Kenya Travel Guide

Nairobi National Park is a rare wildlife reserve right next to a metropolis—where you can watch savanna animals while gazing at the city skyline, a unique and striking urban wilderness and one of Nairobi's stunning sights. Nairobi National Park sits on the edge of Kenya's capital, among the world's very rare wildlife parks adjacent to a capital, separated from the bustling city by only a fence. Though next to the city, it is open, pristine savanna and wilderness hosting rich wildlife: lions, rhinos (a key black-rhino sanctuary), giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, cheetahs, hippos and many birds (but no elephants). On a game drive you may meet these majestic creatures up close—a rare, striking encounter. Its most iconic image is the wild-meets-modern frame: animals like giraffes or rhinos with Nairobi's skyline behind them. Please follow your guide, keep distance, don't disturb, and be a responsible eco-traveler. Exploring Nairobi and its urban-wilderness park is a stunning sight.

The Giraffe Centre sits in Langata on Nairobi's outskirts, a non-profit protecting the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. Raised walkways and a feeding platform bring you eye-to-eye with the giraffes — the gentlest lesson in wildlife and conservation for families. The education centre also features other endangered species; keepers tell the giraffes' story from calf to release.

Diani Beach is one of Kenya's most beautiful beaches. About 10 km of powder-white coral sand, crystal-blue Indian Ocean water, swaying palms and offshore coral reefs make it one of Kenya's most popular seaside resorts. Located ~30 km south of Mombasa, Diani has repeatedly been voted Africa's best beach. Resorts, beach bars and water sports centers line the shore — snorkel coral reefs and tropical fish, kitesurf, windsurf, kayak, or relax under palms. Diani Reef nearby is a superb snorkeling spot. Colobus monkeys sometimes forage on the beach in early morning. Visiting Diani Beach for tropical sun and water sports on Indian Ocean white sand is a dreamy Kenyan seaside experience.

Lamu Old Town, on the island of Lamu in the Indian Ocean, is one of East Africa's oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Built along the sea, the old town retains narrow coral-stone lanes, carved wooden doors and well-preserved Swahili-Arabic architecture. There are no motor vehicles in the old town; movement is by foot, donkey and dhow.

Amboseli National Park lies in southern Kenya on the Tanzanian border, famed for the elephants that wander beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro — the best place in East Africa to see tuskers up close. Lake Amboseli is a dry salt pan that fills briefly in the rains, drawing elephants, zebras and buffalo to the Enkongo Narok swamps. Climb Observation Hill at sunrise for the classic "snows of the equator" shot. Stay at an in-park camp; game is most active at dawn and dusk.

Lake Nakuru National Park rings an alkaline Rift Valley lake once world-famous for millions of flamingos painting the shore pink. The park also shelters white and black rhinos and leopards; flamingo flocks by the alkaline water and plains predators make the valley's most intense colour and wildness.