Stunning things to do in Kenya

Stunning things to do in Kenya : Kenya is not just the best place to go on safari. In addition to seeing the most fantastic wildlife, Kenya offers a wide variety of amazing activities thanks to its fascinating cultural past, beautiful beaches, and welcoming population. The best part is that all of these tourist spots in Kenya are quite reasonably priced to visit.

For everyone who is interested in experiencing Africa, Kenya has a wide variety of exciting locations to explore. As was already noted, Kenya is rich in history, praised for its abundant natural beauty, and esteemed for both its rustic atmosphere and cultural diversity.

1. Hike to the Summit of Mount Kenya.

Nearly on the equator, Mount Kenya is located 245 kilometres (km) north of Nairobi on the route. In addition, the mountain is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

It is the second-highest peak in Africa, rising to a height of around 5,199 metres (17,057 feet), making it one of the most daring activities in Kenya. The advantage of climbing Mount Kenya is that the paths are sparsely travelled, therefore when hiking Mount Kenya, you’ll probably have the summit trails to yourself. The journey to Lenana Peak, the third-highest peak and the destination of most hikers, takes roughly five days.

If you’re an experienced mountain climber, you already know that January, February, and August and September are the finest months for the ascent. The views from the top are indeed breathtaking, and you may enjoy some alpine greenery along the route. Bamboo, meadows, woodlands, heaths, and moorland are among the plant life. Even some wildlife is something you might see if you climb Mount Kenya.

This is still one of the most incredible spots to visit in Kenya, even if you are not walking to the top of Mount Kenya. There are numerous hiking paths nearby, and the scenery is breathtaking.

2. Watch the Great Migration in Maasai Mara from a hot air balloon.

During the Great Migration, nearly a million wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, gazelles, and their predators move into the Maasai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania’s nearby Serengeti. The ideal time to witness wildlife in Kenya is from July to October since that is when the animals migrate in search of water and grazing areas.

In Kenya, you must visit Maasai Mara. In all honesty, a trip to Kenya wouldn’t be complete without spending at least a day in Maasai Mara. But this is also the priciest tourist attraction in Kenya.

The finest way to witness this wildlife display, as well as the Big 5 and the traditional African landscape, is from a hot-air balloon, which is, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Kenya.

You can also experience the fascinating Maasai culture in the Mara, where they still maintain their ancient ways and live in a breathtaking environment.

3. Visiting a Maasai Mara Village.

First off, keep in mind that this is one of the most popular and touristic things to do in Kenya. A Maasai Mara settlement won’t resemble anything you’ve seen on National Geographic, trust us on that. However, when visiting Kenya, you really must stop by a community in the Maasai Mara. Finding a means to visit an actual Maasai Mara hamlet rather than one of the tourist trap Maasai Mara villages is what’s most crucial.

Being able to interact with a culture that seems to exist in a completely other reality than that of we Westerners makes visiting a Maasai Mara village still an amazing safari experience. You’ll be greeted with a traditional dance, given a tour of the hamlet, get a look inside one of the mud manyattas, learn how to create fire the old-fashioned manner, and hear about their customs.

4. Marvel at the majestic Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park.

Although Amboseli National Park is well known for its amazing biodiversity, the tallest peak in Africa is the area’s main draw for tourists. The snow-capped Kilimanjaro may be seen in the background of Amboseli National Park’s rather flat environment.

Kenya’s Amboseli, is the finest place to see elephants because there are so many of them there. Amboseli National Park’s elephants, who are covered in dust, have a fantastically wild appearance. The opportunity to see these enormous animals in a breathtaking environment with Mt. Kilimanjaro as a towering backdrop makes it an unquestionably must-visit location in Kenya.

5. Get close to the world’s remaining North White Rhinos.

The two last Northern White Rhinos in the world were perhaps my most incredible vacation experience in Kenya. Being so close to these animals in Ol Pejeta Conservancy is amazing.

6. Visit the South Coast’s beautiful Kenyan beaches.

The South Coast region of Kenya, which is essentially south of Mombasa, is where you’ll find the nicest beaches. The North Coast beaches are quite fine, but they are busier, more populated, less remote, and hence less pristine.

Along Kenya’s southern coast, Diani Beach runs for 11 kilometres. If you enjoy spending time on the beach, Diani has some of the nicest beaches in all of East Africa. A stunning coral reef guards this tropical haven of white beaches, palm trees, and jade-colored waters.

Skydiving is one of the most well-liked safari activities in Diani Beach and among many others.

7. Swim in bioluminescence water at Kilifi.

 

While the beaches on Kenya’s South Coast may be cleaner, North Coast offers a special experience: swimming in bioluminescent sea.

A popular tourist safari attraction in Kenya is the lovely Creekside village of Kilifi, which is known for its amazing bioluminescence plankton. By merely moving through the water at night, you can see this natural occurrence. Your movements will force the bioluminescent plankton to begin to glow. Swimming in the water is a glittering, sparkling sensation.

One of the free safari activities in Kenya is swimming in bioluminescent water at Kilifi; neither a tour nor a guide are necessary for this. Simply ask around to find the ideal beach location.

Watamu, a stunning coastline with many protected bays by Watamu Marine National Park, is another safari destination near Kilifi. Additionally, the Gedi Ruins are nearby Kilifi.

Visit the Bio-Ken Snake Farm in Watamu for another fun activity. You may even take a whale watching excursion to observe humpback whales if you happen to be in Watamu in the first few days of June.

8. Sail the Lamu archipelago by dhow.

 At the very northernmost point of Kenya’s coastline is Lamu Island. This amazing UNESCO World Heritage City is thought to be the oldest Swahili settlement still in existence.

A former trading harbor, Lamu Island is now one of the remaining major dhow outposts. Dhows are historic sailing ships with one or two masts that are most frequently seen in the Arabian Peninsula.

When travelling between East Africa, India, and the Middle East, dhows were the primary mode of transportation. Vehicles are not permitted on Lamu Island. The principal form of transportation is donkeys.

The finest way to navigate the Lamu Archipelago and see the distinctive culture of this Kenyan coastal region is aboard a dhow. Unwind, take a deep breath, and get lost in this secluded archipelago’s amazing waterways.

One of the most lovely spots to visit on Lamu Island is Shela Beach. You can also sample some of Kenya’s most delicious regional cuisines here.

9. Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park.

The Indian Ocean has much more to offer than just breathtaking vistas when you relax on the beaches of Kenya while swinging in a hammock. Numerous outdoor safari activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, skydiving, and kite-surfing, are available in the ocean.

Between August and March, when the waters are calm and the clarity is at its finest, is the ideal time to scuba and snorkel in Kenya.

The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park or the Watamu Marine National Park are two locations I suggest for scuba diving in Kenya. The waters of these Marine National Parks are crystal clear and home to 56 distinct varieties of coral and more than 250 species of tropical fish.

10. Travel back in time in Mombasa old town.

The largest port in Kenya, Mombasa Old Town, was established in the fourteenth century by Swahili Sultans. Later, the Portuguese and British took control of it. The architecture of Mombasa Old Town has endured through the years. As you move along the winding lanes, you’ll see various mosques, residences with expansive oak floors, eateries, and coffee shops.

One of the cultural highlights to Kenya is to experience this fusion of cultures and cuisines in old town Mombasa. Off the beaten path, you will also interact with the unbelievably hospitable Kenyans.

11. Paraglide over the scenic Kerio Valley.

The Great Rift Valley contains Kerio Valley, which is situated at the edge of the Kerio Valley Escarpment. The Tugen Hills are visible from this vast valley. Paragliding in this location ought to be at the top of your list of great things to do in Kenya.

Lake Kamnarok in the Rimoi Game Reserve, another fantastic location to explore in Kenya, is located within the valley.

12. Train for a marathon in Iten, Rift Valley.

The world recognizes Kenyans as accomplished long-distance runners. Eliud Kipchoge and the majority of these other well-known international runners are from Eldoret, also known as “The Home of Champions,” in the Rift Valley. Iten, a village in the mountains close to Eldoret, provides running camps and professional training at its High Altitude Training Centre.

It’s not typical to learn straight from Olympic gold medalists and world record holders while on vacation in Kenya, but how great is that. Even if you don’t want to run a marathon, it is highly advised that you visit the High Altitude Training Centre.

13. Cycle through Hells Gate National Park.

 One of the few national parks in Africa where cycling is safe is Hell’s Gate National Park, which is situated approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of Nairobi. There is no harmful fauna to be found here; only unusual rock formations.

Vendors inside and outside the main gate of the National Park provide bicycle rentals. A fantastic way to explore this tourist destination in Kenya is by bicycle.

Bypass the tours, explore on your own, rent a bike, and have fun. Unquestionably one of my insider travel advice for Kenya. As you cycle or walk through the gorges in this lava-carved landscape, you’re sure to get some incredible images. As you pass the hot springs, get off your bike and plunge in for a rejuvenating experience.

14. Roam among wild rhinos in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

One of the great conservation success stories for African rhinos is the Lewa Conservancy in north-central Kenya. In Kenya, it is the best location to see black and white rhinos in the wild. The rhino population has increased from just 15 to more than 150 since 1984, which is the key factor in its widespread recognition as a remarkable success.

If you didn’t already know, you do now: there are incredibly few of these horned beauties in the wild. There are worries that rhinos may go extinct within the next few decades. The conservancy employs a variety of tactics to stop poaching, including fencing, armed patrols, and engagement with local residents.

In addition to being one of the most wonderful places to visit in Kenya, Lewa Conservancy also allows you to support an incredible cause. In total, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to 14% of Kenya’s rhino population. Their educational programme directly affects around 10,000 children in total.

15. Spot the 12,000 crocodiles in Central Island National Park at Lake Turkana.

The largest colony of Nile crocodiles in the world is housed at an off-the-beaten-path tourist safari destination in Kenya. You may view many crocodiles at Central Island National Park, which is located in the midst of Lake Turkana. On the shores of this island, there are thought to be 12,000 crocodiles in existence.

A work of nature, Central Island has the most breathtaking scenery. Three active volcanoes, three crater lakes, and black sand beaches are also found there. Over thousands of years, there doesn’t seem to have been much of a change in the atmosphere.

You can either fly directly to Central Island National Park or use one of the boat services that depart from Kalokol. Given how difficult it is to get there, it is undoubtedly one of the most unusual things to do in Kenya. There are no hotels at Central Island National Park either; the only camping available is at the Central Island Campsite.

16. Foster orphaned elephants & rhinos at Sheldrick.

In southwest Nairobi, at Sheldrick elephant & rhino orphanage, you may view hundreds of magnificent, enormous baby elephants that were saved from certain death. You have the exceptional chance to witness directly how terrible poaching is at the orphanage.

It also gives you hope that the newborn elephants that were left behind have a haven of hope within all that chaos.

The Sheldrick elephant and rhino orphanage is open for visits every morning between 11:00 and 12:00. This non-profit is one that you can trust. There is entry fee. You can watch the animals receiving milk feedings and mud baths.

17. Feed hungry giraffes at the famous Giraffe Manor Hotel.

 Have you seen images of a fantastic breakfast spread, lovely women, and giraffes on Instagram? These images unquestionably came from the Giraffe Manor House. For those with the means, it’s one of the most well-liked things to do in Kenya.

The Giraffe Manor Hotel, which appears to be off the beaten road but is actually in southwest Nairobi. You can still go to the Giraffe Centre in Lang’ata if you can’t afford to stay there, which is understandable. A wooden viewing platform allows visitors to get up close and personal with the rare and imperilled Rothschild’s giraffes. Here, you can take pleasure in feeding these extraordinarily tall animals, petting them, and getting licked by their protracted, black tongues.

18. Visit the Chalbi Desert in Northern Frontier.

 The Chalbi Desert, which is in Marsabit County and is located east of Lake Turkana, is not widely known. The word “Chalbi” comes from the Gabbra language and means “bare and salty,” and the Chalbi desert certainly lives up to its moniker. Animals use these rocks as a natural salt lick because they are so salty.

This is yet another off-the-beaten-path tourist safari destination in Kenya and an adventure like no other. Explore the bleached soils, coarse sand, and boulders of this 100,000 square km desert to find camels and oasis.

The oasis in the north of Chalbi Desert are the most well-known tourist safari destinations. In this desert, there is a place called Kalacha where pastoralists, animals, and travelers can relax and hydrate under the shade of palm trees.

You must take a flight to the Sibiloi airport, where your planned safari will begin, in order to reach the Chalbi Desert.

19. Spot the more than 1 million flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park.

One of Kenya’s top national parks to visit is Lake Nakuru National Park. More than 240 different bird species may be found here, with the beautiful pink flamingos making Lake Nakuru their favorite hangout. At times, they can reach a million or more.

In the Rift Valley, Lake Nakura is situated 3.5 hours’ drive northwest of Nairobi. In Lake Nakuru National Park, you can also see lions, buffalos, zebras, and rhinos. The primary draw for tourists to Kenya’s Lake Nakura National Park is bird watching safari.

20. Turkana, the largest soda lake in the world and the cradle of mankind.

The largest alkaline lake in the world is Lake Turkana, located in Kenya’s north. Due to its gorgeous turquoise hue, this lake is also known as the Jade Sea. The pH of the water of Lake Turkana is higher than 9.

Lake Turkana is not only the biggest alkaline lake in the world, but it is also one of Kenya’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Boy of Turkana, a 1.6-meter-tall, nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a human relative that dates back to 1.6 million years ago, was discovered there, making it a part of what is known as “The Cradle of Mankind.”

The ideal place to visit Lake Turkana is on its shores, which are easily reached by road at Loiyangalani. Flights from Nairobi can take you to locations like Sibiloi and Lodwar.

21. Enjoy a day in Nairobi.

It is highly advised to have a tour of the capital of Kenya with a guide. Discover the best locations, get to know the residents personally, and discover more about their way of life in this nearly 4.5 million-person African city.

You may get a taste of Kenya’s history at the National Archives and the Nairobi National Museum. In contrast to the National Archives, which are located in the heart of Nairobi, the Nairobi National Museum is situated on the outskirts of the city. They keep a variety of old documents pertaining to the history of the nation.

While not the most thrilling activity in Kenya, this is one of the greatest locations to learn about the country’s history if you only have a day to spare in Nairobi.

If you’re looking for entertaining things to do in Nairobi, drive north for around 1.5 hours and try zip lining at Kereita Forest Adventure Sports. Lang’ata in Nairobi is home to paintball and go-kart tracks.

22. Enjoy the nightlife in Nairobi.

 The hub of the city’s vibrant nightlife is Westlands, which is located in the capital. There are numerous clubs, bars, and cocktail lounges in this area where locals and tourists go to dance the night away. There are numerous fantastic local pubs in Lang’ata and Nairobi West where tourists go to have a good time.

23. Shop at the Maasai Market in Central Nairobi.

Maasai Market is arguably Nairobi’s most well-known tourist shopping safari destination. You can easily discover a Kenyan souvenir here to take home. You can purchase trinkets, paintings created locally, woodcarvings, beaded jewelry, and fabrics with African themes, among other gifts.