When it comes to natural views guaranteed to take your breath away, few places can match the wonder of Kenya. Bring your camera and enjoy a feast for the eyes, courtesy of Mother Nature herself, at these gorgeous spots that offer the best views in Kenya.

1. The Great Rift Valley 

Nothing beats a bird’s-eye view of the Great Rift Valley in all its majesty. One of the easiest places to get an eyeful is at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, altitude about 18,000 meters. Conveniently located on the road shoulder and offering a variety of curio shops and eateries, this spot is a must-stop point for locals and tourists alike.

2. Kit Mikayi, Kisumu

Translating to “the stone of the first wife” in the local Luo dialect, this rock outcrop is shrouded in mystery and legend, dating back to pre-colonial days. To date, the site attracts pilgrims from local Luo communities, including followers of a religious sect called ‘Legio Maria’ that holds prayers and fast for days at a time. The imposing structure should make your top 3 list of unforgettable views in Kenya.

3. Lake Nakuru

The flamingoes of Lake Nakuru are world-famous for banding together to create an eye-catching pink mass, an iconic image that calls to mind Kenya and the beauty of Mother Nature. Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime view and see if you can spot the younger birds yet to come into their brilliant pink plumage.

4. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya offers the kind of idyllic views that inspire even the most restless among us to contemplate in awed silence. While the view from the base is stunning, so is the view of the peaks from midway up — and of course there’s the view from the top. Making the hike up the slopes is well worth it, as this view will remain seared into your mind forever.

5. Amboseli National Park

Set against the backdrop of the one and only Mount Kilimanjaro, the spectacular views over Amboseli National Park are one-of-a-kind. Enjoy the stunning juxtaposition between living fauna and the eternal mountain, only in Kenya.

6. Caves of Shimoni Island

Nestled in the port village of Shimoni, the Shimoni slave caves offer a different type of view: a view underground, and a view into history. The caves were used by slave traders along the east African coast in the 19^th century as a primary holding port. In spite of their dark history, they are now a protected attraction offering a guided tour. The amazing geological formations are guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

7. Fort Jesus, Mombasa, Kenya

Built by the Portuguese in the 1500s, Fort Jesus overlooks the ocean in Old Town Mombasa. With most of the infrastructure and cannons intact, the fort stands defiant as a symbol of the city’s rich history.The view of the coast is stunning, but the view of the structure is also praise-worthy — Instagrammers will be spoiled for choice.

8. Hell’s Gate National Park

Ominous name aside, the variety of wildlife and reminders of prehistoric life within the park are sure to have you reaching for your camera as soon as you get there. A convenient distance from the city and with lower park fees than most other places in the country, you will love this chance to feast your eyes on some of the most unique and interesting landscapes in the country.

9. Nairobi

The view from the 30-story Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the highest point in the city, lets you drink in the skyline of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.

10. Lake Victoria, Kisumu

Need we say more?

11. Mt Kilimanjaro

Yes, technically the iconic mountain is in Tanzania, but you can avail yourself of excellent views of Mt Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side of the border.

12. Malindi

Malindi is well known for its crystal clear water, pristine beaches, and attractions such as the nearby Malindi Marine National Park which offers excellent snorkelling and diving. Get an eyeful of that!

13. Lamu

A testament to the Swahili culture that once dominated the Indian Ocean coastline, Lamu still evokes this bygone age, and holds its head high with the title of Kenya’s oldest inhabited town. Winding streets, traditional Swahili houses and examples of carved wood will be a photographer’s dream. Although small, it certainly packs a historic punch. The town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

14. Aberdare National Park

Covering a wide variety of terrain, this national park offers some astounding views of savanna, mountains and dense rainforest.

15. Kakamega Rainforest

So you thought Kenya was all savanna and Rift Vallery scenery? It also has gorgeously verdant rainforests. Located in the far southwestern corner of Kenya, the Kakamega area receives high levels of rain, and of the main attractions is the Kakamega Forest, a remnant of a rainforest that once stretched all the way to Uganda. If that’s not enough water to be getting on with, try visiting the Crying Stone of Ilesi, a 40m-high rock that resembles a human figure, and whose ‘eyes’ have water running from them.

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