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Widely regarded as the birthplace of safari, Kenya is undoubtedly one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. The country boasts unbeatable wildlife regions like the Masai Mara and Amboseli, as well as jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches along its Indian Ocean coastline.
From seeing the Big 5 on daily game drives to witnessing the spectacle of the Wildebeest Migration from a hot-air balloon, Kenya delivers the kind of holiday experiences that dreams are made of. But what if you’re in search of things to do in Kenya other than the traditional safari experiences? Look no further!
From fly fishing on the country’s highest mountain to exploring an island that’s been the centre of Swahili culture for over 700 years, here are the best things to do in Kenya apart from going on a traditional safari…
1. Conquer Mount Kenya
Standing at just over 3,800 metres (17,000 feet) tall, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in the country and the second highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The massif comprises three main peaks: Batian and Nelion (the two highest and highly technical climbs) and Point Lenana (no technical climbing skills required but still challenging).
Most climbers go up and down a combination of three main routes – Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria – which generally take about five days to complete. Trekking through breath-taking mountain scenery of glaciers, lakes, mineral springs, and alpine forests is one of the best things to do in Kenya if you’re an active traveller.
There are various camp sites around the mountain for the more adventurous, and several lodges that offer other activities like guided nature walks, horse riding tours and trout fishing in Kenya. The mountain is home to a number of streams and lakes that harbour rainbow trout of legendary sizes – some of the best locations for fly fishing in Kenya.
2. Cycle Through Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of very few parks in Africa that visitors can explore on foot or bicycle, as there are no dangerous animals. The park envelopes two extinct volcanos, which shaped the unique lava-carved landscape and several geothermal features like hot springs and natural geysers.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Kenya, exploring the open spaces and winding trails of Hell’s Gate is highly recommended. Don’t have your own wheels? No problem! Bicycles are available to rent inside the park, as well as from vendors outside the main gate.
3. Scuba Dive, Wind Surf & Jet Ski At Diani Beach
Known as one of the best destinations in East Africa for water sports, Diani Beach is where to go to enjoy activities like snorkelling and scuba diving in Kenya. Situated about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mombasa, it delivers a lively atmosphere which has long attracted beach-lovers seeking a classic sun and sea vacation.
Diani Beach offers a selection of exquisite boutique hotels and private villas, all located within easy reach of flawless white sands and safe, shallow waters – perfect for kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to spend some time under the water, Diani offers some of the best scuba diving in Kenya. Fringing coral reefs and pinnacles are home to green and hawksbill turtles, triggerfish, moray eels, clown fish, stingrays, and even giant manta rays and whale sharks.
The best time of the year to go scuba diving in Kenya is between November and April, or between January and March if you want to see migrating whale sharks and manta rays.
4. Dine At Ali Barbour’s Cave
Imagine sitting in a naturally sculptured coral cave, marvelling at the moon and stars shining through an open ceiling while you sip on a delicious glass of wine and nibble on ocean-fresh seafood. Welcome to Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Diani Beach!
Believed to be around 150,000 years old, the cave comprises a series of interlinking, open-air chambers at depths of up to 10 metres (33 feet). World-renowned for an unrivalled romantic atmosphere, the restaurant serves mouth-watering cuisine and specialises in seafood dishes (but chicken, red meat and vegetarian options are on offer too). The Chili Crab is an absolute winner!
Ali Barbour’s serves an incredible fine dining experience in an unforgettable setting. If you’re spending a couple of days on the coast near Diani and looking for one of the most unique things to do in Kenya, make a reservation at Ali Barbour’s Cave. The restaurant offers a free pick-up and drop-off service from most hotels along Diani Beach.
5. Swim With Bioluminescent Plankton In Kilifi
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism, and occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as terrestrial arthropods like fireflies. The Kilifi Creek, further up the coast from Diani Beach, is famous for its bioluminescent plankton.
The glowing plankton of Kilifi create a very unusual and beautiful display that can only be found in very few places around the world. Kilifi becomes magical after sunset when the natural bioluminescence in the tidal creek provides a shimmering night-time swimming experience. This fascinating phenomenon, in which the plankton are motion activated, lights up the water as you splash about. For the best experience, go between May and October.
Kilifi also hosts Kenya’s first boutique wellness festival, the annual Kilifi Wellness Festival. This four-day event is dedicated to holistic healing through wellness sessions, treatments, and workshops hosted on the alluring, open-air waterfronts of Bofa Beach and Kilifi Creek.
6. Adopt An Elephant Or Rhino At The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues, cares for and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, rhinos and other wildlife from all over Africa. This Orphans’ Project offers hope for the survival of Kenya’s elephant and rhino populations that are threatened by poaching, loss of habitat due to human conflict, deforestation and drought.
For as little as USD 50 a year, you can support the Orphans’ Project by adopting one of the orphans who are in the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, offering life and hope to an animal in need.
Your digital adoption will include:
- A personalised adoption certificate
- A monthly email update on your orphan and the project
- A monthly water colour painting by Angela Sheldrick
- Access to special content like the Keepers’ Diaries, videos and photos
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has a public viewing from 11:00 to 12:00 daily, which can get rather busy with many visitors. If you’ve adopted an animal, you can have a more intimate encounter by enjoying the private viewings at 15:00. You can walk among the baby elephants with their keepers – truly one of the most soul-stirring things to do in Kenya!