The wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara has innately put Kenya’s tourism on the global map but there is more to it than just the Mara escapades.
By any other definition, Kenya could be termed as East Africa’s “safari” hub due to its rich nature of wildlife, beautiful sceneries and dynamic nature of tourist spots all around the country.
A safari to Kenya should at least take you some of the best tourist spots in the country.
Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park [Photo Jenman African Safaris]
Tsavo stretches 22,000 sq km, making it one of the world’s largest national parks and home to the Big Five. Tsavo West has a variety of animals such as Maasai lions, buffaloes, black rhino, African elephants and leopards due to its cool and wet nature. Its mountainous terrain surrounded by swamps, Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs has aided in an increased population of the big five and other animals such as hippos, Maasai giraffes, bush baby, lesser Kudu and hyenas.
Kenya’s highest population of African elephants is at Tsavo West National Park which is also home to Maasai lions christened the “man-eaters”. Today, the park boasts of maneless lions traversing the expansive area protecting its territory and hunting down its prey.
Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara [Photo Lindberg Holidays and Safaris]
From mid-June to around late November, it is estimated that 1.5 million wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested Mara River to Serengeti in Tanzania. Most of the movement takes place in Tanzania which covers the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Grumeti Reserve. In Kenya, the migration stretches to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, bordering Serengeti National Park in the north.
Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru. [Photo by andbeyond]
The park is symbolic with pink flamingos among other species including pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, ostriches, storks as well as herons and eagles.
Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park. [Photo by lonely planet]
The idyllic landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro overlooking the park is exhilarating at dusk and dawn when the snow-capped summit shines brightly from afar, illuminating the park’s vicinity.
Amboseli National Park in the southern part of Kenya has a huge herd of African bush elephants with long tusks. They roam freely in the morning and evening when the heat is suppressed. During the day, they are at the Ol Okenya Swamp feeding.
Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve. [Photo Kudu Hills Safaris]
Samburu is 350km from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The arid reserve is home to a relatively huge population of the Big Five. African elephants at Samburu National Reserve are so many that an Elephant Watch Camp stands in the park.
During the dry season between September and October, the vegetation thins out and this is the time the reserve’s colours itself with wildlife estimated to be over 900 at the watering points. Hippos, cheetahs, leopards, buffalos, antelopes and giraffes are a common phenomenon here.
In its magical nature, Samburu National Reserve hosts few of Kenya’s mammals that adapt dry conditions otherwise known as the ‘Samburu Five’ among them reticulated giraffe – has a more striking pattern than the common Masai giraffe; Beisa Oryx, Generuk, Burchell’s Zebra and Grevy’s Zebra.
Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha. [Photo Hippos Travel]
Fishing and tourism are the major activities that happen around the lake community. Fish cost ranges from $1 to $5 depending on size while tourism activities include; boat riding, bird watching, camping, game viewing and walking (or bike riding)
Old Town in Lamu

Old Town lamu [Photo by Lonno Lodge Watamu]
Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort, life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, donkeys and dhows remain the dominant form of transport.
For the tourist, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.
Giraffe centre

Giraffe Manor. [Photo Safari Collection Kenya]
Giraffe manor is the only and best destinations in East Africa where you can enjoy a close-up view and interaction with tamed giraffes.
Fort Jesus, Mombasa

Fort Jesus. [Photo Magical Kenya]
Its compound is presently dotted by people showcasing various culture, exhibitions in ceramics and pottery, neglected colonial buildings such as Omani house with deep Swahili culture.
Fort Jesus became a national park in 1958, and in 2011 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marked as one of the most brilliant structures from the 16th century.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia

Ol Pejeta Conservancy. [Timbuktu Travel]
Today, Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees in a sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya and still manages a very successful livestock programme.
Read more:
Where to visit in Kenya during Christmas
Wildebeest migration; the right time to visit Kenya and Tanzania
#SeeAfricaToday