What else to do in Kenya apart from safari? Kenya is unquestionably one of Africa’s top safari locations and is widely recognised as the origin of safari. Along with breathtakingly beautiful beaches along its Indian Ocean coastline, the nation is home to unrivaled wildlife areas like the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Kenya offers the kind of fantasy vacation experiences, whether it’s watching the Big 5 on daily game drives, taking in the Wildebeest Migration show from a hot-air balloon, or finding unusual activities in the Masai Mara outside of game viewing. However, what if you’re looking for activities in Kenya that don’t involve the typical Kenya safari experiences? You don’t need to search any farther.
These are the top things to do in Kenya outside embarking on a typical kenya safari, like fly fishing on the nation’s highest mountain or touring an island that has been the hub of Swahili culture for more than 700 years.
Climbing Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in the nation and the second-highest in Africa, behind Kilimanjaro, at slightly over 3,800 meters (17,000 feet). The three main peaks of the massif are Point Lenana (which is difficult but doesn’t require technical climbing skills) and Batian and Nelion, which are the two tallest and most difficult climbs. The three primary routes—Naro Moru, Sirimon, and Chogoria—are climbed and descended by the majority of climbers, and they often take five days to finish. One of the best things to do in Kenya if you’re an active tourist is trek through the breathtaking mountain landscape with glaciers, lakes, mineral springs, and alpine forests.
Snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing and jet skiing at Diani Beach
Diani Beach, which is well-known as one of the top water sports destinations in East Africa, is the place to go in Kenya to engage in water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling. The vibrant ambiance of this beach resort, which is roughly 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mombasa, has long drawn beachcombers looking for a traditional sun and sea getaway. The stunning boutique hotels and private villas at Diani Beach are all conveniently close to the immaculate white sands and shallow, safe seas that are ideal for kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding. If you want to spend some time underwater, Diani has some of Kenya’s top scuba diving spots. Green and hawksbill turtles, triggerfish, moray eels, clown fish, stingrays, and even enormous manta rays and whale sharks can be found on the fringes of coral reefs and pinnacles. If you want to view migratory whale sharks and manta rays, the best time of year to go scuba diving in Kenya is from November to April, or from January to March.
A day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the top things to do in Kenya when on a road safari between the Masai Mara and Samburu because the park is home to robust populations of large species in a confined space. There are consistent sightings of lion, waterbuck, eland, white rhino, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. In the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is a stunning setting that provides amazing picture opportunity. It is a component of the Kenya Lake System, a natural heritage site.
Birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park
There are large flock of both Greater and Lesser Flamingos at the shores of Lake Nakuru’s shallow waters which made the lake famous. The type of saline and algae in the lake that provide food that flamingos require for feeding and breeding. This has however been affected by the rise of water which makes the lake less alkaline waters. While flamingos are still visible, Lake Nakuru no longer has the enormous flocks of flamingos of the past. But for those who love twitching, the park’s highlight is Lake Nakuru’s amazing birds. Greater and lesser flamingos, Hottentot teal, greater blue-eared starlings, long-tailed widowbirds, great white pelicans, and a wide variety of raptors, including Verreaux’s and long-crested eagles, are among the more than 400 species that call it home. The months of November through April are the ideal times to visit the park to see birds.
Visit the Historic Lamu Island
The stunning islands of Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu, and Manda Toto make up the legendary Lamu Archipelago, which is situated off the north coast of Kenya. If you’re seeking a peaceful, uncrowded beach holiday, these gems of the Indian Ocean are well worth a visit. One of the most popular cultural tourism activities in Kenya is visiting Lamu Island, one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili towns still standing in East Africa. Despite its modest size, Lamu Town on the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to perform some of its traditional functions. The village is distinguished by its historic layout, traditional tall and narrow Swahili architecture, twisting alleys, and intricately carved wooden doors. It was built with coral stone and mangrove timber.
The island also has some of Africa’s best beaches, with stunning coral reefs, lots of things to do, delicious food, and discreet, kind service.
Gedi Ruins
An journey to the Gedi (or Gede) Ruins is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Kenya if you appreciate seeing historical and cultural landmarks. Situated just outside of Malindi, this archaeological site is close to Eastern Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. Though there is little documented evidence of its existence, the enigmatic ruins imply that a Swahili city was once flourishing inside a thick native forest. Originally thought to have been constructed in the 12th century, Gedi was reconstructed in the 15th and 16th centuries using only rocks and stones. Mosques, a palace, and homes are evidence that the city prospered and peaked during the reconstruction.
A number of circumstances, including the 1589 coastal attacks by Congo tribes, a declining water table, and threats from a hostile Somalian nomadic tribe, are thought to have contributed to the city’s abandonment to nature in the 17th century.
Camel rides in Samburu
The Samburu National Reserve is the ideal location for a camelback safari because camels thrive in desert environments like Northern Kenya. As you stroll into the wilderness, camel bells chiming away, fully in tune with the rhythm of nature, you may get up close and personal with plains wildlife like zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. This is one of the most enjoyable kenya safari activities.
Trek in Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon which is found at the border between Kenya and Uganda. The Mount has serene slopes and are less populated than Kilimanjaro and offer excellent chances to see wildlife. Climbing the mountain is definitely a must-do kenya safari activity because there are so many waterfalls and hot springs. On the Kenya-Uganda border, Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano that may be accessed from both sides. Kitale, Endebess, and Masara are the three most travelled Kenyan safari routes; Kimilili, considered the best route from the Kenyan side, is the third. Mount Elgon National Park is traversed on all three itineraries. Strolling along the road is not allowed in Mount Elgon National Park; instead, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
