Popular for its spectacular safaris, Kenya is the perfect destination for all sorts of adventures. From alpine snows to thriving hiking trails and sandy beaches, there is so much to do here. Kenya has stunning topographic views that will sweep you off your feet. If you are thinking about exploring Kenya, here are some activities you should consider.

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Tourist Attractions in Kenya

1. Nairobi – National Park, Bomas of Kenya

2. Kenyan Coast – Lamu, Mombasa Old Town, Diving

3. Camping – Malewa, El Kerama, Mamba Village, Hell’s Gate Gorge, Rapid’s Camp, Camp Carnelley’s, Kiboko Camp, Thompson Falls Lodge

4. Hell’s Gate National Park – Cycling, Rock climbing

5. Tour Mount Longonot National park – Hiking

6. Maasai Mara – Safari

7. Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake, Rhinos, Bird Watching, Makalia waterfalls

Getting Around | Safety | Where to Eat | Where to Stay

 

Visit the Capital City

There’s so much you can do in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital city.  A few very nice activities include

 

Visit Nairobi National Park

Kenya’s first National Park and the only national park in the world within a city, Nairobi National Park has a lot to offer. Only a fence separates it from the city, and you can see the beautiful view of the city’s skyscrapers from the park.

Despite its small size, the Nairobi National Park is home to numerous species of animals that thrive undisturbed by the city. It’s home to the Rhino sanctuary and animals like gazelles, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, ostriches, warthogs, and over 400 species of birds. A four-wheel vehicle is excellent for doing a self-drive safari in the park, particularly during the rainy season.

The Nairobi Safari Walk in the park also offers a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot wild animals on foot while navigating the nature trails around the Hippo Pools.

 

Enjoy various cultural dances at the Bomas of Kenya

A short distance from the park’s main gate is the Bomas of Kenya, a museum that showcases the tribes of Kenya. Visitors can explore the culture, crafts, art, music, and lifestyle of the various tribes of Kenya.

The Bomas grounds have recreated traditional villages with each having homesteads (called bomas). Each village showcases the cultural living of an ethnic group in Kenya. Experience live performances of the different cultural music and dances in the large theatre. There are over 50 dances (each day) from different ethnic communities.

 

Discover the Kenyan Coast

 

Visit cultural and historical sites in Lamu

Lamu’s Old Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list because it’s the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. The people have maintained their ancient traditions and visiting Lamu is therefore like arriving in a new world.

There are many things to do in this coastal town. Take a stroll through its narrow streets for example, and admire the architecture. Or try out local Swahili food and enjoy the warm hospitality of Lamu’s people.

 

Visit multicultural Mombasa

Mombasa is an island port city and the second-largest city in Kenya. Mombasa boasts diverse, multicultural attractions. To add to the local culture is the rich culture brought in by Portuguese, Asian, British, Arab, and Indian immigrants.

The evidence of these foreign cultures is available in the form or architectural designs and the numerous and diverse cuisines in the coastal town. Some famous historical sites include Fort Jesus and Mombasa Old Town.

 

Go diving

Mombasa boasts several world-class diving sites where visitors can swim along with the beautiful turtles and other marine life.

The coral reefs that border the Ocean along the coastal lines coupled with excellent water temperatures, excellent water visibility, and the warm and sunny weather are the perfect conditions for diving. Some diving sites include Watamu Marine National park, Mtwapa and Barracuda Reef towards Kilifi, The Vuma Caves, and several places in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve.

 

Go Camping in Kenya

Kenya boasts numerous beautiful and peaceful places that are excellent for camping. With warm temperatures and amazing landscapes, Kenya is a preferred destination for those that love outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing, and picnics. Here are a few popular places where you can pitch or rent a tent and camp:

• Malewa bush ventures in Naivasha and neighbouring the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy.
• El Karama camp in Naivasha which boasts the most diverse wildlife and plant species.
• Mamba Village in Nairobi is ideal for tourists who want to see crocodiles and ostriches.
• Hell’s Gate Gorge and National Park for those who want to view spectacular geological landscapes and wildlife.
• Rapid’s Camp in Sagana, located next to River Sagana, is famous for its outdoor adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, and water rafting.
• Camp Carnelley’s next to Lake Naivasha allows you to bring your tent. Rental tents are available.
• Kiboko Camp on the coast is great for tourists who want to experience the countryside with proximity to the beach.
• Thompson Falls Lodge camp in Nyahururu offers a serene and lush environment with the rumbling sound of the Thompson’s waterfall.

 

Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha

Hell’s Gate National park is a distinctive park located in Naivasha. It is the only one of Kenya’s national parks where visitors can cycle or walk without a guide. If you visit, ensure you enjoy the descent and adventurous walk inside the gorges in Park. The park is home to the bearded vulture, the lammergeyer, which is almost extinct in Kenya.

 

Cycle in the Park

The park’s topography and terrain make it ideal for mountain biking. Rental bikes are available at the gate. Enjoy the spectacular topological and geographical scenery as well as diverse wildlife without being trapped in a car.

 

Rock climbing

For rock-climbing enthusiasts, Hell’s Gate is the right place to visit. What’s more, the park has local safety-conscious climbing guides at a very affordable fee. They supervise all climbing activities. The fissures tower that rises 45 meters high is one of the points of interest among climbers who visit the park. Climbing equipment is available for rent on the spot, so have no worries if you forget your gear.

 

Tour Mount Longonot National park

Mount Longonot (rising to a height of 2776 meters) is another tourist attraction in Kenya on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. A unique feature of the inactive volcano is the thick forest that thrives within the centre of the crater. The main attraction for visitors is hiking the Longonot around the crater rim.

The hike is exciting and adventurous though challenging (to some). The top gives a fascinating and scenic view over the Rift Valley.

The Longonot is 84 km from Nairobi, and visitors can opt for a one-day expedition or a weekend getaway. A 3.1 km trail leads from the entrance of the park to the rim of the crater. The hike around the 7.2 km rim of the crater takes around 4 to 5 hours with resting breaks. Some parts of the trail are steep, while others are heavily eroded. Put on your hiking boots, and carry some sunscreen and drinking water. Chances are you will spot some wildlife while hiking.

 

Visit the Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve (also known as the Masai Mara National Reserve) is among the world’s outstanding game reserves. The Maasai Mara National Reserve borders the Serengeti, where wildlife moves to and fro in Tanzania and Kenya.

The Maasai Mara is renowned globally thanks to the famous Great Migration, characterized by the movement of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebra to and from the Mara. The park is endowed with relatively large populations of large predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which makes them easy to sight.

Accommodation is available at various basic and more luxurious camps within the reserve or you can do an organized tour.

 

Go to Lake Nakuru National Park

Also located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the park boasts a variety of habitats, wildlife, and other attractions. Beautiful wooden and bushy grasslands characterize the vegetation of the park.

 

View the beautiful Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is the most prominent feature of the park and a fantastic scene for the eye. The park derives its name from the lake. The number of birds that endow the lake is quite large, making the park a haven for bird watchers.

 

The two species of Rhinos

The park is one of the few places where you can sight both species of rhino, the black and white rhino. Lake Nakuru Park is a sanctuary to these endangered rhinos which makes it easy to spot them. This is the only park that allows visitors to drive close to the white rhino and take pictures of the splendid creatures.

Other wildlife includes the Rothschild’s giraffe, baboons, vervet monkeys, Thomson gazelles, Colombus monkey, buffalo, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more.

 

Bird watching in Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is a must-visit for the avid bird watchers. The lake is famous across the globe for its large flocks of pink flamingos that number to millions. Aside from flamingos, the lake park is home to numerous other bird species, including the greater white pelican, cormorants, kingfisher, Egyptian geese, fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, and more.

 

Visit the Makalia waterfalls

The beautiful Makalia waterfalls lie on the southern part of the park and are a popular tourist attraction. The sound of the falling waters and the surroundings are amazing to witness. Birds like the red-winged starling, pied wagtail, and others inhabit the rocky cliff from where the waterfalls. The area is ideal for walking and picnicking.

 

How to Get Around

Getting around Kenya is relatively easy as there are several transport options – boda-bodas (motorcycles), taxis, trains, (mini)buses (matatus), rental cars, and planes.

If you choose an exclusive or shared road safari, the service will look after you.

Air safaris are available through scheduled domestic airlines, and you can choose to charter a light plane.

If you prefer a more independent selection, you can opt for self-drive by renting a vehicle (four-wheel land cruisers and land rovers are popular).

Rail transport is available, most reliably the SGR, which links Mombasa, Nairobi and Naivasha.

If you’re on a budget, you can opt for public transport in the form of minibuses that operate as shared matatus. Boats and ferry options are available at the coastal areas.

 

Safety

Tourists need a few security considerations while routing Kenya. Some routes (like Lamu to Malindi), although occasional, are prone to terrorist attacks.

To avoid being drugged, it is advisable that you politely decline offers of snacks and drinks from strangers.

Kenyan drivers are sometimes aggressive, and you can do yourself right by hiring a driver to chauffeur you around. Although most areas as very safe, it is best to keep your windows rolled up to prevent occasional snatches of phones and cameras while driving in crowded places.

 

Where to eat

Finding eateries in Kenya should not be a challenge. There are numerous restaurants and multinational hotels in the country. The restaurants serve various cuisines, and you cannot miss the favourite nyama choma (grilled meat).

Street food is available at very affordable rates and consists mainly of local cuisines. It is good to pack or buy bottled water when you are unsure of the drinking water served within street food outlets.

You will also find an eatery within almost all parks, game reserves, camps, lodges, and picnic sites.

 

Where to stay

Tourists have several options that include:

Hotels

Hotels in the country range from 5-star hotels, safari lodges, international brands, and beach hideaways to basic board and lodge facilities that serve local travellers.

Camps

Kenya allows camping with little restrictions, but the possibility of robbery and attacks by wild animals make bush camping unsafe. Opt for a formal campsite for security.

Budget hotels and lodgings

These offer very basic facilities. You may need to carry a mosquito net to avoid mosquito bites.

Self-catering accommodations

All over Kenya, there are self-catering accommodations for rent. Tourists have options from lavish villas to simple bungalows. Most self-catering spaces have staff members that help with cleaning and cooking if requested.

 

What was your favorite of the tourist attractions in Kenya? Let me know in the comments below.