Explore Kenya: Best Places to Visit in Kenya

Explore Kenya

A Traveler’s Guide to the Best of Kenya.

Whether you are a Budget Traveler, Tourist, or Backpacker Adventurer, Explore Kenya will help you get the best travel experience in Kenya.

This is Your Ultimate Guide to National Parks, Waterfalls, eVisa Kenya, Lakes, Rivers, Museums, Monuments, Mountains, Cultural Destinations, and Everything About Kenya.

Destination Kenya Facts and General Travel Guide

  • Surface area: 581,309 km2 (224,445 sq. mi)
  • Population: approximately 56 Million as of June 2022 – based on interpolation of the latest UN data.
  • Capital City: Nairobi
  • Major Cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu
  • Number of Counties: 47
  • National colors: Black, White, Red, and Green.
  • National Bird: The lilac-breasted roller
  • Time Zone: GMT +3:00
  • Lowest Point: Indian Ocean (0 m)
  • Highest Point: Mt. Kenya (5,199m)
  • Currency: Kenya Shillings (Kshs)
  • Telephone code: +254
  • Internet code: .co.ke
  • Electricity: 220/240V AC and 3-Square pin and 2-pin plugs.
  • Kenyan Visa: Apply for your Kenyan Visa Online.

Transport Modes in Kenya

Road Transport

The public transport in Kenya includes Long-distance buses and Matatus. In cities and major towns, there are rideshare services like SWVL, Uber, and Taxify.

Tricycles (TUK TUKs) and Motorcycles (Boda Bodas) are common in cities and upcountry.

Railway transport

The railway transport in Kenya includes Long Distance Passenger Service Trains and the Nairobi Commuter Rail. Madaraka Express and the MGR Trains operate between Nairobi and other destinations countrywide while the Nairobi Commuter Trains run within the Nairobi Metropolitan.

List of Train Services in Kenya

SGR Madaraka Express Train between Nairobi and Mombasa

Kenya Railways introduced two Madaraka Express trains between Nairobi and Mombasa city. These trains run daily – One in the Afternoon (3:00 PM) and at Night (10:00 PM).

Intercounty Train between Nairobi and Mombasa

Besides the Express Train, there is an Intercounty train serving different Counties in Kenya. This train leaves either city at 8:00 am and stops at intermediate stations along the SGR line.

Commuter trains within Nairobi County

Nairobi Commuter Rail offers train services between Nairobi and settlements within the City. Some of these commuter trains include;

  • Ruiru Eagle to Makadara, Umoja, Dandora, Mwiki, Kahawa West and Ruiru.
  • Kikuyu Buffallo Train to Kibera, Dagoretti, Kikuyu and Limuru
  • Commuter Train to Syokimau via Imara Daima and Nairobi Terminus
  • Commuter Train to Embakasi Village via Donholm and Pipeline
  • DMU Trains to SGR Nairobi Terminus, Syokimau and Embakasi
  • Commuter Train to Ngong and Ongata Rongai
MGR Long-Distance Trains

Kenya Railways operates Trains along the SGR and old Meter Guage lines to some destinations in the country. These train services include;

  • Night Train between Nairobi and Kisumu
  • Nanyuki Safari Train between Nairobi and Nanyuki
  • Suswa Long Distance Passenger Train (SGR)

Air transport

Kenya has airstrips, major airports, and international airports which include:

International airports: Jomo Kenyatta international airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Moi international airport.

Major airports: Kisumu airport, Isiolo airport, and Wilson airport.

Airstrips: There are over 250 airstrips countrywide

Airlines Operating from Kenya – Domestic and International

Many international flights depart from and arrive at different airports in Nairobi. Most of them operate from Jomo Kenyatta International airport. These flights include Kenya Airways, Etihad, Ethiopian, Fly Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and KLM. Currently, there is a direct flight from Nairobi to the United States of America.

Domestic Flights operate from JKIA or small airports like Wilson and Mombasa. These flights include Jambojet, Fly540, AirKenya, and Safarilink.

Water transport

This mode of transport is used on the Kenyan Coast and Lake Victoria. The main service is the Likoni ferry linking Mombasa to the South Coast.

Best Travel Destinations and Attractions in Explore Kenya

Major Mountains and Hills in Kenya

There are several Mountains and many Hills in Explore Kenya. These are Ideal for a Day Hike, Camping expedition, or a 5-Day trek. These include;

Mountains: Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, Oldonyo Lesatima, Mt. Suswa, Table Mountain, Mt. Longonot, Mt. Margaret, Kinangop, and Oloolokwe.

Hills: Williams, Kijabe Hills, Cherang’any, Ngong Hills, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Chyulu Hills, and Shimba Hills.

Major Lakes in Kenya

The lakes system in Kenya comprises freshwater and saltwater lakes. Most of these lakes are located along the Great Rift Valley which stretches from Lebanon in Asia to Mozambique in Southeast Africa. Here is a list of lakes in Kenya.

Freshwater Lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Mukunganya (Lamu), Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo, and Lake Ellis (Mt. Kenya).

SaltWater Lakes: Lake Bogoria, L. Turkana, Lake Elementaita, L.Magadi, and Lake Nakuru.

Other Lakes: Lake Jipe, Lake Challa, Lake Ol’ Bolossat, and Lake Logipi.

List of breathtaking waterfalls in Kenya

Besides Wildlife and scenic destinations, Kenya is home to beautiful Waterfalls. These natural attractions are located deep in forests and nature trails. If you love the chase, here is a list of the most Breathtaking waterfalls in Kenya.

  • Thomson Falls, Nyahururu
  • Adamson’s Falls, Meru
  • Gura Giant Falls, Aberdares
  • Zaina Falls, Aberdares
  • Karuru Falls, Aberdares
  • Paradise Lost, Kiambu
  • Sheldrick Falls, Shimba Hills
  • Lugard Falls, Tsavo National Park
  • Fourteen Falls, Kilimambogo
  • Karura Waterfalls
  • Oloolua Nature Trail
  • Chepkiit Waterfall, Eldoret
  • Ragia WaterFalls
  • Chania Falls, Thika
  • Kamweti Waterfalls
  • Tigoni Falls

Major Museums and Monuments in Kenya

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) manages Historical Sites, Museums, and Monuments in Kenya. It is also the custodian of a collection of Kenya’s important cultural and natural heritage. Some of the highlights under NMK include the following;

  • Nairobi National Museum
  • Kariandusi archeological Site
  • Karen Blixen Museum
  • Nairobi Gallery
  • Uhuru Gardens National Monument
  • Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site
  • Hyrax Hill Museum
  • Olorgesailie pre-historic site
  • Nyeri Museum
  • Oloolua Nature Trail
  • Fort Jesus, Mombasa
  • Ruins of Gede
  • Tambach Museum
  • Kapenguria Museum
  • Rabai Museum
  • Malindi Museum
  • Desert Museum
  • Koobi Fora
  • Wajir Museum
  • Jumba la Mtwana
  • Mnarani Ruins

Major National Parks and Reserves

It’s the quality of Kenya’s parks and reserves that make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Each of them has its uniqueness and best times to visit. Below are some of the top National parks and Reserves in Kenya.

  • Maasai Mara and Serengeti
  • Mwea National Reserve
  • Hell’s Gate National Park
  • Samburu National Reserve
  • Tsavo West National Park
  • Tsavo East National Park
  • Nairobi National Park
  • Amboseli National Park
  • Mombasa Marine Park
  • Watamu Marine National park
  • Arabuko Sokoke National Park
  • Malindi Marine National Park
  • Shimba Hills National Park
  • Haller Park
  • Mount Kenya National Park
  • Mount Elgon National Park

>> Get more ideas on what to do in the Nairobi Travel Guide.

Get in touch

Do you have a question or comment about Explore Kenya? Please feel free to drop a message.

Most Related Kenya Travel Topics

  • Hiking, trekking, and nature walking.
  • Safari and Game drive.
  • Mountain climbing in Kenya.
  • Tours and Travel Companies.
  • Lakes, Rivers, and Waterfalls in Kenya.
  • Mountains, Hills, and Forests.
  • Buses, Taxis, and Commuter Trains.
  • Madaraka Express Train – Schedule and Prices.
  • Cheap Flights Between Nairobi and Mombasa
  • Accommodation, Food, and Nightlife in Kenya.
  • Walking Tours and Guides.

Featured Image: Giraffe and her calf at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Lisa H on Unsplash.

Fill in the contact form below.