The National Geographic has ranked Kenya the No. 1 safari destination of 2024. The East African country was voted by National Geographic’s global audience of safari goers and experts drawn from all over the planet. Specifically, Kenya’s horseback safari topped the charts, highlighting its appeal as a less disruptive, conservation-first, and immersive approach to wildlife viewing.
For those not aware, this year’s National Geographic list of best travel destinations was slightly different from the years prior. The list ranks travel destinations based on must-do experiences and unique adventures, rather than just listing out locations. It thus features popular destinations as well as lesser-known ones.
“I’m so excited about this,” stated National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump. “We’ve really extended it to be bigger than ever before. And we just think that is a really, really great way to serve our travelers who are looking for great ideas all the time.”
National Geographic recommends solar eclipse viewing in Niagara Falls, bear watching in Alaska, road-tripping in New Mexico, tea trails in Sri Lanka, etc. Kenya ranks first this year when it comes to top destinations to visit in the world for animal encounters on horseback safaris.
Traditionally, safaris rely on vehicles, allowing tourists to observe wildlife from a distance. However, Kenya shakes things a notch higher by offering premium horseback safaris, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the animals in their natural habitat.
Kenya’s top ranking reaffirms its enduring popularity as an epic safari paradise. The proud home of the Masai Mara National Reserve–a vast scenic expanse brimming with big cats, elephants, and more–Kenya continues to captivate travelers with its exceptional safari experiences.
Along with Tanzania, Kena is the place where you can see the popular wildebeest migration which occurs from July through October. A spectacle like no other, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees millions of wildebeests and other herbivorous journey across the plains in search of greener pastures.
This phenomenon typically starts in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The herds then move northwest towards Masai Mara in Kenya before starting their journey back again around November. It’s a mass movement that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Witnessing the migration on top of a horse is an experience you don’t want to miss.
In addition to the migration, Kenya offers a plethora of safari experiences that are customized to suit every adventurer’s desires. There is something for everyone, from luxury lodges overlooking sweeping savannas to intimate tended camps nestled in the heart of the wilderness.
Alternatively, you can catch the Big Five on horseback in places like Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Samburu, and more. These are a must-visit if you want to get intimate with Africa’s greatest animals.
Kenya’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that these safaris adhere to the conservation ethos. It also allows for the continuity of this rich biodiversity for the next generation to enjoy.
From its abundant wildlife, diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and conservation efforts, there are plenty of reasons why you should add Kenya Safari to your bucket list this year.
