Things to do in Kenya

Picture a safari in Kenya, and the Masai Mara is probably what springs to mind. One of the best-known national parks in the whole of Africa, you’ll find around a quarter of all Kenya’s wildlife here, including one of the highest concentrations of lions. With more than 95 mammal species and over 500 types of bird, it’s also the site of the Great Migration, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles cross the Mara River from Tanzania

to find new grazing. Braving hunger, thirst, exhaustion and injury, plus the ever-present danger of predators on land and in the water, this dramatic natural spectacle is a true life-or-death struggle for survival.

The highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is known for its impressive variety of birds, with over 400 different species living here, alongside hippos and crocodiles. But as well as cruising across the water on a boat, or walking around the water’s edge as you spot fish eagles soaring and the sudden flash of turquoise from a kingfisher, it’s also the starting point for a visit to Hell’s Gate. More peaceful than its name suggests, the dramatic gorges of this break in the cliffs were once a tributary of a prehistoric lake where some of the earliest humans lived.

One of the best places in Kenya to see rhino up close, Lake Nakuru is home to both the critically endangered black rhino as well as white rhino. But its wetlands and lake make it a haven for all kinds of wildlife, including tree-climbing lions and other big cats such as leopard, plus buffalo, giraffe, zebra, Rothchild’s giraffes and around 450 species of birds (although its famously huge flamingo flocks are less numerous after flooding in recent years). With waterfalls and woodland, this is somewhere to revel in the landscapes as well as the wildlife.

Around a quarter of the size of the vast Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park packs a lot into its boundaries, from great views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania to its impressive elephant herds – around 1,500 live in the park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is unmissable for keen photographers hoping to snap some of the herds ambling through the grass, with the snow-capped peak in the background. If you’re short of time in Kenya, the park’s size means it’s a great option to see the Big Five in a relatively short time too.

Divided into two parts, Tsavo West and Tsavo East, the parks form the largest protected area in Kenya and it’s home to most of the country’s larger mammals. Tsavo West National Park is known for its black rhino sanctuary, as well as the dazzling Mzima Springs, where a million gallons of shimmering water gushes out of the lava rock. Neighbouring Tsavo East is one of the oldest national parks in Kenya, where the 300km Yatta Plateau is the longest lava flow in the world. It’s also one of the closest national parks to the Indian Ocean coast if you’re planning to head to the beach afterwards.

The Maasai people have been living in what’s now Kenya since around the 15th century, and are one of the few groups who have retained many of their traditions and lifestyle to this day. Semi-nomadic, they’ve lived by herding cattle and goats over the centuries, as well as gaining a reputation for bravery against the ever-present threat from lions. Famous for their bright red clothing, a holiday in Kenya is the perfect opportunity to visit a Maasai village, where you can learn more about their heritage, hear how they hunt and even try your own hand at archery and spear-throwing, as well as enjoying traditional dishes around a fire together.

Most trips to Kenya start or end in the capital Nairobi, and if the country’s wide-open spaces are its biggest attraction, there’s plenty to discover in this sprawling city too. Two of the biggest attractions are the giraffe centre and elephant sanctuary, although Nairobi has its own national park for more wildlife spotting, along with national museums and shopping. The giraffe centre was set up to educate young Kenyans on the country’s wildlife and environment, and raising funds to protect endangered Rothschild’s giraffes – visitors can also feed the giraffes which live in the centre. Or the Sheldrick Wildlife Centre rehabilitates orphaned elephants, as well as working to protect elephants and rhino across the country, opening its doors to visitors for an hour each day.

It’s easy to forget about Kenya’s peaks when you’ve got the beach and safari to distract you, but the country is home to 5,200m high Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak, and exploring the Central Highlands is an adventure in itself. As well as the area’s own national parks, head to the forests of Aberdare National Park where you can wake to the view of tropical tree-tops swathed in mist in the morning. It’s also home to the Big Five if you’re looking for a more unusual safari experience, some dramatic waterfalls and the elusive bongo antelope.

Endless idyllic white sand beaches and marine national parks within the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean make the Kenyan coast is just as tempting as its wildlife-packed plains – and a must if you’re visiting Kenya with kids. Diani Beach and Watamu are two of the best areas to enjoy some time at the beach after your safari, with snorkelling, diving and plenty of chances to relax, as well as cruises on a traditional dhow sailing boat. You could also head out to the Lamu archipelago, with its fascinating multicultural history and chance to learn more about Swahili heritage, as well as making the most of the peaceful beaches and underwater world.

Simply pick and choose your favourite bite-sized trips or ready-made itineraries, add them to your Travel Plan and request a quote. It’s that easy. Our Travel Specialists will then put together a holiday that’s right for you. Plus you’ll have the same team for the life of your booking & support from our local partners on the ground 24/7.