Awesome Bucket List Experiences in Kenya You Will Love
Kenya is a popular tourist destination with main attractions including breathtaking safaris, hiking, and beautiful beaches on the Kenyan coast. But did you know there is so much more to do in Kenya? In this article, we’ll go over bucket list experiences in Kenya you will love and should add to your Kenya must-visit list.
Let’s dive into it!
Stay at the Giraffe Manor
A luxury boutique hotel located a few minutes south of Nariobi city center. The giraffe Manor is a traveler’s dream destination. Built in 1932 by Sir David Duncan, the hotel sits on a 61 ha. piece of land and is home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes.
The experience here is very unique, calming, and something you’ll only experience here in Kenya. At the hotel can have breakfast while feeding the giraffes, take walks around the hotel, interact with giraffes, and take in the beautiful views of nature around the hotel.
Unfortunately, Giraffe Manor doesn’t offer day tours. To experience all this and more, you have to stay at the hotel. The hotel is small with only 12 bedrooms which are booked months in advance.
If this is beyond your budget, you can visit the giraffe center located a few minutes away from the Manor. The experiences differ but you get to feed giraffes, kiss a Rothschild’s giraffe and take beautiful photos.
Stay at Sasaab lodge
A sister hotel to the giraffe Manor, Sasaab lodge is located in Samburu county in northern Kenya. This tented luxury safari camp gives visitors a taste of luxury in the wild. A very romantic destination 🙂
Enjoy a pool day at the infinity pool while watching wildlife (such as elephants) roaming in their natural habitat. On the horizon are beautiful mountains and hills presenting beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Besides the amazing views from the hotel, there are a lot of activities to take part in. These include quad bike riding, going on safaris, and visiting the local tribes in Sasaab among others.
Unique wildlife you will see while taking a safari in Samburu include Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Gerenuk antelope.
While this is a luxury lodge, the experience, and views are all worth it. Capture memories at the very Instagram-able spots. My favorite spot is at the pool with a gorgeous natural backdrop.
Hike Mount Ololokwe
Another bucket list experience you don’t want to miss in Kenya, especially when traveling to northern Kenya. An awesome camping spot!
Located in Samburu county this gigantic rock mountain is one you should definitely hike. The mountain is considered holy by the local Samburu communities. Towering the Samburu plains at 2,00 meters high with spectacular views, gorgeous cliffs, and Instagrammable spots. The hikes are guided by armed local police to keep you safe from any hostile groups.
The views of the mountain from the road are as picture-perfect as from above.
Samburu is definitely an underrated destination in Kenya. Not many tourists visit this part of the country and many don’t even know of its existence. Despite being a dry region, Samburu county has many beautiful safari lodges, is a great destination to learn about the Samburu culture, and is a road trip-worthy destination.
Go on a Safari
You can’t mention bucket list experiences in Kenya and not mention a Safari.
Safaris or Game drives as they are popularly known in Kenya come in different packages. The most affordable safari you can take in Kenya is one at the Nairobi National park. With shorter grounds to cove, this is a good starting point as it is located in Nairobi. Also if you have a few days in Kenya this is a convenient option.
Experience the Great Migration
One of the seven wonders of the world. A must experience in Kenya.
The top tier and bucket list safaris happen outside of Naiobi with Maasai Mara topping the list. The best time to witness this wonder happening in the Maasai Mara safari is from late June to early November. Also known as the great migration season.
Over 1 million wildebeests migrate into Maasai Mara(Kenya) from the Serengeti (Tanzania) for greener pastures. This is a dangerous journey for them as they must escape the hungry crocodiles in the Mara River and other predators hunting close by.
Air Balloon Tour In Maasai Mara
While at the Maasai Mara, experience the views from above by taking an air balloon tour. Just like safaris, air balloon tours are done early morning. At this time you can see more animals as they tend to hide as the temperatures rise during the day.
The Beaches
Few people visit Kenya for the beaches, many people go for safaris and hikes. The Kenyan coastal region has very beautiful beaches, hotels, beach resorts, and diverse culture, and history.
Visit the white sandy beaches in Diani, Malindi, Mombasa, and Kilifi just to mention a few. While it’s hotter in the coastal region compared to Nairobi, the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean are great for cooling down.
Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and boat rides in the Indian ocean. You will find both private and public beaches in Kenya.
Visit Lamu
Lamu town is worth a mention as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. This coastal town is rich in history from as early as the 12th century. The streets of Lamu have rich Swahili, Indian, and Arabian influences. From the buildings to the cuisine, you will feel like you have traveled from Kenya into another era or to a different part of the world.
The narrow streets have a lot of resemblance to Stone Town in Tanzania. Besides touring the Old Town in Lamu make sure to visit the beautiful beaches here as well.
Adopt a baby elephant
For only 50 USD you can adopt an elephant at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The trust serves as a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos before they are reintroduced back into the wild. Located in Nairobi, this is a beautiful place to visit with kids and connect with the elephants.
Besides the beautiful experience, you will have here, you get a certificate for your adoption. For follow-ups, you will be receiving monthly updates on your adoptee regardless of your location.
Hike Mount Kenya
Do you love hiking? Summit Mt. Kenya, the tallest mountain in Kenya and the second tallest in Africa.
The mountain is located in central Kenya, with access from different towns such as Mru, Embu, and Nyeri. There are several peaks on the mountain the highest being Batian at above 17,00 ft.
Due to its height, the hike takes a few days before reaching the peak. This helps the hikers adjust to the changing altitudes and hike safely, so plan accordingly. Summits are guided by mountain guides.
Other things you can do while visiting mount Kenya include, taking a helicopter tour over the mountain or going on a game drive in the Mount Kenya National Park.
Visit and stay at Amboseli National Park
Located in Kajiado county, Amboseli National Park is a must-visit not only for the wildlife but also for the scenery.
From Amboseli, you are blessed with spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and endless landscapes of savannah grasslands. If staying at the tented lodges located a few meters from the park you might be lucky to spot the snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro from your tent. Sometimes the clouds hide the peak but keep checking early mornings and in the evenings.
You can do a self-drive through the park or go on a guided tour. Prices will vary depending on which you pick. Inside the park, there is a beautiful viewpoint where you can have a sundowner or just relax and enjoy the vast savannah grasslands presented before you.
Visit The Maasai village
While visiting Maasai Mara, spare some time and visit the Maasai village. A great place to learn about the Kenyan Maasai tribe. One of the tribes that continue to uphold their traditions and have gained popularity and recognition far and beyond.
At the village, you can buy beaded souvenirs, see the Maasai houses and learn more about this culture.
Tour Hells Gate
A popular tourist destination in Kenya worth visiting. Hells Gate National Park is part of the Great Rift valley, with breathtaking gorges and landscapes to explore. A major tourist attraction is the breathtaking gorges at Hells gate. (Unfortunately, this part of the park remains closed since 2019)
Other activities at Hells Gate include rock climbing, biking, and game drives in the park. While the wildlife distribution in the park isn’t very diverse you will sport different wild animals while riding your bike.
Note: Due to the 2019 flash floods that claimed several lives in the lower gorges of Hells gate, this beautiful part of the park remains closed. I will update once the gorges are open for visitors to explore.
Read More: Hells Gate National Park, Kenya – Your Ultimate Guide
Take a dip in Olkaria natural spa
Another less talked about attraction in Hells Gate is the natural spa located a few meters from the park’s entrance.
Since there is a lot of geothermal activity going on inside the park, hot water is pumped into the Olkaria geothermal spa. The water is very beneficial to the skin and it’s a cool place to relax after touring Hells Gate National Park.
Explore Nairobi
A lot of tourist activities happen outside of Nairobi city center. Many tourists simply move by it to their destinations. Nairobi has over 20 galleries and museums you can explore during the day. Museums are a great place to learn about Kenyan history and also view art exhibitions.
Unlike other cities in the world where tourists go to see historical landmarks, and sculptures, in Nairobi you have to know exactly what you are looking for. The museums are easy to miss in the middle of the bustling city.
If you are up for a challenge you can also visit the local markets such as Kariakor, Maasai, and the City markets among others. These are great places to buy souvenirs, there’s a wide selection of items and a perfect place to test your bargaining skills. 🙂
