Things to Do in Kenya

About Kenya

The Great Rift Valley tears through Kenya, splitting the earth beneath endless savannas where acacia trees stand under massive skies. Maasai warriors still tend cattle the way their ancestors did centuries ago. Snow-capped Kilimanjaro rises over grasslands packed with elephants, lions, and wildebeest that thunder across the plains in their annual migration. Nairobi is chaos. Modern Africa thrives here alongside traditional markets, where you can't walk two blocks without dodging matatus and street vendors. The Indian Ocean coastline offers clean beaches where dhows sail at sunset—a sharp contrast to the capital's noise. Every sunrise brings something worth seeing. Maybe a leopard hunts in silence. Maybe a Samburu elder shares stories his grandfather told him. Or maybe you just stand there, realizing you're at the cradle of humanity itself, and that is enough.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights with Safarilink or Kenya Airways for quick transfers between national parks. For ground transport, use reputable tour operators or hire drivers through your lodge. Matatus (shared taxis) are cheap but crowded; avoid them with luggage or for long distances.

Money: Kenyan Shillings are essential for tips, markets, and local vendors. Withdraw cash from bank ATMs in major towns before heading to remote areas. US dollars are accepted at most hotels and safari lodges, but carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10 bills) in good condition.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and cover shoulders/knees at religious sites. Ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai and other traditional communities—expect to pay a small fee. Learning basic Swahili greetings like 'Jambo' and 'Asante' shows respect and opens doors.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice cubes outside high-end establishments. Street food is generally safe in busy spots with high turnover—try nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali. Fresh fruits you can peel yourself are safe; avoid pre-cut fruit and raw vegetables.

When to Visit

Kenya's equatorial location provides year-round wildlife viewing, but timing affects your experience dramatically. The dry seasons (June-October and December-March) offer the best game viewing with temperatures of 20-28°C (68-82°F) and minimal rainfall under 50mm monthly. July-October is peak season coinciding with the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, when accommodation prices increase 40-60% above off-season rates. December-March provides excellent weather with fewer crowds and 20-30% lower prices. The long rains (April-May) bring afternoon downpours averaging 150-200mm monthly, making some roads impassable but offering lush landscapes and 50% discounts on luxury lodges. Short rains (November) see brief showers with temperatures around 22-26°C (72-79°F). Wildlife ensoiasts should visit July-September for river crossings during the wildebeest migration. Bird watchers prefer November-April when migratory species arrive. Beach lovers find ideal conditions December-March with calm seas and sunshine. Cultural festivals include Lamu Cultural Festival (November), Maasai Olympics (December), and Camel Derby (September). Budget travelers benefit from April-May and November when luxury experiences become surprisingly affordable, though some remote camps close during heavy rains.