20 Incredible Things to Do in Kenya That Go Way Beyond Safaris
It’s easy to get pulled in by the wildlife in Kenya, but that’s not the whole story. There are also coastal islands where streets are car-free, highland trails that cut through volcanic ridges, and city spots where conservation involves everyday life. You’ll be surprised by how seamlessly it all exists side by side. This list highlights places that don’t usually make the headlines but shape a more complete picture of travel in Kenya.
Giraffe Manor
Credit: flickr
In Nairobi, Giraffe Manor presents an unusual lodging experience where the resident Rothschild’s giraffes frequently interact with guests. These gentle creatures often appear during breakfast, their long necks reaching towards the dining tables, and are even known to peer curiously into the windows of the manor’s rooms.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Credit: flickr
Also located in Nairobi, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust actively conserves orphaned elephants and rhinos. Through a fostering program, individuals can contribute to the care and rehabilitation of these animals. Visitors can also observe the young elephants and rhinos during their midday feeding sessions and playful mud bath activities.
Masai Mara and Samburu National Reserves
Credit: flickr
The Masai Mara is known for its classic game drive experiences. Hot air balloon safaris are available at sunrise, often including a breakfast in the bush. Samburu National Reserve offers a different environment to the north with unique wildlife, guided camel treks, and bush walks that explore the region’s ecological characteristics.
Sera Conservancy
Credit: Instagram
The Sera Conservancy is dedicated to protecting rhinos and offers guided foot-tracking experiences with both black and white rhinos across its expansive terrain. Skilled Samburu trackers and armed rangers accompany guests. This initiative marks a significant milestone, successfully bringing rhinos back to the region after a 40-year absence.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Credit: flickr
Between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last remaining northern white rhinos and a notable black rhino population. The Conservancy also provides a sanctuary for chimpanzees and offers activities such as lion tracking and demonstrations by the anti-poaching K9 unit.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lake Nakuru is often characterized by large gatherings of flamingos, which can create a pink hue along the shoreline. The park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly during drier periods. Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls offer vantage points from which to observe the natural landscape. The park has accessible roads and nearby accommodation.
Mount Kenya
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, offers several trekking options with varied landscapes. The Sirimon Route leads hikers through forested paths and alpine meadows featuring native vegetation. On the descent, the Chogoria Route passes by waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and Lake Michaelson.
Lake Turkana
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lake Turkana’s turquoise waters support a prehistoric ecosystem with a notable Nile crocodile population. Central Island National Park, within the lake, is home to more crocodiles and diverse birdlife. Guided boat tours are available to explore this environment. The lake’s unique ecology and remote location make it a distinctive area to visit in Kenya.
Lamu Island
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lamu Island, off Kenya’s northern coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines African, Arab, Persian, and Indian cultural influences in its Old Town. Visitors can see carved wooden doors, Lamu Fort, and Riyadha Mosque. The island is also entirely car-free.
Hell’s Gate National Park
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Unlike many Kenyan parks, Hell’s Gate allows cycling through its cliffs and steam vents. This predator-free environment provides a more intimate experience along designated cycling circuits, such as the Buffalo Circuit or the Twiga Circuit. While cycling, encounters with zebras, giraffes, and various bird species are common.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Credit: flickr
A short journey inland from Mombasa, Shimba Hills National Reserve protects a significant area of coastal rainforest and open grasslands. This reserve is the only location in Kenya where the endangered sable antelope is present. Visitors exploring its trails and viewpoints may also observe elephants and various bird species, including the colorful Fischer’s turaco.
Tsavo East National Park
Credit: flickr
Tsavo East National Park offers a vast and relatively untouched safari experience. Charter flights provide a unique aerial perspective of this wilderness. Upon arrival at its remote airstrips, the focus shifts to ground-level wildlife viewing.
Wasini Island
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Situated off Kenya’s southern coast, Wasini Island offers traditional dhow cruises that allow visitors to observe Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in their natural marine habitat. These excursions often combine dolphin watching with snorkeling trips to the vibrant coral reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park.
Kit Mikayi
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rising prominently from the Kisumu plains, Kit Mikayi is a significant rock formation approximately 40 meters high. This geological feature is culturally important for the local Luo community, and it has associated legends and stories. The site is a notable landmark and a place of cultural significance.
Nairobi on Foot
Credit: flickr
Exploring Nairobi on foot offers a different perspective on the city’s daily life and historical evolution. Beginning at the serene Jeevanjee Gardens, a walk can lead through the bustling City Market, a vibrant hub of local commerce. Ascending to the rooftop of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre provides a panoramic view of the sprawling cityscape.
Maasai and Kibuye Markets
Credit: flickr
In Nairobi, the Maasai Market, held at various locations throughout the week, offers a wide array of handcrafted items, providing an opportunity to interact directly with local artisans. In Kisumu, Kibuye Market is a lively hub where fresh produce, traditional foods, and locally made crafts are available.
Lake Naivasha
Credit: flickr
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake supporting a rich ecosystem located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Boat safaris on the lake provide opportunities to observe hippos and diverse birdlife. Many excursions include visiting Crescent Island, a unique sanctuary where visitors can walk among giraffes, zebras, and other herbivores in a close-up and safe environment.
Menengai Crater
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Near Nakuru, the Menengai Crater, a dormant volcano, offers a unique setting for camping. Its expansive caldera features a dramatic landscape of volcanic formations and rugged terrain. Designated campsites within the crater allow for overnight stays.
Kerio Valley
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Kerio Valley near Iten is renowned as a prime location for paragliding, taking advantage of the natural launch site provided by the Elgeyo Escarpment. This allows flyers to soar over the valley, experiencing breathtaking aerial views of the landscape below, which drops nearly 1,200 meters. Tandem flights with experienced pilots make this activity accessible for those seeking an adventurous view of the valley.