Red House Beach
Red House Beach is a charming and secluded beach located in Kilifi. It is known for its serene ambience, pristine sands, and clear turquoise waters. The beach gets its name from the nearby iconic Red House, a historic building with a distinct red roof that adds to the picturesque scenery. Unlike some of the more popular beaches in the area, Red House Beach offers a quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation and solitude. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, sunbathe on the soft sands, or simply admire the beautiful coastal scenery. The beach is also suitable for swimming and snorkelling, with calm waters and colourful marine life to explore just offshore. Additionally, the Red House Beach area is known for its vibrant local community, providing opportunities to interact with residents and learn more about the culture and traditions of the area.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration, often referred to as the “Wildebeest Migration,” is one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena in the world, occurring in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Great Migration is a year-round event, as the massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates constantly move in search of water and fresh grazing land. However, the most dramatic and iconic part of the migration occurs from July to October when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. One of the most dramatic moments of the Great Migration is when the herds attempt to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. The crossings are perilous, with predators lurking in the water and steep river banks posing additional challenges. Many animals perish during these crossings, but it’s also a time of plenty for predators such as crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.
Giraffe Centre
Enjoy sights of some of the biggest animals that wander the face of Earth with a visit to Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), the centre’s main objective is to secure the imperilled Rothschild giraffe which is found to roam about in free and protected captivity around the meadows. Over the years, Giraffe Centre has become a favourite of tourists and students. Visitors are given the opportunity to observe and interact with giraffes in a natural setting. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes from a raised platform, allowing for up-close encounters and memorable experiences. Educational talks and guided tours are also available to learn more about giraffe biology, behaviour, and conservation. In addition to giraffe encounters, the Giraffe Centre features a nature trail that winds through the adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary. The trail offers a chance to explore the surrounding habitat, observe native bird species, and enjoy scenic views of the landscape.
Brakenhurst
In the lush and beautiful Limuru lies Brackenhurst – a retreat centre about 30 KM from Nairobi. Brackenhurst has a long history dating back to the early 20th century when it was established as a colonial tea farm. Over the years, it has transformed into a vibrant conference and retreat centre while preserving its natural beauty and historical charm. The centre offers a range of facilities to accommodate conferences, workshops, retreats, and other events. These include conference halls, meeting rooms, accommodation options (such as cottages and guest rooms), dining areas, and outdoor spaces for recreational activities such as nature walks and bird watching. In addition to hosting events and conferences, Brackenhurst Nairobi offers various activities and excursions for guests to enjoy during their stay. These include guided nature walks, visits to nearby attractions (such as the Limuru Tea Plantations or the Ngong Hills), cultural experiences, and team-building exercises.
Gatura Greens
Gatura Greens is the world’s first purple tea farm and offers an authentic Kenyan Tea Farm Tour experience. The tour is an opportunity to learn about the different types of tea, enjoy a long beautiful walk, and swim in a waterfall. This paid experience involves people picking their tea, processing it and keeping it as a souvenir, as well as a tea tasting ceremony and a 3 – course vegetarian lunch. Gatura is becoming more popular as a fun weekend activity with friends surrounded by a bamboo forest and even the option to camp at the location or stay the night at the farm cottage.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located in Nairobi. The main objective of the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves and later reintegrate them into the wild. The orphanage also provides veterinary care to injured and sick elephants, as well as other wildlife species. The orphanage offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the orphaned elephants during their daily feeding and mud bath sessions. These visits allow visitors to learn about the challenges facing elephants in the wild and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. The orphanage holds a public visiting hour every day from 11 AM to noon and advanced booking is required. The trust also runs an adoption program that allows individuals to foster an orphaned elephant or rhino. By symbolically adopting an orphan, supporters contribute to the ongoing care, feeding, and rehabilitation efforts. In return, they receive updates and exclusive access to information about their adopted animal.
Amboseli National Park
Located near the Tanzanian border, the Amboseli National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve. It’s close to Mount Kilimanjaro and is one of the most popular parks in Kenya. It is especially known for its collection of elephants and the natural habitats that surround it which are perfect for nature lovers. These are the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulphur springs, the savannah and woodlands. Amboseli National Park is recognized for its long-term elephant research and conservation efforts. The park offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and campsites. Many of these lodges and camps are strategically located to offer uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro and easy access to wildlife.
Mijikenda Kaya Forests
The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests are a group of sacred forests located along the coastal region of Kenya, inhabited by the Mijikenda people. These forests hold deep spiritual significance for the Mijikenda community, serving as ancestral burial grounds, religious sites, and centres of traditional rituals and ceremonies. The Kaya forests are not only culturally significant but also ecologically important, containing rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. They are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endemic flora and fauna found only in the coastal forests of East Africa. The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural and natural significance. Efforts to preserve and safeguard these forests are essential for conserving biodiversity, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Tsavo
Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya and is divided into two: Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest parks in Kenya, located South East of Kenya near the Town of Voi in the Taita-Taveta District of Coast Province, inland from the Coast, it is 13,747 sq. km. The Tsavo West National Park is also located in the Coast Province of Kenya covering an area of 9,065 sq. km. The park was opened in April 1948. The parks can be accessed through several gates. Tsavo East can be accessed through Manyani Gate, Voi Gate, Buchuma Gate and Sala Gate. Tsavo West can be accessed through Mtito Gate, Man-Eaters Gate, Chyulu Gate and one other near Maktau. Some of the key attractions in Tsavo (Other than game safaris) include Mzima Springs, an exploration of the ancient lands of lions including caves, and a walk through the volcanic area. Tsavo is also full of various hotels and lodges so if you need accommodation, multiple options are available.
Chyulu Hills National Park
Also known as the Green Hills of Africa, Chyulu Hills are the perfect location for nature and adventure lovers. It’s a rugged wilderness still showing signs of its volcanic origins – and boasting some of the best views of Kilimanjaro. The reserve is a rugged jumble of ancient volcanic cones and craters, as well as the longest lava tube in the world. The hills are also home to various animals such as buffalos, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, reedbucks and giraffes along with various reptiles and insects.