If you grew up watching National Geographic, a trip to Africa is likely the ultimate dream. Kenya is a place where that dream came alive. I imagined Kenya as the land of great safaris, but when I finally set foot in this East African country, it turned out to be so much more. Beyond the spectacular wildlife, I discovered rich culture and history, mouth-watering food, and pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Kenya whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a culture seeker, a beach lover, or a foodie. Bookmark this Kenya itinerary for your next adventure!
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Best things to do in Kenya for culture lovers: Nairobi, the gateway to Kenya
My African adventure kicked off in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. With just 24 hours in the city, I was determined to soak in as much of its cultural offerings. I began day 1 of my Kenya itinerary with a visit to the Nairobi National Museum, a perfect starting point to dive into the country’s rich history and heritage. Wandering through the exhibits, I was captivated by the stories of Kenya as the cradle of humankind and its myriad ethnic communities. The museum’s wildlife dioramas were a preview of the safari adventures that lay ahead.
Next, I headed to the Giraffe Centre, a conservation site for the endangered Rothschild giraffes, 19 km southwest of the city centre. Located near the famous Giraffe Manor, this budget-friendly alternative offers a chance to get up close, feed the giraffes, and snap some Instagram-worthy shots — all for just USD 15 (HKD 116.60). It was one of the highlights of my time in Nairobi. Nearby, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage provides a heartwarming view of rescued baby elephants and rhinos. Be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly!
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For an early lunch, I settled at an iconic Nairobi restaurant, Carnivore. As a meat lover, dining here is one of the top things to do in Kenya. The restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat Nyama Choma or grilled meats ranging from juicy beef and poultry to exotic choices like crocodile and ostrich meatballs.
With renewed energy, I ventured 10 km outside Nairobi to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned Danish author of Out of Africa. Touring her 1917 estate, I glimpsed into her life managing a coffee farm during the colonial era. The preserved rooms and personal artefacts painted a vivid picture of her experiences in Kenya. Afterwards, I enjoyed a cup of Kenyan coffee at the on-site café — a must-try given Kenya’s reputation for producing some of the finest coffee in the world.
As the sun set, I made my way to Bomas of Kenya, my final stop in Nairobi. Here, I spent the evening immersed in vibrant cultural performances showcasing Africa’s diverse tribes. With over 3,000 tribes across the continent, these performances provided a glimpse into Africa’s rich heritage. Later, I strolled through the traditional huts in the open-air museum, rounding off my cultural explorations on an eventful day.
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Best things to do in Kenya for wildlife: Safaris in Masai, Amboseli and Nakuru
No Kenya itinerary is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring wildlife, and my journey took me to three of the country’s most iconic parks, each offering its unique experience.
I left Nairobi early on day 2 of my Kenya itinerary, heading towards Lake Nakuru National Park, about 160 km away. Along the way, I paused at a viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley—a dramatic landscape shaped by tectonic forces over millions of years, slowly splitting the African Plate into the Nubian and Somali Plates. In Nakuru, I checked into my hotel and set off on an evening safari. The park is renowned for its rhinos and vibrant birdlife, including flocks of flamingos around the lake. Surrounded by lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hippos, it felt like stepping into another world, just a few kilometres from the capital.
On day 3, I ventured to the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, 220 km south. Over the next two days, I was captivated by the sight of majestic animals roaming the plains — scenes so vivid they felt like a live-action version of The Lion King. The abundance of lions, cheetahs, buffalo, ostriches, and elephants heightened the magic. My August visit coincided with the annual wildebeest migration — a spectacle often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Despite the stories, nothing could truly prepare me for the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mara.
On day 5, I travelled to Amboseli National Park, roughly 400 km southeast. Known as the land of giants, Amboseli is famous for its herds of African elephants moving gracefully across the plains. The real magic happens when the clouds part, revealing the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The sight of these gentle giants with Africa’s highest peak in the background is nothing short of breathtaking!
With Amboseli, my time in the wild came to a close, and I was ready to trade the savannahs for the sandy beaches of the coast.
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Exploring Kenya’s coast: Beach Bliss in Diani
Most visitors head home after their safaris, but skipping Kenya’s coast would be a major oversight in your itinerary. The beaches here are a dream, with pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. After my safari adventures, I took a short flight from Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip, landing in Diani along the Indian Ocean. For the next four days, Diani Beach was my slice of paradise. My days were blissfully lazy — lounging on sunbeds with a good book and a chilled Tusker beer, only interrupted by refreshing swims in the ocean and stunning sunsets.
One afternoon, I discovered a no-frills beach shack, Colobus Shade, which quickly became a favourite for its simple, yet exceptional seafood. The grilled lobsters and tafi (rabbitfish) paired with coconut rice and tomato chutney were so delicious I could have easily returned for more, and all for just INR 900 (HKD 83.30).
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For a more indulgent experience, I visited the unique Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, set inside a natural coral cave estimated to be over 120,000 years old. Dining under the stars in this ancient setting, I savoured a hot and cold seafood platter with the freshest oysters, lobsters and octopus.
Seeking adventure, I took a day trip to Wasini Island. After a scenic drive and a dhow boat ride, I snorkelled in the vibrant reefs of Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, discovering a colourful underwater world teeming with marine life. I wrapped the day with a hearty meal of grilled fish and coconut rice before returning to my sun-kissed retreat in Diani.
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Kenya for history lovers – The ancient port of Mombasa
While in Diani, on day 11 of my Kenya itinerary, I also managed to squeeze in a quick stop at Mombasa, a city brimming with history and cultural fusion. Over the centuries, Mombasa has been influenced by Portuguese invaders, Omani rulers, British colonists, and traders from the Middle East and India. This blend is evident in the old town’s architecture, from the wooden “Zanzibar balconies” to the intricately carved Swahili doors and the distinctive minarets of ancient mosques, making for a captivating walk-through time.
My main stop was Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Indian Ocean. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort has seen many hands — from Portuguese to Omani and finally to British control. Walking its historic corridors, I felt the weight of its past and the diverse cultures that have shaped Mombasa.
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After exploring the fort, I walked the old town alleys to reach Forodhani Restaurant by the waterfront. Here, I enjoyed a flavourful Swahili biryani and crispy beef samosas, perfectly capturing the region’s blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences.
As I wrapped up my visit to Mombasa, I passed beneath the iconic giant tusks framing the road, forming a symbolic “M” for the city. These tusks, originally erected to honour Queen Elizabeth II during her 1952 visit, now stand as a lasting emblem of Mombasa’s rich history, and the final stop in my Kenya itinerary.
In my 12 days here, Kenya offered me a journey full of unforgettable experiences that changed my perspective on this incredible country. Kenya reveals its wonders to those who seek them, inviting you to see the world anew and appreciate the balance between nature and culture. That, I believe, is the true gift of travel.
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(Feature Image Credit: Sergey Pesterev/Unsplash)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Kenya is accessible via Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with direct and connecting flights available from several airlines, including Kenya Airways.
Masai Mara, Amboseli, Mombasa, and Diani are popular and relatively safe tourist destinations.
Between July and October is great for the annual Wildebeest Migration. For fewer crowds and lower costs, consider June or the shoulder season from November to March.
Wildlife safaris are one of the top outdoor things to do in Kenya.
The Masai Mara is a must-see spectacle. Visiting the Great Rift Valley, and the view of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli are also top things to do in Kenya.
Hiking and trekking on Mount Kenya is among the best things to do in Kenya
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are among the best places for bird watching in Kenya.
You can visit tribal homes within villages inside the Masai Mara and enjoy cultural performances at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.
Wildlife safaris, snorkelling, and scuba diving are great adventure activities and among the top things to do in Kenya.
For crafts and souvenirs, shopping at the Masai market in Nairobi is one of the top things to do in Kenya, and is more affordable compared to the touristy national parks.
Written By
Edwina Dsouza
Edwina is a Mumbai-based writer who enjoys rambling about travel, culture, history, and food. Her stories ..Read More
