In 2012, Kenya appeared thrice in a CNN list of in Africa. Kenya has been known to be the ultimate holiday destination, with international tourists visiting in millions every year. It has hosted major international events, such as the most recent Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) that saw top business leaders attend. In Kenya, we have many amazing destinations that have been a favorite for tourists from abroad, yet most Kenyans haven't made a point of visiting them.

Here are the Top 20 Kenyan destinations to visit before you die:

1. Wildebeest Migration

It's among the seven wonders of the world. Over 2 million wildebeests and zebras migrate from Serengeti National Park into Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of greener pastures. The spectacular event happens from July through October each year. Thousands of tourists come in from all over the world to witness this breathtaking experience. Seeing the animals try to cross the river alive - evading the ever hungry crocodiles and drowning - is a happening that no Kenyan should miss.

2. Lamu Festival

It is an event where the best of Lamu's culture is celebrated. There are a lot of activities that happen through the week-long event. The best highlight is the donkey-riding competition. Lamu is a small island and donkeys form the main transport system.

There's also henna painting and playing Bao. Bao is the oldest known game in the history of mankind, as per archaeological evidence. The festival brings in many people from all over the country and abroad. You should definitely attend!

3. White Water Rafting In Sagana

A big percentage of Kenyans perceive this sport as too American. This is the notion that has been ingrained in their minds, perhaps due to a lot of movie watching? Well, this sport is open to all! There is a briefing before a first-timer enters the wild waters. This includes knowledge of the kind of rapids that you should expect; their grading - 3-5. Apart from this, there is a nice place to camp, plush green lawns to relax on and lots of great food selections. This is a perfect place to take your family or your date.

4. Sky Diving In Diani

This rare experience starts with a 15-minute briefing from your instructor. You'll then board a plane, explore the gorgeous landscape below just before the biggest moment of Tandem Skyviding. You'll definitely not do it alone the first time. You'll do it with your instructor. The $350 jump will give you a phenomenal adrenaline rush; you'll be descending at a speed of 200K/Hr, the fastest you'll ever hack - with your body. This should definitely be part of your bucket list.

5. Kisite/Mpunguti In South Coast

The national park was established in 1973. It is situated on a coral garden, just a kilometer south of Wasini Island. This is a perfect location for anyone who has never had a snorkeling experience and would love to view the beautiful underwater scenery. When you go there, expect to see the gorgeous green turtles, scorpion fish, snappers, humpback whales, dolphins and other aquatic animals.

6. Scuba Diving In Coast

If you have ever wanted to see large, colorful tropical fish upclose and you are wondering how to make it happen, then wonder no more. Watamu is one of the places that you should plan to visit before you die. The waters are warm and clear; you'll be in the company of an experienced team and the blue sky will make your visit feel like heaven. A nice boat ride into the waters and then diving in your sexy costume, taking terrific photos under water and maybe discovering treasure should be part of your itinerary next month.

7. Bungee Jumping

Again, one of the best places to have such an experience is at Sagana. It involves a safety cord being connected to your back and then you falling over a distance of 60 meters without actually reaching the ground. Full of exhilaration, Bungee jumping makes you face your fears unreservedly. Your adrenaline scale soars past the maximum! Make sure you try this out soon.

8. Hot Air Balloon Rides In The Mara

A hot air balloon ride is one of the most romantic scenarios I know of. If you are a photographer or would love to have your honeymoon in the most memorable way, then you should opt for this escapade one of these coming weekends. The ride will help you watch the wildebeest migration I told you about with any hustle, be able to capture epic aerial pics of elephants, lions, hippos and other animals within the Mara Ecosystem.

9. Rhino Charge In Naivasha

It is one of the locations which holds the Rhino Charge competition in Kenya. It involves up to 65 cars competing on an off-road terrain. The cars are normally modified SUVs. The proceeds from the event go to conservation of the environment. The current areas being served include Mount Kenya, Mount Eburu and the Aberdares. Make sure to make a date and have fun while doing something noble.

10. Chaka Ranch

The ranch is located in Nyeri. Many of you know it as the place where Citizen TV’s Janet Mbugua held her wedding. It is the perfect outdoor recreational location that will help you escape the busy Nairobi life, refresh your mind and embark on plenty of activities. From quad bike riding to exquisite cocktails, Chaka Ranch hosts the best holiday destination facilities in Nyeri county.

11. Kari Chota at base the Mt. Kenya

Located near one of the most iconic landscapes in Kenya Kari Chota is managed by Keith Pearson, the MD of The Theater Company. When you visit the 10 acre plot which is located next to the Burguret river, expect an exclusive view of Mount Kenya. The indigenous cedar and olive forest is just the movie-esque view you need soonest. There is an art gallery, warm water, an exemplary bird view, animals and many more fun stuff to document for a terrific Instagram-worthy adventure.

12. Lake Bogoria

Famous for its flamingo population, geysers and hot springs, Lake Bogoria is one of the places you should put in your travel plans as soon as you get ample time. In addition to the memorable landscape, there are spas, table tennis sessions, excursions and gardens for retreats! You can also get nyama choma and international cuisines.

13. Sleeping Under The Stars, Loisaba

A 2014 Daily Mail UK review of the camp says that it “lets guests enjoy a unique outdoor experience - open to all the elements.” It’s located only six hours from Nairobi by road. Some of the activities that you can expect while here is of course, sleeping under the stars, watching wild dogs, elephants, hippos, horse-riding, biking and other exotic pleasurable escapades.

14. Ngong Hills

The hills were named The Most Romantic destination on Earth by CNN in 2014. It beat other locations like New York, Paris, Hawaii and Ireland. The grading was done by comparison of some of the most romantic movies of all time and Out Of Africa, starring Meryl Streep helped make the location a top spot. The climate in the area is cool. The fresh air is one of the factors that makes it a nice place to visit as compared to the dusty towns across the country.

15. Botanical Gardens In Langata

Serene, beautiful, amazing, heavenly and cool are some of the words that would not even describe this location. It is an incredible location, on the outskirts of Nairobi. If you want to experience an Eden-like environment, go fishing, learn new names of about 200 species of indigenous plants, take cute picnic photos and so forth, consider stopping by sometime.

16. Kit Mikayi

The crying stone of Bondo district has an interesting tale to its nature. The tor - free standing rock outcrop - stands at 40 meters of sheer awesomeness. It is one of the most iconic landscape features in Kenya. According to the Luo dialect, “Kit Mikayi” means ‘the stone of the first wife.’ The legend tells a tale of a man who was was once madly in love with the stone. Each day, he would go hide in the caves beneath it, just spend time there. His wife would bring him food there. When asked about his whereabouts, his wife would say that had gone to stay with his first wife.

17. The Crying Stone of Llesi, Kakamega county

The stone appears to be crying. There is a scientific explanation to it; it is a plutonic rock made up of quartz, alkali, feldspar and mica. The water that flows down from its top is believed to be from a groove in the middle of the rock. However, the natives see it as symbolic. They say that it does that when it has not rained. The locals then perform rituals to pursue the gods to let it rain so that the drought does not affect them.

18. Frere Town

The town was established as a base for freed slaves. It was named after Sir Bartle Frere who is largely credited in ending slave trade in Coastal Kenya. One of the most iconic features that make the town’s architecture is a large bell that used to ring whenever a slave ship approached. The town acted as a transit for slaves who were captured from the countryside. The destination for the big market was Zanzibar. Some of the things to expect is the vibrant culture, meet with the descendants of the intermarried slaves and foreigners, the centuries old architecture and the brilliant coastal climate.

19. Kamba Land, Gravitational Force

The Kitulini hill in Machakos is described as a mystery hill; the anti-gravity hill. The strange activity was discovered by a white settler who parked his car at Kyamwilu. It ended up moving 50 meters up the hill. If you put your car on neutral, it will end up moving up the hill, despite the 45 degree steepness. Cai resort and spa is one of the destinations you can visit for the awestrucking experience.

20. Bukusu Land, Circumcision Season

Circumcision in this section of the country is done in a largely ceremonial manner. The initiation is done in a rather interesting manner. When the boy is arriving home, one of his aunts comes charging at him with a stick. If he portrays courage by blocking her blows, then he is ready for the rite. It normally marks the passage of a boy from childhood into adulthood. One of the companies that helps tourists experience the whole occasion is the Mount Elgon and North-West Kenya Ecotourism Promotions Limited. It is a learning experience that you need to explore!