Kenya Holidays

Interesting things to do in Kenya

Located in the south-west of Kenya bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Masai Mara is a justifiably world-renowned game reserve famed for its big cats and as a stage for one of the planet’s greatest wildlife spectacles; the annual wildebeest migration. The Mara is a must-see on any safari holiday to Kenya and is a haven for large numbers of animals and a quite staggering variety of species including Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, topi, eland, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, elephants and black rhinos. This is your chance on a Kenya safari holiday to see prides of lions and cheetahs hunting on the open plains and leopards stalking in the forests, as Masai Mara safaris are known to consistently deliver fantastic sightings of these big cats.

Found in central Kenya between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, the vast Laikipia region is largely a high altitude plateau with open plains, undulating hills, woodland and scrubby bush. Traditionally the land was used as cattle ranches and while ranching still continues much of Laikipia’s land is now devoted to wildlife and conservation, often in partnership with local communities. The game viewing here can be exceptional and Laikipia is home to various rare and endangered species including Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes and wild dogs.

A number of the conservancies serve as vital sanctuaries for both black and white rhino making this region the best place in East Africa to see these threatened species. Without the constraints of National Park rules Laikipia has a wide range of activities apart from the usual game drives including walking safaris, camping out in the bush, camel riding, horse riding, river swimming and even scenic flights by bi-plane.

There is also the desert-like Samburu Reserve and the Great Rift Valley, which runs down western Kenya from north to south creating dramatic escarpments and both freshwater and soda lakes. Loldia House is located on the shore of Lake Naivasha which has abundant birdlife including waterfowl, kingfishers and fish eagles with the chance to see plains game and hippos by the lakeshore. Lake Nakuru is an important sanctuary for white rhinos and flamingos can be found here as well as at nearby Lake Elmenteita. Further north Lake Baringo has superb birdwatching including herons, pelicans and spoonbills.

Nairobi is Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital city and will almost certainly be your entry and exit point into and out of the country. Visitors usually head off on safari as soon as possible after arriving but for those who do spend some time here there are a number of places of interest.

Where better to finish any holiday to Kenya than on the coast - a combination of bush and beach is always very popular with the chance to unwind by the sea after the excitement of a safari. The Kenyan coast however is not just about palm fringed beaches and the Indian Ocean however as there is also a rich Swahili culture along the coast that developed following the arrival of Arabs.

Important sites of Swahili history and culture include Lamu town which has been designated a World Heritage Site, Mombasa’s Old Town and the 15^th century Gedi ruins south of Malindi. Most visitors however come to the coast to relax on the fine sandy beaches and enjoy the range of activities on and in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean including snorkelling and diving on the reefs that shadow the coastline, kite surfing, boat trips and big game fishing.

Holidays to Kenya offer the chance to experience a vast range of unique activities, all in one trip. Take a balloon ride over the Masai Mara and take in the astounding panoramic views of the African plains, as you spot Africa's diverse wildlife roaming in their natural habitat. The incredible Sera Conservancy in Samburu is home to black rhino, and guests at Saruni Rhino can embark on the exhilarating experience of tracking these endangered creatures on foot. You can also visit the “singing wells”, a series of 50 springs where Samburu pastoralists bring their livestock, singing traditional songs as they draw the water from the deep wells.

Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous and seeking a trip off-the-beaten-track, you can join a walking safari in the Laikipia region in central Kenya. Your tents and equipment will be carried for you by camels while you take in stunning landscapes, wildlife, birdlife and local culture. Anyone looking to explore the underwater world on their Kenya holidays can dive off the Mombasa coast and if you have a passion for the ocean, explore the exotic sea life that the Indian Ocean has to offer; the crystal blue waters here make it an idyllic spot for divers to investigate.

Whichever areas you wish to visit, for a once in a lifetime experience, book your Kenya safari holidays today to indulge in a combined trip of nature and adventure. Contact Africa Travel for your dream trip to Kenya and let our experts help create your perfect Kenya safari holiday.