Home of the classical safari, Kenya combines some of the richest Big Five areas on the planet with landscapes that are truly grand and iconic. The Kenyan safari experience is highly developed, with a wide range of tour operators, lodges, and transport companies welcoming thousands of visitors every year. For the budget-conscious, there are overland tours in modified trucks or minibus taxis, as well as large hotel-style lodges offering competitive rates and standard accommodation. For those who can afford it, Kenya boasts a number of camps that rival the world’s top boutique hotels in terms of service, location, and dining, offering experiences tailored to the exacting standards and tastes of their high-end clientele.
Kenya’s varied landscapes offer a multitude of thrilling safari activities. Guests can walk through some of the most remote and isolated regions in the world guided by tribesmen for whom these natural wonders are an ancestral home. Helicopter flights that reach the pristine shores of the high-altitude lakes around Mount Kenya can take keen trout anglers to spots rarely ever touched by man. Traditional morning and evening game drives unveil a host of rich wildlife, rounded off with scenic sundowners and superb dining. Fly-camps made up of small tents set up in the bush or beds set up on high platforms in the open invite guests to enjoy a night directly beneath a galaxy of stars.
A safari in Kenya can take place on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, by boat, on a quad bike or in a customized open safari vehicle. Keen nature photographers can set off with specialized guides who combine knowledge of wildlife and photography. Those looking for a more active thrill can run with Maasai warriors or hike up some of Africa’s highest mountain slopes. Birding enthusiasts can lose themselves in a plethora of resident and migrant species found in Kenya.
One of the most thrilling natural spectacles in the world, during the late winter months the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra crosses into southern Kenya from Tanzania, with vast herds of animals plunging across rivers and braving the jaws of some of Africa’s biggest crocodiles. Predators such as lion, leopard, hyena, and the occasional cheetah follow the Migration, their watchful presence heightening the drama as they wait and watch for the weak, sick, or simply unwary. Hundreds of vehicles enter the Masai Mara daily, seeking to witness a lion kill or a dramatic river crossing. This is one of the most sought-after times to travel and accommodation must be booked far in advance. While tourist numbers are high and sightings are almost always shared with a number of other vehicles, the wildlife viewing during this time is truly spectacular. Smaller and more intimate camps set on exclusive concessions or deep in the remote reaches the national parks can lessen the impact of other tourists while still providing an exceptional wildlife experience.
While the Masai Mara is a definite highlight of any journey in this country, most Kenya safaris will visit several different areas, traveling either by road or by scheduled light aircraft flights. It is possible to include a number of experiences in any itinerary, from exploring the vast Laikipia plateau on foot to seeking out unusual species in Samburu. A relaxing spa or yoga retreat might be the ideal way to end your itinerary, while you could also choose to spend some time delving into Kenya’s fascinating colonial history or discovering its conservation heroes, such as the Adamson’s and their famous lions. Indulge in a round of golf on a verdant fairway that straddles the equator at the base of Mount Kenya or saddles up to ride through the stark Chyulu hills, camping out beneath the stars along the way.
Among the key attractions you can expect to see or experience in Kenya include:
Big-Game Viewing
In Kenya most of the big game watching occurs while on incredible game drives in 4×4 vehicles. Some of the best regions for this activity are Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Lake Nakuru, Old Pejeta and Lewa conservancies and the truly exceptional Maasai Mara. Around the expansive world famous Maasai Mara, there is a broad range of places where visitors can lodge or camp.
Spectacular Mountain Climbing/Trekking
Mount Kenya, the highest spot in the country offers great trekking. The trek towards Point Lenana at 16,355 ft (4,985 meters) is a rewarding and challenging adventure with breathtaking views. Most of the peaks involve rock climbing or scrambling. There are several other locations across the country where you can undertake serious walking such as from Mount Longmont at the base of the Great Rift Valley to Mathews Range or the Laikipia region.
Unique Bird Watching
Birding possibilities in Kenya are endless. Within excess of 1100 bird species recorded in the country, the country is a leader among Africa’s premier destinations for birding. Among the most notable areas are the forests around Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, the Aberdares, the areas around the Lakes Nakuru, Bogoria and Naivasha. The Kakamega remnant of the rain forest is special as about 10% of the 367 bird species in Kenya can only be found here. Along the Kenyan coast, Arabuko Sokoke forest and Mida Creek are exceptional zones.
Walking Safaris
Whilst lots of safari properties in the country offer nature walks done as individual activities, Kenya is in addition an excellent walking destination for those who seek more adventurous and longer walking trails. Trails are available where walking can be done for several days as you pitch up ‘fly-camps’ somewhere in the bush.
All organized walks are undertaken under the full guidance of professional guides. Backup crews undertake camp chores and provide meals and drinks. In the northern parts of the country, camels are frequently employed in transporting food and camping equipment in what is known as ‘camel safaris.
Hot-Air Ballooning
In Kenya, hot-air balloon safaris are available in several locations, most notably the Masai Mara. With take-off early at dawn, you will float/glide over the Kenyan plains for approximately one hour before you land. Most air trips serve you with a ‘champagne’ breakfast before transferring you back to base. These are very memorable events with magical experiences.
Horse Riding Safaris
Kenya is among the leading African countries worth considering for horse riding as it has excellent riding options that are suitable all riding abilities. Riding can be accessed across Kenya and lots of properties provide horse riding specifically as an individual activity, sometimes combined with game drives or nature walks.
Community Lodges and Cultural Experiences
Kenya is a densely populated country that has a multitude of ethnic communities and very colorful cultures. Even when you stay within most of the designated National Reserves or National Parks, you are going to interact with the local people either as staff or tour guides.
Many lodges and safari camps in most of these locations work very closely with the local communities, and you are likely to get opportunities of visiting the local villages and learn more about the local community.
Fishing, Scuba-diving & Snorkeling
Although several freshwater fly-fishing opportunities are available on Lake Victoria, the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, the best fishing destinations that offer big game and deep-sea fishing in Kenya are off the coast.
Much of Kenya’s coastline is well protected behind reefs, providing excellent snorkeling and diving sites. Diving locations are best around Mombasa and Malindi, and on a limited scale to the north around Manda and Lamu Islands.
Top rated best tourist attractions in Kenya
- Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve (also “Masai Mara”) is one of Africa’s most magnificent game reserves. Bordering Tanzania, the Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti and forms a wildlife corridor between the two countries.
It’s named after the statuesque, red-cloaked Maasai people who live in the park and graze their animals here, as they have done for centuries. In their language, Mara means “mottled,” perhaps a reference to the play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloud-studded skies on the vast grasslands.
The park is famous for the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti, from July through October.
In the Mara River, throngs of hippos and crocodiles lurk. The park is also known for providing excellent predator sightings, thanks to its relatively large populations of lions, cheetah, and leopard – especially in the dry months from December through February.
Thanks to the park’s altitude, the weather here is mild and gentle year-round.
- Amboseli National Reserve
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist parks. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Masai word meaning “salty dust,” an apt description for the park’s parched conditions.
The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lions and cheetah, as well as giraffes, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.
Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Look for the local Maasai people who live in the area around the park.
- Tsavo National Park
Kenya’s largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four percent of the country’s total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.
Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park, providing excellent game viewing and a lush counterpoint to the arid plains.
Other highlights here include the Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow; Mudanda Rock; and the Lugard Falls, which spill into rapids and crocodile-filled pools.
Tsavo West is wetter and topographically more varied, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern reaches of the park. Highlights here are Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles; Chaimu Crater, a great spot for seeing birds of prey; and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
Wildlife is not as easy to see in Tsavo West because of the denser vegetation, but the beautiful scenery more than compensates.
- Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
On the banks of the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves lie in an arid region in the remote north of Kenya.
Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, made famous in the film Born Free.
The wildlife in all three reserves depends on the waters of the river to survive, and many species are specially adapted to the parched conditions. These include Gravy’s zebras; Somali ostriches; and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on two rear legs to reach the fresh shoots on upper tree limbs.
A top attraction in Samburu National Reserve is the Sarara Singing Wells, local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink. You might also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs.
- Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park, in Central Kenya, is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The bird’s throng on Lake Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that covers almost a third of the park’s area.
The park was established in 1961, and more than 450 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos are just some of the animals you might see, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland.
The park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa. These tall, branching succulents are endemic to the region and provide a bold textural element to the arid landscapes.
- Lamu Island
The small island of Lamu, northeast of Mombasa, oozes old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited settlement, with origins dating back to the 12th century.
Strolling the labyrinthine streets is one of the top things to do here. You can see the island’s rich trading history reflected in the buildings. Architectural features from the Arab world, Europe, and India are evident, yet with a discernible Swahili technique. Intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios are common features.
Sightseeing here is like stepping back in time. Dhows plow the harbor, few if any motorized vehicles exist here, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have done for centuries. Most of Lamu’s population is Muslim, and both men and women dress in traditional attire.
Top attractions on the island include Lamu Museum, with displays on Swahili culture and the region’s nautical history; Lamu Fort; and the Donkey Sanctuary.
If all the history is a little too much, you can bask on one of the island’s white-sand beaches or sip Arabic coffee in a local café.
- Lake Naivasha
A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several species of kingfishers.
One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies, too.
Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail.
Just south of Lake Naivasha, the relatively affordable Hell’s Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell’s Gate Gorge.
On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, you can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, and her husband George.
Note that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought, and a flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. But the lake is typically lush and full of life.
- Nairobi
If you’re looking for things to do in Kenya other than a safari, you’ll have plenty of choices in the country’s capital and largest city. Nairobi is legendary for its colorful colonial history. It was once the capital of British East Africa, luring settlers who came here to stake their fortune in the coffee and tea industries. Today, you can explore the city’s famous historic sites and excellent wildlife-related attractions.
Craving some cultural attractions in Kenya? You’ll find several worthwhile places to visit in Nairobi. The Nairobi National Museum is a great one-stop spot to see exhibits on Kenya’s history, nature, culture, and contemporary art. Green thumbs will also enjoy the botanic gardens on the grounds.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Karen Blixen Museum, the restored residence of the famous Danish author of the book Out of Africa, also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen.
To see wildlife without venturing far from the city center, visit Nairobi National Park, now a black rhino sanctuary and also home to a diversity of other African wildlife.
- Nairobi National Park
Who says you need to go far from Nairobi to enjoy a safari? A mere 15-minute drive from the clamor of Kenya’s capital, you can gaze at a snoozing pride of lions or a graceful giraffe strutting through the golden grass at Nairobi National Park.
Visiting this wildlife-rich park is one of the top things to do if you’re staying in Nairobi, and it makes a rewarding day trip – especially if you can’t make it to one of the larger game reserves.
All the classic safari stars here, including buffalo, leopard, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, elephants, and cheetah, and you can also see some of the planet’s most endangered species at the park’s rhino sanctuary.
The Nairobi Safari Walk provides a rewarding opportunity to spot wildlife on foot, and birders will be happy to know that more than 400 species of birds also inhabit the park, including the beautiful grey crowned crane.
And no visit to the park would be complete without popping into the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery at the park’s main gates. Also save time to pop into Giraffe Centre, near the famous Giraffe Manor, where these long-necked beauties eat right out of your hands.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery
Who can resist a baby elephant? At the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can mingle with impossibly cute baby pachyderms and feel good about supporting an important conservation organization at the same time.
This famous wildlife sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and offers you the chance to see these lovable creatures up close. This is where the youngest elephants are hand-reared until about two or three years of age, and you can watch the keepers bottle-feed the babies.
From the sanctuary, staff relocates the elephants to a reintegration center in Tsavo East National Park before they are eventually released back into the wild.
Watching these playful pint-sized pachyderms wallow in the mud or nudge a soccer ball around is something you will never forget. If you want to do more to help these magnificent animals, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, giraffe, or rhino before you go, and you’ll receive regular updates on its progress.
Conveniently, the nursery sits right at the main gates of Nairobi National Park, so you can visit both of these famous tourist attractions in the same day.
- Malindi
North of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, Malindi has a split personality. This popular beach town is part of the historic old town, part modern tourist hub. Thanks to its rich trading history, it is also a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Travelers, many from Europe, come here to sun on the white sands of Watamu Beach and dive the coral reefs of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks. If you’re looking for free things to do in Kenya, you can do worse than bask on a beautiful Malindi Beach.
You can also soak up a dose of Swahili history in the historic town, which dates from the 12th century. Here, you can visit the Jami Mosque; two pillar tombs from the 14th century; and the Church of St. Francis Xavier, one of East Africa’s oldest churches.
On the promontory, the Vasco De Gama Cross is one of the oldest standing monuments in Africa.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Falconry of Kenya, a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds.
Also, worth visiting, about 30 kilometers northeast of Malindi is the Marafa Depression. Also called Hell’s Kitchen or Nyari this set of sandstone gorges sculpted by the wind and rain is like a mini Grand Canyon.
- Mombasa
Mombasa is a multicultural tourist magnet. It’s also Kenya’s second-largest city and biggest port. British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian immigrants add to the rich cultural mix, and their influence is evident in the architecture, as well as the many different types of cuisine.
Mombasa is actually an island connected to its mushrooming development on the mainland by a causeway, bridges, and ferries. Coral reefs fringe the coast for 480 kilometers, providing fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially at Mombasa Marine National Park and around Wasini Island. Dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing are also popular things to do in Mombasa.
You’ll find plenty of tourist attractions along the Kenyan coast here. History buffs will enjoy exploring the 16th-century Fort Jesus and Old Town with its narrow streets, ancient Swahili dwellings, markets, and souvenir shops.
Other Mombasa tourist attractions cram the city’s north shore, including Mombasa Go-Kart, cinemas, sports, and a cornucopia of restaurants.
This being a coastal hub, beach lovers will find some worthy strands nearby. North of the city, Nyali and Bamburi Beaches are favorites, while the white strands of Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani beaches are popular spots south of Mombasa.
- Mount Kenya National Park
In the Central Highlands, east of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides the rare spectacle of equatorial snow. It encompasses the country’s namesake highest mountain at 5,199 meters.
Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, Mount Kenya is actually comprised of three glacier-cloaked peaks. The highest is Batian, although Nelion, the next highest, is a tougher climb. The lowest peak, Lenana, is considered the easiest climb, although unpredictable weather can pose challenges.
Bring your camera. The striking scenery varies from glaciers, lakes, and mineral springs to alpine forests and dense pockets of bamboo.
The diversity of flora and fauna provides rewarding opportunities for safaris. Among the wildlife here, you may spot black and white colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephants, tree hyrax, leopards, and hyenas.
Planning to spend a few days here? Nestled in the foothills, the famous Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxury retreat with trout fishing, golf, and tennis.
- Hell’s Gate National Park
A hot spot for climbers, Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that allows camping and enables you to explore on foot or bicycle.
Hell’s Gate offers excellent climbing and hiking opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes; the red cliffs of Hell’s Gate Gorge; Obsidian Caves; and the pointed column of rock known as Fischer’s Tower, a former volcanic plug.
Geothermal features include hot springs and natural geysers hissing steam through vents in the earth’s crust. The park also protects a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, baboons, hartebeest, eland, ostriches, gazelles, and more than 100 species of birds. Eagle and vulture breeding grounds also lie within the park.
The Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre within the park is also worth a visit, with Maasai singing, dancing, and jewelry-making demonstrations.
Interestingly, Olkaria Geothermal Station lies within Hell’s Gate National Park. It generates power from heated, pressurized water underground and is the first of its kind in Africa.
- Old Pejeta Conservancy
About 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, near Mount Kenya National Park, Old Pejeta Conservancy is a prime place for close-up wildlife encounters.
Conservation and sustainability are key at this 90,000-acre private game reserve, where you can view the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as other animals such as cheetah, hyenas, zebra, and hartebeest – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kenya.
The conservancy is perhaps best known for its northern and southern white rhinos, including Baraka, a blind black rhino, who lucky visitors might have the chance to feed.
You can view the wildlife on self-drive or guided tours, and entry includes a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary. Day visitors are welcome, and if you want to extend your wilderness adventure, you can stay overnight in accommodations that range from bush camps and safari cottages to a charming colonial ranch house.
Conclusion
Kenya offers a truly broad range of wildlife viewing, including all the big 5 – leopard, lion and cheetah, elephant and rhino (black & white). This is also home to the three known species of giraffe. The Kenyan beaches are spectacular. Whether you want a holiday, specialist wildlife experience, a beach holiday, or perhaps a feel of the community life in a secluded lodge in the bush, you will find it here. So, no matter what you are expecting, Kenya makes the ideal holiday and adventure destination.
