The Ultimate 2023 Travel Checklist: Exploring Kenya’s Hidden Gems
It’s been a couple of weeks into 2023, I can’t help but dream of the places I’ve longed to visit. Despite planning a trip at the beginning of the year, I didn’t end up going anywhere. However, the desire to visit these destinations before the year is out still burns strong. While I’ve never had the chance to travel to Kenya before, I’m considering making it my first trip of the year. Here are the top Kenya destinations on my list for 2023.
Watamu Beach
Located 15km south of Malindi, Watamu Beach is a picturesque destination along the Kenyan coastline. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding wildlife safari make it an ideal spot for various activities. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, the pristine white sand and calm waters make it perfect for relaxation. As part of the Watamu National Marine Park, this beach is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs are home to a plethora of colorful underwater life and create ideal conditions for surfing. During low tide, you can walk out into the shallow water for miles, providing a unique experience.
The beach also offers an array of excellent hotels and restaurants just a few steps from the sand, perfect for spending the whole day or even an overnight trip. Additionally, the Watamu Marine National Park, located 1km off the coast, is home to over 600 fish species, 110 species of stony coral, and countless invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Watamu is a cosmopolitan town that blends Kenyan, Arab, and Italian influences. It has a strong population of Italian expats who have left their mark on the local cuisine through authentic Italian pizza and ice cream. With its charming atmosphere, stunning views, and abundant wildlife, Watamu Beach is an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is a famous tourist destination located on the South Coast of Kenya, approximately 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. The beach is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, which offer a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. It stretches over 25 kilometers along the coastline, providing visitors with ample space to relax, swim, or participate in various water sports activities.
Diani Beach is also known for its coral reefs, which are a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. The coral reefs are home to a wide range of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Visitors can also take part in deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, jet skiing, and other water sports activities.
In addition to its beautiful beaches and water sports activities, Diani Beach also has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine, cocktails, and live music. The beach is also close to several wildlife reserves, including Shimba Hills National Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Overall, Diani Beach’s breathtaking natural beauty, water sports activities, and vibrant nightlife scene make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular parks in Kenya, and it is crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The park’s name “Amboseli” comes from the Maasai word for “salty dust”. The park is renowned for its large herds of elephants that can be viewed up close, making it one of the best places in Africa to experience these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Amboseli National Park boasts five different habitats that nature lovers can explore, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli to wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Visitors can also experience the authentic Maasai culture by visiting the local Maasai community who live around the park. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Maasai people’s customs, traditions, and way of life. With its breathtaking views, diverse habitats, and unique cultural experiences, Amboseli National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Kenya’s natural beauty.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the places I have always dreamed of visiting ever since I started travelling. The park is situated in the southwest of Kenya, and boasts endless plains, abundant wildlife, and stunning views, making it an ideal location for a safari adventure.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is famous for its year-round concentration of game, including over two million wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes that make up the famous Great Migration. &Beyond owns two lodges in the reserve, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and Bateleur Camp, providing visitors with a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of the wilderness.
The reserve is a naturalist’s and photographer’s paradise, with abundant wildlife such as elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs, along with migratory wildebeest and zebras. Leopards and endangered black rhinos can also be found in the dense thickets, while large rafts of hippos and enormous crocodiles inhabit the Mara River. The Masai Mara National Reserve is also home to over 450 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
In conclusion, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an enchanting destination that offers an unforgettable safari experience. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Kenya and witness firsthand the incredible diversity of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park in Kenya is located just 7km south of Nairobi. This unique wildlife park is the only one in the world situated so close to a city, making it a popular attraction for tourists. The park is characterized by a dry transitional savanna vegetation type, with acacias, Cape chestnut, muhuhu, and Kenya olive trees providing habitat for its diverse wildlife. Nairobi National Park serves as a major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks, and is home to over 100 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as zebras, giraffes, and various species of antelope and reptiles. The park also boasts a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration, while birdwatchers can enjoy over 500 recorded bird species, including seasonal European migrants like the Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Harrier, and Sooty Falcon, among others.
