Kenya has a coastline that is lined with beautiful beaches that are ideal for lounging on, but tourists to the nation seldom take the time to relax since there are just too many fascinating things to do in the country.
The intoxicating blend of cultures shocks visitors at every turn, while the awe-inspiring landscapes that range from equatorial glaciers and rocky peaks to wildlife-laden plains and tropical reefs create an epic natural playground for anybody who ventures here. These are five experiences that you just must have while in Kenya.
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Take a safari to see the Big Five.
In addition to being the birthplace of safaris, Kenya is also the origin of the term safari itself, which literally translates to “journey” in Swahili. There are a lot of people that go to Africa with the goal of seeing the Big Five, which are the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. Kenya is home to some of the most breathtaking natural settings on the continent, making it an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience this dream.
The Masai Mara is the most well-known nature reserve in Kenya, and it is also the place where sightings of all of these species are frequent. An other fantastic location for Big Five safaris is Amboseli National Park, which has a breathtaking background in the form of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru National Park, with its flamingo-lined lake and forest-clad escarpments, is another destination that is worth seeing.
In addition to being an excellent location to see a leopard, the Samburu Game Reserve, which is located in the extreme north, is home to its very own “Samburu Special Five” animals. These animals include the Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.
In the event that you find yourself in Nairobi, it is important to remember that Nairobi National Park, which is located on the outskirts of the capital city, should not be overlooked. Frequently referred to as the only national park located inside a city in the whole world, Kenya’s first game reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhinoceros, as well as about 400 different kinds of birds.
Take a trip aboard a dhow.
No matter how you look at it, the coast of Kenya facing the Indian Ocean is stunning. However, the most romantic way to see the sea is from the deck of a traditional dhow.
The Swahili culture continues to be deeply rooted in the usage of these wooden sailing canoes, which have been used along this length of coastline for generations.
These wind-powered journeys take guests through breathtaking slivers of beach, secluded coral islands, and reefs that are alive with fish. They depart from the ancient island of Lamu, which is home to Kenya’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement, from the coast of Mombasa, or from the contemporary tourist community of Diani Beach.
During your time in Mombasa, you should definitely check out the well-known Tamarind Dhow experience.
Ride in a hot-air balloon above the country of Kenya.
It is possible that the most exhilarating safari experience in Kenya is to gently rise in a hot-air balloon over the famed rolling grassland and flat-topped acacia trees of the Masai Mara. This is accomplished by releasing one spectacular flame burst at a time.
Everyone will never forget the experience of quietly floating above streams of wildebeest during their Great Migration, lions stalking their prey, or a solitary black rhino gliding through the jungle. These are all perspectives that nobody will ever forget.
If the light is exactly right, it is possible to be amazed by the wonderfully proportioned shadows that the biggest member of the Big Five casts in the form of an elephant. There aren’t many experiences in life that are as tranquil as they are exhilarating, and a safari in Kenya aboard a hot-air balloon is definitely one of those ones.
Get ready to go on a trek.
The mountainous topography of Mount Kenya is often considered to be among the most stunning and rewarding on the African continent. A tough multi-day trip to Point Lenana (4985m/16,355ft), the mountain’s third-highest peak and the highest approachable without climbing equipment, is the greatest way to see its spectacular valleys, equatorial glaciers, and towering summit. Point Lenana is the highest point that can be reached without hiring climbing equipment.
On the more mild slopes of Mount Elgon, which are officially located in Uganda but are on the border with Kenya and are often visited from Kenya, there are over 240 different species of birds, as well as elephants, monkeys, and antelopes. There is also the enthralling option of walking alongside the Maasai through their homelands, which is another wonderful choice for treks that extend for many days.
Climbing up Mount Longonot to its crater rim, searching for secluded waterfalls in the highlands of Aberdare National Park, or taking a leisurely walk through the lush Kakamega Forest while listening to birdsong are all examples of fantastic day hikes that can be done around Kenya.
Karura Forest is the capital’s oasis, with over 30 miles of trails that are centered on a waterfall, caverns, rivers, and marsh. If you are looking for some greenery in Nairobi, Karura Forest is the place to go.
Dive or snorkel along the coast of Kenya.
Kenya’s calm inshore waters, which are dotted with shoals of vibrantly colored fish, provide some of the simplest and most captivating snorkeling opportunities in East Africa. This is because a significant portion of the coast is protected by reefs across the country.
You may either just float over the bottom and take it all in, or you can put on a tank and go for a deeper dive on the other side of the reef, where whale sharks, dolphins, and swordfish are entertaining themselves.
The Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, which is a sanctuary for the green turtle, Galu Reef, which offers opportunities to see seahorses, scorpion fish, and ghostfish, and Nyuli’s high coral reef wall are all locations that are considered to be excellent.
Recommendation for planning: Open-water diving courses are offered by well renowned operations for anyone who are interested in improving their diving abilities. Kenya is also an excellent location for novices to begin their water sports experience. Diani Beach, Watamu, and Wasini Island are all locations where you can locate schools that provide PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) training. These courses begin in shore-based pools that are surrounded by palm trees that swing slowly.
Watch the Great Migration Take Place
There is a solid reason why it has been referred to as the most impressive natural display on the whole earth. In order to feast on the rich grasslands of the Masai Mara, as many as 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles undertake a spectacular crossing of the Mara River, which is plagued with crocodiles, every year between the months of July and October.
The vast savanna is filled with a plethora of creatures, including herds of elephants and giraffes. Following closely behind this sea of prey are lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. There is never a lack of drama during the Great Migration, which is something that should go without saying.
Climb up a Mountain Bike
Here in Kenya, mountain biking is not your typical mountain biking experience; rather, it is a two-wheeled activity that provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to appreciate the country’s breathtaking scenery as well as its well recognized animals.
Ride across the red dirt roads in the volcanic boundaries of Hell’s Gate National Park, where you will see buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, and zebras grazing. Alternatively, join a guided bike safari to the grasslands of the Masai Mara, which is unlike any other experience.
There are several terrific single-track routes of varied gradients and difficulties on Mount Kenya and throughout the Rift Valley above Naivasha. These tracks are perfect for the most devoted mountain cyclists who want nothing more than to test their talents. The coastal regions of Diani Beach, Malindi, and Watamu may be explored by bicycle, which is an interesting choice for people who are looking for a more leisurely cycling experience.
Participate on a Camel Safari
In order to reach into distant locations where very few people (and often no cars) travel, camel safaris are an excellent opportunity to combine animals, culture, sceneries, and adventure.
In addition, tourists will have the opportunity to see nomadic life and interact with locals since the majority of these businesses are located in the northern tribal regions of Samburu and Turkana. Despite the fact that the wildlife is not as abundant as it is in the southern parks, the travel itself is the primary draw on these excursions.
Visitors may choose to ride the camels or stroll beside them throughout the mornings, depending on their preference. The mornings are spent on location. Following the establishment of camp at around midday, participants are free to take part in guided hikes and cultural encounters, or they may just choose to relax for the remainder of the day.
In most cases, the caravans are led by seasoned Samburu moran, also known as warriors. However, there are also tribal guides who understand English who are available to provide information on local folklore, flora, ornithology, and traditions.
Get to know the diverse population of Kenya
Many people’s most memorable experiences in Kenya are centered on their contact with Kenyans themselves, despite the fact that the majority of tourists go to Kenya because they have fantasies about the country’s magnificent animals. Any journey into the Mara area is enhanced with a sense of depth and warmth when it includes encounters with the Maasai people, who are known for their fascinating culture and distinctive red shukas.
One might say the same thing about the Turkana people who live in Loiyangalani, which is located on the eastern bank of Lake Turkana, which is also known as the Jade Sea. During the annual Marsabit-Lake Turkana Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with a large number of different communities that are located in the northernmost region of Kenya. These communities include the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Dassanach, Gabra, Borana, Konso, Sakuye, Garre, Waata, Burji, and Somali languages.
There is a genuinely remarkable variety of civilizations that may be found in Kenya. Kenya has a sizeable South Asian population consisting of Hindus, Muslims, Goans, and Sikhs as a result of its past as a former British colony. Additionally, Kenya has a smaller but prominent white European minority as a result of this heritage.
There is a language and an African history that is connected to Arabia and Persia that bind the Swahili people who live along the coast from Mombasa to Malindi together. Although they do not have a similar past, they are also joined together by a language. There is no better location to completely immerse oneself in this world than in the maze of winding alleys that can be found in Lamu town and Shela village, both of which are located on Lamu Island.
Make sure that your trip to Kenya coincides with one of the country’s many exciting cultural festivals. This is a helpful planning advice.