Beautiful Kenya

Kenya, the country in East Africa, experienced a significant tourism boom in the 1990s. Vacationers came to experience Africa, see wildlife on a safari, or simply relax on the paradise beaches of the Indian Ocean. However, today the large crowds are staying away. This is all the more reason to introduce you to the holiday paradise of Kenya!

Kenya is a wonderful travel destination, diverse and exciting. But what is the reason for the decline in tourists? One reason was the recurring unrest in the country, which has now largely subsided. The U.S. Department of State has issued no travel warnings for Kenya, only some advisories, which we will explain in the section on Safety in Kenya. But first, we want to introduce you to this beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. The people here are more than welcoming and are eager to show tourists their diverse land. Tourism is one of Kenya's main sources of income, with numerous hotels and restaurants competing for vacationers, and activities such as diving courses or safaris available. You'll see: there's so much to discover in Kenya!

What you need to know about the land and its people

Due to political turmoil that lasted until last year, Kenya has unfortunately been visited less by tourists. This is unjust! After the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in on November 28, 2017, and the electoral process was completed, the situation has largely stabilized.

Malaria in Kenya

Before your trip, you should consult a doctor or tropical medicine specialist regarding malaria and potentially get a malaria prophylaxis prescription. A good protection against mosquito bites is particularly important in Kenya, so a mosquito net, protective clothing, and a good repellent should be included in every travel bag.

However, the U.S. Department of State had already issued travel advisories during the unrest and no travel warnings for Kenya. It is advised to avoid political events and demonstrations, as well as certain neighborhoods in Nairobi. Furthermore, travel to the troubled border region with Somalia (starting 60 km from the Somali border) is discouraged due to the risk of terrorist attacks by a Somali terrorist organization. Caution should also be exercised during nighttime walks and drives due to the possibility of robberies, and it is recommended to primarily visit the city centers of Nairobi and Mombasa during the day. Nonetheless, there is no reason to worry about a holiday in Kenya, as long as you adhere to the mentioned guidelines, a relaxed and pleasant vacation is assured.

You will hardly be able to pass through Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Most likely, your flight will land here, allowing you to take the time to explore this metropolis of over three million residents, which is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Kenya. Nairobi is a vibrant city with lively markets and compact enough to explore on foot, while more distant areas should be reached by taxi, which can be accessed quickly. If you want to learn about Kenya's history, I recommend visiting the National Museum, which features exhibits on African history as well as a natural history section, including a reptile house. Admission to the museum costs about €2. Another point of interest is the Karen Blixen Museum, which was formerly the residence of the famous Danish author. Parts of the movie 'Out of Africa' were filmed in Kenya's Masai Mara. The film is based on Karen Blixen's novel 'Out of Africa.' The Kenyan government purchased the coffee plantation after Blixen returned to Denmark and turned it into the museum. Visitors can see props from the film and enjoy coffee in the adjacent café. If you can't wait to dive into Africa's wildlife, you can also visit the Nairobi National Park, which I will gladly introduce to you along with other fascinating parks.

Mombasa is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and, with 915,000 inhabitants, is the second largest city in Kenya and the most important port city in East Africa. A unique feature of the city is that it is situated on an island surrounded by mainland. While the city serves as an important economic center, it also has a lot to offer tourists. For example, the beautiful colorful and bustling old town provides an authentic glimpse into the culture of the country. The Fort Jesus, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1593, is especially notable here. It is now part of Kenya's national museums and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near the metropolitan area, you will also find some beaches that give a good taste of the paradise beaches of the Indian Ocean, such as Nyali Beach, located about seven kilometers from the city center.

Many people associate Africa with breathtaking landscapes, wild animals, and exciting safaris. Tourists often want to experience exactly that when booking a vacation in an African country. Of course, Kenya also has many conservation areas and national parks, so you can experience authentic Africa here as well.

The famous Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is an extension of the Serengeti savanna. The Masai Mara is home to many animals, such as hippos, elephants, lions, wildebeests, giraffes, and crocodiles that you can observe in the wild. Anyone wishing to see the famous Big Five up close will not be disappointed in the Masai Mara. Alongside the fascinating wildlife of Africa, you will also encounter the Maasai people, who still wander as nomads through the national parks of East Africa.

Important:

The Maasai should not be photographed without permission, as it contradicts their personal beliefs. However, most warriors willingly pose with you after a small donation or a polite request.

Parts of the film 'Out of Africa' were also filmed in the Masai Mara, making the reserve a truly Hollywood-worthy backdrop. If you want to learn more about the diversity of the Serengeti and the process of a safari, I recommend the Tanzania travel report in my travel magazine - here traveler Clara discusses her adventures during a safari in Serengeti National Park.

The Tsavo National Parks are divided into two parks. Tsavo East is the largest national park in Kenya and one of the favorites among visitors. Both parks have a large population of elephants and lions. A particularly popular excursion destination is the Galana River, which flows year-round and attracts many animals. If you plan a holiday on Kenya's coastal region and want to go on a safari, the quickly accessible Tsavo parks are ideally suited for this. Guided tours and safari packages are offered by many local agencies.

A natural spectacle of a very special kind can be observed at Lake Nakuru, a bird sanctuary national park in Kenya.

The incredible diversity of the country leaves one speechless

Here, about two million flamingos meet annually, coloring the large lake pink. The spectacle can be particularly well observed from the Baboon Cliffs. A feast for the eyes! This cliff is one of the few places in the park where you can leave your car and enter the steppe. In addition to the bright pink birds, you can also observe various species of monkeys, antelopes, and the endangered black rhinoceros in this slightly smaller park.

An extraordinary national park awaits you in the capital city. Yes, you read that correctly: only seven kilometers from the city center is Kenya's first national park, where you can observe various animals against the backdrop of the metropolis: Only an electric fence separates them from the city. The Nairobi National Park also houses a nursery for rhinoceroses and elephants that the park has successfully protected for years. Orphaned elephants and baby rhinos are lovingly tended to here and raised with a bottle. The best part: you can help! A unique experience for fans of these beloved giants.

Since Kenya is located by the Indian Ocean, the country boasts warm temperatures year-round and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. The most famous beach in Kenya is also one of the most beautiful: Diani Beach, located on the southern coast of the country, features a 20-kilometer-long white sand beach and turquoise waters.

Diani Beach is the most beautiful beach in the whole country

This beach section is the tourist center of Kenya. No wonder, as the beach has been voted the most beautiful in the entire country. The abundance of hotels offers something for every vacationer, whether you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation in Kenya or just a place to stay. Particularly recommended is the Maji Beach Boutique Hotel, which won the Travelers' Choice Award 2017 from Tripadvisor due to its excellent staff and beautiful property. We can't decide whether to jump into the pool or the Indian Ocean first! Another paradise hotel is the Sands At Chale Island Hotel off the coast of Kenya. Here you can vacation in one of the beach bungalows on the small island while always keeping an eye on Kenya's dream beach Diani. Just looking at the pictures gives me real vacation vibes. These two dream hotels are merely representative of hundreds of small and large hotel facilities and beach bungalows that await you on Kenya's southern coast. However, all hotels share one point in common: the beautiful Diani Beach.

If you are looking for a beach away from tourism and hawkers, you can find it about 10 kilometers south of Diani Beach. Small beaches like Galu Beach also offer fine white sand and pure relaxation.

In the smaller villages of the coastal region, time seems to stand still

If you enjoy long beach walks, you can walk along Diani Beach until you reach small sections with many lovely restaurants, where you can surely reserve a spot for dinner. Even more secluded beaches can be found north of Mombasa. In the smaller villages of the coastal region, time seems to stand still. If you seek relaxation and are not afraid of small adventures, you will definitely find it on the northern coast's beaches.

Thanks to the many coral reefs off the southern coast of the country, Kenya has a lot to offer divers and snorkelers as well. Again, Diani Beach shines, as the best diving areas are located right in front of the stunning beach. Diving courses for beginners and advanced divers are offered by various schools directly on the beach. One of the dive schools is the Kenya Diving Center The Crab, which offers guided trips to the most beautiful reefs, shipwrecks, and other exciting spots along the coast. Various diving certifications and courses can be completed here in small groups. Whether you are an experienced diver with a certification or want to try diving for the first time - Diani Beach is a fantastic diving area. A trip to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, which includes several small islands and a large marine area with various coral reefs, is also worth it. Along with sea turtles and rays, you may even encounter the rare whale sharks or humpback whales if you are lucky. A dream for many divers!

It's no surprise that it has always been a draw for tourists from all over the world and continues to be. Safaris, dream beaches, and a diverse culture - what more could you want from an African holiday? If you now feel inspired to spend a vacation in this diverse East African country, we are always happy to keep an eye out for affordable deals for you. Or have you already been to Kenya and can tell me about your trip? We are always eager to hear your stories!

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