Landmarks in Kenya
Landmarks in Kenya : There are many fascinating landmarks and structures to discover in Kenya, even though the country is perhaps best recognised for its breathtaking natural features and animals. Sites of historical and cultural significance that are still worthwhile to see today are provided by the nation’s rich past. Set aside some time to peruse our list of the most well-known sites and monuments to see while on Kenya safari tours in Kenya if you’re thinking of visiting.
Fort Jesus
This commanding fort in Mombasa’s Old Town stands watch over the Old Port’s entrance. Mombasa became a major hub for Portuguese trade when the Portuguese built Fort Jesus at the end of the 16th century in response to several Turkish assaults. Fort Jesus has had multiple owners throughout the course of its lengthy existence, as is common with coastal forts in Africa. The fort’s liable portion, albeit not entirely intact, currently serves as a museum with exchanged pots and ceramics. As recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Fort Jesus continues to stand as one of the best specimens of Portuguese military architecture from the sixteenth century.
Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya, which are located in Langata, barely 10 km from Nairobi, were established in the 1970s with the intention of advancing Kenyan culture. The site was created to protect and preserve the rich and varied cultural values of Kenyan ethnic groups. It includes reproductions of traditional homesteads from 23 different ethnic groups.
To learn more about Kenyan culture, guests can join a guided tour of the homesteads and see daily performances of traditional music and dances in a sizable circular theatre. One of the greatest sites to go to discover more about the way of life, music, artwork, and culture of Kenyan tribes is the Bomas of Kenya.
Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum
The Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum, one of the few architectural wonders that has only recently been accessible to the public, is housed at Nairobi’s Parliament Buildings. Jomo Kenyatta’s last burial place is the mausoleum. In 1963, Kenyatta served as the country’s prime minister and head of state.
Under Kenyatta’s leadership, Kenya became a republic in 1964. The main draw for the location is visiting heads of state and other distinguished people who come to honour the former president.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, at a remarkable 5 199 metres in height, is the highest mountain in Kenya. Actually, the mountain is actually a three-peak extinct volcano. One of the peaks is accessible to hikers, but the other two are best suited for ice and rock climbers due to their rigorous climbing requirements.
Leopards, buffalo, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo are among the animals that tourists to Mount Kenya can expect to see. When Mount Kenya is not covered in clouds, it is easy to observe the mountain’s craggy snow-capped crags, jagged summit summits, and sheer cliffs.
Lake Victoria
Three nations are actually able to claim Lake Victoria: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Kenyan territory occupies the lake’s north-eastern region. This enormous body of water is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Victoria is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and has about a thousand islands. More than 200 different species of fish, as well as a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and other animals, can be found in the lake. Around the perimeter of Lake Victoria, prehistoric remains have been discovered, and the lake is now home to several health resorts.
Mau Mau Caves
The Mau Mau Caves are located close to Nanyuki on the foothills of Mount Kenya. The caves were severely destroyed during the Mau Mau Rebellion, but it is believed that they served as a pre-colonial hideout for the Mau Mau independence fighters.
The caves are typically only visited by the physically fit and daring because they require a strenuous three-hour walk to get to. Other features in the caves include an abundant birdlife and an indigenous woodland that is home to the Colobus monkey.
Mnarani ruins
The Mombasa-Malindi Road passes through Kilifi District, home of the Mnarani Ruins. There are sculpted graves, the remains of a town wall and gate, and the ruins of two mosques. The settlement was destroyed by the Galla during the Wagalla Raid in the early 17th century, and is thought to have originated in the 13th century when Omani Arabs travelled to the East African coast for trade. The location now has a snake park, a museum, and many large baobab trees.
Gede Ruins
Ruined palaces, mosques, and homes may be seen at the Gede Ruins, which were designated as a National Monument in 1927. The site was once a Swahili town. About 120 kilometres from Mombasa, this well-known historical and archaeological site was once a thriving city and dates back to the 12th century. The renowned naturalist and archaeologist Louis Leakey made the discovery of the ruins. Many of the buildings and artefacts were discovered during the 1948–1958 excavations, and the site is currently under the management of the National Museums of Kenya. Beautiful indigenous forests, tamarind trees, and baobabs may be found in the region around the Kipepeo Butterfly Project, which is situated at the entrance to the ruins.
Menengai Crater
The enormous Menengai Crater, which is one of the most fascinating places in Nakuru County, is best viewed from a viewing point due to its sheer enormity. It is 12 km broad and 500 m deep. Situated on the floor of a rift valley, the site is an extinct volcano covered in flows of caldera lava.
The crater is thought to be haunted by evil spirits even now. It was the scene of a deadly fight between the Ilaikipiak and Maasai tribes in the middle of the 19th century. It takes a decent amount of hiking to reach Menengai Crater, but if you can obtain a taxi, the trip can be completed more quickly.
State House
Situated on State House Road, just a short drive from the Central Business District, State House (previously known as Government House) was constructed during the colonial era in 1907. The president of Kenya resides in State House on official business. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was the first native inhabitant of Kenya and its first president.
The State House usually welcomes foreign heads of state while they are in town, but special invitations are sent out for luncheons and evenings. The landmark takes up about three square km of space. Nairobi State House is close to the zoo and arboretum.
