Most of the natural landmarks in Kenya date back to ancient times. Some historical landmarks are natural, while others are man-made. The following are some of the important natural historical landmarks in Kenya.
1. Menengai crater located in the Great Rift Valley is so impressive to visit. This crater, which is about 12 kilometers wide and 500 m high, is an incredible site for mountain hikers. Local people believe that the crater harbors evil spirits. Apart from this, the crater was a battlefield for the Masai and Ilaikipiak communities. The crater was a grave for those men defeated in battle.
2. The Mau Mau caves in Abedare National Park were the hideout for freedom fighters during colonial rule. Mau Mau refers to the Kikuyu warriors who rebel against the harsh rule of the whites. They spent most of their time in the forest to avoid being killed by armed white soldiers. Many Mau Mau fighters lost their lives in a rebellion war in 1959. Some of the Mau Mau leaders were the late Fred Kubai, Dedan Kimathi and many others.
3. Mount Kenya (5199 m) is the second highest peak in Africa and the highest peak in Kenya. The independent mountain is located in the Central province, near the equator. This mountain has three peaks namely Batian, Nelion and Lenana. The highest peak is only reached by technical climbers. The other two peaks are easy for any climber. Mount Kenya covered in snow at its peak all year round. This mountain was a sacred place for the Kikuyu community who strongly believed that their God (Ngai) lived on the mountain. In addition to climbing the mountain, this is an ideal place for animal and bird watching.
4. The old Fort Jesus in Mombasa was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. This building was a port and slave trade center. Dominion over the Indian Ocean coastline was held by different nationalities such as the Arabs, the Portuguese and the British. Today, this building is used as a museum where historical artifacts, handicrafts, and images are displayed.
5. Kenya is known as the “cradle of humanity”. More than 200 fossils of early man were discovered by Leakey in the Olduvai Gorge in the Turkana region. This is the home of the Turkana and Maasai community, famous for maintaining their cultures.
6. Lake Victoria in East Africa is the second largest freshwater lake in the world and the largest in Africa. Shared between the three East African countries, this lake is ideal for fishing. Lake Victoria is the source of the Nile River.
7. Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. It is a beautiful and busy commercial center, especially for visitors who travel to the sandy coastal beaches along the Indian Ocean coast. Swahili is the most widely used language and the local population also speaks English. Mombasa has a mix of foreign and local culture and the majority of the people are Muslim.
8. Nairobi is the capital of Kenya. It is a business center with government buildings such as Parliament, State House and the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC). Uhuru Park, the University of Nairobi and the Nairobi Museum are all located in Nairobi.