Things To Do In Kenya

Things To Do In Kenya

Sun, white sandy beaches, forested hills, snow peaked mountains, wooded savannah and wild game give visitors a wide array of things to do in Kenya.

Moreover, the Kenyan people are very warm and hospitable, something that the Portuguese, British, Arabs and other foreign visitors enjoyed for centuries.

Those interested in Kenya’s history and archeology will benefit greatly from the Swahili city-states, Paleolithic sites and sacred forests found in Kenya.

Sun seekers may spend their days on sunny paradise that is Kenya’s coast as game viewers transverse the savannah, woodlands, hills, and lakes looking for wild game and birdlife.

There are plenty of artistic things to do in Kenya as well as opportunities to experience the culture, cuisine, and way of life of the Kenyan people. Whatever you decide, and wherever you go, your trip will be extremely rewarding.

Things to do in Kenya

Apart from guaranteed sightings of the Big Five almost everywhere you go, Kenya has a lot to offer. Here are a few suggestions for fun activities you could indulge in on your next visit.

Beach activities in Kenya

• Watamu: Take glass-bottomed rides at Coral Gardens
• Malindi: Take selfies at the Vasco da Gama Pillar
• Diani: Snorkel at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
• Nyali: Explore the white sandy beach on a camel’s back
• Lamu:  Catch big game fish for sport

Tourist attractions to visit in Kenya

• Fort Jesus: Get inspired by its architecture and influence on the Indian Ocean trade
• Gedi Ruins: Journey through time in this abandoned city in Malindi
• Old Town Mombasa: Walk on the narrow streets and stop for Swahili tea when you get tired
• Old Town Lamu: Explore the trading history of this 12th-century town
• KICC Helipad: Enjoy panoramic views of Nairobi from the city’s tallest building
• National Museum of Kenya: Learn East Africa’s history, and see ethnographic displays

Nature parks to visit in Kenya

• Amboseli National Park: View large elephant herds up close
• Samburu National Reserve: Watch Maasai warriors sing as they fetch water at Sarara Wells
• Nairobi National Park: Watch wild animals against the background of Nairobi city’s skyscrapers
• Masai Mara Game Reserve: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Tend to elephant calves and foster one from $50 a year
• Giraffe Centre: Take a guided nature walk and hand feed the endangered Rothschild giraffe
• Nairobi Safari Walk: Watch the albino zebra, bongo, white rhino & other rare animals
• Maasai Ostrich Farm: Saddle up and ride an ostrich around a pen
• Kakamega Forest: Go on a bird watching nature trail and spot unique plant species
• Kereita Forest: Go ziplining and mountain biking in the forest
• Hell’s Gate: Camp and cycle at the canyon gorges and jagged rock
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Watch the Big Five at East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary

Lakes to visit in Kenya

• Lake Nakuru: Watch lesser and greater flamingoes wade in the water
• Lake Elementaita: Camp at this bird watcher’s paradise
• Lake Victoria: Eat freshly caught fish along Africa’s largest freshwater lake
• Lake Naivasha: Watch hippos and over 400 species of birdlife
• Lake Bogoria: Watch the geysers, steam jets and hot springs of this alkaline lake

Must visit restaurants in Kenya

• Carnivore Restaurant: Relish barbecued game meat and  wash it down with a cold local beer
• Fogo Gaucho Restaurant: Have all you can eat Brazilian style barbecued meat
• Habesha Restaurant: Enjoy the best injera and other Ethiopian delicacies
• Anghiti Restaurant: Get some Indian yummy in your tummy
• Brew Bistro: Enjoy micro-brewed ales and stout beer
• Mama Oliech: Sample fresh whole fried tilapia with ugali and bitter herbs
• Alchemist Bar: Let mixologists tend to you with their delicious cocktails
• Le Palanka Restaurant: Enjoy delicacies from West, Central, and Eastern Africa

Artistic things to do in Kenya

• Banana Hill Art Gallery: View East Africa’s stunning paintings & sculptures
• Kitengela Hot Glass: Learn the art of glass making and mosaic from recycled scrap glass
• Alliance François/ Kenya National Theatre: Watch  gripping plays on weekends
• Iten: Watch athletes compete with each other at the home of Kenya’s distance runners
• Matatus: Ride a minibus taxi from one destination to another
• Maasai Market: Shop for souvenirs, paintings, curios, woodcarvings and African jewelry & fabric
• Blankets & Wine: Dance to live African music at this picnic concert
• Rhino Charge: Raise funds to protect Kenya’s water towers by attending this annual event

Places to stay in Kenya

• Hotel Sankara
• Villa Rosa Kempinski
• Hotel InterContinental
• Samburu Game Lodge
• Fairmont Norfolk
• Hilton Hotel
• Holiday Inn Mayfair Court
• The Sarova Stanley
• Nairobi Serena
• Radisson Blu Hotel
• The Sands at Nomad
• Diani Sea Lodge
• Ol Tukai Lodge
• Kibo Safari Camp
• Driftwood Beach Club
• Ocean Beach Resort & Spa
• Sarova Mara Game Lodge
• Ol Moran Tented Camp

How to get to Kenya

Most Kenyan tourists come to Kenya by air. There are many airlines that offer flights to this beautiful country including Kenya Airways. Kenya is served by two international airports –  Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa International Airport.

JKIA is 17km from Nairobi’s CBD and you can take the airport shuttle or taxi to your destination. Mombasa International Airport serves visitors entering Kenya’s coastal region.

Flight fares are usually low between January to June and November to early December. Affordable flights to Kenya from any part of the world may be booked on Vacay Holiday Deals.

Please note that a passport valid for at least 6 months and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required during your visit to Kenya.

Best time to visit Kenya

Wildlife is one of the most exciting things to do in Kenya, it is, therefore, important to schedule your trip during the best game viewing months.  The dry season from late June to late October is the perfect time to go to the Masai Mara. The wildebeests leave Mara in November for Serengeti in Tanzania.

Dry seasons guarantee greater visibility of wildlife as animals are concentrated around watering holes. Most of them come out of hiding to look for pasture and prey.

Water sports and snorkeling are also high up on the list of things to do in Kenya. They are best done in October, November, and March when the seas are clear.

Hiking up mountains is heavily discouraged during the long rains which occur between March and June as the slopes tend to be very slippery. There is higher rainfall at the coast during these months which may interrupt your sunbathing and beach activities.

What to pack for a trip to Kenya

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Warm clothing (If you’re traveling in May, June or July)
• Light jacket
• Insect repellent
• Beachwear (If you’re headed to coast)
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses

If East Africa is on your wish list, check out the Kenya tour packages available or call an agent to customize your trip.