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Kenya – Top Tourist Attraction Sites

June 5th, 2011 No comments


Kenya is with no doubt one of the best tourist destinations in Africa. The various national parks, game reserves, natural forests and the rich culture of its people makes the country a premium tourist destination in East Africa. The following are some of the places you would want to visit and spend some quality time.

1. The Masai Mara Game Reserve bordering Tanzania is the most popular reserve in the country. The annual wildebeest migration between July and October is the greatest spectacle on earth. Over 1.5 million wild animals cross the border into the Mara plains in search of ripened grass and quality water. This unimaginable mass movement is an event that no visitor will not afford to miss. Animals commonly seen here include; wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, antelope, hyena, elephant, lion, leopard, black rhino, buffalo, cheetah and many bird species.

2. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and the highest in Kenya. It was the Holy place of the Kikuyu community and, their fore-fathers prayed and offered sacrifices facing this mountain. They believed that their God (Ngai) lived on the Mount Kenya. Located North of the equator, this mountain has permanent snow throughout the year. Both local and international climbers come annually to adventure the beauty of this mountain.

Other than mountain climbing, game viewing is wonderful on Mt. Kenya National Park. Wildlife found here include the elephant, albino zebra, monkey, the buck and many more. Different types of birds have been recorded in this area. The vegetation varies as you ascend to the peak due to differences in altitude. It is an important water catchment area. In fact, 50 percent of the country water comes from here. About 70 percent of hydroelectric power is produced from mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

3. Lake Nakuru, an alkaline water lake is home to over a million pink flamingo birds. The alkaline water and plenty of algae available here is ideal for the birds. These birds, including other bird species make the lake the greatest bird spectacle on earth. Apart from watching the flamingo birds, game viewing in Lake Nakuru National park is also wonderful. Wild animals in this park include the giraffe, white rhino, lion, hippo, warthog and the ostrich.

4. Tsavo National Park, which is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. The park has a mixture of semi arid, Savannah, boabab trees, acacia woodlands and forest vegetation along four river lines. The wildlife here is in abundance. There are over 60 animal species recorded in this park. This includes the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, antelope and giraffe. The park is also famous for the man eating lions.

5. The Amboseli National Park is another popular tourist attraction. Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, this park offer a good view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. One unique thing in this park is the elephant population. This is one of the few places in Africa where visitors can view elephants at a close range. There are over 50 animal species and 400 different types of birds recorded in this park. Swamps and springs in this park are fed by underground water from the melting snow of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

6. The Kenya beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline are quite enjoyable. Relaxing on the white sand beaches and playing various beach sports is extremely fun. Swimming in the warm waters is also interesting under the hot sun. A visit to Lamu, Malindi and Watamu islands is real adventure.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content On Travel. Read More Of His Articles Here CULTURAL TOURISM IN KENYA If You Enjoyed Reading This Article, Make Sure You Read My Most Recent Posts Here TRAVELING TO KENYA

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