Things To Do in Kenya
There are so many things to see and do in Kenya. And it’s virtually impossible to say you’ve “seen Kenya” in only one trip. So unless you’ve about a year of travel time stored up, you’ll need to narrow down your choices. Whether you’re a hiker chasing trails, a traveler searching for wine tasting and cooking experiences, or a tourist tracking The Big 5, Kenya will not disappoint you.
Having lived and traveled around the country for decades, I have countless places I could share with you in this post, but here are my picks for the absolute best things to do in Kenya.
Walk Around Lamu Old Town
Kenya is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but none are more impressive than the Lamu Old Town. It’s the oldest Swahili settlement along the East Coast of Africa, retaining its traditions and cultural heritage.
The streets are narrow, and there are no cars – only handcarts and donkeys. Take a break from the National Parks, and explore this wonderful town.
You’ll learn a lot just by taking a stroll along the alleyways, visiting old buildings, or interacting with the locals.
Experience the Migration at Masai Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve has everything you dream of when you think of Africa. It’s a mix of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. If you want to experience life in the wild, camp in the bundu, or watch the African sunset paint the sky orange, a Masai Mara Safari should be your next stop.
The reserve is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, leopards, and many other wild animals. However, the most impressive and popular thing to do in the Masai Mara is to experience the wildebeest migration.
This spectacular scene involves thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara river from Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara Reserve. The best months to visit are July and August, but the migration continues until late September. Other activities include staying at the tented camps, Hot-air Ballooning, Horseback safaris, and Cultural experiences in a Masai Village.
Explore Nairobi on Foot
When you think about things to do in Kenya, you probably don’t think of historical buildings and monuments. But there are several city attractions for visitors to see and explore.
Walking along the streets of Nairobi gives you an opportunity of experiencing the raw historical and cultural side of Kenya. You can shop at the Maasai market, visit the Railway museum, track monuments like the Kimathi Statue, eat local dishes at Ronalo foods, or see old buildings like the Jamia Mosque.
Summit Mount Kenya
There are several opportunities for mountain climbing in Kenya. One of the best is trekking Mount Kenya. This mountain is often overlooked by travelers in favor of the neighboring Mount Kilimanjaro. However, many experienced trekkers and nature lovers prefer Mount Kenya because of its idyllic lakes and the challenge it offers.
With snow-covered peaks of Lenana, Batian, and Nelion and panoramic views of the Aberdares and Kenyan plains, a dash to the summit of Mount Kenya promises an adventure of a lifetime.
A guide is recommended, you can find organized tours on sites like Viator and GetYourGuide.
Enjoy a Game Drive at Nairobi National Park
Located just a few kilometers from the city center, Nairobi National Park is an excellent option for a game drive for those on a tight schedule. This unique park is one of the few in the world close to a capital city.
Wild animals, including giraffes, lions, and buffalos, live against a background of sky scrappers and urban landscapes.
Besides game drives, there are other things to do in the park. For example, you can visit the Animal Orphanage, go on the Nairobi Safari Walk or eat at the Ranger’s Restaurant. You can book these and other experiences on Airbnb, GetYourGuide, Viator, and other booking sites.
Stay at the Giraffe Manor
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive and iconic boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Karen, Nairobi. This historic property greatly appeals to travelers who seek luxury and unmatched elegance.
It’s beautiful, idyllic, and set in an indigenous forest, which is excellent for nature lovers. As you relax in the evening or enjoy your breakfast, its other residents, giraffes, stick their heads through the window to say hello.
Although the hotel is highly-priced, with bookings made months in advance, the experience is worth it. While staying at the Giraffe Manor, try out the Giraffe Center next door.
Spot Elephants in Amboseli
With the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s best places to visit. Most tourists visit for the up-close encounters with herds of elephants and to view the roof of Africa.
You also see an authentic Maasai village and learn about the community’s culture and way of life.
Amboseli is close to Nairobi, making it an excellent destination for a day trip. Viator and GetYourGuide have plenty of tours both as day trips and as longer excursions.
Cycle at the Hell’s Gate
If you’re searching for unique adventures and alternatives to traditional safaris, don’t miss the Hell’s Gate National Park. The park is easy to visit and explore. You can drive or ride a bike inside the park, viewing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Hell’s Gate is an ideal destination for a day trip from Nairobi where, besides game viewing, you can enjoy bike riding, rock climbing, and a therapeutic swim at the natural pool inside the park.
You can expect to see giraffes, gazelles, birds, rock towers, cliffs, hot springs, and gorges. This cycle tour on Viator is a blast and has great ratings.
Explore Mombasa Old City
With Mombasa town being one of the oldest settlements in East Africa, it’s no doubt that every traveler visiting Kenya should explore it. You can get lost in the alleyways of the old town, marvel at the historical ruins of Fort Jesus, see the Mombasa tusks, or relax at the Mama Ngina Waterfront.
Most of these experiences are free, and the town is easy to explore, whether in a group or alone. If you want you can also join this cool food tour on Airbnb or this tour on GetYourGuide.
Hike the Crater at Mt. Longonot
Hiking Mt Longonot is my favorite experience on this list. It’s a secret destination for adventurers, road trippers, and outdoor lovers. This 13.5km hike is moderate and among the most scenic in the country.
On your way to Longonot, make sure to stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint and see the tiny Traveller’s Church near Mai Mahiu.
Enjoy a Beach Vacation in Diani
A trip to Kenya should not be about wildlife safaris, hiking excursions, exploring old towns, and visiting museums. For an all-around experience, relaxing on a beach is a great activity to add.
Situated along the Kenyan Coast, Diani is the perfect destination for beach vacations and honeymoons.
It has magnificent sandy beaches and some of the best resorts in the country. If you want, you can join a tour to check out the beaches here.
