10 Places to Visit in Kenya
NAIROBI
This city is like a NYC in Africa. I fell in love with it and got sucked into staying longer than expected. The food is some of the best you’ll find in East Africa, mainly because you can find familiar things! It’s not hard to find a restaurant with pizza, fried chicken or french fries. The roads are paved and there is a busy city vibe to it. Nairobi is known for its night life so make sure to check it out.
GIRAFFE CENTER AND ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
If you’re in Nairobi these are a must. They are budget friendly places and if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. The Giraffe center is $10 to enter for non residents. You are given a hand full of food to feed the giraffes and are able to stay as long as you please. The elephant orphanage is $5 and is available to the public during feeding hours (11am-12) everyday. You have the opportunity to stand alongside baby elephants and learn about them for an hour. I recommend going to the giraffe orphanage before 11 to avoid the crowd that flocks it after the elephant orphanage. You'll get one on one time with the giraffes and get extra hand fulls of food to feed them!
LAKE ELEMENTAITA
This lake is definitely underestimated compared to the surrounding lakes. I went here with a local friend that had also never been before. She was very impressed by how beautiful the scenery was and how underestimated it was. There is a backdrop of hills to hike and the lake is covered with flamingos. You can get a matatu to the lake from Naivasha. The entrance fee is $3.
LAKE NAIVASHA
This is a freshwater lake on the outskirts of Naivasha. It is densely populated with flamingos and the area offers excursions such as boat rides. They also have a variety of wildlife around the lake such as camels, donkeys, and birds. There is also a popular fish market around the lake.
HELLS GATE
This was hands down my favorite place in Kenya. I took a matatu from Naivasha to the gate entrance (about 45 minutes). I rented a bike outside the park for $6 (they're better quality than the bikes offered in the park). The entrance fee was $26 and that gave me access to the park for the entire day. This park was my favorite because you can bike around and view the animals up close and personal. I spent the day hanging out with zebras and giraffes. There's also rock climbing ($10) and a gorge located in the park. You can negotiate the gorge tour quite a bit. Our guide wanted $15 a person but we got him down to $5.
MALINDI
This part of the coast is known for its marine park and white sand beaches. It's definitely worth a stop if you're on that side. I stayed at Premier Cottages ($17 for double queen bed). The marine park is free unless you want to snorkel, then you'll be hit with a park fee and a snorkeling fee. We found a local to take us on a marine walk and show us the wildlife for free. Malindi is a place you could go to hangout and not spend much money. The views are amazing and it's nice to just relax here. Hell's Kitchen is a hike in Malindi that I wasn't able to checkout but heard great things about.
MOMBASA
I stayed in Mombasa for a month and a half, all in which I stayed in different locations. Bamburi is definitely a fun area to stay in. Its very close to pirates beach and the nightlife is always happening. I also stayed in Nyali which I really enjoyed. This is considered the rich area of Mombasa. If you’re looking for a budget friendly hostel, Tulia House is where it's at. Its located in Nyali and has a very chill atmosphere. This seemed to be the place in Mombasa that all the backpackers would hangout at.
PIRATES BEACH
Located only 5 minutes from Bamburi, Pirates Beach is a popular beach for locals and tourist. There are a few restaurants with a beachside view and a number of tourist activities. Because this is a popular local beach, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings or pay $1 to have your things kept safe.
NYALI BEACH
I liked this beach the most in Mombasa. Every time I needed a beach day this is where I went. It's a private beach so you wont get the disturbance you would at Pirates. The sand is white and the beach is cleaner than the surrounding areas. Nyali is considered the “richest” area is Mombasa so you won't be disappointed with the views and abundance of good restaurants.
NGONG HILLS
Located only 25km outside of Nairobi, Ngong Hills is the perfect place to go for the day and have a picnic. You can transport yourself to the starting point, and pay a $6 entrance fee. There's not much to do here but relax and enjoy the views. Walking tours are offered, but I explored on my own. It's a beautiful place to decompress and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
HALLER PARK
Located right outside of Bamburi, is a animal sanctuary that I highly recommend. The entrance fee is $15 for non residents but totally worth it. I spent hours up close and personal with the giraffes. I also got to see buffalo and hippos from a very short distance. Highly recommend this park. You only need a few hours to enjoy the sanctuary to the fullest.
ENGLISH POINT MARINA
Located not far from Nyali, is the perfect marina to kick back and relax. It is geared towards luxury travel, but I often came here for a coffee and the view. There are several restaurants at the marina and the outdoor setting has a very chill vibe. Bean bags are set up with comfortable lounging to just sit back and enjoy. You can see Old Town and Fort Jesus from across the water. There are also kayak rentals nearby that are very affordable.
NGUUNI NATURE SANCTUARY
Located in Bamburi, this park lets you get up close and personal with the giraffes. I spent hours on a nature walk just enjoying their company. They also have an ostrich in the park but I didn’t get the chance to see it. Entrance fee is $6 and I recommend going in the evening when the animals are more active.
DIANI BEACH
Rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya, Diani beach is the perfect destination for backpackers. There's not much to do in the town except for water sports and sky diving. I stayed at Diani Backpackers for only $11 a night. The hostel was highly trafficked with backpackers coming and going. It was the perfect location to meet new people and enjoy the white sand beaches.
TIETA HILLS // VOI // VURIA HILL
