Sport and Adventure Enthusiasts

Mount Kenya

Rock climbers, mountaineers, and adventure seekers alike are up for the challenge of scaling the heights of Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa.

****Suggestion for image: A scenic view of Mount Kenya with climbers scaling the peak.****

Maralal Camel Race and Bike Race

In Samburu territory in the northern desert, the Turkana people hold the annual Maralal Camel Derby. A cycling race is also now held concurrently with the derby, with mountain bikes racing over a demanding course.

Lewa Marathon

The Lewa Marathon, Half Marathon, and Children’s Marathon take place at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy annually in June. This event hosts up to 1,200 runners from over 20 different countries and is regarded as one of the toughest marathons in the world.

Fishing

Deep sea fishing off the Kenya Coast in the Indian Ocean is a huge attraction for amateur and professional anglers alike and is reported to be some of the best in the world. Billfish such as Marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill Swordfish, and Shortbill Spearfish are common in this area.

Whale Watching

During the months of August, September, and October, pods of migrating whales can be spotted off the Kenya coast. You can also expect to see dolphins throughout the year. In fact, there are 17 different species of dolphins and whales to be found here including bottlenose dolphin, whale sharks, and the occasional killer or sperm whale.

White Water Rafting

Without a doubt, the best river for white-water rafting flows from Mt. Kenya. The Ewaso N’giro is tremendous for rafting down the river and game viewing at the same time.

Scuba Diving

There are two marine parks off of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, one at Watamu on the north coast and the other Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve located off the coast of Diani towards the Tanzanian border. Both boast incredibly beautiful and extensive coral reefs. These are prime spots for scuba-diving and spotting creatures such as butterflyfish which come in a vast array of different, usually bright, colours. There are approximately 114 species in total and divers can also find surgeonfish, triggerfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Kite Surfing

The Kenya coast has two trade winds called the Kusi and Kas Kazi that blow at different times of the year; The Kusi from May to November and the Kas Kazi from December to April. These conditions are perfect for sports such as kite surfing with several companies able to rent equipment to those wanting to try a new sport.

Trekking

There are many places in Kenya that are excellent for trekking. The Loroghi Hills, standing over the shores of Lake Naivasha, is perfect hiking terrain.

Mountain Biking

Hot on the heels of horse-riding safaris come mountain bike safaris, a 21st-century adrenaline buzz. Without the confines of a vehicle around you, there’s a serious thrill in feeling up close and personal with the wildlife especially in the Mount Kenya region.

Horse Riding and Camel Trekking

Horse riding safaris have been popular for decades and haven’t declined in popularity as it is a fantastic way to get close to the wildlife.

Camel safaris are also a very popular way to travel through the bush particularly in Laikipia and Samburu. Gifted local guides, for whom a camel train through the wilderness is a way of life, accompany groups and introduce them to the bush and the local wildlife.

Hot Air Ballooning

For that once in a lifetime experience, clients can take a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the plains of the Maasai Mara. Not only is this a really exclusive experience often ending with a champagne bush breakfast but since the balloon glides silently over the plains, you will get amazing game viewing as the animals are not startled as they might be with a 4 x 4 vehicle.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris allow visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife rather than a game drive from a 4 x 4 vehicle. The completely unrestricted view of the landscape and the thrill of being within a couple of metres of giraffe, zebra, and even hippo makes this a popular choice for those wanting an alternative to the traditional game drive.

Golf

There are 40 golf courses throughout Kenya with many in or around Nairobi. Due to guaranteed sun, even during the short rainy seasons, golfing is an increasingly popular activity.

Bird Watching

Kenya is one of the top birding destinations in the world. It has a varied habitat - tropical rainforest, coastal forest, montane forest, scrubs, and grasslands – and is ranked second after Zaire for habitat diversity. With over 1000 species here, Kenya boasts 11% of all birds in the whole world.

Though the Rift Valley lakes are mostly known for bird life and particularly flamingos, other lesser-known areas like the Kakamega National Forest to the west and Arabuko Sokoke forest near Watamu on Kenya’s coast often feature on specialist birding itineraries.

Romance

Weddings and Honeymoons

There are many properties that offer weddings and honeymoons. Couples might like to say “I Do” at one of the many beachfront resorts along the coast or might opt to have a traditional Maasai ceremony in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Park or even up in northern Kenya for a Samburu ceremony. There are multiple options to continue their honeymoon in the destination, whether they want a relaxing beach break or a more adventurous start to married life!

Luxury Properties

Kenya boasts a wealth of luxurious accommodation, both in its cities, along the coast, and out on safari.

For those looking for luxury accommodation in Nairobi, there are many options in the leafy, green suburbs of Karen and Langatta. Also in the Westlands area to the north of the city, you will find smaller, high-end properties to suit the luxury client.

On the coast, you can find gorgeous boutique resorts, with some offering butler service to ensure clients want for nothing.

Some of the tented camps you’ll find on safari give a whole new meaning to the term, “camping”. Often limited to 10 or fewer rooms, high-end camps have all modern conveniences including wifi, hot running water, and fantastic dining.

Conservation

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Wildlife Trust

Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick D.B.E, in memory of her late husband David, the first warden of Tsavo East National Park, this wildlife trust is mainly known for its Orphans Project and the protection of elephants and rhinos. As well as visiting the orphanage, it is also possible to “adopt” an elephant which means you can access the orphanage outside of normal visiting hours.

Save the Elephants - Elephant Watch Camp

Eco-luxury and eco-tourism combine with conservation at this camp which is heavily involved in the protection of elephants through the charity, Save the Elephants who are located just downstream from the camp.

Born Free - Boma Building

The Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Project gets big cats out of tiny cages and brings them to Africa to live. One way the charity can minimize the conflict between humans and wildlife is through their work to make lion-proof bomas, which offer a simple, cost-effective approach to protecting livestock from predators at night.

Watamu Turtle Conservation

Watamu Turtle Watch is the flagship program of the Local Ocean Trust. It was started by local residents in 1997 to protect nesting sea turtles. Now it consists of a Nest Monitoring and Protection program, By Catch Net Release Program, and specialist Rehabilitation Centre for sick and injured sea turtles. The combination of these programs enables the charity to make a real difference in ensuring the future of endangered sea turtles.

Culture

The People

The Kenyan people are friendly, hospitable people with a fantastic grasp of the English language alongside their mother tongue, Swahili. They are happy to share their culture and traditions and it is an important part of the experience of being in Kenya.

Cultural Experiences

Kenya offers a rich variety of cultural experiences with many lodges offering the opportunity for clients to visit local communities to learn about how they support them through social initiatives. It's possible to visit schools, go to a traditional village, or walk with the herds when they are going out to pasture in the morning. Occasionally it's even possible to take part in traditional ceremonies.

Vibrant Cities of Nairobi & Mombasa

Nairobi’s reputation precedes it, and yet Nairobi is an essential element of the Kenyan experience. It’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city full of attractions, both natural and cultural.

In Mombasa, the traveler will be captivated by the mixture and acceptance of varied cultures, its history, coastal metropolitan flair, and vibrant nightlife. Discover the narrow streets in Mombasa in an experience that the traveler will never forget. The visit to Fort Jesus (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is highly recommended.

Kenyan Tribes

There are 44 distinct tribes within 70 different ethnic groups in Kenya. The Maasai, Turkana, and Samburu are pastoralists and have kept their old traditions. The Swahili tribe is predominant on the Indian Ocean.