Do you have plans to travel in 2023? Is your bucket list of destinations full? Are you thinking of finishing off a trip you started a few months or years ago in Kenya? Whether you are visiting for the first time or you are considering visiting again, you can never get enough of Kenya. Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that will offer you a variety of experiences pegged on important historical events or circumstances that you just don’t want to miss.

Among many other reasons, here are some to 15 reasons why Kenya is the best destination in Africa.

1. Kenya was recently ranked number 4 in the whole of Africa as the country with high-quality life.

Business Insider Africa ranked Kenya at number 4 when it comes to countries with the best quality of life in Africa. This is after South Africa, Tunisia and Morocco. It has a quality index score of 92.54. This should explain the infrastructural advancement and economic solidness of Kenya. Visiting  Kenya will therefore be within the global tourism budget ranges and you are guaranteed quality and class.

Kenya also has the best city life experiences and touring the 4 cities would be a unique experience. You can tour the vibrant, bustling capital of Nairobi,  the city by the lake – Kisumu, the island city of Mombasa or the recently upgraded upcountry city- Nakuru.

2. Kenya is the world’s 2021 best safari destination.

In 2021, Kenya was named the world’s number-one safari destination. Where is the lie? In Kenya, you get the best safari experiences both day and night. You get to traverse through the vast savanna of Tsavo, Maasai Mara, and Amboseli among others. You can go on guided nature walks, drives, rides, camping, and even rare road trips. If you want a safari experience to the tunes of extreme adventure, Come Travel Kenya got you.

3. The home of all the Big Five among the intense assortment of wildlife.

The rare Savannah lion is Kenya’s totem. We have the largest number of the big five animals in East, West, and Central Africa, slightly below South Africa’s numbers. You will have extreme exposure, and get to see elephants in their herds, Grevy zebras amongst other endangered species. Don’t wait to see it in postcards only. Visit and see for yourself.

4. The genesis of the great wildebeest migration

Who wants a narrative of this unique wonder of the world? Absolutely no one. Everyone wants first-hand experience. You can’t keep watching on national geographic channels. Pack a suitcase in July through October and get ready. Come Travel Kenya will put up an offer for you to take.

5. A total of 50 Game Reserves and National Parks

You probably know Tsavo, because of the man-eating lions, Amboseli for the beautiful scenic Kilimanjaro view, and the famous Maasai Mara. There are other 47 that you have not explored. Don’t stop at three. I challenge you to over 20 game park safaris in Kenya. You will have a unique experience from each and will realize that none is like the other.

6.  Perfect climate

Kenya boasts of a warm equatorial climate in most parts of the country with long rains from March through to  June. Even when it is raining, it doesn’t get extremely chilly save for a few places that your travel agent will warn you about before letting you explore them. It is normally sunny and warm, with lush green vegetation covering most parts of the country, and sometimes extremely hot in arid areas and in the savannah. Kenya enjoys both the Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere climate since the equator passes across the country. Come get a beautiful tan in the sun.

7. Over 25 million years old Great Rift Valley.

25 million years! Yes, you read that right. The great rift valley is home to lakes, mountains, hills, and the most scenic sceneries you have ever seen. You can take a trip across the valley and get that textbook experience, beyond the safaris mentioned above. There is a lot to be offered, ranging from physical features to cultural experiences.  Lakes are the highlight of touring the valley. The experience down there is magical.

8. Archeological hub – Lake Turkana, the Cradle of man

You have probably heard about the story of the first man being found in Turkana. The Leaky family discovery put Turkana on the list of places with great historical facts. If you are not into fossils, there is a lot more to enjoy in Turkana.  Besides being the host of the biggest Nile Crocodiles in the world, lake Turkana is also the largest desert lake in the world. Beyond the archaeology and the prehistoric sites, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries, and beautiful springs and if you happen to visit in December, you get to witness the Turkana cultural festival that unites the tribes from Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. It is a colorful festival.

 9. A magical coastal experience

The pristine beaches and the rustic old and new Mombasa are a place to definitely tour. You will have a lot to choose from starting with hopping from one island to another, deep sea diving, ecological nature tours, beach sports, Swahili cuisines, and interacting with the laid-back coastal people and their fluid cultures. The Kenyan coast cannot be described in written form, it is a lifestyle. You must live it even for a few days to know what it is really like.

10. Over 70 languages and cultures to experience

You probably know the Maasai of Kenya already. You are yet to experience 69 others with unique cultural practices that will leave you wowed. Have you witnessed the fierce bullfighting of the Idakho and Isukha? Have you witnessed the Bukusu Circumcision? What about Turkana’s Ekidor dance? The Tirikis have their jaw-dropping Itumbi ceremony… The list goes on and on. All the way to 70 pieces of different cultures.

11. Palate-pleasing traditional cuisines

If you have an adventurous palate, Kenya is your culinary destination. As mentioned above, there are over 70 languages spoken in Kenya, which makes it 70 cultural practices and therefore over 70 traditional cuisines. Other than the famous nyama choma, and grilled meat, there is a wide range of traditional cuisines that will tantalize your taste buds. You order Mokimo, Pilau, Biryani, Fresh Fish, Ugali, and Kienyeji amongst others.

12. Exceptional birding experience

Kakamega forest offers the best bird watching experience in kenya. There are however other places and lakes that have marvelous sceneries of flamingos and swans. Birders can get thousands of species. Carry your equipment and be sure to go back with loads of birds photos

13. Over 20 private conservancies for both fauna and flora

Have you heard of people adopting an elephant? Yes, it happens here. There are so many nature conservancy places that allow breeding and trying to save endangered species. Kenya is the home of the only remaining white rhino. If you are a lover of nature, you can make a trip with the purpose of being a part of the Kenyan quest to save nature.

14. Mount Kenya, the 2nd tallest mountain in Africa

Are you into hiking? Mountain climbing? Mount Kenya tours are 3rd best after Safaris and Coastal tours. Mount Kenya Climbing is a soul-healing, fun experience. You get the bonus of seeing romantic glacier lakes like Lake Jipe. The mountain is a majestic scenic sight, with pristine features that will leave you inspired.

15. The peak of hospitality in East Africa

Kenyan hotels, restaurants, and lodges are amongst the best in Africa. Their strategic location, architecture, and the kind of services they offer make the Kenyan hospitality stand out. . With the rise of many air BnBs you have an option of renting and enjoying your stay on your own terms. There are several luxurious suites and uniquely built lodges in the parks, on beaches, and on lakes. The hospitality in Kenya is also very stellar. You can be sure to find something classy and affordable in a place that will leave you refreshed.

In conclusion, Kenya is a perfect destination for family, group, and individual trips. Many historical figures have lived here, found love here, and even died in Kenya. It is the land of romance, diversity, and cultural acumen that warmly embraces modernity as well. You can never have enough of Kenya. So, will you come to visit this year?

karibu!

The post Are You Planning A Trip In 2023? – 15 Reasons Why You Should Make Kenya Your Next Destination. first appeared on Come Travel Kenya.

The post Are You Planning A Trip In 2023? – 15 Reasons Why You Should Make Kenya Your Next Destination. appeared first on Come Travel Kenya.

Nothing beats waking up to beautiful sunrise, sweetest bird melodies coupled with the soft whispers of waves rippling on a breathtakingly beautiful lake. camping by the lake, watching camp flame reflection caressing the still waters, that break into momental ripples caused by the gentle breeze is the peak of self actualization.

Boarding a boat and zooming across one of the largest lakes in Africa, traversing through three countries unapologetically, is the dream.

Kisumu sits on the shores of the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria, famously referred to as “The Pearl of Africa” is the largest tropical lake in the world and 2nd largest freshwater lake, second to Lake Superior of America. The largest parts of the lake are divided between Uganda and Tanzania at over forty percent each and Kenya gets six percent. The six percent is so vast and pristine, and it sparks the desire to know what lies in the 90 percent. That’s why Kisumu City is the home of inspiration.

Kisumu City is a home of adventures and here are some of those places you can visit to sharpen your thrill buds.

About Kisumu City

1. Island trips

Lake Victoria hosts a good number of islands that are open to tourists and visitors. They are accessible by boat and the experience is usually a thrill. Let’s  call it island hopping, just like one can do discotheques. These islands include, Rusinga Island, Mfangano Island, Ndere Island and Migingo Island.  Rusinga Island Festival is one of the best experiences on the lake for culture explorers and lovers. Here there is a sponsored attempt to save an almost extinct indegineous lake tribe, Suba, through a cultural festival that happens every December just before Christmas. If you haven’t been to a boat Library, head to Kisumu City and extend to Rusinga this December.

The other islands are peaceful and extremely serene. One can take a boat and set camp, enjoy the quiet and peace, meditate and allow your spirit to hover over water. What else could be more inspirational?

2. City  Night Tour

Kisumu City is a home of robust nightlife. The people here are full of life and fun is a culture. There are many nightclubs in the city and the music is beyond the planet. Here you get a mini Vegas experience with a touch of African live music bands, local cuisines and the best company.

3. Dunga Hill Camp

A thriller camping experience is up for grabs. You get a chance to hear the lake sing you a lullaby. The soft waves, the picturesque sunrise, dinner on the boat, just to mention but a few. Sport fishing and the frenzy boat rides are done here as well. Let’s test your brazenness here!

4. Kiboko Bay

This is the home of Hippos. The hippos are not commonly spotted but then the shores are something out of this wild. Here the best view of the lake, you can catch beautiful sunsets. This is a place for romantics.

5. Kisumu Museum

There is a lot of preserved wildlife, birds, fish species but what tops my list is the Luo people culture. The music. The instruments and the Ohangla Dancers. This is an experience you shouldn’t just read about if you are a culture enthusiast. The dances are pure Bliss and the people flow with immense pride in the moves. There is a beautiful set up of the Luo past existence informing their current pride. Don’t miss out on meeting eye to eye with Nyadhi, Style, as the locals call it.

6. Impala Sanctuary Park

Nature lovers have a nature trail in the company of the beautiful and graceful Impalas. This comes with other species like baboons and several birds but the Impalas are the best creatures to watch here. The fresh air from the created forest is both therapy and thought evoking. An artist would have a time of their life in this sanctuary and paint an entire untold story.

7. Kit Mikai

This is the stone of the first wife. It is a mythical place with a rich cultural embedment. It is believed that the stone, an 80 meters high Thor that weeps, was a woman scorned by the husband after he married a second wife. It is a symbol of the pain women suffer in polygamy.

Besides the sad existence, Kit Mikai offers the best view of  Kisumu City. At the top of the Rock you can have the most photogenic view of the Lake and the City, watch a sunset and enjoy a romantic moment.

Afterall it is the stone of the First Wife…

8. Fish Joints

Have tasted fresh Tilapia from a freshwater lake? The savory sweetness of crispy fish can only be experienced in Kisumu City. There are a variety of other species like the Nile Perch and even the famous Lantern Fish commonly known as Omena or Daggaa. This can’t be put in writing, it’s best served hot in experience.

You can also go on a fishing spree on the lake.

 9. Flea Markets

Kibuye is one of the biggest flea markets in East and Central Africa. If you are a lover of flipping prices for great things, you wouldn’t imagine the art work and souvenirs you are likely to carry home from Kisumu City. Here, the curious mind can experience the mind boggling bargaining spirit of Kenyans.

10. Rich Archeology

Still at Rusinga, there is a rich archaeological bed that is as old as thousands of years old. Many fossils were discovered and are reserved on this island. Besides the beautiful sunsets, history lovers and fossil enthusiasts would get the inspiration of seeing one of the earliest forms of man available in the whole world.

 Conclusion

Kisumu City allows you a sneak peek into the vast waters of the famous Lake Victoria of Africa. It is a well developed city full of fun and beautiful experiences that could inspire you to do more, tour more and generally view the world from a different angle. I wouldn’t mind the possibilities of the city sparking the desire to just tour the whole 100 percent of the lake which could be a lifetime achievement!

Emily Khalayi Wekulo

REFERENCES

https://moafrikatours.com/lake-victoria/

https://kenyatalii.com/2019/12/05/rusinga-cultural-festival/?amp=1

https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/hippo-point

The post 9 Inspirational Places And Sites To Visit In Kisumu City And Its Environs. first appeared on Come Travel Kenya.

The post 9 Inspirational Places And Sites To Visit In Kisumu City And Its Environs. appeared first on Come Travel Kenya.