Best Kenyan destinations to visit for Christmas, new year festivities

By Peter Ochieng

The Christmas and new year festivities are here again! Many have already planned for their trips as they take time off from their jobs and business so as to spend some quality time with their families.

For those who are yet to make up their minds on the places to visit for some quality time, here is a sample for you:

1. Lake Victoria

For those from the Western part of the country, the best place to be is on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Siaya or Busia. Lake Victoria is the largest Lake in Africa, and second in the World after Lake Superior in the United States.

The fresh water Lake flows through Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, before releasing its waters to River Nile which flows all the way to Egypt.

With over 500 fish species, Lake Victoria provides livelihoods to hundreds of fishermen in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Boat riding is a marvellous activity to engage in, within Lake Victoria.

2. Masai Mara

The Masai Mara Reserve is one of the most famous safari destinations not only in Kenya, but in Africa.

It is one of the best places in the World for big cat sightings: lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Then there’s the year-round migration that sees nearly two million wildebeest, plus half a million antelopes and thousands of zebras, following the rains around Tanzania and Kenya.

3. Amboseli

The Amboseli National Park is located close to the Kenya-Tanzanian border and south-east of the Mara.

It is not only a haven for lions, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, giraffes, but it also harbors elephants, a sight to behold for those seeking for a fresh environment.

4. Mt. Kenya

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is synonymous with “usiguse mrima,” which means “do not touch the mountain" in reference to residents of the vote-rich region.

That aside, at 5,199m/17,057ft high, Mt. Kenya is the largest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

Mt Kenya is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya, with reaching the summit being a dream for many. Travelers hoping to summit can either hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, taking the world’s highest via ferrata (iron way) route, or climb to the highest point, Batian Peak, though this requires experience of technical climbing.

5. Lake Nakuru

The Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a vast number of bird species, most notably flocks of flamingos.

The birds are attracted to the high levels of algae in the water. A traveler can also spot black and white rhinos, giraffes and lions throughout the national park.

6. Diani Beach

Diani Beach in the coastal region is among the best beaches in Africa. Its white sands, alongside the Indian Ocean capped by forests provide a beautiful viewing.

This is the place to be for one seeking to have some quality time to relax, read a book and recharge before going back to the busy schedules once the holiday is over.