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The most unique aspect about a Kenya safari is that you get to enjoy a combination of varied natural attractions. Although the country is mostly famed for its Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi, there are plenty of other holiday features both on the wildlife circuit and other sectors. Examples of these include trips from Nairobi to Amboseli, beach safaris, heritage tours, and cultural trips.
In this breakdown, experts from AjKenyasafaris.com share the five most popular Kenya safari holiday destinations and why you should consider paying them a visit this year.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Naivasha National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with the most prominent bird at the park being the pink flamingo. You will find flocks of these taking residence on the Lake’s shores, bringing a delightful dash of color to an already vibrant landscape.
Besides the gorgeous flamingo, the park features more than 500 species of birds, such as ostriches, grouse, baglafecht weavers, pheasants, baboons, ducks, greater blue-eared starlings, among others.
On your Kenya safari tours, you will also find a wealth of large mammals at the park, including black rhinos, hippos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, lions, elands, and cape buffaloes.
Hikes, picnics, boat rides, and game drives are some of the popular pastimes for visitors on a Kenya safari holiday.
Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Known for its generous numbers of the Big Five and its annual wildebeest migration, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is, arguably, Kenya’s crowning jewel.
There is plenty to look forward to when on a Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi.
For starters, those going to the Mara by road get to stop over and enjoy a magnificent view of the Great Rift Valley, a 125 meter deep trench into the earth.
It is a continuous rift that runs from Lebanon, right through Northern and East Africa into Mozambique towards the south.
Back to our road trip- at the Maasai Mara Kenya, witness lions, wildebeests, buffalo, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, elephants, and a host of other massive creatures do their thing.
The Maasai Mara Kenya is home to more than 90 species of wildlife and hundreds of avian species.
Amboseli National Park
Elephants and breathtaking landscapes are what make a trip from Nairobi to Amboseli worth it.
With more than 1600 elephants under its belt, it is easy to see why the park is affectionately known as the ‘home of the African elephant.’
A trip from Nairobi to Amboseli is likely to take you 4-hours by road.
Besides the affluent herds of elephants at the park, there are the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, which guarantee you of Instagram-worthy captures.
The park is also endowed with ostriches, lions, buffalo, dik diks, leopards and many other animal species.
Nairobi National Park
If a Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi is too expensive for you or a trip from Nairobi to Amboseli is likely to be too time consuming, you may opt to explore the Nairobi National Park instead.
As mentioned before, Kenya’s wildlife safaris are as varied as they are diverse. Consequently, they can cater for all budget classes, whether in terms of time or finances.
A Kenya safari tour to the Nairobi National park avails you nearly all the benefits of a fully-fledged wildlife tour to one of the other remote parks.
You get to see most of the large animals roaming freely at the park, from lions, black rhinos, hyena, cheetah, zebra, thomson’s gazelle, hartebeest, waterbuck, jackals, to elands, and impala. smaller creatures here include warthogs and baboons.
The Nairobi National Park is the closest to the country’s capital and is only a 20 minute drive from Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Lamu
Kenya tours are never quite complete without a visit to the country’s coast.
Lamu is the oldest continually inhabited town in Kenya. It is also the only town in the country that does not have motorized vehicles.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lamu is a repository of cultural tales of how the Arabs, Europeans, and Indians settled at the Kenyan coast. That is evident in the architectural designs which feature exquisite intricately carved wooden doors.
Visitors on a Kenya safari tour who wish to sample a combination of Arabic, Asian and European culture and cuisine should be sure to visit Lamu.
Besides its cultural attractions and eco-friendly environment, the serene town has some beautiful beaches as well.
Malindi
Yet another melting pot of cultures that you will encounter while on a Kenya safari holiday is the coastal town of Malindi.
Nicknamed ‘little Italy,’ the secluded town is a favourite with Italian tourists to Kenya, due to its fantastic beaches and intimate environment.
On a Kenya safari tour to Malindi, enjoy snorkeling dives at the different marine national parks in Malindi and Watamu. The town’s ocean waters have beautiful coral reefs with more than 250 fish species of varying colors and sizes.
Other activities you may indulge in as part of your Kenya tour to Malindi and Watamu include kitesurfing, fishing, and dolphin watching.
Diani
Diani has the most remarkable beaches on the Kenyan coast.
A Kenya safari to Diani exposes you to these multi-award winning beaches in all their splendor. The white sands of Diani are juxtaposed against turquoise blue waters that host a rich array of marine species.
Some of the popular activities to partake in Diani’s waters include snorkeling, jet skiing, dolphin watching, swimming with dolphins, and scuba diving.
Fishing enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy reeling in their big catch. Among the large fish you might capture include the blue marlin, swordfish, barracuda, and sharks.
Wind down your Kenya safari holidays with dhow rides at the close of an adventurous day, as you imbibe your favorite sundowner.