Best things to do in Kenya
Thinking about taking a trip to Africa? Look no further, your journey in Kenya awaits you.
Kenya has so much to offer a family, couple, friends or the solo traveler. From safaris to white sand beaches, Kenya has it all! In fact, there are so many things to do and see in Kenya, it can be difficult to fit it all into one trip!
Here are some of the best things to do in Kenya. You don’t want to miss out on any of these great suggestions recommended by both locals and travelers alike.
Best things to do in Kenya: Beaches
Yes, you read that correctly. One of the best things to do in Kenya is visit one of its beautiful beaches!
Kenya has 333 miles (536 Kilometers) of Coastline along the Indian Ocean. Beaches such as the Diani,
Watamu, and Malindi offer its visitors white sand and shades of turquoise and blue water. The water is
perfect for swimming – you and the whole family can easily spend a day, week or your whole trip
relaxing on the beach.
For those who seek more action, the coral reef makes it a great place for snorkeling or scuba diving. You
can also enjoy surfing, boogie boarding or wind surfing.
The resorts and hotels are very accommodating, you are sure to find everything you need to make this
the most tranquil beach vacation.
Best things to do in Kenya: Safari
Just as you might expect, going on a Safari is an absolute must when visiting Kenya. A safari gives you
the opportunity to get close and personal with animals you are used to only seeing in the zoo. There is
nothing like seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. Just be sure not to take any food along with
you!
What makes a Kenyan safari one of the best? Kenya is home to the “Big Five”. This refers to the African
lion, elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros. In Kenya through its various award-winning safaris,
you are granted close access and encounters with these majestically powerful animals.
Why the name “Big Five”? This term, unfortunately was coined by game hunters who hunted large
game. When hunting was still legal in Kenya, hunters named these animals the “Big Five” because of
how difficult and dangerous they were to hunt without the use of motor vehicle. Former American
President Theodore Roosevelt and American author Ernest Hemmingway traveled all the way to Kenya
to hunt the “Big Five”.
From lions to flamingos, you can see it all on an African Safari.
Best things to do in Kenya: Nairobi
If you enjoy seeing big cities around the world, you won’t want to miss seeing Nairobi. Nairobi is the
capital of Kenya and is also it’s largest city. Here you can enjoy the city and shopping such as the Village
Market. The Village Market is East Africa’s largest shopping destination and is a great place to pick up
souvenirs. Spanning 210,000 square feet you should be able to find something to eat and trinkets to
buy.
There is also plenty of outdoor activities and nature to see in Nairobi. Only 7 kilometers from the hustle
and bustle of the city is Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s first national park. If you don’t have time for a
safari when visiting Kenya, you can see plenty of wild African animals in the park. There are many other
opportunities to experience nature close to Nairobi, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to travel far
from the city.
For those wanting to learn more about culture and history of Kenya, you will not want to miss out on
visiting the museums. The National Museum of Nairobi houses diverse cultural exhibits and natural
history exhibits. You can learn a lot about Kenya from visiting this museum. Other museums include
Bomas of Kenya – a living museum where you can learn all about the various tribes of Kenya, the Karen
Blixen Museum and the Railway Museum, just to name a few.
Best things to do in Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Kenya is home to several amazing national reserves that are all worth mentioning. However, one the
best national reserves in Kenya is the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
You will find this reserve in the southwest region of the country, close the border of Tanzania. The
Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the Great Migration. The Great Migration occurs between July
and October when thousands of animals travel both to and from the Serengeti. During the Great
Migration, you will see wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. You don’t want to miss this, as it is quite the site
to see!
Speaking of animals, you have a great chance to see some dangerous wild cats at the reserve. The
reserve is known to be a home to many lion, cheetah and leopard. You can also find hippos and
crocodiles in the river on the reserve as well.
Believe it or not, but there are still people living and working on the reserve. The Maasai people have
lived with their animals for centuries on this land. This is where the reserve got its name, from the
Maasai people you can still find living there today.
Best things to do in Kenya: Lamu Island
If you’re hoping for a relaxing beachside vacation, Lamu Island is a must. This island is so slow-moving as
even vehicles are banned from the island! Locals either walk or take a donkey to get where they need to
go.
Lamu Island is one of several Islands off of the coast of Kenya and offers beach activities such as
snorkeling and swimming in the beautiful blue waters of the Indian ocean.
The culture and history is rich on this port island and there is much to see and explore away from your
hotel.