Kenya's credentials as a top tourism destination have grown stronger after National Geographic ranked the country's horseback safaris as the top travel adventure for 2024 worldwide.
Horseback safaris are widely popular with tourists, especially in conservancies, where visitors get to enjoy panoramic views, interact with wild animals and immerse themselves in nature, all while savouring a horse ride.
The global broadcaster raved over this particular activity observing that horse safaris originated in Kenya in the 1970s. Nat Geo also pointed out that the activity is a perfect fit for visitors looking for more engaging and sustainable wildlife encounters.
“Since wildlife perceive equines as just another animal, exploring the landscape atop a horse makes for an intimate experience," the publication observed while ranking the activity top.
Ranked as the second 'coolest' travel adventure for 2024 is running an Olympic Marathon in Paris.
A Ski tour of UNESCO sites in Georgia, USA was ranked the third most enjoyable experience worldwide. Bear-watching expedition in Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA, and soaking in legendary live music in Kyoto, Japan secured the fourth and fifth spots respectively.
Nat Geo ranked a scenic cruise through the Magdalena River in Colombia sixth, while a road trip along Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, renowned for its annual International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was ranked seventh.
The list continues with the eighth, ninth, and tenth most exciting adventures. These include exploring ancient art in Algeria, diving with sharks in Western Australia, and hiking a volcano in Panama, respectively.
This comes after The New York Times on January 9 ranked Tsavo National Park among the top 52 travel destinations of 2024 worldwide.
Tsavo was selected for its outstanding nature and unique herd of elephants.
Out of the 36,000 elephants in Kenya, half reside at Tsavo, making it a top tourist destination.
"The organisation has rehabilitated and released 200 elephant orphans and runs anti-poaching teams, builds water sources and secures vulnerable boundaries," New York Times stated while ranking Tsavo.
Following the ranking, Kenya Tourism Board John Chirchir, noted that the global recognition was likely to attract more tourists and boost the hospitality sector.
