Visit Kenya: top nine activities and experiences

The Kenyans have a saying: ‘Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children.’ Thankfully this little proverb is one that many Kenyans have lived by, conserving the sublime drama of this East African paradise for us all. There are mountains to conquer and coral reefs to explore, urban life to savor and tribal communities to meet. Savannah, forest, ocean and lake are teeming with creatures great and small, from the rosy flamingo plucking fish from the lake, to the gnarly old elephant lumbering through the grasslands. Everything you do in Kenya feels like becoming at one with the landscape’s drama and natural beauty. Kenya doesn’t tiptoe up and whisper about its delights, they boom out at you from every angle.

Top Kenya activities and experiences

Here, we’ve rounded up our top 9 activities and experiences in this diverse and unforgettable country.

The Masai Mara

Heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve for a game drive safari is a quintessential African experience. Warm breezes rustle through the dry grass where clusters of exotic beasts hunt, graze, play and snooze. One can expect to spot any of the iconic ‘Big Five’ from here – the elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, lion and buffalo; and other favorites that seem to have stepped right out of ‘The Lion King’ such as hyena, giraffe, zebra, vultures, ostrich and baboons.

Not least, the Masai Mara is the ground location of one of the world’s most incredible natural theatres; the thousand-strong herds of wildebeest that trample over vast distances during ‘The Great Migration’. Visit between July and October to catch sight of this, and gape at this example of untamed wilderness at its most ancient and sprawling. Taking its name from the graceful, red-robed Maasai tribes who live harmoniously alongside the animals, the Masai Mara is your number one location for world-class wildlife watching.

Lamu

The island town of Lamu, just north east of Mombasa, is UNESCO-listed as it wears its centuries of intercultural mingling on its sleeve. Known for its unique blend of Arabian, Swahili and Indian influences, today’s Lamu town is brimming with intriguing architecture, culture and food, a charming atmosphere and stunning beauty. Wander through its winding streets and you’ll notice the carved wooden doors, mangrove-fringed shores and whitewashed buildings that echo the town’s rich heritage.

It’s all the more peaceful and evocative for the total lack of motorized vehicles, with only the sound of donkey carts for transport. Take a wooden dhow sailing trip, with their striking triangular sails – dhow sailing is a much-loved tradition and central to the Lamu way of life with their striking triangular sails. By dhow you can visit wilder stretches of the island’s shores, even visiting the more remote and uninhabited islands nearby such as Manda Island or Kiwayu.

The coral of the coast

Much of Kenya’s coast is screened from the open ocean by an immense coral reef, a spectacular natural barrier that creates calm, crystal-clear waters along the shore. Paradise awaits for divers and snorkelers, who can easily access the reef from most beaches; Malindi, Watamu and Diani marine parks shelter the most impressive stretches of reef. Don some fins and goggles for a real underwater treat; these corals are protected by strict conservation efforts to keep them bright and thriving, and visiting them sustainably is all part of the experience.

The Watamu Marine National Park, for example, is known for its extensive coral gardens which are home to an array of tropical fish, sea turtles and rare reef sharks. The clarity of the waters make for great visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, giving divers a veritable wonderland of exploration. For those with more advanced skills, there are deeper dive spots such as Mombasa Marine Park, which feature caves, stark drop-offs and the potential to spot large schools of barracuda and manta rays. The coral reefs here host all from the smallest nudibranchs to big moray eels and even the occasional manatee. 

Getting to know rural communities

Some rural communities in Kenya allow visitors as part of community tourism initiatives. It is a mind-broadening experience to witness firsthand how those that have lived on this land for thousands of years, uphold their ancient traditions while living in the modern world. On a community visit you can expect to interact with people in meaningful ways; learning about traditional methods of farming, hunting and herding, or participating in traditional dancing or handicraft demonstrations. Making handicrafts is an important source of income for a lot of local people, and on these visits you can often see artisans creating beautiful crafts such as beaded jewelry, woven baskets or carved wooden sculptures. 

This can include meeting the Masai, the most emblematic of Kenya’s ethnic communities. Their villages are often open to community visits that allow travelers to witness their nomadic traditions, colorful attire and their expression of arts. There is also the northern Samburu peoples, coastal Swahili communities and the Kikuyu villages, among many others. Speak to your local expert in Kenya for more in-depth detail on how to do this ethically and authentically.

Animal encounters galore

Kenya is a classic safari destination and well suited to everyone, whether you want a half day taster of safari, or a week in the deepest wilderness. National parks are numerous, and home to millions of creatures from big cats to butterflies. Alongside the Big Five mentioned previously, playing out the drama of their daily lives against the magnificent backdrop of Kenya’s spectacular scenery, there are monkeys, reptiles, a sublime diversity of birdlife, and a plethora of insects you’ll have never before seen. 

As well as the much celebrated Masai Mara National Park, there is also Amboseli, known for its incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro and being one of the best spots to see herds of elephants. There are also lions, cheetahs, giraffes and the endangered African grey parrot to watch out for. A sprawling flock of pink flamingoes covers Lake Nukuru; red elephants and rare wild dogs inhabit Tsavo National Park; while Samburu’s National Reserve along the Ewaso Nyiro River offers sightings of rarely seen animals like the Somali ostrich, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe – the tallest giraffe species in the world. 

Mount Kenya – the second largest peak in Africa

Standing at 5199 meters high, this extinct volcano is the highest point in Kenya and also the second highest on the whole African continent. Protected by UNESCO for its ecological and cultural significance, Mount Kenya is one of the most ecologically rich mountains there is; with environments that cover dense rainforest, bamboo, heather and high-altitude moorlands. As you can imagine, with such diversity in vegetation, the range of flora and fauna is similarly impressive. Trekking this mammoth peak could lead you to spot giant lobelias, groundsel plants, colobus monkeys, leopards, elephants or the rock hyrax – a rare mammal that only lives here. 

When it comes to the most adventurous among you, trekking Mount Kenya makes for a complex, fairly technical climb and the twin summits are only accessible to those with full mountaineering gear. If that’s your cup of tea – the most popular, more accessible summit is Point Lenana, but at 4,985m it’s still a sizable challenge. 

Lake Nakuru

Lying in the monumental Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is the focal point of the National Park of the same name. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, the breathtaking soda lake attracts enormous flocks of flamingos, adding a bright and colorful garnish to an already scenic water haven. The numbers fluctuate throughout the year as water levels change, and the flamingos are often joined by cormorants, pelicans and other waterbirds – in fact, with over 450 species it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. As well as bird life, black and white rhinos linger in the woodlands around the periphery of the lake, as well as buffalo, waterbucks and warthogs. 

The young spirit of Nairobi

Nairobi is the busy urban hub of Kenya, and at just one hundred years old, it’s one of the youngest cities in Africa. To emphasise this, it also has one of the youngest populations – most Nairobi residents are around 20 years old. Though there’s the trademark congestion and packed, bustling marketplaces that you’d expect of a thriving African capital, this sprawling city has a youthful spirit driving its arts, music, food and tech scene – and it’s also the only city to have an impressive national park within its borders! Head to Nairobi National Park to spot lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs and buffalo with the unusual backdrop of Nairobi’s city skyline. 

For modern tourist facilities look no further than Nairobi when on a trip to Kenya, but if you’re here for the tropical beach life, using coastal Mombasa as your urban hub might be better placed – it’s a city with a much longer history, as well as a strong Swahili culture and seafaring tradition.

The heavenly beach life

Sugary sand, water streaked with countless shades of blue and green, swaying palms, dreamy remote islands… the Kenyan coast is truly heavenly. Whether you’re looking for adventure on or under the water, hikes with views of the sea, beach-side relaxation or a mix of all, there’s a stretch of coastline here to help you while away the balmy Kenyan days.

Diani Beach is Kenya’s most famous coastal escape, known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife; while Watamu promises a quieter experience. This small coastal town boasts the protected Watamu Marine National Park, where you can snorkel or dive among sea turtles and tropical fish. Nearby, Mida Creek offers magical sunset dhow cruises through mangrove forests.

As mentioned previously, Lamu is the place to go if you’re after a remote island paradise, steeped in Swahili history. The narrow winding streets, traditional dhows sailing past ancient coral stone buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere is ideal for those who want a peaceful retreat on the sea.

Make it happen

To start creating your perfect itinerary in Kenya, check out our destination pages to browse our trip ideas or send an enquiry to our local experts. They’re based on the ground in Kenya, ready and waiting to help you plan your ideal trip.