Ten Must Visit Places in Kenya

From the Etosha National Park in Namibia to the Sahara Desert in Tunisia, Africa is no doubt blessed with amazing tourist centres and plenty of scenic views. Kenya, however, hides within its borders, most of Africa’s most beautiful tourist centres and scenic views. It has been said to be the home of natural beauty, so fine that one may begin to wonder if God was actually showing off his creative skills by creating Kenya. It has been rated as Africa’s third most beautiful country after Botswana and Morocco in 2018.

Here are ten must-visit places in Kenya:

List By Jambo Magazine

1. Takawiri Island
2. Pate Island
3. L. Turkana
4. Chalbi Desert
5. Rusinga Island
6. Iten view point
7. Amboseli National Park
8. Impala Sanctuary Kisumu
9. Samatian Island
10. Lake Chala

Written By: Ani Michael. C

1. Takawiri Island

Located on the west coast of Kenya, the hypsographic island is one of the most unspoiled islands on Lake Victoria (the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world). Takawiri can be accessed from Homabay via the Mbita causeway to Rusinga Island Lodge where you can embark on a motorized boat to the island. Asides the peace its serene environment brings, the island is home to terns and egrets amongst others which often forage along its shores thereby making the island a bird watchers haven and a getaway for nature lovers.

Also See: Most Popular Islands in Kenya

2. Pate Island

As the largest island in the Lamu Archipelago, which lies between the towns of Lamu and Kiunga in the former Coast Province, Pate Island is almost completely surrounded by mangroves. It is located in the Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya, to which it belongs. A tranquil island of green brush, silver tidal flats, and coconut trees, bisected by red dirt tracks, you can walk over the island in about seven hours (excluding lots of stopping time for chats and cups of tea with locals).

Also See: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Kenya

3. Lake Turkana

Otherwise known as Lake Rudolf, Lake Turkana is situated in the Kenyan Rift Valley in
northern Kenya with its far northern end crossing into Ethiopia. It is the world’s largest
permanent desert lake and the world’s largest alkaline lake. Lake Turkana is a vast but shallow
body of water that serves as an imperative resource for peoples in the surrounding desert region,
migratory birds, local wildlife, and fishes such as the Nile perch, tilapia, and tigerfish. Lake Turkana and its islands were designated national parks in the 1970s and 80s. Although the region is strictly accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles only, visitors can reach Lake Turkana by car, boat, and public bus. Those who wish to cross the lake by boat must hire a private boat far in advance and journeys in the lake areas are only possible in fair weather conditions. Swimming in Lake Turkana is not advised as the lake is home to saltwater crocodiles, including the Nile Crocodile.

Also See: Top 10 Nigeria Hiking and Outdoor Adventure Group

4. Chalbi Desert

As one of the hottest deserts in Kenya, the Chalbi Desert is classified as Kenya’s only terrain that is
a true desert. A small desert in northern Kenya which lies near the southern border of Ethiopia, east of Lake Turkana, near Marsabit town. The desert is at an elevation of 370 meters above sea level. The vast desert was formerly covered by a lake, which was formed by damming from lava flows resulting from volcanic activities in the Mount Marsabit area. Sand dunes, ash-grey ridges, broken clusters of tiny huts and inselbergs of varying sizes and shapes dot the landscape. Lake  Turkana, however, is also a part of the desert. Chalbi desert, which stretches from one horizon to the other with an Oasis in Kalacha, is an ocean of hot and dry volcanic sand. The Gabbra people, who are blessed with a beautiful culture, including great food, cultural festivals, art, games, striking dances, and colourful adornments, among other traditions, are the main inhabitants of the oasis.

Also See: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Nigeria

5. Rusinga Island

Linked to Mbita Point on the mainland by a causeway, Rusinga Island is a part of Kenya. With an
elongated shape 3 miles at its widest point and approximately 10 miles from end to end, it lies in
the eastern part of Lake Victoria at the mouth of the Winam Gulf. A perfect destination for
relaxation and exploration, Rusinga Island has an average daily temperature of 20-28 degrees
Celsius, with a gentle breeze provided by Lake Victoria. The island is best explored by car. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a trip to the Ruma National Park for an unforgettable safari.
Likewise, you can simply enjoy delicious Kenyan food and the hospitality of the locals whilst
exploring the Island’s most popular attractions including fishing, sailing, and watersports at Lake
Victoria. If looking to take part in outdoor activities, the island is best avoided from April to May
which happens to be its wet season.

Also See: Resorts With Some Of The Best Infinity Pools In Kenya

6. Iten Viewpoint

According to Wikipedia, Iten is a town in Elgeyo-Marakwet County in the Republic of Kenya, it
serves as the capital and is the largest town in the county. Its name is a corruption of Hill Ten, a
local rock formation. The name was given by Joseph Thompson in 1883. Located on the road
toward Kessup, 800 meters outside the village, it can be best viewed from the Iten Viewpoint from
where you get a bird’s eye view of spectacular landmarks in Kerio Valley including Lake Kamnarok,
Kerio River, Tugen Hills, and Cherangani Hills. Iten Viewpoint, located 15km from Iten town is a
sight to behold as both residents and foreigners alike troop here in their numbers to view the
exciting Rift valley and the beautiful hills touching the skyline. Further down to the bed of the Rift
Valley are elephants at Lake Kamnarok and the wonderful acacia sites.

Also See: Places To Hangout in Abuja During Festive Season

7. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is the second-most popular national park in Kenya after Maasai Mara
National Reserve. About 240km southeast of Nairobi, the park protects two of the five main
swamps and includes a dried-up Pleistocene lake and semiarid vegetation. Formerly Maasai
Amboseli Game Reserve, Amboseli is a national park in Kajiado South Constituency, Kenya. With
400 species of birds including water birds like pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, hamerkop and 47
raptor species, it is one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world.

Also See: Some Of The Fun Activities You Can Engage In Kenyan Coast

8. Impala Sanctuary Kisumu

On the shores of Lake Victoria, covering less than 1km2, the Impala Sanctuary is located within
Kisumu city. In 1992, the facility was gazetted, in march 2010, the sanctuary was branded as a
’lakeshore walk with impalas’. Over a hundred species of birds have been recorded. There are also
free-ranging and captive fauna and a diverse number of trees, grass, and herbs. Nature trail circuits
are also available for clients. The sanctuary also conducts an annual event in November known as
the Kisumu Impala Conservation Boat Race event to help create awareness of wildlife, especially
the endangered sitatunga antelope. The sanctuary, asides nature viewing and boat riding, serves as
a key site for ecology and wildlife research and education.

9. Samatian Island

Asides fishing and canoeing around the island, one can enjoy a samatian boat excursion, a nature
walk in Ruko Conservancy, a visit to the Giraffes island, or a Njemps Village excursion, the small
private island on Lake Baringo offers just the perfect secluded getaway one who needs such can get.
Adding to the open-plan thatched rooms which are ensuite, and the family rooms made available
for those who visit with their family, the island offers spectacular views of the Laikipia Escarpment
and a beautiful array of sunsets.

10. Lake Chala

The Lake Chala, also known as Dschalla, is a crater lake on the border of Tanzania and Kenya on the far eastern edge of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lake is fed by groundwater flows from Mount
Kilimanjaro. In the last six years, the lake’s levels have dropped by 2.4 metres. It rose again by over
1 metre during the start of 2011. An eradication program, which entails shooting and poisoning,
was started by local fishermen who themselves were tired of having their nets ripped to pieces by
crocodiles after a woman was killed by a rare Nile crocodile while swimming in the lake. It is
doubtful if any crocodiles remain in the lake today.