Kenyan Natural Landmarks are the signature Tourist destinations and picturesque sites and places that come to your mind when you think of Africa. From the white sandy beaches to the arid deserts, the clear waters and tropical forests, these landmarks make Kenya extra special: a country that borders five other countries and yet the most famous. It borders Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda.
We ranked the Top Five Natural Landmarks in Kenya as follows:
5. LAKE VICTORIA
Lake Victoria was named after Queen Victoria by Explorer John Hanning Speke in 1859. Located in Kisumu, a Kenyan port city, it is the biggest lake in Africa, the world’s largest Tropical Lake, and the world’s second-largest Freshwater Lake. It is also one of Kenya’s most underrated tourist destinations but one that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The lake has over 1000 islands, the famous ones being Ssese Islands, Bugala Island, Banda Island, & Ngamba Island, and the largest being Ukerewe Island.
The lake has over 200 fish species and large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Hippos are the number one cause of animal death in Africa, and Lake Victoria is no exception. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but some locals and tourists still risk swimming.
The massive infrastructure development in Kisumu City has led to the growth of its hospitality and tourism management sector. Kisumu is a very safe city despite what the Western media paints it to be. You can check out reviews from actual travel review sites rather than hanging on solely to skewed information from Foreign Embassies.
4. KENYAN COAST
It is a 1,420 km stretch of a beautiful coastline, yet there’s more to the Kenyan Coast than is typically marketed. Framed by coconut palm trees, the white sandy beaches and the numerous hotel resorts occupy the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Having one of Africa’s most mature hotel and hospitality industries, the Coast boasts of its many tourist destinations. Its most famous places include Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Watamu, and others. In addition to the public beaches, there are also some cosy private beaches to enjoy a vacation.
Mombasa being one of the towns along the Kenyan coastline gives you an array of Mombasa culture. You will not miss noticing the light, loose-fitting way of dressing, the delicious choices of the Mombasa street food. And also the apparent use of the Swahili language.
3. AMBOSELI WITH MT. KILIMANJARO BACKGROUND
Famous for giving tourists an up-close experience with its many herds of Elephants, among other wildlife, Amboseli National Park is one of the best-preserved national conservancies in the world. The background of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks perfectly adds to its very iconic, scenic view. Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania and is the highest mountain in Africa.
The name Amboseli means ‘salty dust’ from the Maasai language, a community that also resides in the Conservancy. Located in the Southern part of Kenya, it is Kenya’s second most popular park and was named UNESCO’S Mab Biosphere Reserve in 1991.
An adventurer seeking to get a comprehensive experience of this park will have a variety of Top-rated lodges and tented camps to choose from, depending on their preference and budget.
2. MT. KENYA
Africa’s Second highest Mountain after Mt. Kilimanjaro is Mount Kenya, standing tall at 5,199 metres. At first, it had the Swahili name Kirinyaga, meaning ‘Mountain of Whiteness’. Kenya, the country, is named after its most famous mountain.
Mt. Kenya has rugged glacier-clad peaks (Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana) that provide the perfect backdrop. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, camping and caving. The Mount Kenya Trek, with its different trekking routes, is known to be an enjoyable hike but a challenging one, thus needing proper preparation.
1. MASAI MARA
The world’s famous Masai Mara is home to The Great Wildebeest Migration, a truly-amazing phenomenon. It is considered the 8th Wonder of The World. Tourists rush to book their trip to Kenya to see this every year between July and October. The scene is one to behold as wildebeests, and zebras, try to cross the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River as they look for fresh pasture to graze in.
The Maasai Mara is also home to vast numbers of Big Cats and other wildlife. Most importantly, you cannot miss spotting the Big Five – leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. And as you view them, you will be greeted by the ever welcoming brave Maasai people (one of the last True Tribes left in Kenya, with all their cultural practices left intact). Known to live near game parks, they are accustomed to the wildlife settings, thus making them the best guides for safari experiences.
Maasai Mara has been made famous by the many National Geographic documentaries about the wildlife in its natural reserve. Due to its vast land, which includes 14 conservancies, the list of Top-rated lodges and tented camps is endless, a list that you can check out from reviews written by past travellers.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
Chalbi Desert
It is a small desert found in Northern Kenya near the border of Ethiopia. 500km from Nairobi, a tour to the Chalbi Desert on its brand new road, is the perfect road tour. On arrival, you can enjoy certain activities: a desert safari, a camel tour, or a culture tour. The Chalbi Desert is also home to some of the last Kenyan Nomadic tribes: the Samburu, Garba, Elmolo, Marakwet and Turkana tribes.
Some other Destinations around this area include Loiyangalani, Suguta Valley, and Mount Ng’iro.
Lake Turkana
A truly-underrated yet spectacular destination, Lake Turkana has suffered from the lack of infrastructure in the hospitality industry. It also suffers from insecurity issues arising from the different communities residing in the area.
The Government is, however, undertaking massive road development. With the Great North Road almost complete, this makes one of the best road trips transversing 748 km.
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