formations. Perhaps an unlikely place to go on a bicycle safari but you can (or just walk) at Hell’s Gate National Park, gliding by the giraffe, zebra, and buffalo.
The park is safe and lined with guided trails. Look for eland, gazelle, baboon, and impala as you pedal past the dramatic columns of steam generated by the geothermal activity below. For those who want to push themselves a bit more, try climbing Fisher’s and Central towers – safe and doable peaks.
Other places to visit include;
- Visiting and Exploring the Hyrax Hill Museum.
- Hiking to the Menengai Crater and Caves.
- Travel and visiting Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria.
- Make some time and stay at the Lake Elementaita Lodge.
- Canoeing and boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Hiking to Mount Longonot and Table Mountain.
- Visiting Lord Egerton’s Castle.
Loitoktok Town
Loitoktok district is home to Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Amboseli national park is situated in the Rift Valley Province.
Amboseli is famous for the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its big game elephants, lions & cheetah and that is why it made it to the list of tp Tourist Attractions in Kenya. You will also experience a range of habitats from open plains, to yellow-barked acacia woodland, swamps and the generally dry Lake Amboseli.
The landscape is dominated by the majestic snowcapped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro located just over the border in Tanzania, directly south of the park. This park is the perfect inclusion if combining a safari through both Tanzania and Kenya.
Maralal town
Maralal town is the closed town to one of Kenya’s most interesting national park – Samburu National Reserve. It’s also found on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Samburu National Reserve is a remarkably serene national park found in Northern Kenya. It attracts wildlife because of the Uaso Nyiro River that runs through it and the mixture of forest and grassland vegetation. This location is home to three major feline species: the lion, cheetah, and leopard, along with other majestic animals such as elephants, buffalo, and hippos. The Uaso Nyiro River boasts an abundance of Nile crocodiles.
This reserve is not as famous as others in Kenya, but with an unusual ecosystem, you can find species that are not found anywhere else in Kenya. This includes the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk.
Voi Town
Voi is the largest town in Taita-Taveta County in Kenya in the former Coast Province. It is located at the western edge of Taru Desert. Voi is a captivating destination situated in the heart of Kenya, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. This town serves as a gateway to the famous Tsavo National Parks, one of Africa’s largest game reserves – Tsavo East and West.
Tsavo National Park takes the top spot as Kenya’s largest national park. It was divided into two separate parks – Tsavo West and Tsavo East due to its immense size. Tsavo West showcases awe-inspiring scenery with its undulating volcanic terrain, whereas Tsavo East features more expansive savannahs.
This park is an idyllic retreat for those seeking seclusion and the opportunity to venture into the wild. Tsavo East boasts herds of elephants, rhinos and other game animals however not in the same magnitude of some other Kenyan parks.
Mombasa Coastal Town.
Mombasa town overlooks a large harbor, where commercial shipping blends with long-established sailing dhows. What attracts people to this region is the striking old town and its splendid Arab architecture.
The area features winding, narrow streets permeated with the aroma of spices. Local men and women don vibrant coastal clothing known as ‘khanga,’ and bustling markets teem with freshly caught fish.
Capitalizing on coastal tourism, the city is well known for its exotic beach resorts and luxurious hotels. Water activities like kite surfing, scuba diving and much more are also a common on these beaches.
Lamu – A historic Swahili town on an island, Lamu is renowned for its old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its stunning beaches.
Watamu – This quaint coastal village on the Kenyan coast is known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and unique cultural experiences.
Diani – A popular beach destination with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Diani offers a mix of luxury resorts, water sports, and cultural attractions.
Malindi – Another coastal town with a rich history and beautiful beaches, Malindi is known for its coral reefs and opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
Kilifi – A stylish and environmentally conscious coastal town, Kilifi offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and wildlife encounters.
Nyeri – Located in the Central Highlands, Nyeri is known for its tea plantations, scenic views, and proximity to Mount Kenya.
Kenya Beaches.
Magical Kenya also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the white sands of Diani Beach to the secluded coves of Watamu, there is a beach for every type of traveler. The warm waters of Mombasa on the shores of Indian Ocean offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, while the palm trees and beach bars provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
