Kenya is a nation at the eastern tip of Africa that gives you a mix of history, culture, beauty, and adventure. Kenya is also a famous tourist destination for its extraordinary wildlife and beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or just curious about culture, these things to do in Kenya will satisfy the traveller inside you. Kenya has it all: from the iconic Maasai Mara to the calm beaches on the Indian Ocean, it is a one-stop for any traveller.
10 Best Things To Do In Kenya
A trip to Kenya and doing wonderful activities will make you feel like you are in a country of nature, wildlife, and culture.
1. Embark On A Safari To Maasai Mara National Reserve
If Kenya has one thing that it is famous for, it is its safaris. Maasai Mara is one of the most popular game reserves in the world to visit, especially if you’re a wildlife fan. It allows visitors to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos) in their natural habitat. The reserve is also home to the Great Migration, a wonderful event that takes place between July and October. It is the time when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate over the Mara River. Other than the Big Five, other animals on the reserve include cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and more than 400 birds.
Location: Narok, Kenya
2. Explore Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is one of the most beautiful and surprising destinations in Kenya. It is located just a short drive from the big city of Nairobi and is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. There are lions, giraffes, zebras, black rhinos and more than 400 bird species. Nature walks, visits to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and a chance to walk on the Nairobi Safari Walk for a close look at Kenya’s native wildlife are other highlights of the park.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
3. Climb Mount Kenya
Photo: Leon Pauleikhoff / Unsplash
If you are a serious mountaineer, Mount Kenya is one of the great places to try. Mount Kenya, the second highest in Africa (17,057ft), is one of the most picturesque trekking places in Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular mountains, glaciers, and diverse habitats, from alpine meadows to dense forests to rock formations. The best route to Point Lenana (the third highest point on Mount Kenya) is the most popular and doesn’t involve technical climbs. But, it is a tough hike, and one with a beautiful view of valleys, glaciers and mountains around.
Location: Central Kenya
4. Relax At Diani Beach
Photo: Ezekiel Kilimo / Unsplash
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa are found along the coast of Kenya, and Diani Beach is definitely one of them. Diani Beach is a tropical paradise in the southeastern part of the country with white sand beaches, blue water and plenty of marine life. There are tropical forests on the side of the beach that are a quiet refuge from the busy tourist areas. There are lots of things to do in Diani Beach for every type of tourist. There’s snorkelling, kite-surfing and diving – popular due to the colourful coral reefs.
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
5. Visit The Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is one of the most beautiful geological formations in the world, and it runs from northern to southern Kenya. It’s a green paradise in a valley that has an amazing variety of terrains, from lush savanna to volcanic lakes, hot springs, and escarpments. The best place to see the Rift Valley is the town of Naivasha, which has a lake, animals, and natural splendour. On Lake Naivasha, there are many birds, and you can take boat rides or go on walking safaris.
Location: Rift Valley, Kenya
6. Discover The Culture Of Lamu Island
Photo: Stanislav Lvovsky / Unsplash
Lamu Island is one of the most cultured places in Kenya and is home to the historic town of Lamu, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island’s culture is Swahili, Arab, and Indian, and it is one of the oldest towns in Kenya. The narrow lanes through which Lamu Town stretches, along with its old structures and alleyways, reverberate its history. The island is popular for its beautiful beaches with clear water and the laid-back culture of Lamu Island. It is possible to tour the island in a dhow wooden sailing boat or engage in cultural activities.
Location: Lamu, Kenya
7. Go On A Wildlife Safari In Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park is a place where elephants in Kenya are found. It is home to one of the largest populations of African elephants in the world. It’s a wilderness park perched at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, and it is stunning to see the mountain in the middle of its vast open plains. You can go on game drives and view elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of birds. It’s also inhabited by a number of Maasai villages, and a trip to a Maasai village can be very useful to know about their way of life.
Location: Loitokitok District, Rift Valley, Kenya
8. Snorkel In Watamu Marine National Park
Photo: Queen Asali / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in search of underwater beauty in Kenya, Watamu Marine National Park is your destination. Watamu is located on the coast and has great coral reefs, azure waters, and marine life. Divers and snorkelers will love the park, which is where you can swim among colourful fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Watamu also has Gede Ruins, a 12th-century Swahili town site which gives a historical flavour to the landscape. Watamu is a dream, whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to take your feet into the ocean.
Location: Watamu, Kenya
9. Take A Camel Safari In Samburu
Photo: Cheene Rubin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For a more immersive experience, a camel safari in the Samburu National Reserve is a must. This region is situated in northern Kenya, which is blessed with mountainous terrains, animals, and cultural heritage. People, there are very energetic people with a lot of traditions and hospitality who let you visit the land on camelback. You’ll experience the safari in some of the more remote parts of the reserve, where you can see elephants, giraffes, and zebras, and you’ll get to understand how Samburu people live. The whole thing is an ideal combination of safari, culture, and wildlife.
Location: Samburu, Kenya
10. Relax At Mombasa’s Beaches And Historical Sites
Photo: Stanislav Lvovsky / Unsplash
In Kenya’s second-largest city, Mombasa, you can find a combination of history, culture, and the ocean. Swahili culture is prominent in the city, and you can visit Fort Jesus, a ruined Portuguese fort, and Old Town, with its cobbled lanes and colonial-era structures, to relive Mombasa’s history. Also, there are numerous beaches in Mombasa, like Nyali Beach and Diani Beach, which can be your escape for relaxation and watersports. You can dive, snorkel, fish, or simply chill on the sandy beaches.
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
There is truly something for everyone in Kenya. From safaris and cultures to beach-goers and hiking adventures, things to do in Kenya will win your hearts. You can explore, relax or do a little of both in Kenya. If you are thinking of visiting this beautiful country, then think no more about your Kenya trip. With customised itineraries and expert guidance, TripXL ensures you have a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Sergey Pesterev / Unsplash