Kenya is certainly famous for its diverse wildlife, but the country’s cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and friendly local people also add to its charm. If you’re dreaming of things to do in Kenya (aren’t we all), this list covers the top spots and activities. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Nairobi or looking out for the "big five" in the Masai Mara, Kenya offers exhilarating options for every type of traveller.
1. Go on a Masai Mara safari
Visiting the Masai Mara is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kenya. As one of the country’s top safari destinations, the Masai Mara offers an epic adventure for nature lovers, especially as the "big five" (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo) call this reserve home.
Imagine dramatic landscapes and sprawling savannahs, which host the ‘Great Migration’ every year. Time your visit right and you’ll witness 1.5 million wildebeest, and the predators that follow them, making their way through the Masai Mara. And when you’re not out on safari, you can opt to admire the reserve from above on a hot-air balloon flight.
Experience the Masai Mara on: Kenya Overland: Safari Drives & National Reserves
2. Relax on Diani Beach
Kenya may be one of the most famous wildlife-watching destinations in the world, but this country has so much more to offer, especially for those visiting Diani Beach. Boasting warm waters from the Indian Ocean and sprawling soft sands, this beach is the definition of a tropical paradise. You can also expect a laid-back atmosphere, despite Diani being just 30km (18.6 mi) south of Mombasa.
Diani Beach has been awarded Africa’s best beach destination for five years running, partly due to its crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for snorkelling. Lucky travellers may spot reef sharks and turtles while exploring beneath the waves.
3. Climb Mount Kenya
Active travellers may be keen to hear that Kenya is home to the second-highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya. At an impressive 5,199m (17,057 ft) above sea level, summiting this extinct volcano is no easy feat. Mount Kenya has three summits; Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. The latter is the most accessible at 4,985m (16,355 ft), while the other two summits require rock-climbing expertise so suitable only for more advanced climbers.
Alternatively, keen travellers can simply hike part of the mountain, with the section between Sirimon Gate and Old Moses Camp covering approximately 12km (7.5 mi).
Hike Mount Kenya on: Kenya: Cultural Connections, Mt Kenya & Maasai Mara
4. Explore Amboseli National Park
With its dramatic landscapes and variety of wildlife, it's easy to fall in love with Amboseli National Park. Visiting Amboseli is one of the top things to do in Kenya, especially as it’s one of the best places in Africa for seeing elephants. Other species call this park home too, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes.
While exploring Amboseli, you can marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Although the peak is located across the border in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro’s sheer size of 5,895m (19,340 ft) makes it easy to spot!
5. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum
If you've seen Out of Africa, you’ll likely remember Meryl Streep’s excellent performance. But did you know the movie is based on a memoir written by Danish author, Karen Blixen?
Karen has quite the story, especially after spending 17 years in Kenya, between 1914 and 1931. There’s no better place to learn about her life than the Karen Blixen Museum – a colonial-era house, where the author once lived with her husband.
Prepare to step back in time as you appreciate the architecture and explore the landscaped gardens, from which you can spot the Ngong Hills. Guides are happy to take you around but they do expect a tip!
6. Relax in Malindi town
If you’re wondering what to do in Kenya, why not relax in the charming coastal town of Malindi? Thanks to the area’s idyllic beaches and tropical waters, this town offers the perfect opportunity to kick back.
Add in Malindi’s water sports, historical sites, and amenities, and you’ll quickly see why this place is becoming so popular. Those looking to take in the local culture can visit the Malindi Museum, while ocean lovers can explore beneath the waves.
Another highlight of visiting Malindi is the mysterious Gede Ruins, which are located 16km (10 mi) away. This archaeological site of an old Swahili town has origins dating back to the 12th century.
7. Head to Nairobi National Park
There are countless reasons to visit Nairobi National Park, but arguably, the park’s biggest draw is its location, right next to the city of Nairobi — Kenya’s capital. Dubbed ‘The World's only Wildlife Capital’, Nairobi National Park is easily accessible and home to various wildlife species, despite its relatively small size.
Black rhinos, lions, and hyenas are commonly spotted throughout the national park, along with other mammals and approximately 400 bird species. There’s so much to see in this park that it can be hard to know where to look! Although Nairobi’s noisy and chaotic streets are just a stone’s throw away, you'll find a slice of tranquillity in this national park.
8. Admire the beauty of Lake Nakuru
North of the world-famous Masai Mara, you’ll find the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park. Known for its varied habitats and ecological diversity, this park offers some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in Kenya. The jewel of this national park is quite possibly the flamingo colonies that call this area home, rather than the lake itself — although it is undeniably beautiful.
Are you a keen birdwatcher? Well, Lake Nakuru boasts over 400 bird species so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Beyond the lake’s beauty and birdlife, travellers can expect to see a wealth of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for rhinos, giraffes, hyenas, lions, and leopards.
Camp at Lake Nakuru on: Kenya Camping Safari
9. Enjoy some downtime in Watamu
Looking for more stuff to do in Kenya? From exhilarating safari drives to intense mountain hikes, you won’t be short of options! For those after some downtime, Watamu is a destination you just can’t miss as it has a mix of African and Italian influences — thanks to the expat population.
Keen divers can explore Watamu Marine National Park, located approximately 1km (0.6 mi) off the coast of Watamu Beach. In this marine park, you can see diverse sea life including coral reefs, hundreds of fish species, turtles, and dugongs. Not to mention, there’s a variety of water activities on offer, including kitesurfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and canoeing.
10. Explore Tsavo East National Park
Visiting Tsavo East National Park is one of the best things to do in Kenya for nature lovers. If you’ve ever watched The Lion King, you’ll likely have fallen in love with the magic that is Africa. Tsavo East National Park depicts the scene perfectly, with its vast open plains (similar to the iconic Pride Lands), busy waterholes attracting large herds of mammals, and dramatic landscapes as far as the eye can see.
Get ready to spot herds of elephants playing in the red dusty soil and lions stalking through the savannah grassland. You’ll find various other species in the ‘Theatre of Wildlife’ too, as well as over 400 bird species, making it the ultimate wildlife-watching destination.
11. Climb Mount Elgon
Adventure lovers have another epic peak to climb – Mount Elgon. At 4,321m (14,177 ft) tall, this mountain is one of the continent’s highest peaks. It’s also one of the oldest extinct volcanoes in East Africa, dating back at least 24 million years. Mount Elgon straddles the border of Kenya and Uganda and boasts five peaks. There are several trails you can tackle, including the Piswa Trail, the Sipi Trail, and the Sasa Trail, with some of the trailheads located across the border.
While exploring Mount Elgon National Park, you can appreciate the park’s impressive caves too. Kitum Cave is one of the most popular spots, as elephant herds are sometimes spotted here due to the area’s high concentration of salts.
12. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Kenya, but Hell’s Gate National Park offers one of the country’s most unique experiences. Ready to take a walk on the wild side? In this park you can explore on foot or by bicycle — yes, you heard that right! Despite its name, you won’t be signing your death sentence by walking through Hell’s Gate. This is due to the lack of predators. Instead, you’ll be strolling past giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and various antelope species.
Hell’s Gate Gorge is the park’s pinnacle attraction and upon visiting, you’ll understand why it was the real-life inspiration for The Lion King (think back to the film's heart-wrenching canyon scene and grab some tissues). After walking around in the heat, head to the newly constructed Olkaria Geothermal Spa, where you can bathe in mineral-rich waters.
13. Spot hippos at Lake Naivasha
Kenya is a wildlife-lover's dream but there’s something special about Lake Naivasha. Situated at an elevation of 1,884m (6,181 ft), it’s the highest lake within the Great Rift Valley and is known for its storms, which seem to break suddenly.
A highlight of visiting Lake Naivasha is its large population of hippos, which you can see sunbathing in the shallows or dozing along the riverbank. Giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and impala are also known to frequent the lake. Lake Naivasha offers excellent bird-watching opportunities too, where lucky individuals can spot African fish eagles, as well as hundreds of other bird species. For the best experience, head out on a boat safari.
Look out for hippos on: Journeys: Kenya Safari Experience
14. Admire the historic Lamu Town
Lamu Town may not be the first place that comes to mind when picturing Kenya, but it’s a worthwhile destination nonetheless. With over 700 years of history, Lamu is East Africa’s oldest (and best-preserved) Swahili settlement. The Old Town occupies 16 ha (40 acres) and offers travellers the chance to learn all about the area’s history and cultural influences.
Explore narrow winding streets, marvel at well-preserved stone buildings, and wander along the seafront to get an idea of what life used to be like in the port’s distant past. Depending on the time of year, you can experience one of Lamu’s festivals. The Lamu Cultural Festival is a popular event as you can take part in traditional activities like Henna painting and dhow boat racing.
15. Look out for the Samburu ‘Special 5’
Those visiting Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations, are in for a real treat. Safari enthusiasts will likely know about the "big five" — but have you heard of the Samburu Special Five? This particular term refers to five distinct species living in the reserve — the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and the Somali ostrich. These animals are only seen north of the equator so it’s an exciting adventure for sure!
Samburu National Reserve is also known for its big cat and elephant sightings. Additionally, you can head to a traditional village, for a chance to really connect with the area and its local people, which is certainly one of the top things to do in Kenya.
Spot the Samburu Special Five on: Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari
16. Explore the capital city of Nairobi
Looking for the best things to do in Nairobi, Kenya? The country’s capital city is full of life, boasting vibrant markets, tasty street food, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Although Nairobi is dubbed the ‘Safari Capital of the World’ due to its location on the edge of Nairobi National Park, there’s much more to this city than meets the eye.
Wander around the National Museum of Kenya, pick up some traditional Maasai crafts, and head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (a successful wildlife orphanage), and you’ll just scratch the surface of this amazing city. For the best experience, allow at least a full day for your visit.
Explore Kenya’s capital on: Ultimate Africa: Safari Drives & the Savannah
