When it comes to planning a holiday, most people want to go to some exotic land where they get to spend days lying on a beach, sipping cocktails, and relaxing. However, there are those who want to experience new adventures and make memories that are going to stay with them forever.
If you fall into the latter category then Kenya is the right place for you. There is a reason why millions of people from every corner of the world choose this country as a destination for their next vacation. You will get a chance to observe the wildlife of Africa, reconnect with nature, and go on the adventure of a lifetime.
In the following article, we are going to tell you why you should put Kenya on your bucket list, but also we are going to discuss some practical aspects of planning this journey and tell you everything you have to know.
Massai Mara is the most popular tourist destination in Kenya and definitely something that you cannot miss visiting. This enormous game reserve is home to the Big Five. Go on an adventure and see African lion, African leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinos up close. There are numerous lodges within the park where you can stay and have the full experience.
In addition, if you plan your holiday between mid-August and October you will have a chance to observe the greatest migration on the planet Earth. More than a million wildebeest together with Thomson’s gazelles, elands, and zebras travel from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Massai Mara. It almost doesn’t matter how many photos and videos you have seen online because nothing can come in comparison with this phenomenon when witnessed in person.
Samburu National Reserve is another park where you get to see lions, cheetahs, gazelles, hippos, elephants, and so on. Also, if you want to learn more about rare species of birds, this place is for sure something that you have to visit. Go on a cultural tour, or sign up for a tour of bird viewing with a professional guide who will provide you with all the interesting facts and ensure that you have fun.
The Mount Kenya National Park provides you with a perfect mix of activities. Since this mountain is the second highest in Africa with multiple peaks, there are seven routes you can take on your climbing quest. Most people are only allowed to climb the third highest peak, and only experienced ones with professional gear can get a chance to climb the other two.
If you are a history geek, don’t worry, there are multiple places in Kenya that you are going to find interesting. First of all, you should take a trip to the Fort Jesus, a port that was built in the late 16th century by the Portuguese with the goal of protecting the old port of Mombasa. It was designed by an Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati which is why it reflects the ideals of the Renaissance.
Another fascinating place of history lovers is the Lamu Old Town. Here, you will get a chance to become acquainted with the ancient history of the region and learn about the life of the earliest settlers to the African coast. Nowadays, this town is the oldest example of Swahili settlement in East Africa, and it is also the best-preserved one.
Now that we have provided you with a list of sites and once in a lifetime adventures you have to visit and experience, let’s discuss some practical aspects of your vacation.
How to get a Visa?
The very first thing that probably comes to your mind is the visa. Although people of different nationalities cannot enter the country without this document, the great thing is that in 2015 e-visa system was introduced. What does this mean? Well, basically, now you can get this document online instead of filling out traditional paper forms and waiting for weeks for it to be approved.
Depending on the type of your trip (tourist, transit or business) you can apply for three different kinds of e-visa. Each of these limits you when it comes to the time you can spend in the country, you can be allowed to stay anywhere between 72 hours and 90 days.
All you need to apply for a visa online is a valid travel document i.e. a passport with at least one blank page in it, and information about your trip. You have to visit the website evisa-kenya.com, fill out the form with your personal information such as full name, date of birth, nationality, profession, etc. and pay the fee.
Once your visa gets approved, you will receive it in PDF format via your email.
Why apply for it online?
If you have never done this before, it might seem a bit confusing or even risky, which is why we are going to tell you about the benefits of acquiring a visa this way. Firstly, it is more convenient. You can complete all the requirements from the comfort of your own home since you are going to be presented with all the forms via your laptop. This is going to save you a lot of time, because you can fill out everything in minutes instead of going to the embassy, getting the papers and in the end, waiting in line.
Secondly, since the entire process is conducted online and you can choose between multiple paying methods, you can apply for it from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, all your forms are going to be checked by visa experts before sending them to the government which means that you will have a chance to make some changes if necessary. Finally, the team of experts is going to be at your service 24/7 and you can contact them via phone or email to get all the information you need.
Conclusion
To sum up, in this article, we have provided you with a list of magnificent sites in Kenya that you can choose from based on your interests and expectation. Clearly, these are only some of the numerous tourist attractions, so you should do a little research of your own to learn what other places you can visit.