The Top Things to Do in Kenya During Kenya Safaris
Tourists planning an African vacation in Kenya will find various activities in Kenya but there are some that you shouldn’t miss out on your visit.
Below are the popular things to do in Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi:
Watching the Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve
Watching the wildebeest migration phenomena ranks among the must-do things in Kenya, mostly for nature and wildlife lovers!
The great migration involves nearly a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, as well as predators migrating into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve from the adjoining Serengeti.
July to October is the best time to witness the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve and it’s also the best time for game viewing tours in Kenya. These massive herds of Wildebeests migrate in search of water and grazing pastures.
When visiting Kenya, a trip to the Maasai Mara reserve is a must. Honestly, a vacation in Kenya, Africa, is incomplete without spending a day in Maasai Mara.
Here are the best ways to witness this wildlife spectacle- Great Migration of Wildebeests in Masai Mara National Reserve:
- Take game drives
- Undertaking hot air balloon rides
- Undertake horseback rides- for extreme adventurers and it’s fun!
- Do game walks
- Aeroplane rides are also possible
- Sight viewing over the wooden observation platform
Look Out for Game Animals in Kenya Arid Plains on Game Drives
On a wildlife safari in Kenya, going for game drives is also considered one among the best things to do. Undertaking game drives offers you an opportunity to meet most of the wild animals in their pristine habitat.
During game-drive adventures in Kenya, with your tour guide in a safari vehicle, you’ll hunt out Lions, Cape Zebras, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos, Rhinoceros, Hyenas Antelopes, and even Wild dogs. Several bird species will be spotted as well.
It’s possible to plan night game drives to see nocturnal game animals clearly. Lions, Hyenas, and Leopards are a few of these.
Note that Kenya is among the best game-viewing destinations to spot predators hunting their prey! For example, a Lion’s herd putting down a Buffalo or a wildebeest is a great time for photo shooting.
The best areas to go for game drives in Kenya are:
- Masai Mara National Reserve. You can decide to spend a few days her
- Amboseli National Park
- Tsavo National Park
- Nairobi National Park
- Lake Turkana National Park
Climbing Mount Kenya in North Central Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya is also one of the top things to do in Kenya, mostly if you are an adventurous traveler or mountain hiker.
Rising over 5,199m above sea level, Mount Kenya is Kenya’s highest Mountain and second in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 5,895m high.
Hiking tours in Mount Kenya take about 4-5 days and there are various summit trails to use. The breathtaking trek will take you to different amazing vegetation zones, including grasslands, woodlands, heather, and even moorland. Some wildlife, such as playful monkeys, can be spotted on the hike.
Also, on the hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of streams, cliffs, mineral springs, and even glaciers when you reach the summit.
dry months June to September and January to February offer the best hiking experience as the rains are minimal.
Top Things to Do in Kenya and Africa: Bird Watching in Kenya
Twitchers on safari trips in Kenya should expect to spot thousands of bird species, counting most of the notable African birds. In this bio-diverse country of East Africa, over 1,158 bird species have been recorded, including even the migratory birds which come in November and April.
In most cases, tourists on Kenya birding tours don’t miss a visit to Lake Nakuru in Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Bogoria for water birds, mostly Flamingos. Other great sites for Kenya bird-watching tours include Amboseli, Lake Turkana National Park, and Maasai Mara Reserve, among others.
These are the popular bird species to look for during your Kenya birding safaris:
- Flamingos
- African Fish Eagles
- Ostriches
- Lilac Breasted Roller
- Double-toothed Barbets
- Secretary Bird
- Broad-billed roller
- Eastern Grey Plantain Eater
- White Stork
- African Openbill
- Several Kingfishers
- Southern Ground Hornbill
Relaxation on Diani Beach in the North Coast of Kenya
For lovers or travelers on a honeymoon trip in Kenya, endeavor to include a visit to Diani Beach on your list of things to do in Kenya.
It’s a wonderful site to visit as well as after hiking Mount Kenya or wildlife safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, or Amboseli National Park.
Putting aside relaxation, guests on Diani Beach on the north coast of Kenya can undertake several adventure activities here, for example, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
The beautiful Diani Beach on the coast of the Indian Ocean, 30km south of Mombasa, holds several classy and boutique hotels and private villas. All these villas and hotels are located, providing easy access to white sands and safe shallow waters of the Indian Ocean.
Visitors on Diani Beach interested in scuba diving have a golden opportunity to explore its amazing coral reefs, which attract several sea creatures. Common sea creatures on this breathtaking beach include Tigerfish, green and hawksbill turtles, Giant manta rays, Moray eels, Stingrays, and whale sharks.
November through April is the finest time to enjoy scuba diving in Kenya and Africa. Those interested in spotting Whale sharks and Manta rays migrating should visit between January and March.
Unique Things to Do in Kenya: Enjoy Snorkeling or Scuba Diving on the Indian Ocean Coast
If you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, don’t miss out on this adventure on your list of things to do in Kenya during your vacation.
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast boats crystal-clear waters, wonderful reefs, and even brightly colored shoals of fish and this makes it one of the great sites in East Africa for snorkeling expeditions.
Those enjoying diving will wear a tank and take a deeper plunge where Dolphins, Whale sharks, and swordfish play.
Popular sites for snorkeling and diving in Kenya include:
- Watamu Marine National Park: The Watamu Marine National Park is a paradise for Green Turtle
- Galu Reef: a great area to spot seahorses, Ghostfish, Scorpionfish,
- Nyuli steep coral reef wall
If you have no diving skills but are interested in this adventure, you can find schools within Diani Beach and even on Watamu Island that train this skill.
Fun Things to Do in Kenya With Family: Cycling in the Hell’s Gate National Park
In Africa, Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few national parks where you can explore nature on foot or by bicycle. This is because, in Hell’s Gate NP, there are no dangerous animals to worry about. Often, Zebras, Giraffes, and Buffalos can be spotted on the ride.
Encircled by two extinct volcanoes, Hell’s Gate National Park boasts a unique lava-carved landscape as well as several geothermal features, including hot springs and natural geysers. The natural beauty of this park is worth exploring!
If you’re looking for remarkable and adventurous things to do in Kenya, it’s highly recommended that you explore the park’s open spaces and winding trails. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can rent bicycles inside Hell’s Gate National Park or from providers outside the park.
Undertake Thrilling Cultural Encounters in Kenya
Despite the fact that Kenya safaris are renowned for wildlife safaris for instance, in Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park, safari holidays in Kenya go beyond that! Undertaking a cultural encounter on your trip to Kenya is the best way to explore the fascinating culture and traditions of people there.
Popular cultural tours in Kenya include:
ENCOUNTERING THE MASAI PEOPLE
The Masai People around the Maasai Mara reserve are characterized by their amazing pastoral life. Traditionally, these people put on amazing red shukas, and their charismatic culture is worth exploring on your holiday trip in the Maasai Mara region.
VISITING TURKANA PEOPLE IN NORTHERN KENYA
The Turkanas can be visited on top of your wildlife Kenya trip in Lake Turkana National Park in northern Kenya. Although these people have amazing traditions, the annual Lake Turkana Festival offers the best cultural experience. It takes place on 22- 25th of November.
Other notable cultural tours in Kenya:
- Visiting the Bomas of Kenya
- Encountering the local Samburu people
- Visiting Kamba People
- Exploring Turkana land
Best Things to Do in Kenya: Tracking Rhinos on Foot in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is among the popular destinations in Kenya worth exploring during your Kenya safari tours.
This is the best site in Kenya to see both the Black and White Rhinos (Northern White Rhinos) living in the wild. Please remember that these majestic creatures—Rhinos—are critically endangered; therefore, few are remaining in the world.
On your visit to Lewa, you’ll enjoy tracking these enormous creatures in their wild. Endangered Black Rhino trekking on foot is one of the most amazing adventures in Africa. Giraffes, Grevy’s Zebra, Wild dogs, and Elephants dwell here; don’t forget the rich birdlife as well.
A percentage of profits received as travelers visit Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is used to develop community projects.
Enjoy Breakfast With Giraffes at Giraffe Manor Hotel.
A visit to the Giraffe Manor is becoming one of the most popular activities or things to do in Kenya by tourists undertaking safari tours.
The Giraffe Manor is a lovely small hotel within Langata on the outskirts of Nairobi city. With its tasteful decor, bright terraces, and verdant courtyard gardens, this boutique hotel is a lovely place to be.
A distinctive feature of the estate is the herd of giraffes that live in the area and occasionally enter the grounds, hoping for a treat.
Frequently, Giraffes at Giraffe Manor poke their heads through the window for breakfast or even from your bedroom. Enjoying your pancakes while helping a Giraffe eat breakfast is an unforgettable experience that will make both parents and kids happy!
While traveling with grandchildren on your wildlife vacation in Kenya, please don’t let little ones miss this captivating experience. However, note that Giraffe Manor is so popular that booking must be made 18 to 24 months in advance.
Foster Orphaned Elephants or Rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park
Visitors on Kenya wildlife trips in Nairobi park have a chance to participate in the feeding of baby Elephants and even Rhinos at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
On this adventure, you’ll encounter dozens of magnificent and enormous baby Elephants that have been saved from certain death.
This visit gives you a unique chance to witness firsthand the devastation caused by poaching at the Rhino orphanage. However, it also offers hope that the baby Elephants left behind have a sanctuary of hope hidden beneath all that chaos.
The entrance fee here is $7.
On the visit, you’ll witness caretakers feeding milk to these young individuals. You can enjoy walking within these baby Elephants, which is truly one of the most exciting things to do in Kenya!
It’s possible to give money to this sanctuary.
Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
A boat ride on Lake Naivasha is usually a dream for most visitors planning to have a vacation in Kenya. Lake Naivasha is a beautiful lake in northwest of Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley region.
Amazingly, Lake Naivasha is a shallow lake with about 5 meters; therefore, all the boat cruise expeditions on Lake Naivasha are safe. The views of the thick papyrus around this lake are wonderful!
Additionally, during a boat trip on Lake Naivasha between October and March, you can see about 450 different types of foreign migratory birds. Even big Hippopotamuses and Colobus monkeys can be seen jumping on treetops.
Undertake a Day Trip in Nairobi, Kenya
The best way to see Kenya’s capital is by undertaking a guided tour in Nairobi. On this thrilling adventure, you’ll explore top locations, get up close with residents, and discover more about their lives.
Still, during a city tour in Nairobi, you may get a taste of Kenya’s history at the National Archives and the Nairobi National Museum. All these sites hold an array of historical documents about the past of the nation. It may not sound like a big deal to visit these places but they are worth a visit to learn about the country’s rich history.
Best things to do on a day trip in Nairobi City:
- Visit the Giraffe Manor to have breakfast with Giraffes
- Explore Karura Forest for nature walks
- Visit Nairobi park to enjoy game-viewing expeditions
- Visiting David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary looking after baby Elephants and rhinos. It’s one of the best sites undertaking African Rhino conservation programs.
Paraglide Over the Beautiful Kerio Valley in the Great Rift Valley Region
Located within the striking Great Rift Valley, Kerio Valley is found at the edge of Kerio Valley Escarpment. The fabulous Tugen Hills can be seen in this vast valley. Paragliding here should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kenya if you’re looking for something electrifying to do.
In this valley, there is also Lake Kamnarok, which is also worth visiting.
Fun Kenya Tourist Activities: Exploring Nightlife in Nairobi City
Exploring the nightlife of Kenya during your visit on a Kenyan safari tour is remarkable. Vibrant nightlife within this nation mostly takes place in the west of Nairobi city.
The locals & guests gather in the numerous clubs, bars, and cocktail lounges in this area to dance the night away. There are some wonderful local pubs in Nairobi West and the Langata region where most tourists have registered great success stories while having fun.
While going for nightlife, it’s better to move with a local guide!
Exploring Lake Turkana—The World’s Biggest Soda Lake
Popularly, Lake Turkana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is known for its incomparable bird population, including thousands of Flamingos and other water birds. This spectacular alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley holds a PH higher than 9.
This lake is part of what is referred to as the “Cradle of Humankind.” It’s extremely special since it is the site of the discovery of the boy of Turkana, a virtually full 1.6-meter humanlike skeleton fossil dating around 1.6 million years ago.
The best place to visit Lake Turkana is along the shoreline of Loiyangalani, which is reachable by car.
Exploring the Fascinating History About Lamu Island
During your Kenya trip, a tour to Lamu Island- (a historical old town founded in the 12th century) gives you an insight into the Swahili culture.
Amazingly, Lamu Town on Lamu Island is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is because it holds the oldest and even the most well-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa that remain today.
Kenya’s Lamu Town on Lamu Island was once a center for slaves.
Popular activities by tourists on Kenya holiday trip on Lamu Island:
- Walking on the narrow streets of Lamu old town
- Sail on a traditional dhow
- Walk on the white sand of the Swahili coast
- Try out the delicious Swahili local foods
- Visiting local communities on Lamu Island
- Visit the vegetable market
More Amazing Tourist Activities in Kenya
- Enjoy hot air balloon rides in Maasai Mara
- Try out horseback riding expeditions
- Go shopping in the Maasai market within central Nairobi
- Exploring the amazing Central Island National Park. The Central Island National Park is a spectacular island within Lake Turkana and it holds the world’s largest colony of crocodiles. Still, in Central Island National Park, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the blue-green crater lakes.
- Reach Shimba Hills National Reserve to search for the rare Sable antelope
- Visiting Bio Ken Snake Farm. The Bio Ken Snake Farm is just a few hours drive from Watamu Town and it’s an ideal site for snake lovers. On your visit, you’ll see how snakes are milked to create some antidotes.
- Marathon training within Item—the home of Olympic winners. This site is where Kenyan world record holders (Olympic winners) train.
- Taking tea and coffee plantation tours. During coffee tours, you’ll get a chance to visit some coffee houses
FAQs About Things to Do in Kenya Nairobi
What Is Kenya Best Known for? : What Is So Special About Kenya?
This scenic country in East Africa- (Kenya) is globally known as the best destination for wildlife viewing tours on the African continent.
Within Kenya, it’s easy to spot all the big games of Africa, such as Lions, Cape Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Buffalos, Zebras, and giraffes, among others. It’s also the best area to watch the great migration of wildebeests.
What Do Locals Do for Fun in Kenya?
The popular spot for Kenyans is football. Other amazing outdoor sports for youths in this country include swimming, playing tennis, and even cricket.
What Are the Main Tourist Activities in Kenya? : What Tourist Activity Is Most Common in Kenya?
The main things to do in Kenya by travelers include watching the Great Migration of the Great Migration of the Wildebeest in Maasai Mara and other game viewing expeditions in Kenya national parks like Amboseli, Lake Nakuru park, and Lake Turkana park, etc. Tours to Diani Beach and even Mt. Kenya hiking ventures are great too.
What to Take to Kenya Safari? : What to Pack for Kenya?
A camera, jungle boots, and safari clothes shouldn’t be missed on your Kenya safari packing list. Other important items include your personal toiletries, safari clothes, other casual outfits, sun protection gear, insect repellents, a simple backpack, and even sandals.
Why Do Tourists Visit Kenya? : Why is Kenya Worth Visiting for Tourists? What do people go to Kenya for?
Mostly, a number of travelers visiting Kenya are interested in wildlife viewing tours in Maasai Mara, the best area in East Africa to watch the great migration of wildebeests. Other areas offering incredible game-watching expeditions are Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru Park, Nairobi Park, and Tsavo East National Park.
On Kenya safari tours in the wild, be expectant to spot thousands of wild animals, such as big herds of elephants, Cape buffalos, endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, leopards, and lions, among others. Kenya is also a popular site for beach tours and even mountain hiking tours on Mount Kenya.
Is Kenya a Cheap Country to Visit?
When we compare Kenya to other destinations like Tanzania, South Africa, or Botswana, Kenya is a cheaper travel destination. However, keep in mind that the price of a trip depends on your style of traveling and preference. Every class of traveler will find something that suits their safari budget.
Some of the factors that affect your vacation price include the duration of the trip, your group size, and even activities to do during your stay.
How Many Days in Kenya Are Enough?
At least 7–10 days are ideal to explore Kenya. During these days, you can visit some of the main destinations in this country for wildlife tours or beach holidays. Some of these places include Masai Mara, Amboseli park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru park, Watamu Marine National Park, and Diani Beach.
What to Do in Kenya for a Week?
Travelers on 1-week Kenya holiday safari can undertake game-watching expeditions in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Nairobi National Park. It’s also possible to enjoy some wildlife and hike as well Mount Kenya. Talk to our safari expert for more details.
In most cases, destinations to visit are chosen based on your safari interests.
What to Do in Kenya for 10 Days?
On your 10-day Kenya holiday trip, it’s possible to enjoy wildebeest watching in Masai Mara, game viewing tours in Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, etc. Mount Kenya hiking expeditions, Diani beach tours, and cultural encounters can be taken as well. Your itinerary can be tailored as you wish it to be.
Is Kenya located in the Middle East?
Kenya is situated in the East African region. Its topography rises to mountains and plateaus in the center from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean.
The ideal months to visit Kenya are January, February, and July through October. In these dry months, there is minimum rainfall, and usually, the vegetation is thin, which allows easy viewing of game animals during game drives.
November and December and even mid-March to May, are rainy months in November (it’s a low season). When you visit in the low season, it’s possible to get discounts on accommodation as lodges are not so busy and most national parks are crowd-free.
There are a range of amazing things to do in Kenya for every traveler planning to go on safaris in East Africa. Among these are sensational wildlife viewing tours, beach holidays, mountain hiking adventures, and captivating cultural encounters, among others. For any inquiries about Kenya tours, write to our receptive team.
