Kenya is brimming with beautiful vistas and is blessed with striking natural beauty. The country is home to 54 national parks that regularly rank among the best in Africa. When experienced first hand, Kenya’s vast splendour seems endless, but here are five of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes you can experience in the country today.
1. The Menengai Crater
Menengai Crater is a popular tourist attraction which provides a unique oasis of tranquillity for all those who visit it. Nestled on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the volcano was formed some 200,000 years ago, and remains the largest intact volcanic crater in the world. It offers wonderful views of Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria. Hiking, camping, and photography are all possible on this stunning and soaring edifice. The crater is located on the outskirts of Nakuru Town.
2. Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain. With an elevation rise of 12,549 feet (3,825 metres) it is also the 32nd highest mountain in the world. Mount Kenya has several summits, including its three highest peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. Visitors to the mountain can enjoy a variety of jaw-dropping scenery and treks through vast and varied ecosystems.
3. The Maasai Mara National Reserve
Kenya is known as the wildlife capital of the world for having numerous reserves within its boundaries. The Maasai Mara National Reserve (also known as Masai Mara and by the locals as The Mara) is the most famous. It is located in Narok County, Kenya, and is home to all members of the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, cape buffalo and black rhinoceros). As such, The Maasai Mara a world-renowned safari destination that can’t be missed.
4. Diani Beach
Beautiful sunrise behind the thunderous clouds over the white sand beaches of Diani Beach in Mombasa Kenya.
For a tranquil getaway Diani Beach in Kenya is the ideal destination. It consists of a 15-kilometre stretch of beach, which borders the coastal town of Ukunda and is about 26 kilometres south of the city of Mombasa. Regularly ranking as one of the world’s best beaches, Diani is home to snow-white sand in front of lush green palm trees. It seems like it’s been taken straight off a postcard. Walks along Diani Beach provide uninterrupted views of the Indian ocean, and Kenya’s tropical climate makes the beach a popular destination with hikers who enjoy exploring in warmer temperatures.
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the most beautiful corners of Kenya. The park covers an area of only 68.25 square km, and is situated near to Lake Naivasha, about 90 km from Nairobi. The park is celebrated for its wondrous rock formations, gorges and views of the Great Rift Valley. Hell’s Gate National Park is a lot quieter than other Kenyan parks, so it’s a great option for walkers looking for peace and tranquillity on their Kenyan adventure. Despite its name the park is quiet and safe, and very suitable for hiking and family exploration. Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower are extinct volcanos which house rock walls perfect for climbing.
Kenya’s natural landscapes are undoubtedly breathtaking. The country’s incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes, unspoiled wilderness and world-famous sunsets, draw in visitors from around the world. For the walking enthusiast, the country’s unique combination of dunes, tropical forests, impressive grasslands, vast arid plains, and lush beaches, mean every day spent in Kenya is unique.
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