11 Amazing Things to Do on your Trip to Kenya – Not Just a Safari
Kenya is a beautiful and diverse country most famous for it’s incredible wildlife and adventurous safaris. However there is so many more incredible things that this country has to offer. Countless waterfalls, beautiful coastal cities, green forests, lake villages, and more!!
Even if you’re visiting Kenya specifically for a safari, don’t forget that there are so many incredible things to do across this diverse and gorgeous place.
1. Safari
No trip to Kenya is complete without a safari! After all, the wildlife is the main reason that most people come to Kenya. There are so many options of national parks and conservancies where you can do an amazing safaris from a few days to a few weeks. Horse safaris, helicopter safaris, bike safaris, and more! The most famous National Park is Masai Mara where the “Big 5” can often be spotted.
2. Traditional Cultural Experience – Masai Tribe
Experiencing the local and native cultures is one of the most important aspects of travel. Especially when the culture is as unique and well preserved as the Masai Tribe in Kenya. There are over 40 tribes within Kenya but the Masai are by far the most famous as they have preserved their warrior tribe with most of it’s traditional aspects. Bright, colorful clothing, unique handmade products, and endless bangles and jewelry. Visiting one of these incredible villages is an experience not to be missed!
There are even options to go on multiple day treks with the Masai warriors to better learn their culture. Check with your safari guides if you can add in a stop to a Masai village as they have open villages near many of the major game camps.
3. Beaches and Coast – Mombassa/Watamu
Did you know that Kenya has a huge coastline of amazingly beautiful beaches? Mombassa, Kenya’s second largest city, is the hub for many international tourists, but there are so many beautiful beaches all up and down the coastline.
Diani beach is famous for its white sands and lovely resorts. Watamu, a bit more north, is quieter with some amazingly quaint places to visit. If you have time try to squeeze in a visit to Lamu Island, it’s truly a unique place. A mix of Swahili and Arabic cultures only donkey transport is allowed. Regardless of where you visit, the coast is filled with countless beautiful beaches!
4. Hell’s Gate National Park (Lion King)
Any Lion King lovers out there? If so, you have the chance to go on a bike safari through Hell’s Gate National Park, the inspiration for the Lion King movie. You can even see the gorge where Mufasa was killed! Even if you’re not a Lion King lover, this place has amazing wildlife, rappelling and rock-climbing options, and gorgeous hot springs! Definitely worth a visit and only a few hours outside of Nairobi.
5. Mount Longonot
Have you ever hiked up a dormant volcano? Here is your chance in Kenya! An oftentimes forgotten destination, Mount Longonot was one of my favorite activities in Kenya. A day trip and short, but challenging, hike up the mountain provided some of the most amazing views I had during my stay.
View full post: BEST HIKE IN KENYA – MOUNT LONGONOT, STUNNING VOLCANO ADVENTURE | NAIVASHA
6. Lake Victoria – Rusinga Island, Remote Village Experience
Although quite a bit far from most of the famous tourist attractions, Lake Victoria, the largest lake is Africa, is a very beautiful place to visit. During my first visit to Kenya I went to Rusinga Island, an extremely remote yet lovely fishing village. With little to no electricity or running water except at the local resorts, it is a very true Kenyan countryside experience. There are also many opportunities to volunteer at schools in the area.
Be careful swimming in the water though as there are a few risks involved depending on the exact area! So if you’re looking for an experience filled with swimming, this may not be for you!
7. Nairobi – Giraffe Manor, Elephant Orphanage, and More
Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya is most likely a place where you’ll spend some of your trip. But don’t worry as there are so many incredibly amazing places to visit in the city itself. The famous Giraffe Manor where you can feed and be kissed by giraffes, a visit to the Elephant Orphanage, a stunning forest within the city (Karura forest), Nairobi’s fancy side, and so so so much more!
8. Ngare Ndare Forest
I had no idea how many waterfalls Kenya had until my second visit to the country. And only have extensive research did I learn about one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited – Ngare Ndare Forest. It’s name means “Waterfalls of the Gods”, which is the perfect description of this heavenly place. Stunning green and perfectly turquoise blue waterfalls!
View the full post: WATERFALL OF THE GODS – NGARE NDARE FOREST | KENYA TRAVEL
9. Mount Kenya – Laikipia County
Mount Kenya, the largest mountain in Kenya and the second largest mountain in Africa (only 900 meters shorter than Kilimanjaro) can’t be missed! Hiking, horse back riding, and so much more await you. There are also countless amazing lodges in the area, the most beautiful (in my opinion) being Olepangi Lodge which borders a conservancy in Laikipia County and has so many amazing activities.
10. Tigoni Tea Farms and Paradise Lost – Suburbs of Nairobi
Just 30 minutes outside of Nairobi, you can drive to some incredible places. Tigoni, famous for it’s lush, green tea farms as far as the eye can see also boasts some lovely horse back riding options. Paradise Lost, a little park that has ziplining, picnic spots, and a gorgeous waterfall is also a wonderful place to visit for a day trip.
View the full post: TEA TIME? STUNNING TEA FARMS, HORSE RIDE, AND PICNIC IN TIGONI – NAIROBI | KENYA
11. Train Safari
There are so many options for safaris in Kenya but who would think there would be a train safari choice?? Although it’s not the traditional safari experience, if you’re going to or from the coast, consider taking the train from Mombasa as it passes through a large portion of Tsavo National Park. I got to see camels, zebras, bison, elephants, giraffes, and more right from my seat on the train!
Have any questions about traveling to Kenya? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Travel in Kenya | Tips & Tricks for First Time Travelers and our Kenya page for lots of incredible locations!
For some amazing things to do in Nairobi, check out: TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN NAIROBI, KENYA | HUB OF EAST AFRICA
Lots of love and safe travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
70 Comments
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usfman
November 5, 2020 at 7:25 pmI would love to hear more about the train safari through Kenya you mentioned in your blog. How expensive is it? How many days? Thanks again for contributing your interest in my blog
Colorful Sisters
November 5, 2020 at 9:01 pmThe train safari is mainly just an 8 hour ride from the coast to Nairobi. Here is a link to the train’s website. https://metickets.krc.co.ke/. Although it’s certainly not an official “safari”, it’s incredible to ride through Tsavo National Park and see sooo many animals. There are no stops along the way as it’s express to Nairobi, but quite the scenic ride!
Alphadean tours and safaris
April 20, 2021 at 5:54 pmThe prices vary with distance travelled for first class the train from Nairobi to Mombasa costs around 30usd the economy goes for 10usd.
SUNSTRIP AFRICA SAFARIS
January 30, 2023 at 10:37 amThe train prices vary depending on the class you want to book.
1st class: 30 USD per person
normal class: 10 USD per person
lulu
November 5, 2020 at 7:32 pmI traded my watch for an incredible Masai necklace and loaded my suitcase with baskets. It’s great how you experienced Kenya.
Colorful Sisters
November 5, 2020 at 8:58 pmOh wow so cool! Must’ve been an amazing necklace 🙂 And the baskets are so amazing too! Everything they make is so unique
Smithasbakelove
November 5, 2020 at 7:57 pmwow, wow, wow….lovely pictures and that waterfall. you are making it all dreamy.
Colorful Sisters
November 5, 2020 at 8:59 pmThank you!!! And that waterfall was INCREDIBLE. I’ll be writing a whole post on that incredible location soon!
Smithasbakelove
November 6, 2020 at 2:31 pmYay, cant wait for the post. Happy weekend!
Hephzibah
November 12, 2020 at 9:50 pmI couldn’t agree more 🙂 It’s my country and I am completely blown away
Colorful Sisters
November 12, 2020 at 10:53 pmI’m happy you enjoy! Where are you from in Kenya?
Hephzibah
November 13, 2020 at 6:47 pmI live in Nairobi
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:48 pmLovely city 🙂
Hephzibah
November 16, 2020 at 10:18 pmThank you 🙂
Sheryl Gim
November 5, 2020 at 11:22 pmThanks a lot for choosing to follow my blog. I’m so grateful for your support.
I can’t wait to read more great posts from you. 🙂
Colorful Sisters
November 5, 2020 at 11:57 pmThanks so much!! Looking forward to the same 😊
Michele Lee
November 6, 2020 at 4:36 amYou two have some fantastic adventures! 😍
Jyothi
November 6, 2020 at 3:38 pmWow… awesome pics!! Glad you had a wondaful time!
pernillabredolt
November 7, 2020 at 8:05 amHave to go when the world opens up again!
Halbarbera
November 7, 2020 at 7:25 pmPicha nzuri kabisa!
Colorful Sisters
November 8, 2020 at 4:33 pmAsante sana 🙂
Halbarbera
November 8, 2020 at 4:36 pmMnakaribishwa kweli!
April
November 8, 2020 at 8:53 pmThanks for following my blog colorful sisters 👯♀️ love what I’m reading, here! Happy to connect with you! —April
Colorful Sisters
November 8, 2020 at 10:17 pmHappy to connect as well! Thanks as well 🙂
April
November 8, 2020 at 8:54 pmPS Definitely followed bad. 😉
AppophiaM
November 11, 2020 at 10:22 amCan support everything that was written..from Kenya of course 😄😄
Colorful Sisters
November 11, 2020 at 4:01 pmHappy you approve! 😄😄
rolerrol
November 13, 2020 at 10:00 amHey Colorful Sisters.
I have been to Kenya a few times but never to these places and I am wondering how did I miss them?
Now I have something to aim for.
And thank you for visiting and following my blog.
Will definitely be back to read up on more of your many adventures!
Rolain
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:56 pmHi Rolain! I hope that you can check out some of these places on your next visit to Kenya! They are truly incredible! I think most people get blinded by the fun of safaris (they truly are unique to Africa) and just forget about some of the other things the country has to offer. If I hadn’t had the chance to spend so much time in the country (about 3 months) I probably never would have found them all! My boyfriend has also lived/worked in Nairobi for 5 years now so the knowledge of a local also really helped!
rolerrol
November 15, 2020 at 10:02 amOh I see. Being there for that amount of time does help. Now my sights are set on those places. I will definitely be aiming to visit them! So thank you again for highlighting them.
keenanof
November 13, 2020 at 11:07 amI love reading your posts but I’m also so jealous of some of the places you have been…😐😂
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:54 pmThank you!! I hope that you have the opportunity to travel and explore soon as well!!
keenanof
November 14, 2020 at 11:06 amThank you 🙌
jillfugedi
November 13, 2020 at 4:09 pmLove this!! Cannot wait to finally make it there… and thanks so much for the extensive list for what to do other than just Safari (Even though I can imagine that is still amazing enough!)
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:50 pmI’m happy you enjoyed!! And yes a safari is certainly a wonderful experience and very unique to Africa, but I was lucky enough to have extra time to spend in the country and it’s great to find hidden gems :):)
Lainey
November 13, 2020 at 4:56 pmThese are awesome suggestions, thanks so much for sharing!
Colorful Sisters
November 13, 2020 at 11:48 pmOf course!! I hope if you ever visit Kenya this may prove helpful!
lifestyleadventurebeauty
November 16, 2020 at 12:12 pmHello, in all honesty I don’t know much about Kenya, but you’ve really opened my eyes on how much there is to do and explore there great post!
Colorful Sisters
November 16, 2020 at 6:25 pmI knew so little about it before my trips as well!! I didn’t even know it could get cold there haha (ignorant me I guess 😅) But it truly is an incredible place to travel!
loujen haxm'Yor
November 18, 2020 at 12:32 amMany thanx for sharing your awesome photos and info on this adventure.
Art
Colorful Sisters
November 18, 2020 at 1:51 amThank you for reading!! 🙂
hellohandicraftmarket
November 19, 2020 at 10:48 pmOmg! I really love your outfits and even your pictures! i would love visit Kenya some time! Those waterfalls looks amazing! Thanks to share! i also have a blog about handmade mexican crafts… I would love you visit me! Love- Gala- https://handicraft.market/
Colorful Sisters
November 20, 2020 at 9:56 pmThank you so very much!! I’ll go check out your website right away 🙂 Sounds amazing! And I hope that you’ll be able to visit Kenya one day!
martintayler
November 20, 2020 at 7:01 amWonderful account
Colorful Sisters
November 20, 2020 at 9:52 pmThank you!
Eromonsele Emmanuel
November 20, 2020 at 11:10 pmHey Danielle and Brook, your photos are so awesome and I’ve never had of so many things to do in Kenya.
Great post especially Mount Kenya.
Are you guys on Pinterest or Instagram?
Colorful Sisters
November 21, 2020 at 3:48 pmThank you so much! Happy you appreciate 🙂 And yes we’re on both Pinterest and Instagram. Here are the links: https://www.instagram.com/colorful.sisters/ and https://www.pinterest.com/colorfulsisters/
Eromonsele Emmanuel
November 22, 2020 at 12:25 pmYou’re welcome. I’ll drop by soon.
çsaid chaoui
November 30, 2020 at 1:11 pmBravo c’est excellent
Colorful Sisters
November 30, 2020 at 4:28 pmMerci beaucoup!
Stephanie Noble
December 1, 2020 at 4:53 pmWow, just a beautiful and informative sharing! Thank you, thank you! And thanks for following my blog! I never would have found you otherwise!
Colorful Sisters
December 2, 2020 at 4:47 pmI’m so happy we came across each other! 🙂
Karen Lynne Klink
December 3, 2020 at 4:04 pmThis is wonderful! I’ve always wanted to visit some part of Africa and then you appear. Plus, thanks for following my blog and I must follow what you are up to with these fantastic pictures.
Colorful Sisters
December 3, 2020 at 5:14 pmThank you so much!! I hope you get to visit Africa some day. It’s truly an amazing continent 🙂
hearmorefromgod
December 4, 2020 at 7:25 amWow! You women are amazingly creative! And amazing photographers!! May God bless your travel and your lives as you interact so lovingly with the world.
Welcome! To DailyBiblePrayer.wordpress.com May God bless you with encouragement, direction and protection as you grow in your relationship with Him through the scriptures and spending time in prayer!
Be sure to click on the scriptures at the bottom to read and see what God will share with you personally!
Laura
makagutu
December 5, 2020 at 6:41 amYou must have had a ball. Next time you visit, give me a shout we could have a beer together
Colorful Sisters
December 6, 2020 at 8:50 amIt was really amazing! If I ever make it back to Kenya, I’ll let you know 🙂
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Noreen Young
January 4, 2021 at 2:36 amBucket list! Great photos.
Colorful Sisters
January 4, 2021 at 12:34 pmThankss!!!
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Away We Go
February 18, 2021 at 6:38 pmExcellent post!! I really enjoyed it! I cannot wait to go to Africa. You stayed in a remote village, veryyyyy cool, how did you feel? Where you worried of any viruses or anything of that nature? Kurt (my significant other) is more cautious than I, but this is the place to be, so it would make sense. Plus, I love these kinds of adventures! You know my only downfall? MOSQUITOS love me! I would get bit by a deadly one for sure, I have gotten bit in the dead of winter. IDK how they find me every time! Rock-climbing too?? Sign us up!!! Love it sisters!
With love,
Marlena
Colorful Sisters
February 18, 2021 at 7:24 pmThanks Marlena!!! Africa really is amazing and Kenya is crazy! I was honestly super worried about viruses and stuff before I went and I did soooooo much research before to make sure everything would be ok. Mosquitos love me too!! It’s so annoying, but I actually only got 3 mosquito bites the 2 months I was in Kenya! If you ever end up going for a visit check out this post I wrote with all the answers to my concerns hahaha: https://colorfulsisters.com/2020/11/01/ultimate-guide-to-travel-in-kenya-tips-and-tricks-for-first-time-travelers/
Danielle
Away We Go
February 18, 2021 at 7:42 pmHahaha ok. I’m not the only one, I swear the love Polish blood. My sister and I get HUGE welts from them. And that’s amazing, only 3?! And will do. I definitely enjoy your posts.
Colorful Sisters
February 18, 2021 at 8:17 pmYou are definitely not alone!! Hahahaha I did put ENDLESS bug spray on to keep them away hahaha….i smelled like a citronella candle most of my trip hahah
Away We Go
February 18, 2021 at 8:38 pmYup, sounds like we are very similar.😉
sefania2021
March 11, 2021 at 4:06 pmafrica…tanzania..
SUNSTRIP AFRICA SAFARIS
July 19, 2023 at 6:34 amlovely pictures
leobeasttoursandsafaris
October 26, 2023 at 12:59 pmThe scenery in the background is stunning