Why Kenya should be everyone’s next holiday destination

Taking a break from the sometimes frigid European weather for a warm tropical destination is everyone’s dream. Even more enchanting is if the destination in question is also packed with adventure and natural attractions. Kenya is an East African tropical paradise teeming with wildlife, captivating beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The country is so popular with European visitors that one of its quaint coastal towns has been dubbed “Little Italy” due to the scores of Italians who regularly troop to the locale.

So what makes Kenya so appealing? The country is an intoxicating cocktail of various features, and its world-famous wildlife is just part of it. This is a summary of the some compelling factors that make the country such a magnet for international visitors.

Attractions

Kenya’s wildlife safaris avail visitors with the opportunity to view the most comprehensive array of wild animals in their natural setting. It is little wonder that one of the country’s top attractions, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, has won multiple international awards and is referred to as the cradle of African safaris.

One of the most riveting occurrences within the Mara ecosystem is the annual wildebeest migration. It is a monumental event that sees more than two million wildebeests and other animals make a thunderous crossing of the Mara River every year. The migration is a dramatic play, pitching predator against prey and one of the most gut-clenching natural spectacles.

Game drives in Masai Mara are normally conducted using safari van – mostly in a Mazda Bongo or Toyota Hiace with an open roof for game viewing – or 4×4 safari land cruisers for those looking for luxury experience. 

Besides the enthralling wildlife action in the Mara, the country has 40 other national parks and game reserves, each boasting abundant wildlife. Climbing enthusiasts will also have a grand time scaling Mount Kenya, the largest mountain in the country, which towers at an elevation of 5,199m above sea level. 

Other attractions include cultural sites, old towns and amazing award-winning white-sand beaches down at the country’s coast for those seeking a laidback vacation.

Infrastructure

Prospective visitors should forget the misconceptions that Africa lacks infrastructural amenities. A visit to Kenya does not mean having to leave technology or civilisation behind. Not only does the country have dependable air transportation connections, but it also enjoys a comprehensive road network. Upon arrival at the airport, tourists are met by a professional tour agent, who will ferry them to their hotel by car. Depending on the itinerary, it’s also possible to move around some parts of the country by air, courtesy of the numerous commercial or chartered flights.

Apart from the transport network, Kenya also has a robust electricity supply grid and telecommunications system. Visitors who are keen to keep their online connectivity can do so thanks to the broad Internet coverage spread across the country.

People

Cultural tours to Kenya are made all the more exciting by the warm hospitality of its people. For instance, travellers touring the Maasai Mara have the option of visiting a Maasai village and interacting with the Maasai – one of the country’s oldest subsisting indigenous tribes. The nomadic tribe have preserved their culture and heritage, a fact reflected in their distinctive mode of dress and housing. The Maasai have also gained world recognition as one of the most recognisable ethnic groups due to their elaborate beadwork and jewellery. They are also renown for their capacity to live in the wild and coexist with apex predators such as the African lion.

Other equally fascinating tribes include the Samburu, the Pokot and the Turkana.

Sports enthusiasts can also engage in sport tourism by visiting Iten, a scenic town where one is likely to meet and train with Kenya’s world-renowned long-distance runners.

Affordability

No matter the size of the budget, Kenya has a safari product for all classes of visitors. The trip can be as luxurious or as budget-friendly as needed, with luxury safaris costing as little as $600. 

These will typically include accommodation in five-star hotels and lodges, private safaris, park fees, full board accommodation and other perks associated with luxury living.

With luxury and mid-luxury tours, most travel agents will also allow travellers to customise their itinerary, meaning they get to pick the attractions they wish to visit. Such customisation allows for the flexibility of only scheduling those activities that appeal specifically.

As for budget safaris, these are ideal for wanderlusters who yearn for an adventure without having to splurge. A budget safari is popular among camping enthusiasts and students who wish to travel in groups and see the country’s unique attractions while saving on transport costs and accommodation. Since Kenya’s park entry fees are relatively low compared to those charged in neighbouring countries, budget safari travellers get to access the country’s award-winning destinations while saving their cash by staying in three-star hotels or camps.

Weather

Since it straddles the equator, Kenya enjoys warm weather for most of the year, making it ideal for tours and safaris.

The peak season for tourists coincides with heightened wildlife activity, including the annual wildebeest migration and the wildebeest calving season. That season runs from July until December, and it is also when the temperatures are at their warmest. At this time of the year, there is excellent visibility in the savannah, and one can enjoy Africa’s famed magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

Visiting the country during these times also guarantees a gorgeous tan, especially for those who plan on basking in the sun on the stunning beaches at the coast! It also offers a more comprehensive range of activities in an itinerary, from wildlife tours to marine safaris and all the associated water sports. At the warm Kenyan coast, some of the water activities available include snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, swimming with turtles, kite surfing and romantic dhow rides at sunset. 

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