Are you looking for an adventure? Do you want to experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close and personal? Or you may want to immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage and try some delicious local cuisine. Look no further than Kenya!
This stunning country in East Africa has so much to offer, from safari to Nairobi’s bustling city. You will be wide-eyed throughout your stay.
In this article, we will explore 15 things to do in Kenya that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, grab your bags and camera, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
1. Visit the Maasai Mara
Visiting the Maasai Mara is a must-do for any wildlife lover. This stunning national reserve in Southwestern Kenya is home to abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard).
You can also go on a game drive with a knowledgeable guide who will point out all the different species and share fascinating facts about their behavior.
But the best time to visit Kenya is during the Great Migration in Maasai Mara. At this time, thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. You can try the Hot Air Balloon ride to enjoy this magnificent migration from an aerial view.
So pack your camera, sunscreen, and sense of adventure because a visit to the Maasai Mara is a wild ride you won’t want to miss!
2. Climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The mountain has several routes with varying levels of difficulty, and the most popular route is the Chogoria route, which takes about four to six days to climb. So, don’t forget to stock up!
Moreover, you can also opt for a guided tour, and if you are lucky, you may spot some wildlife, such as elephants and buffaloes, along the way.
3. Explore Beautiful Nairobi
What better way to enjoy the rich culture of Kenya than by visiting Nairobi? Nothing, we guess! Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and a hub of culture, art, and history.
The city offers several museums, art galleries, and markets, such as the Nairobi National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Maasai Market.
Moreover, you can also take a city tour to see the main sights, such as the Parliament Buildings, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, and the Nairobi National Park.
4. Visit the Great Rift Valley
You must visit the Great Rift Valley to experience a beautiful view of lakes and birds. It is a geological feature that stretches from Syria to Mozambique, and in Kenya, it is home to several lakes, including Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria. These lakes are a haven for birds, and you can spot flamingos and other bird species.
If you like, you can also take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and explore the Hell’s Gate National Park nearby.
5. Have a Snack at the Giraffe Center
If you want to give your kids or have your own lifetime experience, go to the Giraffe Center. Back in the 1900s, the Giraffe Center building was a Scottish Hunting Lodge, but now it has become a beautiful and charming place to snack and enjoy the wildlife.
Moreover, the Giraffe Centre is mainly a sanctuary for giraffes in Nairobi. Visitors can get up close and personal with the giraffes and even feed them. So, you must visit to learn about the conservation efforts in Kenya.
6. Go White Water Rafting
Rafting is a fun sport to enjoy with your family and friends. In Tana River, you have the opportunity to go rafting and enjoy the birds of the area.
White water rafting is a popular activity on the Tana River, located about two hours from Nairobi. The river has several rapids, ranging from class II to class V, making it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced rafters.
Moreover, you can combine the rafting experience with a camping trip and enjoy the wilderness of Kenya.
7. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Did you know mother elephants and rhinos sometimes abandon their babies? This is the case for many animals, so David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust helps care for abandoned or orphaned baby rhinos and elephants.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is mainly a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos located in Nairobi.
Visitors can watch the baby elephants being fed and playing and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these animals. It is a heartwarming and educational experience that you should not miss in any case!
8. Relax on the Diani Beach
Kenya has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, stretching along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Some famous beaches include Diani Beach, Malindi, and Lamu Island, where you can enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and swimming.
However, Diani beach is worth the visit. It is a lovely, less crowded beach just an hour from Mombasa. You can stay at the beautiful beachfront resorts and enjoy the fantastic seafood there.
Remember to visit this stunning beach after your tiring group or solo hiking and game drives for a relaxing ending to a wonderful vacation in Kenya.
9. Go on a Hike in the Aberdare Mountains
The Aberdare Mountains are a mountain range with a height of about 4,001 meters, located in central Kenya.v They offer some of the best hiking trails in the country, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The range is also home to the Eastern Black Rhinos, elephants, and several waterfalls, such as the Karuru Falls and Gura Falls, which are worth a visit. If you are lucky, you might run into some wildlife on your hiking trail.
Moreover, the forest and the magnificent waterfalls make a great background for excellent pictures. So, are you ready for some tiresome but exhilarating hiking in the Aberdare Mountains?
10. Visit the Fort Jesus Museum
The Fort Jesus Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mombasa. The Portuguese built it in the 16th century, and it served as a fort and prison.
However, now, visitors can explore this historical museum, learn about the area’s history, and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
11. Go on a Cultural Tour
Kenya has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about the traditions and customs of the various ethnic groups in the country. You can visit Maasai villages, learn about their traditional way of life and witness a traditional dance performance.
You can also visit the coastal towns and learn about the Swahili culture and its unique architecture. Along the path, you can enjoy local restaurants in Swahili buildings and buy souvenirs like jewelry, clothing, or masks.
12. Visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a wildlife conservancy located in central Kenya. Although it’s a three to four-hour drive from Nairobi, you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to view the beautiful Black Rhinos.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is also home to the last two surviving Northern White Rhinos in the world, named Najin and Fatu. So, you must visit it while these magnificent creatures are still there.
Moreover, visitors can go on game drives, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, and learn about the different conservation efforts.
13. Go on a Camel Safari
A camel safari is a unique way to explore the Kenyan landscape. You can ride a camel through the desert and see the wildlife from a different perspective. You will also spot some incredible wildlife along the way, including gazelles, zebras, and maybe even a lion or two.
It is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure and relaxation. However, make sure you plan your African safari well ahead of time, as tourists love to enjoy a camel ride.
14. Try the Local Cuisine
Are you ready to try some delicious food? If you are, you must try some of the most popular dishes in Kenya.
Kenya has a rich culinary culture with many dishes to try. Some popular dishes include Ugali (a maize-based porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), and Samosas (a fried pastry filled with meat or vegetables).
You can try these dishes at local restaurants or even at street vendors. You can also visit local markets and buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
15. Eat at Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
Looking for a dining experience that’s truly out of this world? Barbour’s Cave Restaurant will definitely fulfill your wish! Nestled deep in the heart of a limestone cave, this restaurant serves some of the tastiest and most adventurous dishes you’ll ever encounter.
The restaurant has a cozy, mysterious, yet romantic feel to it. Moreover, the food is some of the best in Kenya. They specialize in seafood, among which the Cavefish Curry, made with locally-caught fish simmered in a spicy coconut broth, is the tastiest.
And, of course, a trip to Barbour’s Cave Restaurant would only be complete with a taste of their famous Batwing Burger – a juicy beef patty topped with crispy fried onions and slathered in a tangy guano sauce.
It’s a meal you won’t forget, whether you’re an intrepid explorer or just looking for a unique dining experience.
Conclusion
Kenya is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife. There are many things to do and see, from going on the Aberdare Mountains hike to exploring the local cuisine options!
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to relax on the beach, Kenya has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful countries.
