Kenya is one of the largest tourists’ destinations in Africa spreading over 580,367km2. When tourism is at its highest, more than 1.8 million foreign tourists visit annually. These tourists are the country’s best earner of foreign exchange. Kenya has many tourism destinations but there are only a few characteristic ones that stand out above others.
Playing host to the Seventh wonder of the world, the 1530km2 Maasai Mara National reserve from July and November hosts the world renowned wildebeest’s migration spectacle. Foreign tourists pitch camp alongside the crossing point and sometimes wait for days to witness the wildebeest cross the crocodile invaded Mara River specially owing to its raucous nature.
The Maasai Mara bears all the “Big Five” wild animals including the leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino.Esoit Oloololo escarpment and Mara River are the best places to witness these wild animals. 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, one can decide to take a camping safari in Kenya or lodge safari tour.
Lake Bogoria at the Rift Valley is well-known for its hot springs and geysers that spew forth amazing fountains of waters at 37 degrees of temperature. The saline spring waters are believed to be therapeutic for the skin. The lake does not have large tourism traffic making it an ideal getaway picnic area. Gazelles and hippos constitute the wild here, plus the 135 bird species, which 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.
Lying on the Indian Ocean waters, Mombasa is recognized for its sunshine, turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Its consistently warm weather across the whole year means, it can be visited at any time. For a historian’s concern Mombasa has Lamu ancient town, Gedi ruins and Fort Jesus, the sites which potray Mombasa’s rich ancient history. Managed by Prosurf Kenya, Nyali is the complete Kite and Wind Surfing destination for an adrenaline junkie. The undersea Indian Ocean coral reef heaven streams with unique stunning fish breeds. Dhow trips are provided to tourists willing to experience a feel of ancient maritime ocean excursions. There are many Mombasa hotels that cater to different kinds of visitors.
Being the only park in the world bordering a city, the 117km2 Nairobi National park lies seven kilometers from the City Centre. From the “Big Five” animals, only the elephant misses from this Savannah ecosystem. It is the ideal destination for tourists on stop over. It has the David Sheldrick trust sanctuary that cares for young orphaned elephants and rhinos. The park holds over 80 mammal species and 400 different bird species. The park is perfect for bush dinners, team building exercises, weddings, picnics and outings. There are many Nairobi hotels from 2 star to five star plus cheap hostels that play host to guests from around the world.
The Nairobi National Museum is laden with eclectic ancient artifacts that visually describe Kenya’s history. It has the botanical gardens where unique plant species like ornamental and medicinal plants and herbs grow. However, its main draw is the Nairobi Snake park home to poisonous vipers like mambas and cobras, and merciless constrictors like African Rock python native to Kenya. Crocodiles, Coral fishes and American alligators are reared in the museum’s aquariums.
