Kenya UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The UNESCO Sites in Kenya have resulted from recognizing 7 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya and 17 locations on the Kenya UNESCO tentative list. These tourist sites in Kenya are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to these 7 sites on the Kenya UNESCO list, many other places to travel to Kenya are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.

To help visitors discover these remarkable Kenya tourist attractions, we have assembled an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Kenya.

Kenya UNESCO Map

Click markers to show information and photo.

World Heritage Sites in Kenya

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya

There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.

• Fort Jesus, Mombasa
• Lamu Old Town
• Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests
• Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site
• Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
• Lake Turkana National Parks
• Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.

Fort Jesus, Mombasa

Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya. The Portuguese built the fort in the late 16th century to protect their trade interests along the East African coast. The fort features a unique blend of Portuguese, Arab, and British architectural styles and has been well-preserved over the centuries. Visitors can explore the fort’s walls, bastions, and buildings, including a museum showcasing the region’s history and culture. Fort Jesus is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and African culture.

Lamu Old Town

Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the coast of Kenya. The town was founded in the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. The town’s architecture and urban layout reflect the cultural and economic interactions between the Arab, Persian, Indian, and European traders who once lived and worked there. The town features narrow streets and alleys, coral stone buildings, and a distinctive blend of Swahili, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. Visitors to Lamu Old Town can explore its historic mosques, traditional houses, and markets and learn about the town’s rich cultural and social history.

Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Kenyan coast. The site comprises 11 forests considered sacred by the Mijikenda people, who have inhabited the area for over a thousand years. The forests are home to several traditional and religious sites, including shrines, sacred graves, and initiation grounds. The forests also contain diverse flora and fauna, including many endemic and endangered species. The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests is a significant cultural and ecological site, and visiting them is a unique opportunity to experience Kenya’s rich traditions and natural beauty.

Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Migori County of Kenya. The site is an outstanding example of a traditional East African dry-stone walled settlement believed to have been constructed during the 16th century by the Luo people. The site features complex circular structures made of dry stones that are carefully fitted together without the use of mortar, and it is believed to have served as a fortification, a cattle pen, or a place of worship. Thimlich Ohinga is the largest and best-preserved of these structures, providing a unique insight into the history and cultural practices of the Luo people. A visit to this site is a must for anyone interested in East African history and culture.

Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley

Is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kenya. It consists of three shallow lakes in the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley: Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita. These lakes are home to diverse birdlife, including millions of pink flamingos that create a striking pink hue across the lakes. The Kenya Lake System is also home to various mammals, including the black rhinoceros, Rothschild’s giraffe, and the endangered African wild dog. In addition to the wildlife, the lakes are known for their unique geological formations and hot springs, which add to the area’s natural beauty.

Lake Turkana National Parks

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Kenya. It has three national parks: Sibiloi National Park, Central Island National Park, and South Island National Park. The site is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species. It is also home to some of the world’s most important archaeological sites, including fossils of early human ancestors and evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. The Lake Turkana National Parks is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural beauty and human history.

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Kenya. The site includes the mountain itself, the second-highest peak in Africa, and the surrounding forests home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The site is of great cultural significance to the local communities, who consider it a sacred site and place of worship. The park is also a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest visitors can explore its unique ecosystems and learn about its cultural and historical importance.

Kenya UNESCO tentative list

1. Mombasa Old Town
2. Lake Nakuru National Park
3. Lake Naivasha
4. Lake Bogoria National Reserve
5. The Historic Town of Gedi
6. The Mfangano-Rusinga Island Complex
7. The African Great Rift Valley – The Marakwet Escarpment Furrow Irrigation System
8. The African Great Rift Valley – Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site
9. Aberdare Mountains
10. The Eastern Arc Coastal Forests (Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Shimba Hills National Reserve)
11. The Kakemega Forest
12. The Meru Conservation Area
13. The African Great Rift Valley – Hell’s Gate National Park
14. The African Great Rift Valley – The Maasai Mara
15. The Great Rift Valley – The Kenya Lakes System
16. The Tana Delta and Forests Complex
17. Tsavo Parks and Chyulu Hills Complex

Tours in Kenya

Our choices of tours in Kenya are divided into thematic features such as Lamu Island, Mount Kenya, and the Masai Mara National Reserve Experience.