Things To Do
in Kenya
Kenya is a land of dramatic contrasts, where sweeping savannas meet rugged highlands and a pristine coastline brushes the Indian Ocean. It is famed for the Great Migration across the Maasai Mara, iconic wildlife reserves like Amboseli and Tsavo, and vibrant cities that blend tradition with modern culture. Nairobi, the capital, acts as a cosmopolitan hub with a lively arts scene, markets, and cafés set against a backdrop of green hills.
Across its diverse landscapes, Kenyan hospitality shines through in every lodge, market, and street-side eatery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your guide who will assist you with your luggage. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel while soaking in the city views. After settling in, take some time to explore the bustling streets or relax at the hotel.
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to meet orphaned elephants and learn about conservation efforts. Stroll through the Giraffe Centre to feed and interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, trying local Kenyan dishes.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Nairobi’s skyline. Savor a selection of fresh seafood and local delicacies while enjoying the cool evening breeze. Finish your day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.
Start your day with a sunrise safari in Nairobi National Park, where you can spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos against the backdrop of the city skyline. Your guide will help you spot wildlife and share intriguing facts about the ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in a scenic spot within the park.
Visit the Nairobi National Museum to learn about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and history. The museum’s diverse exhibits will provide insight into the art, nature, and history of this beautiful country. Grab lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Kenyan cuisine.
Take an evening stroll in Karura Forest, a peaceful urban oasis. As you walk through the lush greenery, you will hear the sounds of nature and may even spot some small wildlife. Wrap up your day with a cozy dinner at a local eatery, enjoying the ambiance of Kenyan hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Meal for two in mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $60-120 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride in city | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Incredible wildlife and landscapes, from savannas to coastal reefs
- Warm, welcoming people and a rich cultural heritage
- Strong safari infrastructure and varied experiences (coastal towns, highlands, forests)
- Distinct seasons with peak wildlife viewing during dry periods
- Traffic and urban congestion in major cities
- Malaria risk in rural areas; require precautionary health measures
- Variable road conditions in remote areas and during rainy seasons
- Prices can vary and some regions require guided tours for safety and logistics
- "Jambo" - Hello
- "Habari yako?" - How are you?
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Samahani" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Jina lako nani?" - What is your name?
Places to Visit in Kenya
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden savannas dotted with wildlife and dramatic skies, especially at dawn and dusk during the migration season.
Iconic elephants against the backdrop of Africa’s highest peak, with fog-tinged mornings and shimmering heat hazes.
Historic Swahili architecture, narrow alleys, and turquoise waters ideal for atmospheric coastal photography.
Flamingos, wildlife, and palm-lined shores with dramatic skies and forested escarpments.
Powdery white sands, turquoise water, and vibrant reef life for underwater and beach photography.
City lights, modern architecture, and the rolling green hills surrounding Nairobi as a dramatic urban shot.
Impressive red cliffs, geothermal features, and dramatic sunrises for landscape and action photography.
Food in Kenya
Kenya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chargrilled meat (often beef or goat) served with kachumbari and sometimes ugali; a quintessential Kenyan experience, especially at nyama choma joints near cities and along highways.
Must-Try!
A staple pair: dense maize porridge with sautéed kale or other greens; widely available in homes, markets, and casual eateries.
Fragrant spiced rice cooked with whole spices and sometimes meat; a common dish at celebrations and in coastal towns.
A hearty mix of maize and beans, often simmered with vegetables or meat; a popular village staple and found in urban eateries too.
Chapati flatbread paired with mutura or other street-food treats; widely available at markets and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Casual stalls offering samosas, bhajia (fried snacks), mandazi, roasted maize, and fresh fruit.
A bustling market with cheap snacks, fresh produce, and a chance to sample local street fare in a lively atmosphere.
Coastal street food with seafood sketches, coconut drinks, and spice-flavored snacks reflecting Swahili influences.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a handshake with eye contact; address elders with a respectful title (e.g., 'Bwana' or 'Mama'). Swahili greetings like 'Jambo' or 'Habari yako?' are appreciated.
Ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural communities or villages; a polite decline is common and respected.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at religious sites; lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for the climate.
Accept local hospitality with gratitude; bring small tokens when visiting communities if invited, and be mindful of local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Kenya
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, add 5–10% if service is not included. Safari guides, drivers, and porters commonly receive tips of a few dollars per service, depending on length and quality. Housekeeping and hotel staff may appreciate small daily tips.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and rural areas; credit/debit cards are common in hotels and many urban restaurants. Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency, though USD is frequently accepted in tourist hubs. ATMs are common in cities; carry some cash for rural areas and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Heavy showers in many regions; roads can become muddy, wildlife viewing can be excellent in drier habitats, and landscapes are lush. Pack a durable rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof footwear.
Intermittent showers, often afternoon or evening; good for birders and those seeking fewer crowds. Be prepared for occasional muddy routes and plan drives accordingly.
Excellent wildlife sightings with clearer skies and abundant game; mornings are cool, afternoons warm. This is a popular migration-watching period in the Mara.
Warm coastal climate with plenty of sunshine; ideal for beach stays and coastal activities. Coastal humidity increases in Mombasa and Lamu, but seas are generally calm.
Kenya at Night
Hiking in Kenya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude trekking with alpine scenery and challenging terrain; requires permits and guides.
Popular day hike near Nairobi offering expansive views of the city and plains below.
Accessible hiking through red cliffs and dramatic landscapes, with opportunities for cycling and photography.
Crater rim hike with scenic viewpoints overlooking a vast caldera; suitable for day trips from Nairobi.
Airports
How to reach Kenya by plane.
Main international gateway to Kenya; extensive domestic and international connections.
Coastal gateway with regional and some international flights; convenient for coastal stays.
Domestic flights hub for safaris and regional trips; small, efficient airfield near the city.
Gateway to western Kenya and Lake Victoria region; connects with major hubs.
Rift Valley gateway with regional connections and access to highland areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major groups include Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Maasai, and others, each with distinct cultures and languages.
Swahili and English are widely spoken; many communities also maintain their own local languages and dialects.
Christianity and Islam are the major faiths, with diverse religious practices across regions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Kenya is renowned for its world-class runners and distance events on global stages.
A major pastime with local leagues and national pride; matches draw large crowds.
Growing popularity with strong performances in regional and international tournaments.
A rising sport with dedicated fan bases and competitive domestic leagues.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kenyan vegetarian options are widely available: ugali with sukuma wiki, vegetable stews, chapati, and fresh fruit. Clearly communicate spice levels and possible cross-contamination in busy markets and street stalls.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kenya.