Iconic Sites and Landmarks of Kenya

When people think of the iconic wildlife images of Africa, most likely they originate from Kenya. Kenya is one of the most popular countries in Africa. There are many iconic landmarks located all around the country that make it a great destination to visit. Kenya is located in east Africa and actually has one of the largest economies in the region. A significant portion of this is driven by tourism in Kenya. The beaches along Kenya’s coast a definitely an attraction for beach goers. The rest of the country is known for its natural landscapes. Kenya has an abundance of mountains, plains, valleys, and other formations. Several national parks have been established to preserve the country. They have also become one of the biggest draws for visitors.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya. It operates an international airport so there’s a good chance that your journey around Kenya will begin here. The main attraction in Nairobi for tourists is actually the Nairobi National Park. This park is located just south of the city and presents a major contrast between a major metropolis and the wildlife the lives here. This park is smaller in comparison to the other major parks in the country. It still has very diverse plant life and animal life.

The Nairobi National Park is most known for its rhinoceroses. It operates a rhino sanctuary that rescues orphaned rhinos. Other common animals to see here are cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and much more. Seasons play a large part in the animals you see in the park. The animals often migrate in and out of the park.

Tours are very useful for exploring the Nairobi National Park. There are several guided tours that take you to the popular animal sighting locations. You can even find walking tours in the park. One of the best parts about the national park is the view of the Nairobi skyline that can be seen from here.

Nairobi National Museum

While still in the capital of Nairobi, another great landmark to visit is the Nairobi National Museum. This museum serves as the headquarters that manages all the other museums, monuments, and other sites found around the country. It’s a center that houses exhibits as well as conducting research.

The Nairobi National Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions. The exhibitions are a great place to learn more about the history of Africa and about the Kenyan culture. Many of the exhibits present details about early civilizations and the evolution of humans. There is also information and exhibits about a lot of the wildlife found in the country, both past and present.

The museum has been recently renovated, which is was expanded significantly. The museum includes other features such as the Nairobi Snake Park, a botanical garden, as well as a nature trail. The museum expanded to include a commercial wing. Visitors can find several shops and restaurants here to supplement their visit.

Fort Jesus

There is a lot of history in the Kenyan coasts. Just off of the coast is an island called Mombasa Island. The most popular attraction on this island is Fort Jesus. Fort Jesus has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a representation of 16^th Century Portuguese military fort. The fort was originally built by the Portuguese but has changes hands several times over the course of its use. An aerial view of Fort Jesus will reveal its design resembling a lying man.

Fort Jesus had a major role in the India Ocean Trade. It was determined that whoever controlled the fort controlled the island. The fort has been well preserved over the years. There are many original structures within the fort that you can see when you visit. The Oman House was used as the residence of the governing Sultan along the Kenyan coast. There is also a water system built here used for collecting rainwater.

Fort Jesus is a major attraction for tourists but also education. Several research programs are conducted here as well as conservation labs, amongst other educational activity.

Tsavo National Park

National parks are always tourists’ favorite in Kenya. The Tsavo National Park is the largest and oldest park in the country. In fact, it’s so large that it’s divided into two parks: east and west. Each side has their own unique characteristics.

East Tsavo National Park has flatter land and covered in predominantly grasslands and savanna. This side of the park has several attractions such as the Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, and the Aruba Dam. West Tsavo National Park is much more mountainous. It also has more wetlands in comparison. This side of the park is a great place to enjoy rock climbing.

Tsavo National Park is known for its wildlife. It is home to the “Big Five”: lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, and leopards. An abundance of each of these animals can be seen all around the park. There are also lots of species of birds.

The park is easily accessible for visitors. There are several entrances to explore the park. It even has multiple airstrips for small airplane entry.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania. It’s definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in Kenya. To get your chance to experience the mountain, you’ll be visiting the Mount Kenya National Park. This national park not only includes Mount Kenya but also a broad area surrounding the mountain. The purpose was to preserve the scenic nature of the area, preserve the water supply, protect the environment, as well as make it a more pleasurable experience to attract more tourism.

Mount Kenya is a destination for mountain climbing and camping along its slopes. Many guides and tours take visitors up the mountain who want to reach the peak and see amazing views of the Kenyan landscape. The entire mountain is pure wilderness. You will come across forests, lakes, and lots of wildlife. The surrounding areas of the mountain are used for agriculture. Gates have been set up to keep out certain animals in order to protect the farmland.

Bombas of Kenya

To truly get an experience of the Kenyan culture, you’ll want to visit the Bombas of Kenya. This landmark is a tourist village that was set up as an example of traditional villages in the country. It may be the closest you can get to seeing the inner workings of a tribal lifestyle. There are a variety of huts that reflect the architecture that tribal communities use.

The Bombas of Kenya is a great place to explore various aspects of the local culture. This includes their way of life, art, music, and even dances. There is a performance hall that holds weekly dance performances and music showcases. Day tours to the Bombas of Kenya are common. It’s a destination for visitors of all ages.

Kenya is a great country to explore. There are several iconic landmarks that are worth exploring on your visit to the country. Kenya definitely has its share of major cities, the largest being Nairobi. Nairobi has a lot of attractions for visitors. The main draw to the country, however, is to experience the natural wonders of the country. Kenya is rich in wildlife. Many of the national parks and nature reserves has been established to preserve them. Touring throughout Kenya will take you to many of the best destinations in all of Africa.