Kenya's 13 Most Beautiful Places You Must-Visit

Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya for safaris, nature, and unforgettable coastlines.

Kenya's 13 Most Beautiful Places You Must-Visit

This list covers the 13 most beautiful places to visit in Kenya, perfect for anyone planning a trip filled with nature, adventure, and culture. These destinations are spread across the country and highlight the best Kenya has to offer—from massive lakes and remote deserts to lush green hills and tropical islands.


Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is one of the top wildlife destinations on the planet. Located in southwestern Kenya, it’s known for hosting the annual Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebras move between the Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. This is also one of the best places to see the Big Five.

Highlights

  • Best place in Kenya to see lions and leopards
  • Home to the Great Migration (July–October)
  • Hot air balloon rides over the savannah

Additional Attractions


Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is located at Amboseli National Park, and is one of Kenya’s most iconic attractions. It’s a must-visit for photography lovers and one of the best places to see elephants in large groups, often with the mountain in the background on clear days.

Highlights

  • Large elephant populations
  • Amazing photo ops of Kilimanjaro
  • Great for short safaris and birdwatching

Additional Attractions

  • Observation Hill
  • Sinet Delta

Lake Nakuru National Park

Flock of pink flamingos feeding in the shallow waters of Lake Nakuru at sunset in Kenya, with a vibrant purple and orange sky reflecting on the lake.

Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and rare white rhinos. It's a smaller park but packed with animals and dramatic views. Birdwatchers, in particular, will love this area, which is also home to over 400 bird species.

Highlights

  • Flamingo-covered shores
  • White and black rhino sightings
  • Great for birdwatching

Additional Attractions


Diani Beach

Diani Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. With its soft white sand and turquoise water, it’s a great place to relax after a safari. There are coral reefs for snorkeling, plus kitesurfing and boat trips.

Highlights

  • Beautiful beach with clear water
  • Water sports and snorkeling
  • Beachfront resorts and beach bars

Additional Attractions


Mount Kenya

Colorful camping tents set up on a grassy valley beneath the rugged snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, with early morning sunlight casting shadows across the landscape.

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and one of the most scenic places in the country. Whether you want to hike to Point Lenana or just enjoy the alpine forests at the base, this area feels untouched and peaceful.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Alpine lakes, glaciers, and wildlife
  • Great hiking and climbing routes

Additional Attractions


Lamu Island

Aerial view of thatched beachfront villas and palm trees along the white sandy coast of Manda Bay on Lamu Island, Kenya.

Lamu Island is a Swahili coastal town where time feels like it’s stopped. No cars, just donkeys and dhows. The narrow alleyways, coral stone buildings, and calm beaches make it one of the most unique destinations in Kenya.

Highlights

  • Oldest Swahili town in East Africa
  • UNESCO-listed historic town
  • Peaceful beaches and dhow sailing

Additional Attractions


Hell’s Gate National Park

Unique columnar basalt rock formations at Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya, surrounded by green vegetation and framed by trees.

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few places in Kenya where you can hike and cycle freely among wild animals. It features deep gorges, cliffs, hot springs, and even inspired the setting for The Lion King.

Highlights

  • Walking and biking safaris
  • Cliffs, gorges, and volcanic activity
  • Rock climbing opportunities

Additional Attractions


Lake Naivasha

Dramatic sunset over Lake Naivasha in Kenya with silhouetted trees rising from the water and clouds reflecting the fading light.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake surrounded by acacia trees and wildlife. Boat rides offer close-up views of hippos and birds, and it’s one of the easiest day trips from Nairobi.

Highlights

  • Boat safaris with hippo sightings
  • Close to Nairobi
  • Home to over 400 bird species

Additional Attractions


Samburu National Reserve

Safari guide observing a herd of African elephants in the dry grasslands of Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Samburu National Reserve is more rugged and less visited than the southern parks, which makes it feel wild and remote. It’s home to rare species like the gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, and reticulated giraffe.

Highlights

  • Remote safari experience
  • Unique wildlife species
  • Traditional Samburu culture

Additional Attractions


Lake Turkana

Aerial view of the volcanic island and turquoise waters of Lake Turkana, Kenya, showcasing dramatic geological formations.

Known as the Jade Sea, Lake Turkana is the world’s largest desert lake and one of the most remote places in Kenya. Its dramatic green waters are surrounded by volcanic rock and dry desert.

Highlights

  • Remote, surreal landscapes
  • Fossil sites and ancient history
  • Largest permanent desert lake in the world

Additional Attractions


Nairobi National Park

Three giraffes walking through green bushland with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background at Tsavo National Park, Kenya.

Located just outside the city center, Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world within a capital city. You can spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes with the skyline in the background.

Highlights

  • Wildlife park near the city
  • Great for half-day safaris
  • Rhino sanctuary on-site

Additional Attractions


Chyulu Hills

Aerial view of the lush green rolling landscape of the Chyulu Hills in Kenya, covered with dense forest and open grassland.

The Chyulu Hills are green volcanic hills between Amboseli and Tsavo. They’re not as well known as Kenya’s other parks, but that’s what makes them special. The views are incredible and the crowds are almost non-existent.

Highlights

  • Lava tubes and volcanic hills
  • Hiking and horseback safaris
  • Green, untouched scenery

Additional Attractions


Tsavo National Park

Lone acacia tree silhouetted against a vibrant orange and pink sunset in Tsavo National Park, Kenya.

Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya, split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. It’s rugged, wild, and home to red dust-covered elephants. If you want fewer crowds and huge landscapes, this is the place.

Highlights

  • Huge park, fewer tourists
  • Red elephants and volcanic terrain
  • Great for extended safaris

Additional Attractions


These beautiful places in Kenya offer everything from wildlife safaris and peaceful beaches to volcanic landscapes and cultural towns. Perfect for nature and adventure lovers.

Not A Member? ✈️

Save 40%-95% On Flights With Jetsetter Alerts Airline Mistake Fare & Flash Sales Alerts!

Get Personalized Airfare Alerts
Kenya Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Discover in this Kenya Travel Guide everything you need to know to help you plan your visit to this beautiful African nation.
14-Day Kenya Travel Itinerary
Searching for a trip to Kenya, and not sure where to go? Here’s my past 14-Day Kenyan travel itinerary that will give you an amazing vacation.

Airline Mistake Fares