9 Reasons why you should visit Kenya

By Benh LIEU SONG -Wikimedia

9 Reasons why you should visit Kenya

Kenya is not only a safari haven but also has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Get to see the Big Five in one of the 24 national parks swim with the dolphins at Kisite Mpunguti marine park.

Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity by watching the great wildebeest migration, one of the seven wonders of the world at Maasai Mara National Reserve.

More than 43 tribes contribute to the diverse and beautiful culture of this East African country. From the coast of Kenya, Lamu, be part of annual Lamu cultural festivals to the north in Samburu and Turkana, mingle with the locals and experience the annual Camel Derby and Lake Turkana festival respectively.

These experiences and the memories you will make with the lovely and friendly people will definitely live with you. There are more reasons why needs to be on your bucket list.

Here are 9 reasons why you should visit Kenya.

1. Get an up-close look at the Big Five

By Amoghavarsha JS – Wikimedia

 Kenya is easily one of Africa’s greatest wildlife-watching destinations. It is home to the Big Five; lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinos.

Several tour operators will take you right to the heart of this Kenyan experience in one of the 25 national parks.

One of the best places to experience this is at the Maasai Mara nature reserve. The famous Big Cat Diary Tv show was filmed here.

2. Watch the Great Wildebeest Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve

By Danijel Mihajlovic – Wikimedia

The migration is a spectacular sight where two million wildebeest migrate in search of water and greener pastures.

This is one of the most sought-after experiences for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts and tourists too.

So as not to miss this spectacular event, visit Maasai Mara between July and August. You will get to watch first hand as the wildebeest wrestle with crocodiles as they cross the swollen Mara River.

3. Sign Up for the Maralal International Camel Derby

The Maralal Camel Derby is an annual event, held midyear just outside of Maralal town. IT is Kenya’s best known prestigious camel race.

Both local and international competitors take part in this race. The fastest and best camels are usually in town during the competition.

It is usually an exciting adventure, entertaining and creates an electric atmosphere in Maralal town.

Other than the racing camels, there is a cycling race that happens alongside the racing camels.

4. Go kite surfing or swimming at the beach

By McKay Savage – Wikimedia

Kenya is blessed with beautiful beaches along its coast. These beaches are clean, pristine and have white powdery sand.

The warm salty waters of the Indian Ocean are perfect for a myriad of water sports. You can go swimming, snorkelling, kite surfing or deep-sea fishing.

There are also fun activities like swimming with the dolphins or watching the humpback whale.

Three species of dolphins are found on the Kenyan coast, the Indo Pacific Bottlenose dolphin, the rare Indo Pacific Humpback dolphin and the Spinner dolphins.

Also, check out the Kenyan Barrier Reef that stretches for more than 140 miles.

5. Spot the humpback whale migration in Watamu, Malindi

Still, in Watamu, you can also get to see these massive mammals during their migration. It is quite a beautiful spectacle to watch them dive and dance in the ocean.

The humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the Indian ocean for warmer climates and to mate too.   

They spend about two months breeding and nursing their young ones before heading back north.

6. See the pink Flamingos at Lake Nakuru

By Valdiney Pimenta – Wikimedia

You will find these birds at Lake Nakuru where they feed on algae. There are about 450 species of birds in Lake Nakuru.

Another place to watch these beautiful pink birds is Lake Bogoria. Here you will also get to see the hot springs and geysers.

Lake Bogoria has 373 different species of birds. These lakes are found in the Great Rift valley.

7. There is a women-only village

By Jean Crousillac – Wikimedia

There is a village in Samburu County, north of Nairobi that is made up of women only.

The village is called Umoja Uaso (meaning unity in Uaso Nyiro). This village was founded in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli, a Samburu woman.

It is a shelter for women who have experienced violence and young girls escaping early marriages. These women make and sell Samburu traditional jewellery to earn a living.

Although men are permitted into the village, they cannot live there. Only men who were born there can.  

8. Get the best hospitality service in the region

The hospitality industry in Kenya offers some of the best and unbeatable experiences. Get to have breakfast with Giraffes, enjoy your lunch as you watch elephants at their watering hole and spend the night under the stars.

Experience the wilderness by night in private huts open to the African skies. The beds can be wheeled out into the open or taken inside if the weather changes.

Wake up to watching the animals at the watering hole or a river.

9. Adopt an orphaned elephant

There are several conservancies in Kenya. Each provides a unique and unforgettable experience. At Lewa conservancy, you will get up close with the endangered black rhinos.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust allows you to get close to orphaned baby elephants or rhinos. There is also the last remaining White rhino at this conservancy.