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