Unmissable Landscapes Worth Exploring on a Kenya Safari : Whether you’re on a safari looking for wildlife, hiking a dormant volcano, or just relaxing on a tropical beach, Kenya offers breathtaking landscapes at every turn. The hardest thing to decide is which wild animal or natural wonder to see first in this playground of gorgeous scenery and dynamic culture. Here is our hand-picked list of must-see landscapes in Kenya, ranging from lush plains to towering peaks, to help you organize a journey full of the greatest vistas.
Kakamega Rainforest: Ancient Abundance
Once upon a time, Africa was covered with a massive rainforest that stretched from the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean. The last remnant of that former Eden is the Kakamega rainforest in Kenya. Giant forest hogs slink through the underbrush, and endangered colobus monkeys dwell in trooping order atop this centuries-old oasis. Take your binoculars and see how many of the 367 kinds of birds you can observe; it’s one of Kenya’s best birdwatching locations. You can reach the modest but picturesque Isiukhu Falls and the breathtaking Buyangu Hill overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the canopy, by taking a self-guided journey deep into the forest.
Amboseli National Park: Parades and Peaks
This is the best national park in terms of quality. The vast herds of elephants that live in Amboseli are without a doubt the stars of the show. Elephant sightings are virtually assured here, while other wildlife like zebras, wildebeests, and the rare lion or hyena may also show up. Although those who enjoy wildlife watching won’t be disappointed, the real enchantment of this place lies in the surroundings. Amboseli is one of the ideal spots to take in views of Africa’s highest mountain since it is situated in front of Mount Kilimanjaro. Catch the mountain at the correct time of day (usually dawn or dusk), and despite its regular cloud cover, it will unveil itself in all its huge, majestic splendor. One of Kenya’s most fabled vistas appears before your eyes when you include the dusty silhouette of an elephant procession going across the beautiful backdrop.
Lamu Island: Castaway Culture
Given that Kenya is located at the same latitude as the Maldives and Seychelles, its tropical beach beauty should come as no surprise. We suggest the isolated Lamu Island for a beach break off the usual path, where heavenly landscapes stretch to the horizon. Since Lamu became a hippie hideout in the 1960s, its blend of Arab architecture, Chinese and Indian culture, and dreamlike shorelines has drawn tourists. Today, the small island is still largely undiscovered, so you can stroll from your boutique hotel onto the powder-white sand with peace and quiet. If you’re looking for sights that would make paradise seem like it, the area of blue skies, blue seas, and blue swimming pools checks all the necessary boxes. In the meantime, Lamu Town, a historic Swahili hamlet in a picturesque island setting, is a UNESCO-listed gem that is inviting to explore.
Masai Mara: Safari Scenes
Without the Masai Mara, this list of Kenya’s must-see landscapes wouldn’t be complete. Many travelers consider the classic Masai Mara safari to be an experience they should not miss. After a day spent viewing the Big Five, go to your opulent lodge for sundowner conversations and “how incredible was that?” exchanges. And while the main attraction is definitely the wildlife, it’s hard to avoid falling in love with the scenery of golden grasslands, flat-topped trees, and gently sloping slopes. And those expansive, gorgeous skies. Take a guided horseback safari to see the savannah from a new angle and at a slower speed (no 4×4 is required). As you trot, check off more must-see mammals while taking in the breathtaking landscape from your position in the saddle.
Mount Longonot: A Volcano in the Valley
The East African Mountains offer an abundance of options for the experienced and thrill-seeking hiker. However, this jagged and charming region offers less strenuous excursions if a multi-day expedition isn’t quite your style. Mount Longonot is easily reachable in a half day of climbing and is a perfect day trip destination from Nairobi. A simple trail leads to the summit of this dormant volcano, offering breathtaking views across Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. While you are welcome to go alone, we suggest that you go on your walk in the company of a ranger, whose local expertise and ability to identify species will make your journey much more enjoyable.
Lake Turkana: Historic Shores
The largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana is sometimes referred to as “the Jade Sea” because of its milky-green color. It stretches about 155 miles from north to south. Seeing the huge, turquoise-colored body of water in the middle of a bone-dry, sparsely populated desert is quite amazing. In addition, swimming in it is impressive and a great way to beat the heat. However, there’s more to this striking, lonely terrain than meets the eye. Due to the discovery of an enormous amount of prehistoric human fossils along the lake’s shores, the lake has played a unique role in advancing our understanding of human ancestry. Due to their rich past, the lake and the national park around it was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nyiri and Chalbi: beautiful deserts
There are two deserts in Kenya. Nyiri is situated in the south of the nation, close to Amboseli National Park, whereas Chalbi is situated in the north, close to Lake Turkana and the Ethiopian border. The Chalbi desert spans more than 100,000 square kilometers, with daytime highs of 43 to 46 degrees Celsius.
It is well known that the Chalbi dessert has breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine towering sand dunes, eons-old lava flows, and volcanic peaks, all surrounded by the freshwater Lake Turkana. And without its own oasis, a desert is just not a desert. Several days from the closest grazing regions, Chalbi is home to the Kalacha Oasis, a stunning, verdant meeting place for goats, cattle, donkeys, and camels. The last remaining nomadic tribes of Kenya, including the Turkana, Samburu, Marakwet, Pokot, El Molo, and Gabbra tribes, reside in the desert. A unique location for those who have a little more time.
