Things To Do
in Kenya
Kenya is a country in East Africa renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that range from the Great Rift Valley's dramatic cliffs and valleys to the expansive savannahs teeming with wildlife, making it a premier safari destination. Its diverse cultural heritage is a melting pot of over 40 ethnic groups, each contributing to the vibrant traditions, languages, music, and arts.
Nairobi, its capital, is a bustling metropolis that contrasts sharply with the peaceful, traditional life in rural areas and the pristine beaches along its Indian Ocean coastline.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara to catch the stunning sunrise and spot the Big Five. Enjoy the tranquility of the savannah as the wildlife awakens.
Return to the lodge for a traditional Kenyan lunch, then embark on a guided walking safari for a closer look at the flora and fauna. Engage with the local Maasai community for a cultural experience.
Have dinner under the stars with a view of the African night sky. Listen to the sounds of the wild as you gather around a campfire sharing stories.
Start your day at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants and learn about conservation efforts. Afterward, visit the Giraffe Centre to feed the Rothschild giraffes.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the Karen Blixen Museum to learn about the famous author. Stroll through the nearby Kazuri Beads factory to see handmade crafts.
Have dinner at a vibrant Nairobi restaurant offering traditional dishes. Conclude the day with a visit to a local jazz club for some live music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity and heritage.
- Stunning landscapes, including savannas, mountains, and coastlines.
- Wildlife conservation and world-famous national parks such as Maasai Mara.
- Growing economy with potential in agriculture, tourism, and technology sectors.
- Friendly and hospitable people.
- Challenges with political stability and governance.
- High levels of poverty and unemployment in certain regions.
- Infrastructure issues, including transportation and energy availability.
- Healthcare disparities and access to quality medical services.
- Environmental issues, such as deforestation and wildlife poaching.
Best Activities in Kenya
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a wildlife safari in Kenya's national parks and reserves to see iconic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat.
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Kenya by hiking in destinations like Mount Kenya or the Aberdare Range, offering stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
Relax on the pristine beaches of Kenya's coastline or engage in water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Embark on a cycling safari to explore the rural countryside, interact with local communities, and witness the everyday life of Kenyan villages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kenya with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kenya
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the savannah, wildlife, and annual wildebeest migration.
Provides picturesque landscapes, glaciers, and unique flora and fauna.
Known for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants against the backdrop of the mountain.
Features breathtaking panoramas and overlooks, with opportunities for capturing stunning sunsets and landscapes.
Food in Kenya
Kenya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali, a maize porridge, is a Kenyan staple often served with sukuma wiki, a leafy green vegetable sautéed with onions and spices. Found at local eateries and restaurants across the country.
Must-Try!
Grilled meat, typically goat, is a popular dish often accompanied by ugali and a fiery side of pili pili (hot chili). Look for nyama choma stands at local markets and roadside eateries.
These sweet, deep-fried dough snacks are beloved throughout Kenya. Widely available at bakeries, street food stalls, and markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kenya better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market is an excellent place to sample a variety of Kenyan street foods such as grilled meats, samosas, and seasonal fruits. It also offers a range of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Occurring annually in Lamu, this festival celebrates Swahili cuisine, featuring an array of traditional dishes, seafood specialties, and street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kenya, it is important to greet people with respect. Handshakes are common, and it is customary to greet elders or people in positions of authority first.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Kenya. It is customary to use titles such as 'Mzee' (for an older man) or 'Mama' (for an older woman) to show respect.
In more traditional areas, modest clothing is expected, especially for women. It's important to dress respectfully, particularly when visiting rural areas or places of worship.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kenya with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kenya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya, but it is appreciated in recognition of good service. A customary tip is around 10% of the bill in restaurants and for other services.
In Kenya, cash is widely used for transactions, especially in rural areas. However, major urban centers and tourist areas also accept credit cards and mobile money payment services such as M-Pesa. It's important to carry cash for small transactions and in more remote locations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kenya.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with warm temperatures; perfect for wildlife viewing, especially to witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara.
Another dry season, offering excellent game viewing, as animals gather around water sources in the savannah.
Long rainy season, with lush, green landscapes; some lodges and camps close, but lower visitor numbers.
Short rains with intermittent showers; good for birdwatching and lower tourism crowds.
Kenya at Night
Hiking in Kenya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest mountain in Kenya, featuring diverse ecosystems and a challenging trek to its peaks.
A stunning national park with beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and rich wildlife.
A lesser-known park offering scenic hiking routes with fantastic views and a chance to see wildlife.
Known for its dramatic landscapes and warm weather, it offers hiking and biking trails.
An extinct volcano with a circular trail around its rim, providing a unique view over the Great Rift Valley.
An urban forest in Nairobi offering serene walking and hiking trails amidst nature.
A large forest area with many hiking trails, it is rich in biodiversity and offers a peaceful environment.
The only tropical rainforest in Kenya, offering a network of trails for hiking and birdwatching.
Surrounding areas offer scenic hikes with opportunities to see hippos and diverse bird species.
Though primarily in Tanzania, it is a popular climbing route for those from Kenya seeking a different perspective on Kilimanjaro.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kenya through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Kenya by plane.
Located in Nairobi, it is the busiest and largest airport in Kenya, serving numerous international destinations.
Situated near Moshi, Tanzania, this airport is a key gateway for travelers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro and offers various international flights.
Located in Tanzania's largest city, this airport serves as a major international hub for flights across Africa and beyond.
Located in Uganda, near Kampala, it provides international connections and serves as a vital air transport hub in the region.
Located in Mombasa, Kenya, this airport primarily serves the coastal region and offers several international flights.
Located in Botswana, this airport operates regional and some international flights, serving travelers to and from Southern Africa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Kenya, primarily located in the Central Highlands.
The second largest ethnic group, mainly found in western Kenya.
Predominantly located around Lake Victoria in western Kenya.
An ethnic group from the Rift Valley region known for their athletic prowess.
Located in the Eastern region of Kenya, known for traditional crafts and agriculture.
Inhabitants of the Mount Kenya region, known for agriculture and livestock.
A semi-nomadic pastoralist community known for their unique culture and traditions.
A coastal ethnic group known for their rich history of trade and cultural influence.
Primarily living in the northeastern part of the country, with a significant presence in urban areas.
Includes various smaller tribes and communities across the country, such as the Nubians, Pitié, and others.
The Soul of Kenya
Discover the essence of Kenya through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Athletics is the most popular sport in Kenya, particularly long-distance running. Kenyan athletes have gained international fame, particularly in marathons and cross-country events.
Rugby is immensely popular in Kenya, with the national team, known as the Shujaa, competing in various international tournaments, including the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Football, or soccer, is widely followed in Kenya and has a dedicated fan base. The Kenyan Premier League and the national team have contributed to its popularity.
Cricket has a growing following in Kenya, with the national team having participated in the World Cup, and various local leagues fostering development of the sport.
Basketball has been gaining popularity in Kenya, especially among the youth. The Kenya Basketball Federation oversees the leagues and development programs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is prevalent in Kenyan cuisine, many restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan selections, such as vegetable stews, lentil dishes, and coconut-based curries.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available in urban centers. Dishes like grilled fish, salads, and rice-based meals can often be found to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kenya with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kenya.