Best Things to Do and See in Kenya

Travelling to Kenya is an exciting adventure into a country with a wide variety of landscapes, abundant wildlife, and dynamic cultures. Situated on Africa’s eastern coast, the nation is home to well-known locations that present an alluring fusion of natural marvels and cultural encounters.

Start your journey with a safari in the well-known Maasai Mara National Reserve, the site of the Great Migration, which offers an incredible display of migrating zebras, wildebeest, and predators. With breath-taking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park offers a distinctive safari experience against the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain.

Mombasa, the seaside city of Kenya, has a historical dose of its own with its Old Town, Swahili architecture, and the ancient Fort Jesus. Diani Beach is a great place for swimming and relaxing because of its turquoise waters and fluffy white sands.

See the traditional crafts and practices of a Maasai hamlet for a taste of cultural immersion. Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, and the Karen Blixen Museum, which offer insights into the country’s colonial past and conservation initiatives.

The Great Rift Valley of Kenya, which is home to lakes like Nakuru and Naivasha, is known for its breath-taking scenery and diverse birdlife. Kenya offers visitors an amazing voyage into the heart of Africa’s beauty and diversity with its friendly people, energetic markets, and breath-taking natural beauties.

  1. Visit Nairobi

Kenya’s dynamic capital, Nairobi, is a city that teems with culture, vitality, and a singular fusion of man-made and natural wonders. Nairobi, the capital and beating heart of East Africa, is the starting point for exploring the varied topography and fauna of the region.

Nairobi is home to the world-famous Nairobi National Park, where animals wander free against a contemporary cityscape, providing a unique and stunning contrast between the natural world and urban life. Visitors can observe the wonderful care and protection of orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi.

Walking and bicycling routes, waterfalls, and caverns may be found in Nairobi’s Karura Forest, an urban forest reserve. In addition to supporting conservation efforts, the Giraffe Centre offers visitors the chance to engage with and learn about Rothschild’s giraffes, which endangered.

The Maasai Market, which sells antiques, beadwork, and traditional crafts, is a hub of the city’s thriving cultural scene. Located in the famed Danish author’s former residence, the Karen Blixen Museum provides insight into Kenya’s colonial past.

Nairobi’s vibrant culture reflected in its crowded markets, vibrant arts scene, and wide variety of food options. An alluring location skillfully combines modernism with the natural marvels that characterize Kenya.

  1. Visit Mombasa

Kenya’s coastal gem, Mombasa, combines history, Swahili culture, and jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean in a riveting way. Mombasa’s Old Town transports visitors to a bygone era with its narrow winding streets, intricately carved doors, and historic landmarks like Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a symbol of the city’s rich maritime history. Mombasa is one of East Africa’s oldest and most significant coastal cities.

The beaches in Mombasa, such as Diani and Nyali, have fine sand and blue waves, making them perfect places to unwind and enjoy water sports. The coral reefs that dot the city’s coastline make it a paradise for those who enjoy diving and snorkelling.

The city’s iconic Mombasa Tusks archway on Moi Avenue greets tourists, while lively marketplaces like Biashara Street and Bombolulu Workshop display the vivid hues and handicrafts of regional artists.

Mombasa’s varied cultural background is evident in its Swahili architecture, old mosques that resound with the call to prayer, and its fragrant spice bazaar. Mombasa invites visitors to experience the wonder of Kenya’s coastal attraction with its pleasant coastal temperature, historical charm, and blend of modern and traditional aspects.

  1. Visit Ukunda

Situated on Kenya’s magnificent Diani Beach in the Indian Ocean, Ukunda is a serene coastal haven that embodies the spirit of tropical beauty. Known for its immaculate white sands and glistening waves, Ukunda is a well-liked vacation spot for people looking for a tranquil getaway along Kenya’s coast.

Diani Beach, which spans for kilometers along the shore of Ukunda and is frequently ranked among Africa’s best beaches, provides a scenic backdrop for sunbathing, water sports, and leisurely strolls. With palm trees lining the shore, the Indian Ocean’s blue waves make for a picture-perfect background.

Ukunda is the starting point for a variety of water sports, including as diving, snorkelling, and boat trips to discover the colourful offshore coral reefs and marine life. With its rolling hills, thick forests, and wide variety of species, the neighbouring Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a striking panorama.

The coastline is dotted with opulent beachside resorts and boutique hotels that offer a variety of lodging options for travelers hoping to take in Ukunda’s laid-back appeal. Travelers are invited to experience the perfect beauty of Kenya’s seaside paradise at Ukunda, which calls with its tropical allure, friendly hospitality, and breath-taking scenery.

  1. Visit Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is a remarkable wildlife refuge that exemplifies the peaceful coexistence of urban and natural habitats. It is located very close to Kenya’s bustling city. This vast park offers a unique experience where skyscrapers share the horizon with roaming wildlife, all set against the backdrop of Nairobi’s cityscape.

Nairobi National Park, home to a wide variety of African wildlife, offers tourists a unique chance to see lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos against the backdrop of the city—a sight that cannot be found in any other big metropolis. The acacia woods, riverine habitats, and open grasslands all contribute to the healthy environment found inside the park’s boundaries.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which provides visitors with an opportunity to observe the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, is located in Nairobi National Park.

The park, which is conveniently close to Nairobi, is a great place for residents and visitors to spend a day together. It highlights Kenya’s dedication to protecting its wildlife and offers a unique safari experience inside a big city.

  1. Beach Resorts in Kenya

Exquisite beach resorts line Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, providing the ideal fusion of luxury, scenic beauty, and cultural diversity. Exclusive resorts like Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa may be found on Diani Beach, which is frequently praised as one of Africa’s best beaches. With its perfect sands, turquoise waters, and variety of water sports, this lovely sanctuary makes for the perfect getaway.

Hemingways Watamu is a beach resort that blends luxury and environmental consciousness, located in Watamu, a town well-known for its breathtaking coral reefs. Nature lovers can enjoy a peaceful getaway from the city thanks to its own white sand beach and close proximity to marine reserves.

Diamonds Dream of Africa provides a private beachside experience with a focus on individualized service in Malindi. The resort’s magnificent gardens and architecture with Swahili influences add to its seaside charm.

Medina Palms, Watamu, on the northern coast, with its boutique-style homes and private beach, epitomizes coastal elegance. This resort blends the liveliness of the Swahili coast’s culture with contemporary conveniences.

Located in the heart of Diani, The Sands at Nomad is a peaceful sanctuary with easy access to the well-known Diani Beach. It combines five-star elegance with Swahili style. Kenya’s beach resorts accommodate a wide range of tastes, guaranteeing guests the ultimate in leisure and seaside beauty in this East African paradise.

  1. Go Diving or Snorkeling in Kenya

For those who enjoy diving and snorkeling, the Indian Ocean laps Kenya’s coastline waters providing a fascinating underwater world. Underwater exploration is made easier by the region’s pristine waters, varied marine life, and colorful coral reefs.

Diani Beach is a well-liked location for diving and snorkeling because of its vibrant coral gardens. Because of the reef’s closeness to the coast, snorkelers may easily enjoy its diverse array of marine life, while divers can descend further and see turtles, vibrant fish, and even dolphins.

Celebrated for its vast coral formations and numerous marine animals, Watamu Marine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While divers can head to locations like the Blue Hole for more daring encounters with sharks and rays, snorkelers can enjoy the shallow seas.

The Malindi aquatic National Park in Malindi enthrals visitors with its variety of coral gardens and aquatic life. With its views of colourful coral, schools of fish, and the occasional sea turtle, this park is a snorkeler’s dream come true.

Kenya is a prominent destination for both experienced and novice underwater aficionados due to its dedication to marine conservation, which guarantees that these underwater habitats remain clean and provide visitors to its coastal waters wonderful experiences.

  1. Go on a Big Five Safari Tour In Kenya

A Big Five Safari Tour in Kenya guarantees an incredible journey through the nation’s well-known national parks and reserves, where the iconic wildlife of Africa roams free against breath-taking scenery. The centrepieces of this safari are the Big 5, which stand for some of the most magnificent and sought-after creatures on the continent: the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, which borders Tanzania’s Serengeti, is a great place to see the Big Five and take in the Great Migration. Under this wide savannah, game drives reveal leopards sleeping under acacia trees, elephants grazing, and lions prowling.

Large herds of elephants roam the plains in Amboseli National Park, which is nestled against the breath-taking peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a unique setting for Big Five sightings.

The vast expanses of the East and West Tsavo National Parks are home to buffalo, rhinoceroses, and a variety of other animals.

The luxury of well-equipped safari lodges and camps combined with the knowledge of local guides heightens the excitement of seeing the Big Five. In addition to displaying Kenya’s dedication to conservation, these safari experiences provide an immersive and life-changing encounter deep within Africa’s wilderness.

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  1. Witness the Great Migration in Kenya

Every year, the Great Migration in Kenya is a breathtaking natural sight that draws in animal lovers from all around the world. In search of new grazing areas and water sources, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in large numbers across the vast savannahs in these breath-taking phenomena.

Situated in the southwest of Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve serves as the focal point of this remarkable occurrence. Millions of wildebeest, together with zebras and other animals, set out on their annual, treacherous trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the lusher Maasai Mara every July.

The migration is a result of the animals’ innate need for better grazing areas, and it is evidence of their adaptability and tenacity in the face of difficulties like fording rivers and potential predators.

Especially breath-taking and dramatic are the Mara River crossings, where crocodiles lie in the water as wildebeest plunge into it. One of the most famous and well-celebrated occurrences in the animal kingdom, the Great Migration is a spectacle that showcases the remarkable variety of the area and leaves a lasting impression on those who are lucky enough to see nature at her most majestic.

  1. Go Hiking at Mount Kenya

Experience the exhilarating thrill of hiking up Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in East Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a shining example of Kenya’s stunning natural surroundings. Climbing to a height of 5,199 metres (17,057 feet), Mount Kenya beckons hikers from all over the world with its varied ecosystems, difficult terrain, and stunning vistas.

Popular trails that go to Point Lenana, the highest hiking point accessible, are the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes. Climbing across varied environments provides a unique ecological experience, such as verdant rainforests, mountain meadows, and rocky terrain.

Renowned for its breath-taking scenery, the Chogoria path winds through the Gorges Valley and provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks. Numerous animals, including as buffalo, elephants, and the secretive mountain hyrax, may be seen by hikers.

Trekkers can enjoy a breath-taking sunrise vista from Point Lenana, even though it is not the summit. Mountaineering expertise is required for the more difficult ascent to Batian and Nelion peaks.

Beyond its physical difficulties, Mount Kenya has a mysterious charm. Its untamed nature, glaciers, and rugged peaks make for a great backdrop for anyone looking for a high-altitude adventure in an environment rich in wildlife and cultural value.

  1. Do a Camel Safari in Kenya

A camel safari is a singular and captivating way to experience Kenya’s varied landscapes, which range from lush savannahs to dry deserts. Travelers can explore off-the-beaten-path locations and establish a connection with the natural environment with this leisurely and immersive means of transportation.

Camel safaris are a common activity in Northern Kenya, where the resilient animals travel across semi-arid areas in places like Laikipia and Samburu. Travellers can take in the breath-taking environment, come across wildlife, and discover the rich cultural legacy of the surrounding towns while escorted by experienced guides.

The camel’s steady pace adds to the impression of peace and harmony with the natural world. Campsites along the safari trail provide an opportunity to unwind beneath the huge African sky, with campfire warmth and the sounds of the wild nightly.

In addition to being a way to go around, camel safaris offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the local way of life, participate in customary rituals, and learn about the sustainable lifestyles of herding groups that wander around.

A camel safari offers a distinctive viewpoint on the nation’s beauty, biodiversity, and the enduring bond between humans and these amazing creatures, whether it is travelling across the northern deserts or meandering through the scenic landscapes of central Kenya.

  1. Festivals in Kenya

Kenya’s festivals weave a bright tapestry of colour and energy throughout the country as they celebrate the country’s rich cultural variety, customs, and modern arts. The Lamu Cultural Festival, which takes place on Lamu Island, is an exhibition of Swahili customs that includes traditional dance and poetry in addition to dhow and donkey races.

The Maralal International Camel Derby is a unique sporting event that blends camel racing with traditional celebrations. Held against the breath-taking backdrop of northern Kenya. This festival, which combines athletics with cross-cultural interaction, draws people from all around the world.

A literary event in Nairobi called Kwani? Litfest brings together authors, poets, and readers to honour African storytelling and literature. It offers a forum for discussion, concept development, and the elevation of African voices.

Nairobi’s International Jazz Day events, which feature performances by regional and international musicians, display Kenya’s developing jazz culture. This occasion is evidence of how Kenya’s culture is changing and welcoming outside influences while maintaining its own identity.

These celebrations, along with many more, add to Kenya’s vibrant cultural landscape by encouraging harmony, ingenuity, and a sense of national pride in the country’s varied customs and artistic manifestations.