BEST THINGS TO DO IN KENYA

Kenya is the ultimate African destination and a wonderful country everyone should definitely visit at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the most diverse countries in East Africa. Kenya features the world’s best wildlife national parks, azure beaches, vibrant cities, breathtaking outdoors and an incredible variety of cultures.

This guide on the Best things to do in Kenya will help make your dream trip come true. Kenya tourist attractions are there for you to enjoy, regardless of whether you travel independently or as part of a group, on a budget or in luxury.

Keep this post handy to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the best places to visit in Kenya. Also, if planning on staying in Nairobi, check out this post on the Best places to Visit in Nairobi.  

Best Animal Experiences in Kenya 

Kenya, with its over 50 national parks and reserves, offers the full safari experience every traveler may seek. Every wildlife park is unique in its location, flora and fauna and they all are worth a visit. The following are the best things to do in Kenya if looking for the best available safari experience. 

1. Join a Safari in Maasai Mara 

Maasai Mara, known as the Mara, is the national reserve to visit in Kenya. Part of the Serengeti ecosystem overlapping the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders, it offers the best safari experience. Travelers visit the Mara for its breathtaking landscape, incredible animal concentration, and fascinating local culture.

Here you can spot all big five in a single morning: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and elephants. It is also usual to witness natural hunting scenes. Chasing zebras from your 4×4, enjoying the sunset in the savannah and visiting a Maasai village are also among the highlights. It’s the total package and definitely the top among the best things to do in Kenya.

Additionally, as the Mara is a National Reserve as opposed to a National Park, it doesn’t adhere to the park’s stick-to-the-road rule. Here, unlike anywhere else, you can get extremely close to animals and enjoy them to the fullest. 

As the Maasai Mara is the best place to enjoy a safari, options to visit are limitless. From driving your own car and sleeping in a tent for a few dollars a day to having a private driver, cook and lodge for a few hundreds, Maasai Mara will make the delights of every traveler.

My biggest tip, as the Mara is 5 hours away from Nairobi, is to spend at least 3 days and 2 nights in the area. On most 3-day tours you will spend the first morning driving to the Mara, to then enjoy an evening game drive. Day two is a full safari day, with 12 hours spent in the savannah. On day three you can go for a morning game drive or explore a Maasai village, then the tour will take you back to Nairobi. 

2. Admire Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is located in Tanzania. Yet, the best place to get a clear picture of the mountain is from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Picturing this, either with a camera or your eyes, is certainly among the best things to do in Kenya. 

Amboseli National Park is one of the most scenic National Parks. That is thanks to its flat lands, lake, animal concentration and the unobstructed view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Amboseli also happens to be the best place in Kenya to spot elephants. There is a massive population of same, most of which keep the distinguishing huge tusks African elephants are famous for. 

As Amboseli National Park is among Kenya’s best wildlife reserves, most tours around the country will offer a visit to the same. Again, make sure to spend at least 2 nights in the area. This was you can fully enjoy the park and recover from the long drives. 

3. Explore Nairobi National Park

Nairobi is the world’s only city with a National Park home of the Big 5. Nowhere else can one be on a first class safari with skyscrapers in the background. It’s location makes the park so unique that a safari here is definitely the best thing to do in Nairobi. And also one of best things to do in Kenya as a whole. 

Need more? The Nairobi National Park, located only 7km away from downtown Nairobi, is Kenya’s first National Park. And one of the oldest in Africa. It is open from 6am to 6pm daily. Prices start at $40 per person and can be explored by car or on a guided safari walk. The park is also home of a Black Rhinos sanctuary, which makes it the best place in Kenya to spot rhinos.

Have a long stopover at Nairobi’s airport? Jump on a taxi and visit Nairobi’s National Park. Spending a weekend in town and looking to unwind? This is the place. Unlucky with any of the Big 5 at the county’s national reserves? Try your luck again here. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Nairobi’s National Park. 

4. Spot White and Black Rhinos at Lake Nakuru

Rhinos are critically endangered and spotting them can be challenging, even in protected areas like national parks and reserves. Lake Nakuru National Park is the exception. Nakuru makes one of the best places in the world to spot both white and black rhinos. Therefore, visiting Lake Nakuru is a must among the best things to do in Kenya.

White rhinos here live in large families and are used to seeing humans. Expect to encounter lots of them along the park’s main road. Black rhinos are more private and harder to see. Nevertheless, they all come to the lake for water and since it’s not big you’ll surely see them wandering around.  

Long tours to Maasai Mara (4-5 night trips) usually include stops at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha on their way back to Nairobi. 

5. Embark on a boat Safari at Lake Naivasha 

Lake Naivasha is the perfect place in Kenya to go on a boat safari. If you enjoy sailing, admiring the sun set or rise from the waters, and spotting several types of birds at once, make sure to include Lake Naivasha among your favourite Kenya tourist attractions. 

Located in the Rift Valley, not far from Lake Nakuru and the Hells Gate National Park, this freshwater lake is home of hippos, eagles, flamingos and all sorts of birds. Local fisherman sail here daily and compete with hippos to grab the best dinner. 

Lake Naivasha is a great place to relax after exhausting safari days in the savannah. An oasis before the outdoors adventures ahead and returning to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. 

6. Ride Kenya’s unique train safari from Nairobi to Mombasa 

Kenya’s two main cities, Nairobi and Mombasa, are connected by a railway known as safari train. This train is without a doubt a must ride when visiting the country. If you have time, forget about flying and driving, and jump on this rail game drive. You will agree the ride makes it to the best things to do in Kenya.

The train ride takes 4.5 hours when departing Nairobi and 4 hours when leaving Mombasa. Tickets are available online and at either station and cost $41 per way and person. It is considered a high-speed train, with clean and modern facilities on board. There’s morning, afternoon and night trains. Yet, truth be said, it would be a shame to ride it at night and see nothing. Plan accordingly.

The Safari train crosses three of Kenya’s National Parks: Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East National Park, and Tsavo West National Park. Expect to see plenty of wildlife through the window. And to even spot Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance on clear days.

7. Visit the Nairobi’s Elephant Sanctuary

Officially David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi’s Elephant Sanctuary is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. It serves as a home for orphan elephants that have been left without a family in the wild. These animals wouldn’t survive in the wild on their own so the orphanage’s work is really valuable.

Every morning, at 11am, the orphanage opens its doors to the public. There one can see how elephants undergo their morning cleaning routine and eat fresh milk provided by the careers. After the feeding, you’ll be allowed to pet any elephants coming your way. You can find more info on the sanctuary on on my post on the Best Places to Visit in Nairobi.

8. Have fun at Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre

Nairobi’s Giraffe centre, which is one of the Best Places to Visit in Nairobi, is a sanctuary for the recovery of endangered Rothschild giraffes. These are the world’s most endangered species of giraffe, and its population is slowly recovering thanks to the centre’s conservationist work.

At Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, one can visit an information centre hosting a large collection of pictures and skeletons of Rothschild Giraffes. However, the highlight of the visit is feeding the giraffes and petting them. It’s a fun place to visit in nairobi and one of the best places to visit in Kenya.

9. Indulge at the Giraffe Manor 

This is an expensive activity, wit prices starting at $1,000 per room. Yet, it must be included among the best things to do in Kenya as it is really unique once in a lifetime experience.

The Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel located near Nairobi. The Manor is famous for its elegant decorations and the fact that guests can interact with the resident herd of Rothschild’s Giraffes at breakfast. It is not possible to visit the restaurant nor pet the giraffes without spending a night at the Giraffe Manor. The entire venue is an exclusive facility reserved to overnight guests.

The Manor also offers game drives, afternoon tea with the giraffes, fossil hunting walks and a beautiful souvenir shop filled with first class arts and crafts.

Best beaches in Kenya

Kenya is most famous for its National Parks where to spot the Big 5 on a game drive beginning at sunrise and finishing by a bonfire after dark. It is undeniable that safaris are Kenya’s number one attraction, yet they are not the only one. The country is also home of beautiful beaches that can be the icing on the cake after a lifetime safari. Or even a wonderful holiday on their own. There are the most beautiful beach destinations to explore on your Kenya trip.

10. Enjoy the famous Diani Beach

Diani beach is Kenya’s main beach destination. Located quite close to Mombasa and with its own airport, Diani is famous for its white sand beaches, bending palm trees, and pristine waters. A true tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean and one of the country’s finest attractions. As such, the area is packed with restaurants, hotels, and water sports centers. 

There are accommodation and entertainment options in Diani to satisfy every traveler, from honeymooners to backpackers. However, in late 2021 when I last visited the effects of the pandemic were obvious and many restaurants and hotels seemed to be closed for good. 

Nevertheless, natural wonders in Diani remain as beautiful as they always were. Diani remains the place to go in Kenya if you want to kick back and do nothing more than take in the breathtaking scenery, lounge in a hammock and enjoy the ocean. Here you can swim in the azure waters or take a day trip further into the ocean to enjoy some diving, snorkeling, and even dolphin watching. 

11. Discover beautiful Malindi and Watamu

Despite not being as famous as Diani beach, Malindi is a wonderful beach destination due to its sunny weather and pristine beaches. Therefore, spending a few days unwinding in Malindi is one of the best things to do in Kenya. Especially for those who prefer a laid-back atmosphere and local Swahili architecture over international resorts. 

Malindi town has its own airport, plenty of seafood restaurants and many accommodation options. However, the place is most famous among backpackers and those looking to immerse in local culture during their holidays. 

About half an hour south from Malindi there’s another beach town well worth a visit: Watamu. Watamu is one of the best places to visit in Kenya if you want to see stunning beaches and nearby ancient ruins. In fact, Watamu’s Marine Park is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving areas in East Africa. Expect to see plenty of dolphins and whitetip reef sharks in the area. 

Watamu’s incredible coastline is only matched by its delicious italian-inspired food. While you’re there, enjoy some authentic Italian gelatto or a delicious while you take it all in.

12. Admire the Bioluminescence at Kilifi

Further south from Watamu there’s Kilifi, another beautiful Kenyan town by the Indic Ocean well worth a visit. Kilifi is a must see for artists and biology lovers. 

This burgeoning metropolis is home to an ever-expanding creative class, making it a fantastic center for artistic and ecological innovation. Nowhere else in Kenya will you find these many cute cafes and yoga studios. The place is also famous for its old ruins and mosques. 

Nevertheless, what attracts the most tourists to the area is the nearby creek, which makes the ideal spot for a dhow ride at sunset and a nighttime swim. Yes, swimming here at night is one of the best things to do in Kenya as in Kilifi the ocean glows at night. 

Kilifi’s tidal creek is famous for its natural bioluminescence that transforms every walk or swim into a shimmering, sparkly experience that you won’t forget. These blue luminescent waves can be seen all yer long, yet creek reaches its shiniest from July to September. 

13. Jump on a flight to Zanzibar

Many holiday makers would like to finish their Kenyan safari adventure with a few relaxing days at a wonderful beach. And most of them face the same dilemma: Kenyan beaches or Zanzibar? All of them are among the best things to do in Kenya.

Zanzibar is a wonderful archipelago belonging to Tanzania and easily accessible on a short flight from all major Kenyan airports. Consequently, it is a real alternative to Diani and Malindi, and my personal favourite.

Zanzibar is the ultimate beach destination in East Africa. Its beaches are stunning, with the best waters and marine life in the area. Zanzibar also has more available options with regards to water sports, and its prices are more competitive. Food is wonderful both at international and local restaurants, many of which are located right by the beach. Plus the island offers a great insight into Swahili culture, interesting museums, vibrant markets, spice farms, etc.

I could go on for ages. Check this post on the 15 Best things to do in Zanzibar for more information and definitely consider spending a few days in Zanzibar when traveling to Kenya. Don’t get me wrong, Diani and Malindi are great options and wonderful if you are looking at exploring Kenya in depth. Yet, if you are not a frequent traveler and East Africa is a once in a lifetime experience for you, a trip to Zanzibar could make it even more memorable.

Best cultural experiences in Kenya

Getting to know the local culture is one of the best things to do in Kenya. At the end of the day, it’s human’s and not animals or landscapes what make a country! The follow are the must-do activities in Kenya to soak in the local culture and learn as much as you can from Kenyans and their ways of living.

14. Visit a Maasai Village

The Maasai are one of Kenya’s major tribes. Most of them live besides the Savannah, especially by Maasai Mara National Reserve, in traditional villages. Maasai villages are called bomas and you should definitely visit one when in Maasai Mara. Getting first hands insights on the Maasai traditions and way of living is one of the best things to do in Kenya. 

The Maasai believe god created cattle for them, so they have set their lifes around their cattle. Maasai even value their wealth on the number of animals they possess. They usually dress red cotton blankets fully ornamented and carry along several knives to protect themselves in unwanted animal encounters. Maasai are famous for their jumping contest, in which the man who jumps the most gets to choose a wife first. 

Every visit to a Maasai village will be guided by a Maasai who will show you around the village and his own home. Seeing how they take care of the cattle, cook, clean, and socialize is really eye-opening. 

15. Get to know Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is the perfect place to start and/or finish any trip around the country. No matter what you do during your Kenya trip, your itinerary will definitely go by Nairobi and you shouldn’t skip this city. Make sure to read about the Best places to visit in Nairobi when planning your stay.

To start teasing, the highlights of the city include downtown Nairobi, with its parks, markets, shopping centres and distinguishable monuments. Likewise, one should visit Kibera, which is the biggest slum in Africa, and Karen, one of the fanciest neighbourhoods in town. Plenty of churches, mosques, and museums also await you in Nairobi. And, of course, as discussed above, Nairobi’s National Park, the Elephant’s Orphanage and the Giraffe Center are must-see spots for any animal lovers in town.

16. Explore Mombasa’s Historical Town

Mombasa, the country’s oldest and second largest city, used to be Kenya’s capital and is therefore famous for its beautiful historical old town. 

This port city, located right on an island at the Indian Ocean and connected to mainland by a short ferry ride, was once a major trade center. Mombasa and has been controlled by many countries and they all have left their heritage in the city’s culture, architecture, and cuisine. 

Mombasa’s old town is best explored on foot, strolling thorough its ancient streets full of wooden doors of Arab influence, and the white and the white and blue facades built by the Portuguese. 

The must-see buildings are the Old Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage center, the Mandhry Mosque, the Mombasa Tusks, and the local market.  Wandering Mombasa’s chaotic streets and visiting the market is one of the best things to do in Kenya.

17. Check Lamu’s UNESCO World’s Heritage old town

Lamu is an archipelago, and island, and a city. And its precisely the city, and in particular its old town, what most refer to when speaking about Lamu. 

Lamu is located in the Swahili coast of Kenya, were Islam is the main religions, buildings are white and short, and local culture becomes the main attraction. In Lamu there are no cars, donkeys are the main mean of transportation, and fishing is the main source of income. 

Lamu’s old town is a UNESCO world heritage site much worth a visit. While there are sights to see and beaches to visit in Lamu, the real draw is the town itself, so take a deep breath, kick back, and enjoy getting lost in the maze of fascinating streets that make up this small, isolated community.The sound of the call to prayer can be heard in mosque minarets, and children dressed in traditional garb run through the streets following the scent of cooking samosas.

Considered the oldest inhabited Swahili settlement, this historic port offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage along the coast and ranks high among the best places to visit in Kenya. 

18. Visit Kenya’s main museums

Kenya is a really interesting country culture wise, as it has bene inhabited by many cultures throughout its history. Consequently, there is room for lots of interesting historical and cultural museums in Kenya, most of which are located in Nairobi.

If you are up for a museum day, a special one to visit in Nairobi is the Karen Bixen Museum. This will make the delights of any Out of Africa fans as the current museum used to be the African home of Danish writer Karen Blixen, worldwide famous due to her novel Out of Africa. Many of the original rooms have been preserved and can visiting them is one of the most unique things to do in Nairobi. 

If you are into natural history, pay a visit to the Nairobi National Museum. This one hosts and preserves several types of specimens, including plenty of animal skeletons. The permanent collection is dedicated to the cradle of human kind, the history of mammals, that of Kenya, cycles of life, numismatics, and an African-Asian Heritage exhibition. Additionally, there are itinerant temporary exhibitions.

You can read more on about Nairobi’s best museums, including prices and opening hours, on this post about The best places to visit in Nairobi.

19. Shop proper Arts and Crafts at local markets

Kenya’s street markets are a great place for shopping beautiful traditional arts and crafts, decorative items, traditional clothing and local spices. If these items catch your interest, visiting the following markets must be among your list of best things to do in Kenya.

A great first stop is the Maasai Market, one of Nairobi’s oldest and most popular markets. it’s located in the city centre and opens daily. Among its stalls one can find clothing, fabrics, jewellery, paintings, souvenirs, and the finest arts and crafts. Don’t forget to bargain with the Maasai people ahead of sealing any deals.

Despite being a farmers market offering some of the best fresh groceries in town, the Nairobi City market also offers some of the nicest traditional souvenirs and art pieces. Specially traditional clothing and painting. Visit the Nairobi City Market if you love people watching while shopping for your own.

Nairobi’s flea market, known as Gikomba market, is also a great spot for second-hand stuff lovers. Here you’ll find plenty of second hand clothes, accessories, shoes, and even jewellery. There’s nothing more local than a Kenyan product previously own by Kenyans.

You can read more about the market’s locations, opening hours and bets days to visit on this post about The best places to visit in Nairobi.

Best foodie plans in Kenya

Kenya is a huge modern country and, as such, its main cities are home of delicious restaurants of both local and international cuisine. And yes, local cuisine also includes some game meat and deliciously farmers tea and coffee.

20. Visit a local tea or coffee farm

One of the best things to do in Kenya is treat yourself to some of the country’s finest tea and coffee. Plus they make the ultimate place to buy a souvenir for fellow tea and coffee lovers.

Coffee and Tea are among Kenya’s biggest exports, with thousands of Kenyans being employed in farming these delicious ancient drinks. Visiting such farms is a great way of learning about the history and culture of this beautiful East African country. They can be visited independently or on day tours, and always include some tasting at the end.

Will you go for Arabica coffee, black tea, green tea, yellow tea or white tea? Either way, note that the top farms to visit near Nairobi are Kiambethu and Limuru.

21. Sample some game meat

Trying some game meat is one of the most unique things to do in Kenya. Back in the day one used to be able to eat lion, hippo and even leopard in some local restaurants. However, this is no longer a things as most animals are endangered and/or under protection.

Nevertheless, some smaller spices are still available in restaurants such as Nairobi’s famous Carnivore. here you’ll find grilles ostrich, crocodile, gazelle, and antelope meat. The place is expensive on Kenyan standards, yet affordable if compares to western prices. You can check their menu here.

Best outdoor activities in Kenya

There is no doubt that Kenya is one fo the best places worldwide to enjoy natural life, both inland and over water. It is however less known that Kenya is also a wonderland for natural lovers looking for outdoor sports and natural beauty. Check out the following best things to do in Kenya for those looking to unwind from the city’s hustle and bustle and the packed safari reserves.

22. Cycle at Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is the most famous non-safari national park in Kenya. Hell’s Gate is a spectacular natural wonder located at the in Rift Valley famous for its narrow break cliffs, wide variety of wildlife, and overall impressive scenery. The entrance fee to Hell’s Gate National Park is 3,000 shelling ($25). 

Most Hell’s Gate visitors rent a bike and cycle along the national park for a day or two. The park is 2.5 hours away form Nairobi, so it can be visited in a day trip. Yet, as there are no dangerous wild animals in the area, some like to spend the night at one of the available campsites. Enjoying a sky full of starts after a beautiful cycling day must also be among the best things to do in Kenya.

23. Climb Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya, of 4,985 metres, is the highest mountain in Kenya and ranks second in Africa, just behind Mounters Kilimanjaro. Mounters Kenya’s area, located near the equator, is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Mount Kenya is difficult summit due to the high altitude. Consequently, the climb would only make it to the list of best things to do in Kenya for experienced mountaineers. Nevertheless, the beautiful landscape is a reward that will feel well worth the effort.

Climbs usually take 5 days and cost around $600. Climbing without a guide is allowed for groups of two or more, yet it is always recommended to hire a guide (and a porter) for safety reasons and to support local economy. They also arrange food, accommodation and hiring of hiking gears were required.

24. Explore a dormant Volcano

Did you know there are volcanos in Kenya? Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano located near Nairobi that can be hiked on a round trip taking less than 5 hours.

Longonot’s crater stands at 2,780 metres above sea levels and offers astonoshing over nearby fields, inhabited by zebras and gazelles among many other non-dangerous animals. There is no requirement to hire a guide to explore the volcano as the hike has no technical difficulties.

The entrance fee is $20. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the day and to carry along enough water and snacks. If you are into nature, Longonot should rank high on your very own list of the best things to do in Kenya.

25. Brave white rafting or Kayaking at Tana River

Tana River is Kenya’s main and longest river, descending directly from Mount Kenya. Tana River offers some impressive rapids that are perfect for white rafting and Kayaking. it is the best rafting spot in Kenya and all adventure lovers agree this one of the best things to do in Kenya.

The best time to go white rafting in Tana River is during the lat spring, in May and June. Depending on rate levels, major drafting circuits will take you to navigate between 8km and 16km per session. Prices differ among companies as these usually include transportation from and to Nairobi and offer extras such as barbecue lunch, etc.

If you don’t fee like going white rafting, there are quite area of Tana River that are perfect for Kayaking. Paddling down the river admiring the local landscapes and taking in the fresh air is also one of the best things to do in Kenya.

Recap on the 25 best things to do in Kenya

Kenya is one of the most diverse and exciting countries to visit in Africa. It is a very touristic destination and offers plans and activities to make the delights of every traveler. Whether you are planning your first visit or a recurrent trip, traveling alone or in group, and with a tight or fat budget, this guide will help you discern what you can’t miss in the country.

From safaris in major National Parks to chilled days at the most beautiful beaches, walks around Kenyan cities and days spent outdoors, a holiday in Kenya is a holiday to remember. Hope you enjoy yours.