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Kenya is a multi-faceted country with a wide variety of adventures, world-class mountain trekking, eclectic cultural heritage, safari tours and more. Check out both rural and urban places to visit in Kenya with the awesome Indian Ocean beaches and more than 45 national parks and reserves. From feeding giraffes, adopting orphaned elephants to taking spectacular balloon safaris, there are a lot of things to do in Kenya. Here are the most exotic things to do in Kenya when you arrive at this popular East African tourist destination. The adventures in Kenya are plenty. So take your pick as you prefer it.
15+ Top Things To Do In Kenya, Africa
1. Feel The Magic of Great Migration in Maasai Mara
Witness the great migration, a spectacle of a lifetime, one of the top 10 things to do in Kenya. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes speed through the plains of Serengeti during the Great Migration. Watch as they are followed by predators and thunder past the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Look at options such as hot air balloon flights, horseback safari, and more to witness the lifetime event. Watch the natural spectacle of the migration across the Maasai Serengeti ecosystem in awe. Experience the game drive to view the Big Five roam the plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a top Kenya place to visit.
Timings: 24 hours
Average Price: $80 (adult) | $45 (children of age 3 to 18) for Maasai Mara National Reserve entry fee
Pro Tip: The Maasai Mara is one of the top Kenya points of interest especially between July and October. This is the best time to visit Kenya.
2. Trek Up The Amazing Trails Of Mount Kenya
Take a Mount Kenya trekking guide to discover the continent’s second-highest peak, one of the most exotic Kenya tourist attractions. The mountain rises to over 17000 feet with the snowy Mt. Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. If you are a tourist in Kenya seeking outdoor adventures then this is a must-do. You get to have the mountain all to your own as the trek spans almost five days with four overnights on the mountain. The trekking trail is more often less crowded than the snowy counterpart. Point Lenana at 4985 m is a trekking challenge you should indulge in only if you have proper experiences with outdoor activities.
Timings: Based on tour operator
Average Price: $2000 to $4000
Pro Tip: The trek offers three main routes to the top, an exciting thing to do in Kenya.
3. Spot Exotic Wildlife During The Nairobi Safari Walk
Walk on the elevated boardwalk made of wood that winds through a safari park. The popular Nairobi Safari Walk tourist attraction is one of the top things to do in Nairobi, Kenya. Look out for lions, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs and more as you roam the park. This is a showcase activity in Kenya’s Parks and Reserves as the walking trails weave around the Hippo Pools. Get uninterrupted views of the animals with close encounters of wildlife in their own habitat at the Nairobi National Park. Also witness many species of local trees in the park as you notice rare bongo, albino zebra, white rhino among others.
Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: $50 (adult) | $25 (child) for Nairobi National Park entry fees
Pro Tip: The safari walk is a pleasant thing to do in Kenya that can last up to 1 to 2 hours.
4. Soak Up The Sunshine On Diani Beach
Diani is one of the best beach beaches in Kenya that stretches for 17 km. A popular thing to do in Kenya is to head out to the white sandy beach that offers a wide range of water sports. From kitesurfing, snorkelling, jet skiing and more you can enjoy a fun-filled day on the waterfront. A trendy thing to do in Kenya is to chill at one of the many bars and restaurants by the beach. The jade-coloured waters are protected by the coral reef, an amazing Kenya place to visit for beachy vibes. The beautiful beach is located 30 km south of Mombasa, and is one of the most popular places to visit in Mombasa. Diani Beach has plenty of resorts that go out of their way to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Swim the beach waters or take a boat or canoe ride to have a spectacular day.
Timings: 24 hours
Average Price: $40 to $50 (snorkeling)
Pro Tip: You could stay in one of the surfside digs and have a wonderful time.
5. Make Friends with the Rothschild Giraffe
The popular tourist attraction in Nairobi and one of the top Kenya tourist places is the Giraffe Centre. The centre focusses on the preservation of the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. It supports environmental conservation activities and is a 94-acre forested nature park. This fascinating Kenya place to visit is where you can get up close and personal with the friendly giraffe. Located in Langata, the centre mainly supports conservation education for school children and is a non-profit organization. Feed the giraffes, visit the tea house and take a 2 km nature trail through the property.
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: $7.50 (adult)
Pro Tip: Watch how the giraffe feeds the leaves of the Acacia branches with its long prehensile tongue.
6. Dive to Discover the MV Dania Wreck
A popular thing to do in Mombasa is to visit the Mombasa Marine National Park. The park protects sandy beaches, seagrass beds, mangroves and is a popular diving site. Snorkel in the depths of the ocean among sea horses, stingrays, eels and more. The popular wreck dive takes you to the MV Dania, an adventurous thing to do in Kenya. You also have the option of viewing the myriad of marine life from a glass-bottom boat. Popular beaches that have access to the marine park are Nyali, Shanzu and Bamburi.
Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Average Price: $12.68 (entry fees)
Pro Tip: Check out other famous snorkeling sites in the north of Mombasa from the Mtwapa Creek to the entrance of Likoni.
7. Book a Safari Tour into The Wild
A popular thing to do in Kenya is to take a safari adventure with a planned tour. Travel to the popular Amboseli National Park, one of the most avowed places to visit in Naivasha for awesome game drives, witness the beauty of Lake Nakuru and spend time in the iconic Masai Mara plains. Get a glimpse of the wildlife in their own habitat as professional guides help you discover the best of African wildlife. Feel thrilled to witness the Big Five or be lucky to watch the Great Migration across the Mara plains. Take a boat ride in Lake Naivasha as you watch kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, among other bird species. Feel the soul and spirit of Kenya in a planned safari tour.
Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm (park timings)
Average Price: $60
Pro Tip: Book a tour with a reliable Kenya safari tour operator for the best experiences as a tourist in Kenya.
8. Ride the Spanking New Lunatic Express
This railway line seemed a lunatic attempt to traverse through the African bush, and hence the name. The new Nairobi Mombasa train ride is an exciting journey to take from both Mombasa and Nairobi, one of the unique activities to do in Kenya. The legendary line was totally modernized in 2017 with an upgrade of USD 2.3 billion. Take the 4.5 hours ride that departs at 21.00 hours from both Nairobi and Mombasa. Enjoy breakfast in the Lunatic Express as you pass by picturesque landscapes, an interesting thing to do in Kenya. Look out of the window as the train zooms through Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park while zebras trot along beside the tracks.
Timings: 9.00 pm (departure)
Average Price: $9.15
Pro Tip: Witness the bluish pink sights of the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro through the ride.
9. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort Jesus
This is a top Kenya place to visit and a Kenya must-see, being a fine example of 16th-century military architecture. Cairati, the famous Italian architect designed the tourist attraction. Indulge in history and witness a unique display of canons neatly arranged. Located in Mombasa, the fort was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. It is an outstanding example of a well preserved 16th-century Portuguese fortification. Witness the spectacular sound and light show three nights each week. Costumed actors bring to life the turbulent history of the fort, a top 10 thing to do in Kenya.
Timings: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Average Price: $2.72 onwards (guided tour)
Pro Tip: Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the open courtyard of the fort after the show.
10. Buy Authentic African Art at the Maasai Market
This is one of the core places to visit in Nairobi for picking up affordable souvenirs. From art, handcrafted beaded jewellery, decoration material, clothes to local handicraft and more. Wander the open-air marketplace with an array of vendors selling authentic goods. Get ready for some serious bargaining and expect to come up with good buys. Meet locals and take advice for the best picks from local artisans. Look out for beautiful curios, painting, drawings and fabrics with East African prints. Enjoy the haggling but keep in mind that it is the livelihood of the vendors. Avoid the High Court parking and stick to the Yaya Centre to avoid being overwhelmed.
Timings: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Average Price: Based on the buy
Pro Tip: The market moves around the city such as Westgate Shopping Mall on Tuesday, Capital Centre on Wednesday and more.
Read More: 12 Safest and Best Destinations To Visit In 2021 (Open To Travel)
11. Foster Baby Elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
One of the best places to visit in Kenya is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Located on the outskirts of Nairobi the trust has saved hundreds of baby elephants from near-certain death. The sanctuary was founded in 1977 by David and Dame Daphne Sheldrick, conservation pioneers. Look out for a blind rhino named Maxwell in the centre. The centre also rescues and rehabilitates orphaned infant elephants. The elephants can be adopted at the conservation centre, a wonderful thing to do in Kenya. The trust also provides veterinary assistance to animals and provides community awareness.
Timings: 11.00 am to noon
Average Price: $7.00 (minimum contribution)
Pro Tip: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the oldest wildlife charities in Africa established more than 40 years ago.
12. Take a Thrilling Ostrich Ride at Maasai Ostrich Farm
The Maasai Ostrich Farm is another one of must-explore Kenya attractions. Get friendly with the largest species of birds on the farm. Established in 1991 the farm is a commercial hub that ships ostrich meat, feathers, skin and live ostrich throughout Kenya and the world. An extraordinary thing to do in Kenya is to ride an ostrich with amazingly long necks, lofty heights, two toes and large eyeballs. The farm has around 1000 birds of two breeds, one is the Somali ostrich with a blue neck and the other has pink-colored neck and legs. Come and see how the male ostriches display their rigorous dance swinging their pink necks sideways.
Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 pm
Average Price: $5 (ostrich ride) | $3 (tour of the farm)
Pro Tip: Ostrich feathers are a court symbol of justice in Egypt.
13. Tour the Colonial Farmhouse of Karan Blixen
The Kenya sightseeing tour to the well preserved Karen Blixen Museum is another amazing thing to do in Kenya. Situated at the foot of the spectacular Ngong Hills, this is the former home of the author of ‘Out of Africa’, Karen Blixen. She ran a coffee plantation and lived in the farmhouse from 1917 to 1931. Witness the furniture that belonged to her and her husband, photographs, books, a kitchen in a separate building and a coffee drying plant in the woodland. The guide will share her story and give you an insight into colonial Kenya. There is an agricultural college near the farmhouse that you can visit.
Timings: 8.00 am to 12.00 pm
Average Price: $5 (ostrich ride) | $3 (tour of the farm)
Pro Tip: Few shots of the famous movie ‘Out of Africa’ starring Meryl Steppe and Robert Redford were filmed here.
14. Fascination at the Nairobi National Museum
One of the famous tourist attractions in Nairobi is the Nairobi National Museum. Witness diverse cultural and historical exhibits here. There are more than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana and numerous ethnic displays. Take a guided tour to gain knowledge of the local art and culture scene. As a tourist in Kenya interested in history, the museum also showcases a Geology Gallery with a collection of rocks, prehistoric bones, the fossil of an elephant and a presentation on the life cycle of a volcano. Learn about tectonic plates, Kenyan tribal groups and other natural history exhibits.
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: $35
Pro Tip: You could purchase a combination ticket to include the adjacent Snake Park entry.
15. Relish Juicy Nyama Choma at Local Restaurants
An interesting thing to do in Kenya is to taste the local cuisine. You could gorge on the juicy nyama choma or roasted meat. The delicious dish is served at the Olepolos Country Club. Try the dish that pairs well with mutura (sausages) and tasty chemsha (stewed meat). Visit a local restaurant to taste some ugali and tilapia. Ugali is a type of maize flour porridge also known as nshima, sadza, gauli and other names. Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is served mildly flavoured. It is a good source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Also, try Kenyan pilau (spiced rice), wali wa nazi (coconut rice) along with nyama choma which is the pride of Kenyan food.
Timings: Day tour
Average Price: Based on the food tour
Pro Tip: Take a Kenyan food tour experience and enjoy a delicious Kenyan meal.
Explore Kenya Special Packages here.
16. Dance to the Music of Nairobi’s Nightlife
As a tourist in Kenya, venues like The Alchemist and the Westlands neighbourhood are popular Nairobi places to visit. The capital city thrives with modern nightlife with numerous bars, clubs and cocktail lounges on offer. Go on to enjoy the night as you get to interact with the locals and expats having fun. Dance the night away near Waiyaki Way in the city’s northwest for the best nightlife scene. Life can never be boring as you check out the pool parties, DJ Nights, trance festivals and other events to explore the parties in Nairobi.
Timings: 3.00 pm to 12.00 am
Average Price: Based on the menu
Pro Tip: Havana Bar, Connect Coffee, Brew Bistro & Lounge are a few of the hotspots.
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