Do you know the place where Prince William first proposed his fiancée Kate Middleton? Yes, it’s the foothills of Mount Kenya, the beautiful country of East Africa. Visiting Kenya would not only replenish your desire to breathe one of the world’s most unpolluted air, but its pulchritude will also mesmerize your childhood fantasies of walking along with the wild.
So if you have decided to visit this picturesque country the next vacation, let me help you plan the top 10 things, which are a ‘must-do’ during your trip to Kenya.
1. Embrace Nature Exploring Masai Mara National Reserve
Visit the world’s largest game reserve that shelters over 95 species of mammals, amphibians and 400 species of birds sprawling over an area of 1510 square kilometers. Enjoy the adorable sight of the King lion making love with his lioness or cuddling their cubs. Get ecstatic with the rare sight of buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest or spectacular birds flying above the horizon. If you want more, take a hot air balloon ride to see the bevy of wildlife from the sky.
And if you’re lucky enough, you will see the migration of animals from the borders of Tanzania, which is often considered here as the eighth wonder of the world.
2. Get Close with a Giraffe at Nairobi National Park
There is no city like Nairobi. A vibrant civilization and the wildlife overlooking the skyscrapers, that’s what best defines Nairobi, the commercial capital of Kenya. Visit the Nairobi National Park, and photograph the rarest view of a giraffe overlooking the tallest building. If you want to observe the giraffe from the nearest distance, visit Giraffe Manor, a hotel specially designed where the guests enjoy feeding giraffes while at the breakfast table.
3. Dine at the Carnivore
Do you want to have crocodile meat? Then head straight to Carnivore restaurant, which is defined as the feast of the beast. Yes, you will witness the wild meat getting roasted while the waiters will serve you the tastiest wild meat you have ever tried. You will also get the chance to devour turkey, crocodile, and all other bushmeat. But since the conservationists of Kenya plays an active part in sympathizing with the wild beauties, serving giraffe, buffaloes and zebra have been completely stopped since 1996. Don’t miss a meal at the Carnivore restaurant; it can be a lifetime experience!
4. Relive History at Fort Jesus, Mombasa
Visit the Fort Jesus, the Portuguese fort built in the 16th century AD. You will learn how the foreign forces entered Kenya, ruled, influenced, and Mombasa became the trade capital of Kenya.
If you have time, don’t miss a visit to Malindi, a city along the Indian Ocean, which is a historical stop for Vasco da Gama on his way to discover India.
5. Take a Dive at South Coast, Mombasa
Mombasa will offer you a bouquet of water sport activities. Enjoy water skiing, swimming, sky diving, fish pallet, local food, and a bevy of other activities.
If you’re adventurous enough, then enjoy paragliding and bungee jumping for the ultimate adrenaline rush experience.
6. View Flamingos at Nakuru National Park
Nakuru is the fastest growing town in East Africa. Lake Nakuru attracts millions of tourists per year for the flora, fauna and alluring migratory birds that fly there in search of food. The beautiful lake at the backdrop with white flamingos is a magnificent sight and an excellent catch for all photography lovers.
See the family of white rhinos, a rare species available only in the Lake Nakuru.
7. Climb the Breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is considered as the rooftop of Africa. If you are venturesome by nature, take a hiking task, and view the incredible flora and fauna as you climb. You will be aided by helpers and mentors to reach the top. When you finally get there, you will feel the pride of conquering the highest point of Africa. Observe the clouds float while you are quite above the natural wonders, watching the horizon. Quite a thrilling experience, indeed!
8. Visit the Masai Village
Masais are an inevitable part of Kenya. Known for their hunting skills, Masai men will narrate stories of how they, along with their forefathers, went for lion hunting. Watch them dance and jump high in the air. Learn about their lifestyle, fire igniting technique, and of course, hunting skills. Their only livelihood is the handicraft industry. So try buying some stuff and help them earn a few dollars.
9. Boating at Lake Naivasha
Float at the lake Naivasha with a life jacket and a country boat and get surprised observing the various animals and mind-blowing hippos. Never can you see the hippos at such a close distance like Lake Naivasha.
Also, you would love to watch the locals fishing for a livelihood at the fishermen’s camp.
10. Take a Happy Ride in SGR Train
The SGR is the recent addition to Kenya’s transport system connecting Nairobi with Mombasa. Watch the giraffes, zebras running alongside the train while passing over the Tsavo forest area.
Recollecting stories from the novel ‘Maneaters of Tsavo’ would give you goosebumps while you pass through the once notoriously known area infested with two man-eating lions.
Plan your trip during July or November, to enjoy the best weather in Kenya and of course, the migration phenomenon. Never miss the modern shopping malls in Nairobi, Mombasa displaying the top branded clothes and other lifestyle items. Enjoy a cup of world-class coffee and entertainment in a pub. Nairobi is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city and offers an array of enjoyable nightlife. See, feel, and enjoy the treasured assets of mystical African life.
