For ages now, Kenya has been a popular tourist destination, a favourite for global leaders, celebrities of international repute and renowned tycoons in the business sector.
Some of the big shots who have visited Kenya in the past have spoken positively of the riveting nature of parks, reserves and sanctuaries in the country and their experience with wildlife sightings.
This is the place where the African spirit dawns on them like fog and etches deep into their memory that Kenya is Africa’s pride when it comes to tour and travel.
Down memory lane, here are the globally renowned personnel who have visited Kenya.
Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth in 1954. [Photo: Africa Budget Safaris]
In 1952, a then young, charming Queen Elizabeth made history with her visit to Kenya accompanied by Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth chose to stay in the Aberdares, beneath the foothills of Mount Kenya and booked herself at the Treetops Lodge set up in the amazing Aberdare National Park.
Her memories of the visit remain deep in the hearts of Kenyans as it was during her visit that her father King George VI passed on. She got wind of the news while at the Sagana Lodge which would be elevated to become a State Lodge hosting Kenyan Presidents whenever they visit the Mt Kenya region.
Prince William
Prince William in Kenya. [Photo: Getty]
At the slopes of Mount Kenya in Rutundu, Prince William immersed himself in the beauty of the land at a log cabin where he took his wife Kate and proposed to her, far from where their friends who were at the Lewa Downs.
The richest man in Asia, billionaire Jack Ma in 2016 felt the warmth of Kenya when he visited some of the Kenyan parks courtesy of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). He danced tot the Maasai cultural songs while in the wild.
Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. [Photo: CNN]
Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg in 2016 landed in Kenya for a conference with leading tech developers. He was assimilated into the beautiful Kenyan food culture of Ugali and fish, a typical Kenyan meal loved more by the Luo people from the Lakeside region of Nyanza.
Naomi Campbell
Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife CS Najib Balala with British model Naomi Campbell. [Photo: Courtesy]
British model Naomi Campbell befits the status of a regular visitor to Kenya. A few years back, she shot her project in Kenya and returned in 2020 for a one-month holiday before she was named Magical Kenya’s International Ambassador.
She enjoys her time at the exclusive Billionaire Resort village and Sun Resort owned by Italian billionaire Flavio Briatore. She loves Kenya like her second home.
Madonna
Pop queen Madonna with her young lover in Kenya. [Photo: The Sun]
American Queen of pop, Maddona herself tagged along with her young boyfriend Alhamalik and toured the culturally scenic Samburu and Pokot areas. She engaged in a dance session with the locals and even sought advice on how to keep a marriage intact.
Ashanti
American singer Ashanti having a moment of a lifetime at the Nairobi National Park. [Photo by hhucit_/IG]
The RnB superstar made memories of the Nairobi National Park which she visited during her short vacation to Kenya.
Kristin Davis
Hollywood star Kristina Davis playing with an elephant in Kenya. [Photo: Kenya Holiday]
Known for sex and the city Kristin Davis left a print at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where she versed herself with the efforts of the trust in protecting endangered species such as elephants, rhinos among others.
Richard Branson
Richard Branson at his luxurious Mahali Mzuri tented camp in Maasai Mara.[Photo: Capital FM]
During one of his visits to Kenya, Richard Branson fell in love with Kenya and hatched a plan to open a luxury safari tented camp. In 2013, he launched the exclusive Mahali Mzuri tucked deep in the iconic Maasai Mara at the Olare Motorongi Conservancy which has scenic views of the annual Great Migration.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton with a Maasai Moran in Kenya’s Campi Ya Nazi. [Edward norton Campi ya Nazi]
The Hollywood star was speechless after his stay at Camp Ya Kanzi in Chyulu Hills, Eastern Kenya.
There is nothing that gives good memories for tycoon Bill Gates other than Kenya’s nature. The memories were birthed during his stay at Sanctuary Olonana along the Mara River in Masai Mara. He witnessed first-hand the beautiful Great Migration as thousands of wildebeest crossed the crocodile-infested river to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Pharis Kinyua is the editor of See Africa Today. With over seven years of experience in digital media, he has a soft spot for African tours and travel. His drive is to tell the rest of the world what Africa offers, the best accommodation facilities, national parks, culture, shopping malls and best airline deals to travel to Africa
