Top 10 Things to do in Kenya -From a Local

Jul 31

Kenya | Travel Aimz | www.travelaimz.com

Do you dream of travelling to Kenya to enjoy the majestic African big game and stunning beaches? You probably do! Kenya is well known for an abundance of incredibly diverse wildlife, including the jaw-dropping big five (Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino). I have no doubt you will fall in love with Kenya and its wide array of things to experience when on your tour through this warm and welcoming country.

Kenya is an East-African country with a smooth and unbroken coastline on the Indian Ocean. It has a sun-drenched Savannah and amazing Lakelands, including the spectacular Great Rift Valley that spans down to Mozambique, from the Middle East. There is honestly so much to do in Kenya, but to help you out we have put together a list of the Top 10 Things To Do In Kenya, written by a local.

Top 10 Things to do in Kenya

Witness the Wildebeest Migration

You’ve probably heard of the seventh wonder of the world (modern), the wildebeest migration that arrives from the Kenyan neighbouring Serengeti plains. Head on Safari to watch millions of wildebeests, antelopes, and zebra as they meander through the Maasai Mara reserve, while hungry predators are right on their heels. This is only between July and October. (Below we outline the best time of year to visit Kenya)

You can view this incredible phenomenon on Kenya’s outstanding game drives or on plains, hot air balloons, and even on horseback safaris. Witnessing this event really is a life changing experience. (Download your own Safari Bingo Card here – great for holidays with the kids)

Budget: £200/pp/night – (All Inclusive; Meals, accommodation, Safari experiences)

2. Soak up in the Lively Beaches of Diani

If you want a few days relaxing by the beach, then you can go down to Diani on the Kenyan coast, located just a 5 min ferry from Mombasa.

This year Diani beach was voted Africa’s top beach destination for the 5th year running. With crystal clear waters and white powdery sand that stretches 11 miles long. This area has so much to offer, with incredible restaurants and extensive watersports options. Diani beach also has a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget, from cheap backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. Be sure to settle here for a few days and enjoy some R&R.

Budget: £30 (Food & beach activities)

3. Ride the Novel SGR Train from Nairobi to Mombasa

Enjoy the beautiful views of the African jungle by riding the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa. Christened Madaraka Express, the train makes your journey to the coastal town of Mombasa even swift and much more enjoyable. You will enjoy the drinks of your choice as you chat away with friends and family before reaching your destination. This will put you in a great location to do item number 2 on this list, Diani beach.

Budget: £8-22 (Depending on ticket class)

4. Sail the Lamu Archipelago by dhow

The Lamu archipelago is an extensive group of Islands located in the Indian Ocean, just off of northern cost of Kenya, 2 degrees south of the equator.

A Dhow is a traditional sailing ship that uses to be used heavily when travelling across the Indian Ocean, to transport goods. On a Dhow safari you will travel along the same trade routes, stopping at stunning beaches and historical ruins. You can opt for just a few hours on the water, or a multi-day trip.

On your Kenya travels, be sure to spend some time on Lamu Island, one of the largest islands and is home to Kenya’s oldest town, Lamu Town. The Island is bursting with Swahili culture, and a great way for you to enjoy the gorgeous beaches while learning more about Kenya’s history. Check out some of the best hotels on Lamu Island.

Budget: £10/pp (Dhow day trip with Lunch)

5. Enjoy the view of Tsavo by Air

Tsavo National park cannot be missed off your list of things to do in Kenya. Tsavo national park is one of the largest national park sin the world, spanning 22000km2 and has had to be split into East and West to allow a railway line from Mombasa into Kenya.

Tsavo is lesser known as due to it’s lager size it has a smaller concentration of wildlife, but this park has a truly stunning landscape and is famously home to all of the big five, as well as a number of rare and threatened species. Although Tsavo has a huge network well-kept roads, an air safari is a great way to experience the park and can bring you surprisingly close to the wildlife.

Budget: £200+

6. Experience Nairobi’s Nightlife

An evening in The Westlands, is considered one of the best things to do in Kenya at night.

Nairobi is known for it’s extremely vibrant nightlife and has what some consider some of the best nightlife Africa has to offer. An area of Nairobi that is very popular with tourists is The Westland’s which is full of bustling bars and live music.

Some of the highest rated bars in The Westland (Kenya) to try out include: Gipsy Bar, Champagne & Fishbowls, J’s bar and Brew Bistro & Lounge.

Safety Advice for Kenya:

Don’t walk the streets at night
Get an Uber directly too the bar from your hotel. (ensure you have enough phone battery for the return journey)
Don’t have valuables on show
Don’t leave any drinks unattended.

Budget: £30 (return taxi and drinks)

7. Get up-close and Personal with the Crocodiles of Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and is famous for its large freshwater crocodiles. The lake is home to the worlds largest colony of crocodiles, consisting of an estimated 14,000.

Budget: TBC

8. Roam with the Rhinos at Lewa Conservancy

The Lewa Conservancy, located in North-Central parts of Kenya, centred around conversing African wildlife, specifically the critically endangered Black Rhino and Grevy’s zebra. The conservancy is also home to Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Wild Dog and 400 species of Bird.

Lewa Conservancy provides so much more than just a Safari experience. You can improve your wildlife conversation knowledge as well as directly contribute towards wildlife conservation and community development.

You need to stay in the park in order to visit. The park has 5 safari lodges that allow a more intimate and immersive Kenyan Safari experience, once you have booked your accommodation you can book onto various conservation activities.

Budget: £950 PP/Per Night (includes all food, drink, and experiences, as well as your daily park conservation fee)

Hells Gate National Park - Things To Do in Kenya

9. Enjoy a Bike Ride Through the Gates of Hell

Hells Gate is a national park located a 5 hr drive from Nairobi. It gets its name due to the intense geothermal activity that occurs there and is part of the Great Rift Valley. IT is also one of the few National parks in Kenya that allows cycling, and it is a fantastic way to see everything this park has to offer.

Hells Gate National Park, offers incredible scenery including, towering cliffs, volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and if you’re lucky you will get to see some roaming wildlife (giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffaloes and ostriches)

In the park you can also opt for some extra activities including rock climbing and a natural spa.

Budget: £30 for a proper cycling tour

10. Climb Mount Kenya

Not for the faint-hearted. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa, with a (16,355ft) summit at Mount Kenya’s point Lenana. Something great about point lenana is it is reachable without climbing equipment, making it accessible for non-climbers. However, be warned, climbing Mount Kenya is no EASY task. You must be fit and prepared to experience some altitude sickness, but rest assured it is all SO worth it to see the breath-taking views of Africa this mountain has to offer.

You might even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), in the distance.

You will need to allocate a week for this trip and a nice chunk of your budget. You want to allocate about £950 for a tour to climb Mount Kenya. Don’t be put off by the fitness requirements or the cost, rest assured this is really a life changing experience.

Budget: £950 – Including a tour and travel to the mountain

These top 10 things to do in Kenya only touch the surface of what this country has to offer. Kenya is an absolutely stunning country, full of so much culture and a diverse range of things to do. Whether you are travelling Kenya alone, as a couple or with the whole family there is plenty to do for everyone.

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