What To Do In Kenya Besides Safari: 15 Top Itinerary Items
Wondering what to do in Kenya besides safari? I travel in Africa every chance I get, and I love to get to know all of the country I’m in.
So I’m always on the lookout for activities that aren’t safari.
Things like beaches, city nightlife, and cultural activities. Below I’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Kenya other than safari, and there are many!
For example, Kenya is a coastal country that lies on the Indian Ocean. There are beaches and water sports galore.
And on Lake Victoria, on Kenya’s western border, you’ll find attractions like botanical gardens and archeological sites. Plus, there are even more water sports.
There are also nearly 4,000 named mountains in Kenya, including Mount Kenya! Many of these offer hiking, climbing, and biking opportunities for days. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Kenya.
Even apart from nature’s wonders, urbanites can find all kinds of Kenya activities to make them happy. Activities like shopping, museums, markets, nightlife… the list goes on.
And if that isn’t enough, Kenya is the site of the extreme 4 x 4 off-road competition, The Rhino Charge. It raises funds that go towards the support of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems.
Seaside resorts, luxurious spas, modern shopping malls, and first-class restaurants – Kenya really does have something for every person and every mood. I can never get enough.
Let’s jump in and explore Kenya!
💲CURRENCY:
Kenyan Shilling
🌤️ Best Time to Visit:
July-September
🔌 Electricity: Plugin Type G;
240V & 50 Hz
Things To Do In Kenya Besides Safari
Hike, Climb, Cycle, & Camp the Great Rift Valley
Hiking in Kenya has to be one of the best things to do in Africa beyond safari. There are trails and hills in Kenya suitable for all ages and abilities.
A great many of these lie in the incredible Great Rift Valley, in western Kenya.
1. Hike Or Cycle Through Hell’s Gate National Park,
South of Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is an ideal place for hiking, cycling and camping. These are absolutely must-do Kenya activities.
Hell’s Gate is an amazing volcanic gorge where there are no predators, so no worries about being eaten.
There is an entry fee, and current prices can be found on the Kenya Wildlife Services Website.
Bicycles can be rented, or you can go on foot. There’s no better way to see Hell’s Gate than to leave the car behind and see the terrain up close.
I’m always surprised at how different everything looks from the ground!
If you decide to rent a bike, it’s a good idea to give yours a little test drive before you ride away. Just to make sure everything’s working. It’s also best to wait until you get into the park to rent.
You can hire a guide, who you will pay separately, or venture out on your own.
There are also several great guided options available by clicking here, where you’ll have everything taken care of for you. You just have to show up!
Be sure to start out early, so you don’t run out of time. Even though the park is only 68 square km, you’ll find a lot to do here.
See if you can find Pride Rock, of Lion King fame!
🐒 A word of warning regarding the baboons and vervet monkeys in the park. They may look cute, but if given the opportunity, they WILL steal your food.
Protect what’s yours, and by all means, do NOT feed them.
Instead of bringing snacks with you, try the restaurant nearby, where you can enjoy some delicious local dishes, monkey-free.
Even though no carnivores are found in the Park, there are a lot of animals in the area. Giraffes, eland, zebra, and warthogs, to name a few. There are also more than 100 species of birds nesting there.
It’s a surreal feeling to walk past giraffes and zebras, and to watch the warthogs kneel to graze right in front of you.
The scenery here is spectacular. Even more so than it is when you see it from a car or the back of a Land Cruiser.
2. Rock Climb at Fischer’s Tower
If you’re after something a little more challenging while you’re in Hells Gate, try some rock climbing!
The amazing Fischer’s Tower is a popular climbing spot in the park, created millions of years ago by lava shooting up 75m through a fissure in the earth. Fischer’s Tower’s Crescent Moon climbing route is a favourite!
How Hell’s Gate Got Its Name
Hell’s Gate was named for the billows of steam. It’s from the intense geothermal activity in the area rising from the enormous rift in the red rock.
This activity now heats a geothermal spa called the Olkaria Spa. You can give your muscles a good soak after a day of activity.
Hell’s Gate Park is about 2.5 hours, or 126 km, from Nairobi. The climate in the Valley tends to be mild, averaging around 28° C.
It is cooler in the early morning, though!
The floor is usually dry, with the higher elevations getting around 750 mm/year of rainfall. Be sure to take some water with you in a refillable bottle.
The Great Rift Valley also has opportunities for hiking and biking at Mt. Longonot and Ngong Hills.
3. Climb or Hike Mount Kenya
And don’t forget about the spectacular Mount Kenya.
This is Africa’s second-highest mountain, smaller only than the famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Mount Kenya has 3 main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. Of the 3, Batian is the highest at 5,199 metres, or 17,057 feet.
The mountain is actually a 3-million-year-old volcano, and was covered by an ice cap for a large portion of that time. The ice cap softened Mount Kenya’s peak and created many valleys that trail down the sides of the slope.
Today 11 small glaciers still remain, a rare sight so close to the equator.
In 1997, an area around the middle of Mount Kenya, about 715 km², or 276 miles², was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This same area was also declared a national park.
Mount Kenya is a favourite of climbers and hikers. The majority of people choose Point Lenana, as it’s the highest of the peaks that can be summited by hiking, with no training or technical climbing skills.
It can take about 3 days to reach Point Lenana, and there are bunkhouses to spend the night.
There are several routes up to the main peaks of Mount Kenya, and camps for those who take them. Mount Kenya is definitely another must-do Kenya activity.
Believe me, this is just a drop in the bucket of Kenya activities – Kenya is full of hiking and climbing opportunities!
There are many nature trails close to Nairobi as well. They’re a great way to spend any downtime you have there.
Visit Kenya’s Beaches
Spoiler Alert: they’re spectacular!
🤿 Water Sports – Diving, Snorkelling, Rafting, Fishing…
There are some beautiful beaches in Kenya for shaking off the heat and spending some time in the water. Snorkelling in Kenya is a great way for anyone to enjoy the marine world.
And if you’re PADI certified for SCUBA diving you’ll find an underwater paradise. If you’re not certified but would like to be, you can do that here too.
Once you’ve spent a little time at the beaches of Kenya, you’ll never again wonder what to do in Kenya besides safari!
4. Kayak Diani Beach
🐠 Diani Beach is a resort town about 30 km south of Mombasa. Because of its great watersport opportunities, it’s one of many people’s favourite places in Kenya.
This urban area is home to about 100,000 inhabitants – as well as 4 islands:
- Chale Island is a popular spot for kayaking, motorboating and fishing.
- Robinson’s Island is submerged at high tide. But otherwise, it’s a haven for snorkellers and glass-bottom boat operators
- Funzi Island is actually a collection of 4 small islands. It’s Kenya’s best nesting site for green sea turtles. Funzi is also home to the Shirazi tribe, known for their fishing and ocean-related skills. The people of the tribe offer crocodile excursions and cultural tours of their village.
- Wasini Island has no carts, carts, or bicycles – foot traffic only. It is the most unspoiled of Diani’s islands.
The best time to visit Diani Beach Kenya is between October and March when visibility is the best.
5. Dive Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve
🐠 Off the south coast of Wisini is the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve. It was established to protect the marine animals endemic to these waters.
The park is located 6 km off Kenya’s southern coast and is comprised of 4 small islands connected by a coral reef.
This stunning marine park is one of the best areas for diving and snorkelling in Kenya. You’ll find sea turtles and hawksbills, dolphins. There are also over 250 species of fish swimming around these little islands, and 56 species of coral.
And from July to October, humpback whales can be spotted along the Kenya coast.
Whale-watching cruises are great places to see dolphins, too.
Deep-sea fishing is another favourite pastime in Kisite Mpunguti. All the gear you need can be hired right in the park.
The park can be accessed by dhow from Diani Beach or you could hire a private boat in Wasini. Fees and info are at the KWS site.
6. Explore the History of the Lamu Archipelago
🐡 Lamu Island is a popular destination for those interested in the history of the area, as well as for beachgoers.
Lamu is the largest island in the archipelago, and it’s full of Kenya fun.
Before achieving independence along with the rest of Kenya in 1963, Lamu had been inhabited by different intruders. Since the 14th century, the island has played host to Arabs, Persians, Indians, and indigenous Kenyans.
Today we still see a unique and lovely mixture of the stone architecture left behind by these cultures, together with remnants of the original Swahili heritage.
All this in a tropical island paradise exists with only footpaths and alleyways, donkeys and dhows.
That’s right, no motorized vehicles.
Come to Lamu to experience the culture and history, taste the delicious local dishes, or visit the idyllic Shela Beach.
7. Snorkel Malindi & Watamu Marine National Parks
🐢 Watamu means “Home of the sweet people”. But as lovely as the people of Kenya are, people most often visit these parks for the snorkelling.
There are also great windsurfing, waterskiing, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Watamu is an importing breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles, and chances of spotting one or two are good!
There are also giant manta rays, rare dugongs, and more than 500 other species of marine life in these waters.
Malinda is also the site of the famous Gedi Ruins – more on that later.
You can find park fees and other information for both parks on the Kenya Wildlife Service website.
8. White Water Rafting in Sagana
🛶 Kenya even has some great spots for white water rafting, if you need an adrenalin rush. Sagana and the famous Sagana River are the foremost spots for this adventure. Don’t miss out!
Sagana is a small town in the central part of Kenya. The Tana River, the longest river in Kenya, and the Sagana Rivers are the centers of activity.
If you’ve never been, white water rafting is an epic adventure! Or take a river rafting excursion and enjoy the scenery, do some bird watching, and take a ride through the “Rhinoceros Buttocks”.
Bungee jumping, ziplining, and a host of other activities are also available in Sagana.
9. Fishing in Lake Victoria
🐠 The town of Kisumu, the third-largest city in Kenya, is the centre of most of the fun here on Lake Victoria.
Swimming isn’t recommended, but you have the choice of fishing for tilapia and giant Nile perch, sailing, or going for a relaxing lake cruise.
Explore Kenya’s Fascinating History
10. Visit the Lamu Fort and Museum
These are in the square of Old Lamu Town, down the street from each other.
The fort was built by the Sultan of Oman in 1821, for his soldiers. The museum was once the residence of Queen Victoria’s representative in Lamu.
Swahili culture is depicted here through relics, a typical Swahili home, as well as artworks and photos.
11. See the Gedi Ruins
Located in Malindi, home of the Malindi Marine National Park. Gedi is a mysterious ancient city.
Built in the 13th century and abandoned for unknown reasons, it was found buried deep in the tropical forest in 1884.
Despite its ancient beginnings, the city was found to have modern niceties such as infrastructure and indoor plumbing.
It also has a mosque and houses with bricks made from coral. The foreign artifacts found in the structures deepened the mystery.
This is definitely a must-see in Kenya.
12. Tour the Fort Jesus Museum
One of the most famous landmarks in Kenya, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century.
It’s also considered to be the best-preserved example of Portuguese military architecture from that time period. Find it in Mombasa.
In what is now Mombasa, the fort changed hands 9 times over the years, before the Portuguese recaptured it. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
And apparently, the fort takes on the shape of a man when viewed from above. I don’t have proof of that though 🙂.
13. Check Out the Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya is a cultural centre about 10 km from Nairobi. Boma is the Swahili word for enclosure or homestead.
Here the word refers to the villages that are built to represent different tribal groups of Kenya.
Though it is definitely a tourist attraction, it’s a really fun experience, with traditional song and dance, as well as arts and crafts.
Urban Fun
If you’re still wondering what to do in Kenya besides safari, have a look at what its cities can offer! Exploring its urban life is another of my favourite ways to get to know Africa.
14. Get to Know Nairobi 🏛
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and its largest city. It was also the headquarters during British rule.
Historical and otherwise, there are SO many fun things to do in Nairobi.
✔️ Head to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, or KICC
Climb to the top, and you’ll have a bird’s eye view of Nairobi to get the lay of the land. It costs a few dollars to get to the top, but the impressive views are worth it and more.
✔️ I’d also recommend stopping at the Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. You can get up close and personal, feeding the Rothschild giraffes from your hands – or your lips!
It gives local children, as well as travellers, a chance to learn about Kenyan wildlife. What’s more, you can get a photo of yourself having your face licked by the tallest animal in the world!
✔️ Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is the place to go in the city if you’d like to learn more about the history and culture of Kenyans.
There are several Mosques, temples and cathedrals if you’d like to explore the religious architecture of the country.
✔️ The Karen Blixen Museum
Considered by many to be one of the top things to see in Nairobi is the Karen Blixen Museum. Found on Karen Road in Nairobi, the museum is where, where the Danish author had a coffee plantation.
Her book “Out Of Africa” is based on her memories of the 17 years she spent here. Anyone who’s a fan of the book or the movie will be fascinated by this collection of memories.
✔️ The 7D Cinema
If you have a rainy evening in Nairobi, you can check out the 7D Cinema at Thika Road Mall.
If you’ve never heard of this, the draw is that you can feel the various physical effects as they happen in the movie. You can feel wind and movement.
Fill up on movie popcorn. Then check out one of the many popular bars and nightclubs in the northwest part of the city.
✔️ The K1 Klubhouse
K1 Klubhouse, on Ojijo Road, is a favourite. You can listen to great music while you try out their delicious selection of African and Indonesian dishes.
✔️ Check out the shops
Once you’ve eaten your fill, check out the shops. Shoppers will love the variety of stores to be found in the capital city.
If you’d like to peruse hand-made housewares, wander around the furniture-making district in the Ngong Road area.
If you love a good open-air market, take your pick of the fantastic ones here.
If you’re in the mood to nose around a shopping mall, Nairobi has you covered – try Two-Rivers Mall in the Ruaka neighbourhood.
15. Hang Out In Mombasa 🏛
Known as the blue and white city of Kenya, Mombasa is Kenya’s biggest port. It’s also a fascinating city, and worth spending a couple of days in.
A world away from Nairobi in terms of the vibe, the coralline-island city is an exotic blending of the many cultures that circle the Indian Ocean.
✔️ Fort Jesus Museum
Mombasa is where the Fort Jesus Museum is located.
✔️ Old Town
Check out the Arabic-influenced Old Town for the fun and unique local markets and marvel at the ancient architecture.
✔️ Beaches
If you could use a little sun therapy, the island beaches are waiting for you.
Tiwi Beach is a peaceful spot. If you’d like a little more action – maybe skydiving? Diani Beach can provide that for you.
✔️ Bombolulu Workshops
If you love a good cultural centre, Bombolulu Workshops will be right up your alley. Bomboluluis a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya.
They have entertainment in the form of tribal dance performances in the cultural center. You can also purchase hand-made crafts, and get a taste of Kenyan life in the on-site traditional homesteads.
Afterwards, enjoy a Kenyan-inspired meal at their restaurant.
Ten Quick Facts About Kenya 🇰🇪
1. Population: 50 million.
2. Home to 42 tribal groups.
3. More than 60 languages are spoken.
4. National Languages – Swahili & English.
5. Capital city Nairobi – once the capital of British East Africa.
6. Home of the Rhino Charge, an annual off-road motorsport competition.
7. Nyama Choma with Ugali – roasted goat meat and cornmeal porridge – is considered by many to be the national dish.
8. The setting for “Out of Africa”, the true story of author Karen Blixen, aka. Isak Dinesen’s 17 yrs living in Kenya.
9. The top safari destination in Africa.
10. Most important export – coffee.
Where should I go after safari in Kenya?
I recommend heading straight for Funzi Island at Diani Beach. Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and take a look at the amazing underwater wildlife. Once you come up for air, there’s a lot to see in the area.
What do people in Kenya do for fun?
People in Kenya enjoy many of the same things that people in other places do. Sports for example – soccer, cricket, basketball, and martial arts.
There are also casinos, racetracks, and of course, escape rooms!
How many days do you need for a safari in Kenya?
In order to have the best experience and a great overview of Kenya’s epic wildlife, take at least 4 days and 3 nights for your safari in Kenya. If you can, take a 7-day, 6-night trip or longer.
What is the best month to visit Kenya?
If you’re going to see the wildlife or take part in the other great outdoor activities that Kenya has to offer, the dry season of July through September is best.
If you’d like to save money, avoid crowds, and enjoy the astounding birdlife, September through April is your sweet spot.
You’ll find everything you need to pack and plan for your epic trip to Africa. What you won’t find on those 2 pages, check out our resource page. Then you’re all set!
Map of Kenya
Summing It Up – What to Do in Kenya Besides Safari
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya and looking for activities beyond the typical wildlife safaris, you’re in for a treat. The above is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stuff to do in Kenya.
If you do come out for a safari, I hope you have at least a bit of extra time. Explore a few of the other, lesser-known things to do in Kenya, Africa.
If you’re lucky, it’s more than a little time, because once you start getting to know Kenya, you won’t want to leave!
Happy travels!
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