There’s More to Kenya Than Just Wildlife and Game Viewing
Find out why a visit to Kenya is far more than just a safari. The best place for wildlife and adventure! Deals and the top things to do in Kenya in 2024.
There’s more to Kenya than just wildlife and game viewing. In this blog, we answer all your FAQs about what to do in Kenya besides going on safari, the best time to go to Kenya, why tourists visit Kenya, and which holiday destinations they prefer. For many tourists, Kenya is the epitome of an African safari – but there’s more! Find out why tourists visit Kenya for more than a safari and why it’s the best place for wildlife and adventure! View our best deals for top things to do in Kenya in 2024.
The word ‘Kenya’ conjures up images of a lone thorn tree in a vast grassland at sunset, and 4×4 vehicles crossing the wilderness on safari with a handsome game ranger at the wheel. But wait, there’s so much to do in Kenya besides top safaris in world-famous national parks and game reserves. Kenya is a diverse country packed with fascinating cultures and incredible history, adventure activities, and wellness tourism.
Highlights of a Kenya Safari in 2024
Kenya is the best place for a wildlife safari in Africa according to seasoned travelers. Advantages for a successful Kenya safari in 2024 include:
- Easy sightings of the Big 5 in dreamy savannas, lone thorn trees posing against a burnished sky.
- Rural tribespeople herd their cattle in the bushveld where zebras and buffalo also roam.
- Luxury wilderness camps deep in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, and Amboseli National Park.
- The royal treatment in top-class canvas suites decorated in modern comforts with hot showers, warm beds, and solar lighting – as well as gourmet food, the best wines, and five-star service.
- Witness the Annual Wildebeest Migration from camps specifically established to get the best sightings of one of nature’s most miraculous wildlife phenomena.
- The country is easily accessible by air and more affordable than a similar experience in Tanzania.
Some Disadvantages of Game Viewing in Kenya
The main disadvantage of game viewing in Kenya is that there are simply too many tourists in season, all vying for a space in the game reserves to get the best sightings of the Big 5. Imagine seeing 50 vehicles roaring into a lion kill and everyone clambering for the best shot on cell phones, people shrieking, and game rangers caught between guests’ desires and wildlife needs. Ecotourism is about striking the balance between community needs, wildlife conservation, and tourist satisfaction.
Over-tourism is an enormous burden on natural resources so, thankfully, the ethics around wildlife tourism in East Africa are currently being revised. A Kenyan wildlife holiday should be a sustainable safari when the tour operator and the chosen accommodation support wildlife conservation, community upliftment, and ecosystem protection.
It’s up to you to choose a safari based on environmental education, connection to nature, and ethical game viewing. Avoid the crowds on your next Kenya tour when you go out-of-season and off the beaten track to places where the mainstream tourists don’t go: Tsavo Plains, Mount Kenya National Park, the Great Rift Valley’s conservancies and lakes, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Rhino Sanctuary in the Laikipia Highlands.
Sustainable Tourism is Responsible Travel
Top Things to Do in Kenya
If you are wondering why tourists go to Kenya, read our top things to do in Kenya here.
- Join Conservation Efforts: Visit Rhino Ark, an NGO dedicated to the threats facing Kenya’s Black Rhino population in the Aberdare ecosystem, especially rampant poaching. From the construction of electric fences to protecting the entire Aberdare Conservation Area, Rhino Ark also preserves Kenya’s vital mountain forests. The annual Rhino Charge offroad 4×4 competition raises crucial funds while tourists have fun and communities benefit.
- Discover Beautiful Beaches: Kenya’s idyllic coast and mesmerizing lakes are worth a few days of decadent relaxation. Vibrant Mombasa is a captivating blend of Muslim Swahili culture and rich culinary traditions and, from there, travel inland to the highlands and the famous colonial tea plantations. Photograph the breathtaking pink flamingos feeding on the shores of Lake Nakuru within Nakuru National Park. The most famous lake in the country, Lake Victoria, is the world’s largest tropical lake and a scenic wonder.
- Discover New Cultures: Kenya’s diverse communities and tribal traditions are central to cultural tourism in superb East Africa. From the iconic Maasai and their vibrant traditions to the resilient Samburu in their colorful beads, each community is an intricate part of the beauty of Kenya. Experience the warmth of Kenyan hospitality as you sample traditional food and explore vibrant marketplaces brimming with indigenous crafts.
- Nairobi Nightlife: Kenya’s economic and political epicenter, Nairobi is the pulsating gateway to some of the best national parks and game reserves in Africa. Bustling with locals and tourists alike, Nairobi offers a wide range of accommodations from international hotel chains to charming guest houses and resorts. At the renowned Giraffe Manor, you can feed giraffes from your windows and breakfast plates. After sunset, explore the nightlife scene – bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Other Adventures in Kenya – more than just wildlife!
- Hiking Expeditions: Climb Mt. Kenya, hiking splendid valleys, equatorial glaciers, and a towering summit if you can. Conquer Point Lenana, the mountain’s third-highest peak reachable without specialized climbing equipment, for an unforgettable experience.
- Mountain Biking Fun: Traverse the volcanic trails of Hell’s Gate National Park or try a guided cycle safari in the grasslands of the Masai Mara. The single-track routes of Mt. Kenya or the Rift Valley, the coastal roads of Diani Beach, Malindi, and Watamu are all worth the ride.
- Diving and Snorkeling: A mesmerizing underwater world teems with vibrant marine life from the colorful reefs of Watamu Marine National Park to the enchanting Galu Reef.
- Hot-Air Balloon Floats: See Kenya’s savanna from a unique perspective as you soar above the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon and observe herds of wildebeest during the Great Migration from above.
- Camel Safaris: Wander Samburu and Turkana community tribal areas, witnessing nomadic life firsthand on tall camels led by experienced guides.
Colorful communities and cultures in Kenya
All Your Kenya Holiday FAQs Answered
-
When is the best time to go to Kenya?
The best time to go to Kenya is during the dry season from January through February and from July to October. The weather tends to be hot and cool while the months of November, December, and April through June mark the short and long rainy seasons. The best window period for visiting Kenya is from June to October when there is minimal rainfall and moderate daytime temperatures. The best game viewing conditions fall between January and the end of March.
-
How much does it cost to go on a safari tour to Kenya?
In Kenya, safaris offering basic accommodations and minimal amenities generally start at around $200 per person per day. For a mid-range safari experience with more comfortable lodging, prices range between $350 and $400 per person per day. A luxurious safari with high-end accommodations can cost from $600 to $1,000 per person per day. Add to this international flights, visa fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, and other incidental expenses.
-
Is Kenya better than Tanzania for an African holiday?
Both Kenya and Tanzania stand out as superior wildlife destinations, home to millions of wild animals, including the iconic Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. The Tanzanian Serengeti hosts the annual Great Migration, and Kenya offers the Masai Mara. Kenya tends to be more budget-friendly for travelers to East Africa due to its extensive transport infrastructure, including more flights, hotels, and safari camps. If time permits only one destination, travelers must prioritize either cost or experience. For an unforgettable wildlife adventure without budget constraints, Tanzania is best but Kenya is close behind and a bit cheaper! Plan a combined tour to factor it all in.
Choose a family safari in Kenya or Tanzania
-
What should I pack for a holiday in Kenya?
Knowing what to pack for a holiday in Kenya depends on where you are going, how long you are going for, and when you plan to travel. Kenya’s diverse geography, ranging from the Masai Mara and Mount Kenya to Mombasa and Lamu beaches, means that climate conditions change a lot. Travel as lightly as possible for easier transport and pack a day bag for essentials like water, a camera, snacks, mobile phones, and personal documents. It’s wise to pack both warm and cool clothing in neutral colors such as khaki, green, beige, and brown to blend in during game drives and walks. Don’t forget memory cards, chargers, batteries, headlamps, and adaptor plugs!
-
What can I do in Kenya for a week?
A week or seven days in Kenya is a whirlwind tour of the best sights on the map. It all depends on whether you want to see wildlife, beaches, forests or cities. A combination of these is possible and an all-inclusive tour is best to save you time and stress. We recommend a few days in the Masai Mara, a few days in Amboseli, and more days in Mount Kenya National Park. This is where you get to see wild animals up close and splendid views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Next up is the Great Rift Valley and exciting birding in Nakuru National Park, then meet the Maasai and Samburu tribes in Samburu Game Reserve. So much to see in and do in such a short time, and make sure you start and end your tour in Nairobi to engage with the city vibe!