Things to do in Kenya

For many, Kenya conjures images of awe-inspiring wildlife and endless savannah landscapes – the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable safari holiday.

But Kenya also offers bustling city life, stunning tropical beaches, proud indigenous peoples, and a history shaped by ancient traditions as well as colonial influences.

We’ve handpicked 10 iconic attractions that offer a glimpse into the diverse range of experiences waiting for you in Kenya.

UK: We’ve gathered 10 things to do in Kenya that will give you an insight into the many different experiences this country has to offer.

1. Tsavo National Park: Encounter elephants in the red-dusted wilderness 

Covering an impressive 22,000 square kilometres, Tsavo National Park is the largest of Kenya’s national parks. In fact, Tsavo is made up of two separate parks: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Although they are part of the same national park, there are distinct differences between the two.

In Tsavo East, the largest of the two parks, you’ll discover a truly unique landscape. Unlike other national parks in Kenya, the earth in Tsavo East has a striking, rust-red hue, bathing the scenery and its wildlife in a warm, reddish glow. The red desert landscapes are home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, leopards, and, most notably, around 15,000 elephants roaming the park.

In contrast to Tsavo East’s flat and arid terrain, Tsavo West features a far more varied landscape, with wetlands, natural springs—most famously the beautiful Mzima Springs—and rugged hills shaped by volcanic activity. Here too you’ll find spectacular wildlife, ranging from the great cats and giraffes to hundreds of bird species.

2. Fort Jesus: Dive into Kenya’s colonial history

Fort Jesus, located in the port city of Mombasa, is considered one of the oldest European buildings on Africa’s east coast. Built at the end of the 16th century by order of the Portuguese king, it served as a crucial stronghold protecting vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

This impressive military fortress, with its imposing stone walls, bastions and strategic vantage points, stands not only as a witness to Western colonial presence in Kenya, but also as a symbol of the local people’s resilience in the face of foreign rule. Since 2011, Fort Jesus has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list as a site of great historical and cultural significance.

3. Lake Nakuru: rhinos and pink flamingos

With more than 450 bird species visiting the lake each year, Lake Nakuru is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. The bird that attracts the greatest number of visitors, however, is undoubtedly the photogenic flamingo, which gathers in great flocks and sweeps across the lake like a beautiful, pink tapestry.  

Birdlife, however, is far from the only attraction here at Lake Nakuru. Among the other magnificent species that call the lake home are elegant giraffes, striking zebras, and, of course, the mighty rhino. In fact, Lake Nakuru is considered one of the best spots in Africa to encounter rhinos, where you might be lucky enough to see both the white and the black rhino.

4. Amboseli National Park: Glide over the savannah with views of Kilimanjaro

Amboseli National Park offers a safari holiday in Kenya quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Here, you can witness the incredible wildlife not only from the ground in the traditional way, but also from the sky, as breathtaking vistas unfold beneath you during a hot air balloon ride across the savannah.

Covering nearly 400 square kilometres, the national park is a wonderful blend of spectacular wildlife and dramatic landscapes. On the savannah, you’ll have the chance to spot an array of fascinating safari animals, such as elephants, lions and zebras, all while soaking up the majestic sight of Kilimanjaro rising in the background.

5. Malindi Beach: Relaxation and cultural experiences

A beach holiday might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Kenya. However, the country actually boasts several beautiful spots where you can truly unwind on lovely beaches along its stunning coastline. One of these is Malindi Beach, located north of Mombasa.

Here you can bask in the sun, enjoy a dip in the pool or, if you fancy adding a bit of adventure to your beach holiday, book a delightful snorkelling trip to Malindi Marine National Park, where you can discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

In Malindi, you can also combine your beach holiday with fascinating historical and cultural excursions. For example, visit the Gede Ruins, which are included on the UNESCO world heritage list, located to the south of Malindi. Here, you can wander through the remnants of a Swahili town that flourished between the 12th and 17th centuries.

Whether you want to soak up the sun by the pool or delve into Kenya’s rich culture and history, Malindi offers the perfect opportunity for both.

6. Karen Blixen Museum: echoes from the past at Kenya’s coffee farm

At the Karen Blixen Museum, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the renowned Danish author Karen Blixen, who penned the world-famous memoir “Out of Africa”. The book recounts her years on a coffee farm near Nairobi—a story which was later adapted into an award-winning film starring Meryl Streep.

The coffee farm that set the backdrop for Karen Blixen’s life in Africa at the start of the 20th century has been preserved as an authentic time capsule. This gives you a unique insight into the author’s life in Kenya and a chance to witness the landscape that inspired her writing, including the iconic Ngong Hills rising beautifully on the horizon.

7. Nairobi Giraffe Centre: Get up close with the spotted giants of the savannah

The Nairobi Giraffe Centre is a renowned conservation and education centre, established in 1979 with the aim of protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. At the time, there were fewer than 130 individuals left in the wild.  

A visit to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre offers you not only the chance to come face to face with these majestic creatures, but also to learn about their way of life and the ongoing conservation efforts. The centre is also set within beautiful grounds, which include a lovely nature trail where you might spot other fascinating animals such as bushbucks and warthogs.

Whether you’re travelling to Kenya with or without children, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience when you visit the Nairobi Giraffe Centre.

8. Masai Mara: Witness the dramatic migration of the animals

The Masai Mara, a spectacular area covering 1,510 square kilometres in south-western Kenya, is one of the country’s major attractions. Its vast open landscapes are home to an incredible biodiversity, boasting more than 95 different species of mammals and over 570 species of birds.

One of the most spectacular annual events in the Masai Mara, taking place from July to October, is the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes cross the Mara River. This dramatic journey comes with huge risks, as the animals must not only battle strong currents, but also evade the hungry predators lurking along the riverbanks.

9. Masai village: Discover the rich traditions of the Masai way of life

If you’d like to learn more about Kenya’s original heritage and gain insight into rural traditional life, a visit to one of the Masai villages in the area surrounding the Masai Mara comes highly recommended.

The Masai people living here are a proud and deeply traditional tribe, preserving their lifestyle for over 400 years in keeping with the customs of their ancestors. One of their most iconic customs is their colourful attire: men in the tribe often wear striking red robes, while women adorn themselves with vibrant beaded jewellery in beautiful patterns.

10. Diani Beach: From laid-back beach vibes to water sports adventures

Diani Beach, near Mombasa, is everything you imagine a tropical paradise to be. So, it’s no wonder that this 17-kilometre stretch of coastline has repeatedly been named East Africa’s best beach experience by the ‘World Travel Awards’. The powder-fine white sand is so soft it’s almost like flour, and as you gaze out over the crystal-clear water, you’ll find it impossible not to want to dive straight in.

This idyllic tropical beach isn’t just perfect for unwinding – it’s also considered one of East Africa’s top spots for water sports. Whether you fancy windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking or diving, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get active and make a splash here.

Would you like to experience Kenya’s diverse attractions?

Spectacular safari adventures, a rich culture, and tropical sandy beaches are just a few of the incredible highlights waiting for you when you visit Kenya.

Not sure which of our tours to Kenya best matches your travel dreams and wishes?

So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our passionate travel specialists, who are ready to help you set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

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