Must see places in Kenya | Things in Kenya you should not miss

updated 4/11/2019

#01 Mount Kenya Dropdown content

Many climbers consider Africa’s second-highest peak a tougher test than Kilimanjaro: it’s certainly less of a highway to the top. You’ll be glad of its via ferrata on the last morning.

Martin Mwaura/Shutterstock

#02 Mara Naboisho Conservancy

This conservancy in the greater Mara region combines wildlife conservation with community involvement and offers outstanding viewing of big cats, elephants and giraffes.

#03 Thimlich Ohinga

Even most Kenyans have never heard of their most impressive upcountry ancient site – huge stone circles in a remote part of western Kenya.

© Jen Watson/Shutterstock

#04 Graceful Hippos

The chain of lakes at Mzima Springs Dropdown content, fed by subterranean meltwater from Kilimanjaro, is a magical location in an exceptionally beautiful park – Tsavo West Dropdown content.

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#05 Stars at Bedtime

Book a night out in the bush under the stars at Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge, sleeping on a specially adapted “star bed” atop a secure platform.

Il Ngwesi © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

#06 Lake Baringo Dropdown content

The world record count of bird species seen in 24 hours – 342 – was made at this freshwater lake in the Rift Valley Dropdown content. There’s budget accommodation on the shore and luxury lodges on the islands.

© Victor Lapaev/Shutterstock

#07 Chameleons

These curious, harmless reptiles can be found all over Kenya, but only the highlands are home to the impressive Jackson’s three-horn species, like a miniature triceratops.

© reptiles4all/Shutterstock

#08 Fresh Coconuts

If you’ve never had a fresh coconut, you’re in for a treat – try one at any coast hotel for the price of a tip to the intrepid tree climber.

© Maris Dargis/Shutterstock

#09 Lake Turkana Cultural Festival Dropdown content

Join more than a dozen local tribes for three days of traditional song and dance in a chilled, international atmosphere.

© E X P L O R E R/Shutterstock

#10 Warrior training

Head to a Maasai Dropdown content-run eco-camp and learn the ways of warriorhood – which you'll soon discover involves playfighting with sticks and much singing and jumping.

© Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

#11 Lake Naivasha Dropdown content

The perfect getaway from Nairobi Dropdown content: excellent backpackers hostels, boating, a music festival, hippos, a rich array of birdlife and the secluded Crater Lake Game Sanctuary.

White-tailed eagle on the lake Naivasha © kyslynskahal/Shutterstock

#12 Lolling in the Lagoon

The Indian Ocean coast is sheltered by a coral reef for nearly its entire length: you can drift among shoals of fish or skim around on a kite- or surfboard.

© kyslynskahal/Shutterstock

#13 Nairobi National Park Dropdown content

On the city’s doorstep, the park is home to nearly all Kenya’s big mammals, including the largest of Kenya’s antelopes, the eland.

Zebras in Nairobi National Park, Kenya © mbrand85/Shutterstock

#14 Desert Lake

Venture to the shores of Lake Turkana Dropdown content in the barren lands close to the Ethiopian border where the climate is harsh, life precarious and the landscapes searingly beautiful.

© Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

#15 Lake Victoria

Kenya’s biggest lake packs in busy harbours, virtual plains of water hyacinth, pretty beaches and mountains.

© Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

#16 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Dropdown content

Get on petting terms with tiny pachyderms at this highly regarded centre.

#17 Driving with Dragons

Travelling in Kenya's far northern deserts you never know what you'll meet around the next bend – like this fearsome-looking desert monitor.

#18 Lamu Dropdown content

There is nowhere in the world like the ancient seafaring town of Lamu, with a fort, a maze of alleys and cool lodgings on every corner.

#19 Canine Receivers

Endangered wild dogs range hundreds of kilometres: take part in research on a working conservancy in Laikipia Dropdown content by following radio-tagged dogs.