Planning for an African safari and wondering about things to do in Kenya if that is your choice? Worry no more, for there are lots of things to do in Kenya.
Kenya is the name is almost synonymous with the word “safari”. This is the origin of the term safari and Kenya safari has attracted people from far and wide. Perhaps no other place on the planet conjures such a spirit of adventure and romance.
Introduction on Things to do in Kenya
- African wildlife
For first-time visitors, the sheer diversity of things to do in Kenya is dazzling. At the top of the things to do in Kenya list is Wildlife. Here, you will witness throngs of wildebeest thundering across the savanna during the Great Migration in Maasai Mara. There is the big five safari and unique African wildlife both on the northern and southern hemisphere.
- Topography and Landscape
Topography and landscape sceneries as you come eye-to-eye with elephants. Just imagine photographing the largest of land animals with the highest free-standing mountain in the background in Amboseli National Park. For the bird lovers, you may marvel at Lake Nakuru flecked with thousands of flamingos.
Surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley divides the country. To the east of this sweeping valley, visitors can climb the snow-cloaked equatorial peaks of Mount Kenya and fish for trout in crystal clear streams. Hell’s Gate National Park harbors obsidian caves and hisses with natural geysers and hot springs. To experience the romance of Kenya’s colorful colonial history captured in the film Out of Africa, head to Nairobi.
- Culture
In these sun-soaked lands, ancient tribes such as the Maasai, Turkana, Pokots, and Samburu retain their traditional customs, living in relative harmony with the natural world.
- Sandy Beaches
Beyond the world-famous safari parks lies a trove of coastal treasures. Visitors can snorkel and dive fish-rich coral reefs, relax on pearly beaches, experience the melting pot of cultures and cuisines in Mombasa and Malindi, and explore tropical islands steeped in Swahili history.
Beautiful landscapes, incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, and a tropical Indian Ocean coastline are just a few of the widely recognized attractions in Kenya. There are tons of things to do in Kenya, from exploring the capital city of Nairobi, to going on safaris, and hanging out on Lake Victoria.
Top Things To Do In Kenya
Wildlife Safari
The word Kenya and safari are synonyms. There’s nothing more famous about Kenya than going on a safari. This may be to one of the many premium national parks or reserves. You will find the wildlife conservation areas located throughout the country. Some of the most famous and premium wildlife viewing parks include Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Tsavo East.
The vast wildlife found in Kenya can be found throughout the country’s wildlife parks and reserves. Many times, you are able to see exotic animals like lions, cheetahs, monkeys, and many others in their natural habitat. There are even many homes in Kenya that have wild monkeys living in front and back yards. As with many places in Africa, many times you are able to play with some of the exotic animals at places like the animal orphanage
For most travelers, the goal is to catch a glimpse of the African Big 5 which includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Safaris can be on the expensive side, but going on a safari and observing African animals in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime experience. This should be on top of the list on things to do in Kenya.
Watching the Wildebeest Migration
The Wildebeest Migration, is one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World” and also known as The World Cup of Wildlife. If there is a safari you should go on, this has it be it. The Masai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park together form what no other reserve or park in Africa can! It is incredible, it is magical, it is indescribable and it is among the some must things to do in Kenya!
Every year, 1.5 million wildebeests and zebra migrate overland in search of food and water. The event takes place between the end of June and having the wildebeest in Kenya till October or early November. The migration most often than not depends on the rainy season.
The wildebeest migrate between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The best time to see the migration is in July and August (best in mid-July or after). Make sure you don’t end up spending thousands of dollars for a safari. Check out the safari section for tips on saving thousands of dollars on your African Safari.
Relax in the Pristine White Sandy Beaches
Kenya and East Africa have some of the best beaches in the world. Miles of sunny, tropical beaches and blue skies, in addition to great hotels, makes an African beach holiday the perfect complement to a safari.
The beaches are reef-protected and therefore safe for swimming. We have a wide selection of Kenya beach holidays, ranging from 5-star hotels to private beach villas and cottages.
Along with pristine stretches of white sand and swaying palms, the laid-back attitude and friendly Kenyans along the coast add to the serenity. Visiting the coast should be one of the top things to do in Kenya by making a visit to places around Mombasa, Diani, Malindi or Kilifi.
Visit a Kenyan Village be it Masai or Samburu Manyatta
An African cultural tour in Kenya gives personal insight into some of the 42 different native tribes, their beliefs and their traditions. Although, most of our cultural experiences are visiting authentic remote villages, the cities and townships of Kenya represent a unique culture of its own.
Each metropolis represents an interesting blend of cultures and ethnic creeds that is reflected in the architecture, food, art, clothing and much more. More importantly, many of the indigenous people in Kenya face great pressure from the modern world.
Villages in Kenya are the perfect places to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle. Why not try our unspoiled Kenyan villages, spend days in the homes of ethnic communities learning and getting involved in their daily lives?
The village experience in Kenya is a reflection of the purest forms of traditional culture of the 42 tribes of Kenya. You could travel up North to the lake shores of Lake Turkana, at the El Molo villages and understand the mystery and strange lifestyles of the smallest tribes of Kenya, or Western Kenya to the Alego Nyangoma Kogelo village, ancestral home to the first black President of the US, Barack Obama. Better yet, the historic ruins of Swahili villages, Gede ruins down South.
Just off the coast of Kenya is a small cultural island called Lamu. Over the course of hundreds of previous years, the island has been shaped by local Bantu African tribes, Arab traders and Portuguese explorers. The mix of cultures has created a fascinating history and a unique Swahili people and culture. Lamu includes one of the oldest inhabited cities in Kenya.
In your list of things to do in Kenya, don’t leave out a visit to a Masai or Samburu Manyatta for a great cultural experience.
Mountain Climbing
For the mountain climbing, Kenya is a world of highs and lows assuming you don’t suffer from muscle conditions like Tetany or hypocalcemia. From the snowcapped peak of Mt Kenya to the desert plains of the north. There are a range of treks from sedate hill walks through game rich ranges to high altitude routes on alpine slopes.
For those aiming higher, Kenya offers plenty of challenges. Climbers may be aware of the mighty peak of Mt Kenya, but there are many other climbing areas to be explored. There is a broad scope of destinations, from granite cliffs and volcanic rock towers to the ultimate challenge- a technical assault on Africa’s second highest summit.
Rock Climbing
Kenya is blessed with an enormous amount and variety of rock, incredible wildlife, and storied climbing history. This makes it a perfectly unique destination for anyone looking for adventure climbing of all sorts in remote and beautiful settings.
From roadside crags near Nairobi to unclimbed big-walls in the north to the alpine wonderland of Mt Kenya: whatever get you stoked, Kenya has it. The only thing it doesn’t have is crowds or a large volume of sport climbing. Bring your rack, bring your ice tools, bring your machete!
Note: Most crags face sensitive access issues, particularly those outside national parks and near villages.
If rock climbing is among your things to do in Kenya then Hells Gate National park must be in your destination list. Hell’s Gate National Park has some of Kenya’s best Rock Climbing. There are high cliffs with several possible routes, and plenty of opportunity for climbs and Abseiling.
Fischer’s Tower, a large volcanic pillar, is also a good climb. There is a qualified rock climbing guide based at Hell’s Gate Park HQ (by Elsa gate). Equipment and guiding services can be hired at the Park gate.
For the not so rocky people, the coolest thing about the park is that cycling and foot walking are permitted without needing a guide (and there are lions in the park!). The canyon gorge, jagged rock formations and opportunities for camping make Hell’s Gate a great place to visit in Kenya.
White Water Rafting
If some THRILLS and SPILLS as adrenaline fills your veins is among your things to do in Kenya! Then prepare to get WET in an adventurous style. It is WILD but can have MILD. This is your chance to experience the River Nile, always DEEP, all year round WARM and LONG.
It is one of Kenya’s best adventure safaris is a rafting expedition along the Ewaso N’giro and Tana rivers. The white-water rafting trips can last between three and eight days or make for the perfect day trip out of Nairobi.
Full equipment and expert guides are available for this ultimate adventure. Both rivers wind their way through spectacular white water, with up to 30 kms of nonstop Class II, III and IV rapids in some places, and separate stretches of demanding Class V water.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Tana River in Kenya are becoming popular activities in the country. Not only are there adventurous river rapids, but also an opportunity to view Kenya’s nature from the river. The ecosystem and bird viewing while rafting through the valley are spectacular.
Hang Out on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world. It’s a wonderful place to relax during your safari and other activities include trips to local villages, nearby islands and excellent birdwatching.
At Kenya’s Western frontier lies the great expanse of Lake Victoria. This massive lake, commonly known as Nyanza, is twice the size of Wales, and forms a natural boundary between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The lake is the heart of the African continent, the source of its mightiest river, the Nile. This mighty body of water is rich in fish life, with shimmering shoals of colorful cichlids and large Nile Perch.
Fishing brings many visitors to this lake, mainly in search of the Nile Perch, considered a world class game fish.
Although only a tiny percentage is located in Kenya, there are a number of islands scattered throughout the waters. Nile perch fishing is the biggest draw for Lake Victoria, but being so easily accessible from the Mara it is also a wonderful place to relax during your safari and other activities include trips to local villages, nearby islands and excellent birdwatching.
Explore Nairobi
Despite being the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi offers its guests the best of both worlds. Known as the safari capital of Africa, the capital city caters to those who love big city life and those wanting to experience ‘wild’ Africa.
Whether you are in town for a business conference, A family holiday or whatever the reason, make sure not to miss out on the opportunity to experience and explore Nairobi. Here are our suggestions:
There’s no denying that Nairobi doesn’t always get the best reputation. Sure, there is crime within the city, but if you take the necessary precautions, visiting Nairobi will be a rewarding experience.
Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and offers a mixed bag of historical museums, African tribal exhibitions, Kenyan street food, local markets, modern shopping malls, international and local restaurants, and even the Nairobi wildlife park on the outskirts of town.
Roasted Meat: Nyama Choma
In Kenya, any gathering is an excuse for eating nyama choma, Swahili for “roast meat.” From the finest restaurants to roadside shacks, roast goat meat is served up as a kind of social lubricant, often aided by copious amounts of the local beer.
Nyama choma is always eaten with the hands, and common side dishes include kachumbari salad and ugali.
Everyone that can afford meat in Kenya enjoys a good dose of nyama choma every now and then. Nyama choma is Kenya’s version of roasted meat on the grill – most authentically prepared at roadside butcheries.
The normal procedure is to walk into the butchery, have the butcher slice a hunk of meat right off the carcass and let it roast as you wait sipping on a Kenyan Tusker. The most popular meat is goat, but beef and chicken are usually also available.
There are lots of things to do in Kenya, what you need is information and being inquisitive and definitely you will get some out of this world ideas talk to us today and we will help you with more than enough things to do in Kenya.