The Nairobi National Museum  is located on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway  between Central Business District and Westlands in Nairobi. The National Museum of Kenya was founded by the East Africa National History Society (E.A.N.H.S.) in 1910; the society’s main goal has always been to conduct an ongoing critical scientific examination of the natural attributes of the East African  habitat.

The museum houses an extensive collection of fossil evidence from Kenya’s prehistoric past, including fossils from Lake Turkana. These exhibits highlight Kenya’s central role in the story of human evolution. Displays showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Kenya’s over 40 ethnic groups, including traditional clothing, tools, and art. A section of the museum is devoted to Kenya’s diverse wildlife, including bird species, mammals and reptiles, displayed through dioramas and preserved specimens.

Within the grounds are also the Nairobi Snake Park , where visitors can see a variety of live snakes, crocodiles, and turtles, offering a close-up experience of Kenya’s reptiles and the Botanic Garden and nature trail featuring native plants, which visitors can explore via well-maintained trails. The area is an excellent spot for birdwatching and relaxing.

A trip to the Nairobi National Museum is more than just a sightseeing adventure—it’s a journey through the heart of Kenya. It’s a place where history, culture, and nature converge to tell the story of a nation. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your roots or a tourist eager to learn, the museum offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

Aberdare National Park, located in the central highlands of Kenya, is a spectacular destination offering a unique blend of lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance.  It was established in 1950 and managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the park covers an area of approximately 766 square kilometers. It is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range and stands out for its cool, misty atmosphere, dense forests, and rugged terrain.

It covers the higher areas and the Aberdare Salient to the east . The park contains a wide range of landscapes – from mountain peaks that rise to 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) above sea level, to their deep, v-shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers, and waterfalls.  Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforest are found at lower elevations.

Wildlife present in the protected area include lion, leopard, elephant,  East African wild dog , giant forest hog , bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, cape buffalo, suni, side-striped jackal, eland, duiker, olive baboon, black and whitecolobus monkey, and sykes monkey. Rarer sightings include those of the African golden cat and the bongo. Species such as the common eland, serval live in the higher moorlands. The Aberdare National Park also hosts a large eastern black rhinoceros population and over 250 bird species including the endangered Aberdare cisticola , African fish eagle, sunbirds and plovers.

Aberdare National Park offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history. Whether you’re trekking through misty forests, watching elephants at a waterhole, or marveling at cascading waterfalls, this park promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Amboseli National Park, located in southern Kenya near the border with Tanzania, is one of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Known for its spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and its large herds of free-ranging elephants, Amboseli offers a quintessential safari experience.

Amboseli National Park was home to Echo, the most researched elephant in the world, and the subject of many books and documentaries, followed for almost four decades by American conservationist Cynthia Moss.

Amboseli National Park is home to African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena Masai giraffe , Grant’s zebra, and blue wildebeests . It is also It harbors 400 species of birds including water birds like pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, harmer kop and 47 raptor species. The local people are mainly Maasai.

Amboseli offers some of the best game drives in Africa, with excellent chances to spot the “Big Five” . The open terrain makes wildlife viewing easy and rewarding. The park is one of the best places to photograph Africa’s iconic mountain, particularly in the early morning when it is clear of clouds. Nearby Maasai villages offer an opportunity to experience the traditions and way of life of the Maasai people.

Amboseli is the perfect destination for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, unparalleled elephant encounters, a rich cultural experience with the Maasai and a stunning photography opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Africa or a seasoned safari-goer, Amboseli National Park offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Kenya’s wild landscapes.

Located within the grounds of the Nairobi National Museum, the Nairobi Snake Park is a fascinating attraction that offers visitors an up-close encounter with Kenya’s reptiles and other aquatic species. Established in 1961, the Snake Park serves both as an educational and recreational center, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and curious explorers. On display are, cobras, puff adders, mambas and the large African-Rock python (non-poisonous) found only in Kenya. Visitors can observe these snakes in specially designed glass enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, offering a safe yet immersive experience.

Several species of crocodile found in Africa, the American alligator, fresh water terrapins and tortoises can also be found there. The park features aquariums showcasing freshwater fish species native to Kenya. These displays provide insights into the country’s diverse aquatic ecosystems.

For the adventurous, the park occasionally offers supervised snake-handling experiences where visitors can hold non-venomous snakes and learn about their behavior.

Apart from the attraction, the Snake Park provided refuge and home for abandoned and unwanted reptiles including a giant tortoise that is still currently living at the park. The specimen was found wondering along a road in Limuru in 1961. The Snake Park has continued to provide refuge to a number of abandoned, threatened, rescued and unwanted reptiles to date.

The Nairobi Snake Park offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and conservation. Whether you’re curious about Kenya’s reptiles or seeking an engaging outing in Nairobi, the Snake Park promises an unforgettable experience that connects you to the often-overlooked world of reptiles and amphibians.

The main tourist attraction in Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park is unique as the only national park within a city boundary. From the edge of the city, you can even see giraffes in the distance. The wide open grasslands of the national park are backed by the city’s buildings and you can find a wide variety of iconic wildlife living here, such as lions, giraffes, cheetah, hyenas, buffalo, and a diversity of birdlife.

Nairobi National Park is a unique gem in Kenya’s array of wildlife destinations. Located just 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of Nairobi’s city center, it’s the only wildlife park in the world located so close to a capital city. Established in 1946, it was Kenya’s first national park and remains a symbol of the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

The park is also home to one of Kenya’s healthiest rhino populations. The park joins to a conservation corridor for the Athi-Kapiti plains towards the south of the park making is such a draw for wildlife. In addition to the iconic larger animals, there are a number of others to be found here including ostriches, baboons, gazelles, eland, impala, and a very high diversity of birds.

The Park is a paradise for bird lovers, especially during the wet season when migratory birds join the resident species. The park also has  designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

The David Sheldrick Trust runs a sanctuary in the park that hand-rears orphaned elephant and rhinoceros calves, and later releases them back into secure sanctuaries. Orphaned and sick animals are brought to the sanctuary from all over Kenya. The sanctuary is located close to the park’s main entrance.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in Laikipia County, Kenya, is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and a model for sustainable conservation practices. Spanning over 360 square kilometers (90,000 acres), it is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to a stunning array of wildlife, including the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.

Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), making it a prime safari destination. Black Rhinos over 150 individuals make it the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, living under 24/7 armed protection.

Other rare animals that can be found on Ol Pejeta include the endangered African wild dog, 0ryx Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s Zebra, serval, cheetah and bat eared fox. The more common African wildlife can be found too, including giraffes, vervet monkeys, baboons, hippos, impala, eland, gazelle, dik dik, plains zebra, silver backed jackal and hyenas. There are also over 300 bird species on the Conservancy. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is incorporated within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen.

Activities in the conservancy include Game Drives, Visit  to the 700-acre enclosure where Najin and Fatu, the northern white rhinos reside, walking safaris and community visits.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a trailblazer in conservation, offering visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most endangered animals while supporting meaningful community and environmental initiatives. It’s not just a wildlife destination—it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of coexistence and the role we can all play in protecting our planet.

Lake Bogoria, located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is a natural wonder known for its stunning landscapes, geysers, hot springs, and vibrant wildlife. Designated as a Ramsar Site due to its ecological significance, the lake is particularly famous for its massive flocks of flamingos, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Lake Bogoria, is periodically home to one of the world’s largest populations of lesser flamingos. Although the lake is in a semi-arid part of Kenyan Rift Valley , it is surrounded by numerous and varied wetlands along its shorelines, along faults where hot, warm and cold springs have developed, and along rivers that run across the rift floor. Lake Bogoria is in a geothermally active part of the Kenya Rift Valley, and is famous for geysers and hot spring along the bank of the lake and in the lake. There are about 200 hot springs, most of which are distributed along the shoreline .

The lake supports more than 300 water bird species. It is an important stop over site for a population of up to 1.5 million migratory birds, notably for the lesser flamingos . Its immediate surroundings are a critical habitat for vulnerable species such as the common hippopotamus  and African lion ; another important species is the greater kudu.

Activities within the Lake include ;

• Birdwatching

Lake Bogoria is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering opportunities to see flamingos, pelicans, and many other species in their natural habitat.

•  Hot Springs Exploration

Visitors can explore and interact with the geothermal hot springs, which are scattered along the lake’s edges.

• Hiking and Scenic Walks

The nearby escarpments and hills provide excellent hiking trails with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

•  Photography

The lake’s mirror-like reflections, flamingo flocks, and dramatic landscapes make it a favorite spot for photographers.

•  Picnics

Designated picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Hell’s Gate National Park is a national park situated near Lake Naivasha in Kenya. The park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It was established in 1984. The park is notable for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery. This includes the Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns and Hell’s Gate Gorge. The national park is also home to five geothermal power stations at Olakaria. The park features three basic campsites and includes a Maasai Cultural Center, providing education about Maasai culture and traditions.

The park is located 14 kilometres (9 mi) after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway, and has a warm and dry climate. Olkaria and Hobley’s, two extinct volcanoes located in the park, can be seen as well as obsidian forms from the cool molten lava. Within Hell’s Gate is the Hells Gate Gorge, lined with red cliffs which contain two volcanic plugs: Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower. Off of Central Tower is a smaller gorge which extends to the south, with a path that descends into  hot springs that have rocks hot enough to cause burns, and sulfuric water.

Wildlife in the national park includes  lions , leopards, and cheetahs . However, the park has historically been an important home for the rare lammergeyer  vultures. There are over 103 species of birds in the park, including  vultures, Verreaux  eagles , and swifts.   African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest,  Thomson gazelle , hyena, and baboons are also common .The park is also home to several and small numbers of klipspringer  antelope and Chanler’s mountain reedbuck.

Activities in the park include;

•   Hiking and Rock Climbing 

A hike through the gorge offers a chance to explore its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and geothermal springs. Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower are popular spots for rock climbing.

• Cycling Safaris

Rent a bicycle and cycle through the park’s scenic trails, encountering wildlife along the way. This unique activity sets Hell’s Gate apart from most other national parks in Kenya.

• Game Drives

For a more traditional safari experience, guided game drives allow visitors to explore the park’s wildlife and geology.

•  Geothermal Spa

Visit the Olkaria Geothermal Spa for a relaxing dip in naturally heated mineral-rich water.

•  Birdwatching

The park’s cliffs provide nesting sites for raptors, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Hell’s Gate offers a rare combination of thrilling adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and close wildlife encounters. Whether you’re cycling past zebras, hiking through a gorge, or relaxing in a geothermal spa, this park provides an unforgettable escape into the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley.

The Karura Forest Reserve is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. This remarkable geographical location and natural resource is one of the largest gazeted forests in the world fully within a city limits. Covering an area of 1,000 hectares, this lush green space provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its network of walking, cycling, and jogging trails, as well as beautiful waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, Karura Forest is one of Nairobi’s most beloved natural gems.

1. Walking and Hiking Trails

Karura Forest offers an extensive network of walking, jogging, and cycling trails, with paths suited to different levels of fitness. These trails allow visitors to explore the forest at their own pace, whether they want a short stroll or a longer hike.

• Popular Trails:
  • The Waterfall Trail: A moderate trail that leads visitors to one of the forest’s scenic waterfalls, the Karura Waterfall.
  • The Bamboo Trail: A serene walk through lush bamboo groves that provides a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.

          2.Cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Karura Forest. The forest has well-maintained cycling paths that wind through different sections, allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the forest at a faster pace.

• Bike Rentals: There are rental services near the entrances, where visitors can hire bikes to explore the forest on wheels.

        3. Waterfalls and Streams

One of the highlights of Karura Forest is its stunning waterfalls. These include:

• Karura Waterfall: A small but picturesque waterfall located on the Karura River.
• Lysandra Waterfall: Another beautiful, hidden waterfall that is a great spot for photography and relaxation. The forest is crisscrossed by several streams, adding to its charm and providing great photo opportunities

            4. Picnic Areas

Karura Forest has designated picnic spots where families and groups can enjoy a relaxed day out surrounded by nature. These areas are perfect for picnics, and many are equipped with benches, tables, and trash disposal bins, helping to maintain the forest’s pristine environment.

           5. Birdwatching

With over 200 species of birds recorded in Karura Forest, it is a haven for birdwatchers. The forest’s diverse habitats, including dense woods, streams, and open grasslands, support a variety of bird species. Some notable birds include:

• African Grey Hornbill
• Yellow-bellied Sunbird
• White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher
• White-cheeked Barbet

        6. Nature Walks and Educational Tours

Guided nature walks are available for visitors who want to learn more about the forest’s ecosystem, history, and conservation efforts. These walks are perfect for families, schools, or anyone interested in discovering the diverse flora and fauna of the area.

        7. Yoga and Wellness

The peaceful environment of Karura Forest has become a popular spot for wellness activities like yoga and meditation. Many visitors enjoy practicing yoga in the forest, surrounded by fresh air and calming sounds of birds and flowing water.

Karura Forest offers a rare blend of peace, nature, and convenience within the busy urban landscape of Nairobi. It provides a much-needed green space for residents and tourists, making it ideal for a wide range of activities such as walking, cycling, birdwatching, and simply unwinding in nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an active day out, Karura Forest is the perfect destination. Its serene atmosphere, rich biodiversity, and ongoing conservation efforts make it a true urban oasis that’s well worth exploring.