20+ Awesome Things to Do in Kenya for an Unforgettable Trip
Whether you're dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Diani, or exploring Nairobi's vibrant city life, Kenya has something for every kind of traveler. From thrilling safaris to unique cultural experiences, this guide covers 20+ incredible things to do in Kenya to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure.
Get ready to explore the best this incredible country has to offer!
A flagship property unique to Kenya is the Giraffe Manor, a boutique hotel in Nairobi set in stunning acres of private land and indigenous forest since the 1930s.
Open courtyards, lush gardens, and sunny terraces make the property a wonderful place to explore, but the main highlight is the herd of iconic safari mammals that reside on the property—giraffes!
Visitors can enjoy a breakfast tea and interact face-to-face with these endangered animals (and possibly get a kiss in the process).
Another not-to-be-missed encounter located in Nairobi National Park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants and rhinos.
Most of the animals were rescued by the organization that has been operating since 1977. Visitors are given a chance to foster these adorable mammals before they get released into the wild.
You'll be amazed to see how these gentle giants are cared for and nurtured back to health. The trust allows visitors to watch the animals be fed and even bathed, making it a heartwarming experience that you'll cherish forever.
If you're in Kenya, a visit to the Masai Mara and Samburu is a must. These are two of the most popular and breathtaking safari destinations in the country.
The Masai Mara is famous for its exceptional population of big cats, game, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle, and wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October, a migration so immense it's called the Great Migration.
The flood of animals filling the open savanna is breathtaking and include herds of elephants and giraffes, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Meanwhile, Samburu National Reserve (in the North) is best for unspoiled views of safari wilderness and interacting with the friendly Samburu people. Both safaris offer an incredible opportunity to get up close with wildlife in their natural habitat.
Read next: The COOLEST Safari Lodge in Samburu, Kenya
If you're looking for a thrilling wildlife experience in Kenya, going rhino tracking on foot in Samburu is a must-do. This unique adventure allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
This is honestly perhaps the most exhilarating thing you can do in Kenya! It lets visitors in on an immersive experience with the rhinos while actively contributing to their protection. Herds of elephants can also be seen roaming freely in the vast landscape.
You'll be guided by professional trackers who are experts in their field. They will teach you how to track rhinos based on their footprints, droppings, and feeding habits.
One of Kenya's prime reserves where guests can get close-up views of the Big Five—buffalos, rhinos, leopards, lions, and elephants with a snowcapped Mount Kenya as a backdrop.
Plus, the conservancy is known to let guests meet rhinos as it houses the last Northern and Southern White Rhinos, as well as Baraka—a blind Black Rhino.
The conservancy is also known for its innovative conservation projects. It's the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees.
Running for Rangers—a wild footrace supporting Kenya's brave rhino rangers' event—is also a highlight of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley is home to huge flocks of flamingos—one of the most photogenic birds in the African wildlife.
More than 450 kinds of bird species can be seen and photographed in the park—with scenic grasslands and woodlands as a backdrop.
It's also home to a rich diversity of other wildlife forms including pythons, leopards, waterbucks, and warthogs.
Mt. Kenya is Africa's second highest peak, behind Kilimanjaro, and reaches over 17,000 feet (3,800 meters).
Guided trips are available to visitors wanting to scale the continent's second-highest mountain via any of the three peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana.
The trek is less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro but challenging nonetheless. It usually takes 4-5 days to complete the trek with verdant forests and moorlands shrouding its slopes.
The best time to hike Mount Kenya is during the dry seasons, from January to February and from July to October. During these months, the weather is more predictable and the trails are less slippery.
Remember, this is a high-altitude hike, so take your time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Also, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They know the mountain well and can ensure your safety during the hike.
An excursion to Lake Turkana's primordial sceneries is certainly one for the books. This massive saline lake, also known as the Jade Sea, is located in the Northern part of Kenya and is home to the world's largest population of Nile crocodiles.
Black sand beaches, three active volcanoes, and three crater lakes—with little to no change from millions of years ago—make up the region.
It's also home to the world's largest colony of Nile crocodiles and is where the earliest hominid fossils were found.
A UNESCO World Heritage site located at Kenya's northern coastline, Lamu Island's Old Town is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa and features the best-preserved structures from 700 years ago.
Know more about the country's culture at the Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort and wander through the maze-like streets lined with traditional mangrove timber and stone houses.
Take a traditional dhow sailboat ride for a unique perspective of the island. The friendly locals are always ready to share stories of their heritage, making your visit to Lamu Island not just a sightseeing trip, but a rich cultural experience.
Remember to try some Swahili dishes while you are there. The cuisine, a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, is as rich and diverse as the culture itself.
Named after its lava-carved landscape and intense geothermal activity within the Great Rift Valley, Hell's Gate National Park is one of the rare parks in Kenya that permits camping, and visitors can also explore the majestic sceneries on foot or via bicycle.
Cycling through the park is a popular activity among visitors, offering a chance to explore the vast savannah, dramatic cliffs, and towering volcanic columns at your own pace.
Don't forget to visit the park's famous hot springs and take a dip to relax your muscles after the ride. Also, make sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it with the stunning views of the park as your backdrop.
It also features obsidian caves, water-gouged gorges, and towering cliffs that can be scaled as well.
One of East Africa's largest coastal forests, Shimba Hills National Reserve is abundant in flora and fauna and has the highest concentration of African elephants.
It holds four campsites, and the scenic Sheldrick Falls and Mwaluganje Forest are shelter to the rich birdlife and other endemic species like the Sable antelope, Zanzibar Red Bishop, red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola, and fruit bats.
Tsavo East National Park's open and majestic bush landscape makes it easy to spot Kenya's iconic elephants covered in orange dust, as well as giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks during the summer months—even more majestic seen in aerial view via plane as it has stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
It's an experience that will give you a bird's eye view of the park, allowing you to spot elephants, lions, and even the elusive leopard from above.
For rock climbers, Yatta Plateau and Mudanda Rock are must-tries.
Wasini Island is Kenya's hidden paradise located at the southern coast and is also where Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is located.
Visitors can swim and snorkel in its blue-green waters and even rent a traditional dhow to explore the surroundings. See a number of fascinating marine creatures including humpback dolphins, green sea turtles, and colorful seabirds.
Fly high up in the sky to a 360-degree view of Kenya's distinct landscapes and wildlife unfiltered.
The popular Masai Mara National Reserve is particularly majestic to look at during the break of dawn as it glides silently over the savannah grasslands and wilderness.
Visitors who book a ride between July and October are in for an outdoor treat to see the 'Great Migration' happen.
Tourists who are up for something offbeat and peculiar can take a trip to Kit Mikayi—a grand 'tor' (120 m high rock formation) located in western Kenya in the town of Kisumu.
This natural formation is deemed a shrine and has a religious and spiritual significance to the ethnic communities who live around it.
Visiting Kit Mikayi offers you an opportunity to learn about the Luo-Kakello Clan's customs and traditions. You can listen to fascinating folk tales narrated by the locals, and if you're lucky, you might even witness a traditional ceremony.
After you've arranged accommodation, taking a stroll through Nairobi's streets is a trip of discovery and an opportunity to learn about the city's rich history. Several historic buildings, national monuments, statues, and markets add to the stories and influences of the city's colonial past.
The McMillan Memorial Library, Kipande House, Jamia Mosque, and war memorial pillars are just few of the things that can be admired while strolling through the cityscape.
Along Kimathi Street, you'll find a statue of Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi as well as landmarks like the Hilton Hotel. A little distance away lies the Tom Mboya statue, and further along Moi Avenue, a reminder of a tragic event awaits you at the August 7th Memorial Park.
Joining a tour guide is one of the best ways to see Nairobi on foot. Your local guides will provide you with facts and stories about the city, as well as lead you to the most exciting sites and landmarks.
Read next: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Nairobi, Kenya for an Unforgettable Trip
Shop at these cultural markets to know how locals do it!
The Maasai Market is famous for its beautiful handcrafted jewelry, beaded accessories, and traditional Maasai attire.
Here, you can find everything from colorful bracelets and necklaces to Maasai shukas, which are traditional blankets worn by the Maasai people. The market is also a great place to buy unique souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home.
Meanwhile, Kibuya Market is the place to be when shopping for clothing, metal pieces, footwear as well as fruits, coffee, and tea.
Take a break from land safaris and try it via boat this time on the gleaming waters of Lake Naivasha.
The safari's cool atmosphere makes for a relaxing and peaceful time in the open water where one can spot a myriad of colorful birds idling about including flamingos, saddle-billed storks, pink-backed pelicans, and kingfishers.
One can also spot African fish eagles nesting in the nearby acacia woodland.
Home to one of the biggest calderas in the world, Menengai Crater is located in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya and is a popular camping grounds for outdoor enthusiasts.
The crater is situated on the Rift Valley floor with its volcano forming about 200,000 years ago. Soak in the panoramic and sweeping views of the plunging cliffs and crater and enjoy sightings of more than 400 species of birds.
Kerio Valley is one of the landmark features of the Great Rift and there's no better sport to scale its beauty than paragliding.
There are a number of take-off points in the valley where one can enjoy a smooth launch and safe landing. This excursion covers more than 10 kilometers of aerial distance and scenic panoramic landscapes.
Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline, and many of those kilometers are beautiful beaches. These golden and white sand beaches are dotted with luxury resorts and holiday homes.
Watamu is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kenya. The Swahili town on the north coast has five stunning beaches that are ideal for couples, families, and watersport enthusiasts. Some of the nicest beaches in Watamu are Turtle Bay Beach, Garoda Beach, and Jacaranda Bay.
There are more beautiful beaches along the Swahili coast besides Watamu. Mombasa beaches like Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach are among them, as are Diani beaches like Tiwi, Diani Beach, and Galu Kinondo Beach.
They're protected by coral reefs and Diani Beach is particularly known and loved for its water sports, including scuba diving opportunities.
Read more: What to Wear on a Safari – Practical Outfit Ideas for Women & Men
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Forbes
20 minutes ago
- Forbes
5 Jeep-Free African Safari Adventures You Did Not Know Existed
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This 50,000-acre private reserve offers a range of activities, from bloodhound tracking and giraffe encounters to kayaking alongside elephants organized by Ekorian's Mugie Camp. Setting off across a 100-acre dam, paddlers pass reed-covered islets dotted with egrets before approaching the main island. If luck is on their side, a herd of elephants may appear, wading into the water to drink, bathe and cool off in the midday sun. Calves splash and stumble in the shallows, mothers guiding them gently with their trunks as they learn to swim. With no engine noise to break the silence, guests float quietly nearby or are anchored to a branch, while nature unfolds before them. The safari trip concludes with a picnic in the shade, allowing the experience to settle in. 'Water is always therapeutic for me, and I have enjoyed canoeing and kayaking in the ocean and on lakes. However, this was different. Being at eye level with the animals (always at a safe distance from them) was simply magical. 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It means the thrill of waking to elephant tracks just outside your tent, and sharing stories by firelight with people whose ancestors have roamed these lands for generations," said Andrew van den Broeck, brand manager at Yellow Zebra. Yellow Zebra teamed up with Karisia Walking Safaris to offer a slower, more intimate way to explore Kenya's Laikipia Plateau by skipping jeeps and instead going on foot, with camels carrying all necessary gear. Guests will stay in traditional safari tents that are moved daily. This walking safari follows ancient game trails and pastoral routes, still used by local communities, leading to remote areas otherwise unreachable by road. Guides from the Samburu community serve not only as expert trackers but also as cultural ambassadors, sharing stories of the land, its rhythms, and the generations who have called it home. "My favourite moment was following a honeyguide and finding a beehive and digging out the honey with the guides. 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Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
Behind The Viral Video: How Safari Vehicles Endangered The Great Migration In Serengeti
Tourists are taking photos during the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara ... More River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. "I have seen over 100 crossings during my 16 years of guiding, but I have never seen anything like this. I was visibly shaking," said Nick Kleer, a wildlife guide who posted a video on Instagram showing countless safari vehicles disrupting the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara River. Each year in July and August, thousands of tourists flock to Tanzania to witness one of nature's most dramatic spectacles: the high-stakes wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. At one time, Kleer counted over 150 vehicles driving towards the Kogatende crossing. So what exactly happened on July 21 in Serengeti National Park that left safari guide Nick Kleer deeply unsettled? How did the sheer number of safari vehicles and the behavior of both guides and tourists not only jeopardize the safety of wildlife but also put human lives at risk? I interviewed Nick Kleer via a video call to ask him directly. What Happened Was Not Only Outrageous But Also Dangerous Visiting Serengeti National Park has specific rules that should be clear to everyone who guides groups there, but also to those who visit the park. The most relevant ones in this case include the requirement for vehicles to stay on authorized tracks and refrain from disturbing or harassing wildlife. It is strictly prohibited for visitors to exit the vehicle within 200 meters (656 feet) of any wild animal, except in designated areas. Also, drivers should not approach animals closer than 25 meters (82 feet). However, on July 21, Kleer witnessed the opposite. He saw how all the above rules were broken. Safari vehicles and people obstructing the path of the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing ... More point on the Mara River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. He told me in the interview that the pathway to the river crossing is very narrow. Clear markers show the location where vehicles should stop to keep their distance from the animals. But that is not what happened. And he saw everything from the other side of the river. "There were too many vehicles too close to the animals. They went beyond the markers. Many tourists were out of the jeeps watching the crossing, taking photos, laughing and chatting. I was furious. I kept shouting to stop and go back to the jeeps. But nobody listened and nobody cared," he said. Kleer asked the question, 'What would have happened if these tourists had run into a pride of lions? Because they could have since lions come here to hunt. I don't think I want to come back here during peak season ever again. I wouldn't want to see this again, or worse.' Tour Companies Obstructing The Riverbank Could Be Identified Safari vehicles with Leopard Tours and Nomad Tanzania stickers are at the Kogatende crossing point ... More on the Mara River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. Based on the photos he took, Kleer identified at least four tour companies whose names were visible on the sides of the jeeps: Tanzania Specialist, &Beyond, Nomad Tanzania and Leopard Tours. I contacted all four companies for comment, and two responded. Joss Kent, executive chairman and CEO of &Beyond, released a statement via The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA). In the statement, he shared what happened at the crossing after the &Beyond jeep arrived with guests around 09:35 a.m. on July 21, 2025, and parked in a designated area roughly 7 meters (23 feet) from a known river access slope, without obstructing wildlife or other vehicles. Within the hour, a surge of additional safari vehicles overwhelmed the site, blocking escape routes and disrupting the natural movement of the migrating herd. As a result, & Beyond's vehicle became trapped and unable to retreat due to thick bush, steep terrain, and congestion caused by the surrounding traffic. "Our vehicle remained stationary and boxed in by surrounding vehicles and terrain, unable to leave the sighting. Throughout the entire encounter, neither our guide nor any guests exited the vehicle," said Kent in the statement. Kleer also said during our interview that both &Beyond and Nomad Tanzania reached out to him after watching his video, taking what happened seriously and acknowledging the disruption they were also part of. Safari vehicles with Tanzania Specialist stickers are at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara ... More River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. The response from Tanzania Specialist came from a generic team email, with no individual representative identified, and included the following statement: 'We have conducted a thorough internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and who was involved, to make sure that those at fault own and learn from their actions, but also that nobody is accused unfairly. After getting feedback from the head of our guides, who happened to be onsite, it seems that even though some of our vehicles appeared front row, our company guides tried to avoid this situation. None of our vehicles dropped off any guests in the mentioned area.' When I asked Kleer about them, he recalled, 'We bumped into one of the Tanzania Specialist vehicles on our way. The driver asked my driver in Swahili where the river was and how to reach the crossing. He seemed untrained and unprofessional which is a dangerous combination.' TANAPA Vows Disciplinary Action Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) also released a statement the next day via ATTA. Catherine Mbena, assistant conservation commissioner, said that 'TANAPA has already identified all vehicles involved in the particular breach of park regulations and strict disciplinary measures will be taken against the driver guides operating those tourist vehicles.' I reached out to Catherine Mbena for further comments, including what type of disciplinary measures were taken and which companies were identified. Still, I have not received a reply as of today. When I showed Kleer the statement, he said, 'Guides are not paid enough. If a tour company allows guides to do this for the extra tips, they should take the biggest hit and not the guides. The companies are the ones profiting from these migrations.' A huge group of animals (wildebeest) exiting the Mara River in Tanzania during the annual wildebeest ... More migration. "The migration is dramatic and chaotic. The noise of thousands of wildebeest is incomparable to anything else," said Kleer. 'However, it is also dangerous if thousands of people behave horribly. And there should be no excuse for the behavior I witnessed." "What happened on July 21 has been building up for years. One day, the bank will collapse, or a visitor will get hurt. It is not a question of if, but when," he added. Kleer was also confident that if tourists knew both the rules and the risks, 99% of them would behave responsibly. What Needs To Change Before It Happens Again When asked how the situation should be addressed, Kleer emphasized the need to increase the number of rangers. He also advocated for stricter penalties, such as banning drivers who violate any rules from the park, and suggested higher parking fees to avoid similar incidents. "In Kenya, for example, the introduction of significantly higher park fees and stricter vehicle regulations in the Maasai Mara last year was, in part, an attempt to curb exactly this type of challenge," said Ryan Powell, chief operating officer at &Beyond. "With the migration now heading into Kenya, it remains to be seen whether those measures will have the intended impact," Powell added. As the Great Migration continues to draw global attention, so does the responsibility of those who come to witness it. Understanding the rules, respecting wildlife and demanding better from the industry are no longer optional. Tourists must ask themselves: Are we contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem, or to its unraveling? Do we know what ethical, responsible safari behavior looks like? Will we hold ourselves and our guides accountable? Africa is vast, with endless alternatives for experiencing its wildlife, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage without contributing to overtourism or harming fragile ecosystems.
Miami Herald
24-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Tour groups block millions of wildebeest during iconic ‘Great Migration.' ‘Chaos'
Dozens of safari tour groups in Serengeti National Park were photographed blocking the river crossing of millions of wildebeest during their annual 'Great Migration' — widely regarded as one of the most impressive spectacles in nature. In an Instagram photo shared July 21 by wildlife guide and photographer Nick Kleer, tour vehicles and spectators could be seen standing along the banks of the Mara River, obstructing routes that have been traveled by the species for generations. 'These ancient migration routes, shaped by instinct and generations of survival, were blocked by humans who should know better,' Kleer said in the post. 'The herds were forced to scatter. Some ran for cliffs and jumped in panic,' Kleer said, calling the situation 'chaos.' 'The rangers who blocked these passages today are meant to be custodians of the wild,' Kleer said in the post. 'In my opinion, they ended up being as bad as poachers.' In a video about the experience, a shaken up Kleer said his small group was parked a safe distance away from the river on the opposite side, with extra space to allow the wildebeest to pass through since their usual entry and exit paths were blocked. Responses to the images The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators condemned the 'unethical safari practices' in a new release shared July 21. 'This behavior not only compromises the safety of guests and wildlife but also threatens the integrity of one of nature's most spectacular phenomena,' Executive Director Elirehema Maturo said in the release. Training sessions were held for over 1,000 guides across Tanzania to 'reinforce best practices in ethical and responsible guidance,' Maturo said. Kleer shared a photo of a press release from Tanzania National Parks stating that all vehicles involved had been identified and 'strict disciplinary measures will be taken' against the guides, according to a July 21 post on X. It is against park rules for tourists to get out of their vehicles at the area, officials said. The Great Migration The Great Migration is the largest mammal migration on earth. During this event, between 1 and 2 million wildebeest travel nearly 500 miles, beginning in Tanzania's southeastern Serengeti and trek north to Kenya's Masai Mara before returning in the fall. The massive heard travels in lines up to 25 miles long, facing perils including crocodile-filled rivers and lions, according to experts.
