Reasons Why You Should Visit Kenya at Least Once

There are more than 100 operational wildlife conservancies in Kenya, split between public and private land across the country. Each one aims to preserve and promote healthy wildlife ecosystems, complementing Kenya’s national park system. From Ol Pejeta near Mount Kenya to Ol Kinyei near the border with Tanzania, conservancies provide visitors with unforgettable experiences of incredible animals.

A visit to Kenya is incomplete without a visit to the beautiful beaches in Mombasa, Malindi, Diani and Lamu. Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the coast offers snorkelling and kitesurfing adventures as well as complete relaxation. Stay in a Swahili beach house and take long strolls along soft sand in the evenings; make sure to try some fresh seafood and delicious Swahili cuisine.

The yearly Great Migration, usually in July and August, is a spectacle to behold in Maasai Mara National Reserve – two million wildebeest arrive in Kenya from Tanzania in search of water and greener pastures. The Mara is a great place for a safari, as are other national parks in the country. Look out for the Big Five (lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino) in their natural habitats.

From the bizarre to the traditional and everyday, sample an array of great local dishes while you’re here. The capital, Nairobi, is full of restaurants boasting diverse menus from across the globe. There are also some unique dining locations, including Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant and the Moorings Floating Restaurant in Mombasa. Ugali (a stiff, maize flour dough) is Kenya’s national dish – you’ll find it on every menu.

Kenya has seven unique World Heritage sites. Cultural locations include the Old Town of Lamu; Fort Jesus and the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests in Mombasa; and the stone ruins of Thimlich Ohinga near Lake Victoria, believed to be over 500 years old. Natural sites include the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, the three Lake Turkana National Parks and Mount Kenya National Park.

Whether you plan to hike, drive or cycle, the picturesque Kenyan landscapes will leave you in awe. From fields of green tea leaves in Kericho and the lush Kakamega rainforest, to the barren Nyiri and Chalbi deserts and towering peak of Africa’s second-largest mountain, Kenya’s nature is astounding. Make sure you explore beyond the safaris.

People in Nairobi party hard, so hit the clubs and lounges and laugh with locals. Visit the Central Business District, Westlands, Ngong Road or Nairobi West for the coolest clubs – the best days to party are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you’re not into loud music and dancing, try the laid-back jazz night at K1 Klub House. Brew Bistro & Lounge on Ngong Road is known for its craft beer, rooftop bar and salsa dancing.

Giraffe Manor is a stately boutique hotel in Lang’ata, Nairobi, set in 5ha (12 acres) of forest. Its sunny terraces and verdant courtyards are often visited in the mornings and evenings by the local Rothschild’s giraffes, who poke their long necks into the open windows in hope of a treat. With only 12 rooms, the hotel is a tranquil oasis away from the bustle of the nearby capital.

When it comes to jewellery, you can always find beautiful items at Maasai Market and other Nairobi flea markets. These bustling places are also the best sites for buying clothing fabric, decor items and furniture. Recommended shops to visit in the capital include Kitengela Glass and Kazuri, for handmade beads.