07 October 2020
Rutika D
5 min read
Kenya is filled to the brim with different activities and attractions. From mountain climbing and hiking to watching whales breaching and indulging in some water sports, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
1. Go on a Safari
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The first thing that comes to mind when the East African country is mentioned is a safari. The Masai Mara National Reserve is especially known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of herbivores travel between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania. As predators trail behind hoping to catch stragglers, this migration creates the perfect opportunity to observe the circle of life. Don’t forget to check out the 8 Things to Know Before you Visit the Masai Mara.
The wide range of habitats, including forests, wetlands and savannahs, help accommodate many different species of animals. Big predators like lions can often be spotted resting underneath the shade of trees in the afternoon, while zebras and antelopes stay away and graze, always on high alert.
Tourist on a safari, Image Source: Go2Africa.Com
2. Climb the Highest Peaks of Kenya
If long stretches of savannah and arid habitats don’t satisfy your thirst for adventure, consider scaling the highest mountain in Kenya, second tallest of Africa (losing to Kilimanjaro). Mount Kenya is a surprisingly uncrowded stratovolcano. You can pretty much guarantee the mountain for you and your party during your trip.
There are 3 main routes to choose from, all of which provide guided tours. The 3 peaks of the mountain vary in difficulty, with the second tallest, Nelion, being the hardest and the lowest, Lenana, being the easiest.
The habitats on this mountain are rings of forests near the base which turn into rocky paths and snow as you go higher. The alpine fauna endemic to this great mountain include rock hyraxes and plants such as deep-sea blue lobelias.
Climbing Mount Kenya, Image Source: AdventureConsultants.Com
3. Explore the Kenyan Coastline
Kenya has many beaches lining its shore: small quiet ones which have the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset, large ones where hyped up parties are often hosted, ones which have the most ideal spot to go scuba diving and admire the gorgeous splash of colour provided by the vibrant marine creatures and coral reefs, or ones where the waves are just perfect for some surfing!
Whatever beach activity you hoped to do can easily be accomplished many times over in Kenya.
Kenyan Beach, Image Source: DiscoverAfrica.Com
4. Stand in Awe of Fort Jesus
One of the most remarkable things about this structure is how some of its walls are still standing despite being built in the late 16th century. Nestled in Mombasa, it was built at the order of the King Phillip the 1st of Portugal and designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati. Its museum, appropriately named Fort Jesus Museum, contains many artifacts and portraits of important historical figures such as royalty. History geeks will love the museum as it is filled with fun facts and information on the culture and lifestyle of the people who lived there more than a few centuries ago.
Fort Jesus Mombasa, Image Source: TheTreasureBlog.Wordpress.Com
5. Fly Over the Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo National Park, the biggest protected area in Kenya, is split into two parts, Tsavo West and Tsavo East. The Eastern side is known for its red dusted land where elephants like to cool down and the Galana River, which attracts lots of animals and makes it easier to spot and view different species. Another perk of visiting the eastern branch is to hop onto a small plane and fly over the African terrain, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the rolling plains and open savannah, with trees and animals dotting the landscape.
Elephants at Tsavo National Park, Image Source: MatadorNetwork.Com
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Kenya and have an adventurous vacation!