55 Best Activities to Do in Kenya

Jeep safari at Nairobi National Park, breakfast at Giraffe Manor, Watch the Great Migration in Masai Mara, Foster Orphaned Elephants, Visit the ruined city of Takwa, and many more. If you think all that Kenya has for you is wildlife safari, you may be somewhat wrong. The limitless fun things to do in Kenya have managed to make the country one of the top travel destinations in East Africa. From thrilling game drives to fascinating boat safaris and from extravagant shopping to exhilarating trekking tours, Kenya unarguably has a myriad of fun activities for travelers to indulge in.

The thrilling and fun things to do in Kenya are versatile enough to cater to the demands of all kinds of travelers, starting from honeymooners and adventurers to wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs. While animal lovers can enjoy safari tours at Nairobi National Park and Masai Mara, history fanatics can tour the Takwa ruins and Fort Jesus. Adrenaline seekers can trek Mount Kenya and skydive at Diani Beach, while shopaholics can shop for impressive Kenyan souvenirs at Akamba Handicrafts and The Village Market.

Must Things to do in Kenya:

01: Jeep Safari at Nairobi National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, taking a thrilling jeep safari in Nairobi National Park can be one of the best things to do in Kenya. During your safari drive through the thick grasslands, you can spot a myriad of wildlife species, including black rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, zebra, hippos, and lions. You can also spot more than 400 species of exotic colorful birds in this national park during your jeep safari.

Location: KWS SAFARI WALK ANIMAL ORPHANAGE EDUCATION CENTRE, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
Price: For Kenyan Citizens - KES 430 for adults & KES 215 for children; For Foreigners - USD 43 for adults & USD 22 for children

02: Take Breakfast at Giraffe Manor

One of the most fun things to do in Kenya is to have a sumptuous breakfast at the famous Giraffe Manor with super-friendly giraffes. While you sit for a fulfilling breakfast here, you will find a lovely giraffe loping across the garden and peeping into the huge windows, showing off its elegant neck.

Enjoying breakfast with these endangered Rothschild giraffes can be the best way to see and interact with them from a really close distance.
Location: Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Price: KES 1000 for adults, KES 500 for children

03: Watch the Great Migration in Masai Mara

Enjoying the world-famous “Great Migration” in the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Kenya on a budget. To watch the “Great Migration”, you can take a game drive, a horseback safari, a walking tour, an airplane ride, or a hot air balloon ride.

You can see the iconic “Great Migration” between the months of July and October when millions of wild animals, like zebras, impalas, elands, Thompson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, and antelopes migrate to the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti Plains.
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

04: Foster Orphaned Elephants

If you love petting animals, you definitely need to pay a visit to the very popular David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. While you are here, you can spend time fostering the orphaned elephants that are sheltered and taken care of at this wildlife trust.

You can feed the elephants, pat their back lovingly, see them closely, and create a friendly bond with them as you interact. If you wish to, you can also donate to the trust and contribute to the better nourishment of the orphaned animals
Location: The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi, Kenya
Price: KES 500 per head

05: Visit the Ruined City of Takwa

Undeniably, one of the best things to do in Kenya for history buffs is to pay a visit to Takwa ruins, which are the remnants of the 15th-century Swahili trading town. The well-preserved ruins of the city speak a lot about the occupation of that period.

You can also spot the remains of the Friday Mosque, which once boasted an alluring architecture. If you want, you can also complement your casual visit to the Takwa remains with an overnight camping experience.
Location: Manda Island, Lamu District, Kenya
Price: KES 500 for adults, KES 250 for children

06: Hike to Mount Kenya

One of the most recommended things to do in Kenya on a budget is to enjoy a hiking tour to the second-highest mountain peak in Africa, Mount Kenya. Climbing Mt. Kenya takes you to an elevation of around 5,199 meters above sea level and offers you a totally off-beat experience.

While you hike the mountain, you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds it. As you reach the summit, you will get a chance to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the mesmerizing Kenyan plains and other peaks that encompass the beautiful Rift valley.

07: Visit Hippo Point

Paying a visit to the legendary Hippo Point is one of the most fun things to do in Kenya for all nature and peace lovers. Up at an elevation of around 6,200 feet above sea level, you will find the Hippo Point tucked between Lake Oloidien and Lake Naivasha.

While you are here, you can engage in bird watching and try to spot some of the 350 bird species that call this place their home.  You can also encounter many of the 1,200 animals that reside here. You may also practice yoga, meditate, swim, read, or go jogging with the zebras.

08: Cycle through the Great Rift Valley

Cater to your adrenaline rush by taking an adventurous cycling tour through the Great Rift Valley. On your route, you will ride through a number of quaint villages and cross many serene African lakes, including Lake Nakuru, Lake Magadi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo, and Lake Bogoria. You will be welcomed by the warm local hospitality and get a chance to interact with the natives.

You will also encounter a number of animals and colorful exotic birds as you cycle your way.

09: Walking Safari at Ndere Island National Park

One of the most amazing things to do in Kenya on a budget with your loved ones is to enjoy a fun-filled walking safari in the Ndere Island National Park. While you enjoy a serene safari tour within the premises of this national park, you can indulge in bird watching and spot a number of colorful exotic birds.

You will also get an opportunity to spot a number of animals, including impalas, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and spotted crocodiles.
Location: Ndere Island, Kenya
Price: KSH 600 for adults, KSH 350 for children

Things to Do in Nairobi:

10: Visit Mamba Village

One of the undeniably fascinating things to do in Kenya is paying a visit to the very famous Mamba Village, which is known popularly as a home to over 90 large Nile crocodiles. Here you will also spot lovely ostriches in the dedicated Ostrich Park, elegant giraffes on the farm, and pride peacocks in the Peacock Pen. You will also find a restaurant here, where you can enjoy a variety of authentic delicacies, admiring the beautiful African decor. You can also relish some great sundowners here, soaking in the views of a beautiful man-made lake and scenic gardens.

Location: The Mamba Village, Langata N Rd, Nairobi, Kenya

11: Visit the Village Market

Pay a visit to the magnificent retail complex of The Village Market in Nairobi and soak in its charming sophisticated vibes. While you are at this retail space, you can shop your heart out for fashion and accessories from more than 150 domestic and international brands. You can also click some gorgeous pictures against the beautiful waterfalls and gardens. You can also enjoy bowling, play golf, and watch live music performances.

You can even relish delicious international cuisines at the huge food court of The Village Market. If you are visiting the place with your kids, you can also go enjoy the fun water slides.
Location: Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya

12: Watch Various Animals at Nairobi Safari Walk

Take a walk through the wooden boardwalk at Nairobi Safari Walk and get a chance to enjoy unparalleled views of the wildlife. On your visit to this place, you can experience all that the parks and reserves of Kenya have to offer you. You can witness some of the 150 indigenous species of trees.

You can also spot albino zebras, the rare bongo, primates, white rhinos, antelopes, and big cats like cheetahs, lions, and leopards. Here, you can even encounter a myriad of insects and colorful exotic birds.
Location: Karen, Langata Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Price: 200 KSH for Kenyan citizens, 20 USD for foreigners

13: 7D Cinema at Thika Road Mall

If you want to experience the most advanced cinematic experience, pay a visit to the 7D Cinema at the famous Thika Road Mall. While you enjoy a show here, you can experience different kinds of physical effects, such as smoke, leg tickling, strobe lighting, bubbles, water sprays, blowing wind, and fragrance, as they occur in the cinema. Your seat will also sway left and right and back and forth and you will feel like heading to Wonderland, as you enjoy the super thrilling cinematic experience.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

14: Shop at Maasai Market

If you have an avid shopaholic soul tickling you, head for a shopping spree at the famous Maasai Market. You can find a variety of sellers selling a number of items at cheap and bargainable prices. Some of the most recommended items you can shop for at the Maasai Market include Maasai sandals, Kiondos, Shukas, sculptures, artworks, beaded jewelry, and belts.

The prices of the products are cheaper in the evening hours in comparison to that in the lunch hours; so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Location: Slip Road, Nairobi, Kenya

15: Enjoy Lunch at Karura Forest

If you want to enjoy a good day with your group, go picnicking and relish lunch together at the breathtaking Karura Forest, the world’s largest urban forests. While you enjoy your sumptuous meal with your loved ones, you can encounter a number of colorful butterflies and birds flying around you.

You can also take some great pictures against the lush backdrop of the forest to make your picnic memorable. After lunch, you can tour the whopping 1041 hectares of this forest and encounter the 605 wildlife species sheltered here.
Location: Fourth Parklands Ave, Nairobi, Kenya
Price: 600 KES per head

16: Hiking to Mt Longonot

No adventure enthusiast can leave Kenya without enjoying a hiking trip to Mount Longonot. Enjoy a day hike to the majestic Mt. Longonot, which will take you to an altitude of around 2,776 meters above sea level. The hike can be done by even novice trekkers, who have a good level of physical fitness.

It will take you approximately five hours to reach the summit of the mountains and return to the base. Upon reaching the summit of this young dormant volcano of Mt Longonot, you can soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque Lake Naivasha.
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

17: Boating at Lake Naivasha

Enjoying a fun boat safari on the serene waters of the picturesque freshwater Lake Naivasha is one of the top wishes on the bucket list of every traveler visiting Kenya. Since this lake is shallow with a depth of around 5 meters, you can enjoy a totally safe boat ride. While you enjoy boating on Lake Naivasha, you can soak in the beautiful views of the dense papyrus surrounding the water body.

You can also spot around 450 species of exotic migratory birds if you are boating on the lake between October and March. You can even witness Colobus monkeys jumping across the treetops and large hippos sleeping in the swamps. If you are boating here in the evening, you can even enjoy the mesmerizing sunset.

18: Bungee jumping, Sagana

If you are seeking some challenging adventures in Kenya, head to Sagana for a thrilling bungee jumping experience. The very experience of climbing up the 60-meter-high steel structure and jumping off the edge, is something that will send a chill through your spine and offer you unparalleled exhilaration.

As you climb up for the jump, you can feel the gush of the wind and when you reach the jump cage and look down, you can witness the Tana River. Bungee jumping at Sagana is performed under expert supervision with an elastic cord tied around the participant’s feet and the upper body harnessed.
Location: Sagana, Kenya

 Things to Do in Mombasa:

19: Visit Fort Jesus

A visit to the majestic Fort Jesus is a must for every history buff and architecture enthusiast visiting Kenya. On your visit to this fort, you can learn about the rich history of Mombasa City and marvel at the brilliant Renaissance architectural design of the structure.

You can also try to spot the design elements that are influenced by the European, African, Persian, Ottoman, and Arab cultures. You can also check out the museum, where you will witness an impressive collection of age-old archaeological artifacts.
Location: Mombasa KE, Kenya
Price: For Kenyan citizens - KSH 200 for adults & KSH 100 for children, USD$ 10 for foreigners

20: Go Scuba Diving at Mombasa Marine Park

If watersports fascinate you, pay a visit to the famous Mombasa Marine National Park, where you can enjoy scuba diving. Since this park encloses a portion of the black reef and the reef crests of the Bamburi Nyali reef, you will get the chance to spot a number of colorful reef fishes during your dive.

Some of the most common marine creatures you can try to spot at the Mombasa Marine Park during your dive include starfish, crabs, turtles, corals, sea urchins, sea grasses, and stone fish.
Location: Mombasa, Kenya

21: Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve

All nature lovers visiting Kenya, make it a point to pay a visit to the famous Shimba Hills National Reserve. On your visit to this large coastal forest, you can spend time exploring the bountiful flora and fauna of this place. You can try to spot African elephants, red-necked-Spurfowl, bushy-tailed mongoose, Zanzibar Red Bishop, Croaking Cisticola, Sable antelope, and fruit bats, while you are here.

You can also witness the breathtaking Mwaluganje Forest and the picturesque Sheldrick Falls while touring the Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Location: Kasemeni Sinango Rd Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya
Price: 250 KSH for Kenyan citizens, USD$ 20 for foreigners

22: Camel rides at Pirates Beach

If you want to experience the picturesque beaches of Kenya, go for a fun camel ride on the beautiful shores of the pristine Pirates Beach in the city of Mombasa. As you enjoy a camel ride at this beach, you can soak in the lively atmosphere and relish

the breathtaking views of the azure sea waters.
You can also sip some sweet coconut water as you enjoy the beach life from the back of the camel. If you are taking the camel ride in the evening, you can bask in the mesmerizing sunset view as you
enjoy your ride.
Location: Mombasa, Kenya

23: Go cruising in a Tamarind Dhow

Head to the Mombasa Tamarind Jetty and take a ride aboard the traditional dhow. While you enjoy your ride and soak in the charming views of the serene water, try to figure out the traditional facets of an authentic show that these tamarind shows retain even today. While you cruise in the dhow, you can enjoy some refreshing cocktails, relish some good seafood, watch a cultural performance, or just feel the breeze kiss your face.

If you are taking an evening dhow ride, soak in the breathtaking sunset views while sipping some great sundowners.
Location: Mombasa, Kenya

24: Rock climbing at Tsavo East National Park

If climbing and hiking are something you are passionate about, pay a visit to the famous Tsavo East National Park and enjoy rock climbing. There are many places where you can go enjoy rock climbing in this national park, with Yatta Plateau and Mudanda Rock being the most commonly chosen sites.

Climbing at both Yatta Plateau and Mudanda Rock will definitely be great fun, owing to the rugged outcrops these sites possess. While you enjoy rock climbing at Tsavo East National Park, you can also spot some of the wildlife sheltered in this protected area.

25: Take Dhow to Wasini Island

Board a traditional dhow and enjoy a ride over the waters to the picturesque Wasini Island. As you enjoy the journey to the island in the dhow, you will get a chance to spot a number of fascinating marine creatures, such as the humpback dolphin and colorful seabirds.

You can click some great pictures against the blue waters or just unwind and feel the cool breeze gushing through your hair. Upon reaching Wasini Island, you can spend time relaxing on the beachfront or interacting with the inhabitants of the local village.
Location: Southeast Kenya

26: Explore Hot Springs in Lake Bogoria

If science and geochemical processes fascinate you, pay a visit to the famous Lake Bogoria and witness the stunning hot springs. You can find a plethora of fumaroles and boiling springs, dotting the shores of the lake. You will learn that the hot water springs are the result of two distinct geothermal waters.

In addition to enjoying a brainstorming session about this phenomenon, you can also click some amazing pictures and feel the cool breeze.
Location: Lake Bogoria, Baringo District, Kenya

Things to Do in Masai Mara:

27: Hot-air Ballooning

One of the best ways to explore the distinct landscapes of Kenya is to take a hot air balloon ride over this amazing place. That said, one of the most recommended places to enjoy hot air ballooning in Kenya is the very popular Masai Mara National Reserve.

While you fly above the Mara, you can soak in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the savannah. If you are doing the hot air balloon ride between the months of July and October, you can also see the “Great Migration” from the sky.
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

28: Maasai Mara Camping Safari

If you want to fully explore Masai Mara and witness the wild in action like never before, head for a camping safari in the national park. During your camping safari here, you will not only get the chance to enjoy staying in the wilderness but also to spot the wild beasts in action.

You can enjoy game drives and spot buffalos, cheetahs, lions, elephants, and leopards in their own natural habitat. You can also enjoy private jeep safaris, learn about the lifestyle of the wild animals from a trained guide, and engage in birdwatching. Sleeping to the noises of the wildlife and waking up to the breathtaking views of the savannah will be an experience you will cherish forever.
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

29: Horseback safaris

Fantasize is about enjoying watching the wildlife in action by entering their habitat on an animal's back. Well, horseback riding in Masai Mara National Reserve will definitely offer you such a unique experience. While you enjoy a horseback safari in this national reserve, you can spot a myriad of wild animals, including zebra, elephants, leopards, lions, hyenas, and many more.

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

30: Helicopter safaris

One of the best ways to explore Kenya, covering a larger area, is by taking a helicopter tour of the place. In the course of your thrilling helicopter safari across the skyline of the Masai, you can discover the best-kept secrets of the savannahs. You can spot a plethora of wild beasts, including lions, buffalos, black and white rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants.

You will also be able to spy on every action of the beasts in their natural habitats and click excellent pictures of their movements. Taking a helicopter tour in Masai Mara during the “Great Migration” is definitely a unique experience, which you can plan between July and October.
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

31: Celebrate Sunset with Maasai Warriors

One of the best ways to enjoy Kenya just like the locals is to celebrate the beautiful sunset with the Maasai warriors. Head to the Oloololo escarpment and soak in the views of the vast breathtaking Mara plains and the Serengeti, while sipping some exotic sundowners.

As the sun goes down the horizon, unwind near the blazing fire with delectable snacks and fine drinks and watch the awe-inspiring traditional dance and song performances by the Maasai warriors.
Location: Masai Mara, Kenya

32: Watch Ostrich Racing at Maasai Ostrich Farm

Pay a visit to the largest commercial ostrich farm in East Africa, the Maasai Ostrich Farm on your visit to this huge farm spot over 1,000 ostriches of two unique breeds - Maasai Ostrich and Somali Ostrich. While you are at the Maasai Ostrich Farm, you can spend time riding on the back of an Ostrich and purchasing nutritious and low-fat Ostrich meat at an affordable price.

You can also enjoy shopping for amazing Ostrich leather products sold at their in-house shop at very cheap prices.
Location: Masai Mara, Kenya

Things to Do in Kisumu:

33: Spot Various Species of Birds at Kiboko Bay

It will be a sin for the birders to leave Kenya without visiting Kiboko Bay for a magical bird-watching experience. Enjoy a visit to the incredibly beautiful Kiboko Bay and spend as much time as you want to spot a myriad of indigenous and exotic species of colorful birds.

Some of the common birds you can easily spot at the bay include the African Sacred Ibis, African Firefinch, White-crowned Shrike, Black-crowned Night-heron, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Red-eyed Dover, Wire-tailed Swallow, and Black-and-white Mannikin.

Location:  Kisumu, Kenya

34: Visit Kisumu Museum

If you are enthusiastic about learning about the rich biodiversity of the country, pay a visit to the famous Kisumu Museum. At this museum, you can witness multiple outdoor pavilions with some sheltering live animals, including numerous fish species from Victoria Lake.

You can also spot other creatures, such as Spitting Cobras, Mambas, and Puff Adders. Other exhibits that you can see in Kisumu Museum include age-old jewelry, farm artifacts, weaponry, and Tart artwork.
Location: Kisumu, Kenya
Price: KSH 500 per head

35: Explore Kisumu Impala Sanctuary