Adventure Experiences

Fishing and Whale Watching

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing (a.k.a game fishing) off the coast of Kenya 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. Off the shores of Malindi and Watamu and beyond the coral reefs is where you’ll find some of the best fishing.

Fly Fishing

Add fly fishing to your clients' bucket list because there’s nothing in the world that can match the air safari taking you to untouched locations inaccessible by land. Fly past Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya, on your way to Lake Ellis, Lake Alice, and Fox Tarn. You will catch more than fish; you will be captivated by enchanting views of the highlands that make up Central Kenya.

It really is a fly fishing enthusiast's dream come true.

Whale Watching

During the months of August, September, and October, pods of migrating humpback 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 dolphins, whale sharks, and the occasional killer or sperm whale.

Introduction

One of Kenya’s most exciting adventure activities is a rafting expedition, and there are a number of places where water enthusiasts will get their greatest thrills. Along the Ewaso N’giro river and Tana river is probably the best, with trips that last anywhere between one day to a week as the rivers wind their way through spectacular white water, with up to 30 miles of Class II, III and IV rapids in some places, and separate stretches of Class V water.

White Water Rafting

About 50 miles out of Nairobi, the beginning of the Tana River in Sagana has some rapids ideal for first-time rafters and those who want to see birds and other wildlife as they move along. The drifts are a good opportunity for birdwatching, and over 100 species have been recorded along the riverbanks.

The Tana’s rapids increase in intensity as the river continues, however, with the final section consisting of class IV and V whitewater. Meanwhile, rafting on the Ewaso N’giro River also promises game-viewing, with the river itself home to both crocodiles and hippos. The banks attract plenty of big game, and herds of elephant, antelope, zebra, and giraffe are usually seen along the way. Some rafters here have even seen lions, though this is rare.

Kayaking and Canoeing

If kayaking and canoeing is more your speed, Kenya has many lakes with mild weather, perfect for drifting along the waters in one of these elegant vessels. Of course, Indian Ocean canoeing is also fun, and there are many private dams that were mainly built for irrigation that have turned the water resource into canoeing venues. Also, the Athi River near Tsavo National Park, the second longest river in Kenya after the Tana River, which flows across the Kapote and Athi plains, is viable for both canoeing and kayaking. There’s nothing quite like watching elephants and giraffe stroll by as you kayak down the river. Trips here are best from early-April to late-July and then again from late-October to mid-January. There’s class III rapids plus plenty of wildlife, including crocodiles.

Walking & Hiking

Some of the places where one can experience hiking and trekking:

 
• Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Central Highlands)
 
• Aberdare National Park & Reserve
 
• Mount Elgon (Western Kenya)
 
• Kakamega Forest (Western Kenya)
 
• Mount Longonot (Rift Valley)
 
• Hell’s Gate National Park (Rift Valley)
 
• Kerio Valley (Rift Valley)
 
• Arabuko Sokoke National Forest Reserve (Kenya Coast)

Walking & Hiking in Kenya

Walking is prohibited in most of Kenya’s national parks and reserves, and driving is often the only option. However, walking safaris are increasingly offered in smaller lodges and camps in the relatively newer private game sanctuaries and conservancies.

On a walking safari—also known as “bush/nature walks”—clients will spend most, if not all, of their time in the bush on foot, accompanied by a professional guide and ranger. It is the proximity to wilderness that makes this kind of trip so magical and exciting. They take place on wilderness trails, which are natural tracks made by animals and traversed only on foot to maintain their condition. These trails lead to remote areas you wouldn’t typically see on a typical safari. In general, walking safaris emphasize the walking, culture, and scenery rather than big game encounters.

Clients interested in walking safaris must factor in their physical condition.

They should be in good health and should be able to walk between about four and 10 miles a day, depending on the parameters of the itinerary. Some trips won’t allow hikers under the age of 12 or over the age of 60. Most who book a multi-day walking safari will be expected to be comfortable in the wilderness and not the sort who is easily rattled.

Introduction

The most consistent surfing conditions are to be found between May and October, with the largest waves generally occurring in July and August.

Nyali, Bamburi, and Diani Beach have a number of hotels and surf schools that offer experienced instruction. Galu Beach, which runs along Diani, is considered an ideal spot for kitesurfing while Malindi Bay and Watamu Bay are excellent for experienced board surfers, though take care not to get too close to the river at Malindi as there are crocodiles and hippos there. Extremely experienced surfers might wish to take the ferry to the southern side of the Mombasa Channel and surf the waves breaking at the harbor entrance from the left and right wrapping around the pier, with southern winds.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Windsurfing has been a feature of the Kenya coast since the 1970s, while Diani Beach and Che Shale north of Malindi are increasingly popular among kitesurfing enthusiasts. Several schools along the coast offer lessons in both disciplines and rent gear to experienced surfers. The coast has excellent conditions from December to February, with the northeast monsoon tending to get up in the afternoon, blowing strong winds which are ideal for both beginners and experienced riders. While the southeast monsoon, blowing from June through to September, isn’t as reliable as the northeasterly, it also makes for exceptional conditions.

Paragliding

While paragliding isn’t as popular as some other adventure sports in Kenya, it is increasing in popularity. Some of the best locations to go paragliding include Iten, Kijabe, Mt. Ololokwe, and Ndoto Mountains.

Dhow Sailing

Lamu is an excellent place to leave your smartphone behind and unwind with only the sound of the call to prayer in the background. Dhow sailing can include a full-day excursion or a romantic sunset cruise combining snorkeling and historical ruins. It also involves a unique experience where you get to sleep on a luxurious dhow and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish on the beach. A day dhow trip to Wasini Island, within the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve in the south coast can be easily arranged from Diani or Shimoni.

Dhow Sailing

A wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Watamu is to take a dhow safari into the mangroves and estuaries of Mida Creek. The waters of Lamu are populated by traditional lateen sail dhows, which are a beautiful way to explore the area. After a day on the water, guests on a dhow safari sail back to Lamu as the sun sets. Longer dhow safaris throughout the archipelago can also be arranged. For the jet set yachting crowd, there are marinas in coastal Kilifi, north of Mombasa and a popular docking station.

Biking & Cycling

Where are the best places to do it?

 
• North Rift: Iten, Kaptagat, Kapsabet, and the Transrift Trail... There are a lot of training camps in this zone.
 
• Western Kenya: Bomet, Kericho
 
• Maasai Mara: Cycling in the grassland of Maasai Mara can be a dream.
 
• Rift Valley: Hell’s Gate National Park
 
• Central Highlands: Nyahururu
 
• Southern Kenya: Ngong Hills

Biking & Cycling

Given the country’s steep topography, it’s somewhat surprising how popular a pastime cycling is in Kenya. It’s not uncommon to see road cyclists and mountain bikers—both tourists and locals—weaving through the Nairobi streets. However, the greatest cycling experience in Kenya is on quiet paths in the Rift Valley or Laikipia or along the Indian Ocean coastline.

In recent years, cycling has gained popularity, and many Nairobi locals ride out together to the Ngong Hills. They ride dirt trails through the bush in the Great Rift Valley and on the slopes of Mount Kenya.

Bicycle is, in fact, one of the best ways to explore the South coast and surrounding villages. This gives visitors the freedom to explore a bit. Cycling is a popular form of local transport in this region, and on most paths and roads, bikers will encounter other cyclists. Hell’s Gate National Park is also a popular place to cycle with the wildlife, and you can rent bikes at several spots along Diani Beach, Malindi, and Watamu from hotels or private bike rental outfits.

The region around Lake Naivasha is popular for mountain biking, and bikes can easily be rented on-the-spot. Biking/cycling is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, as well as gain a new perspective on local life. A number of specialist tour operators offer cycling tours, which travel agents can easily book.

Horseback & Camel Safaris

Horseback Safaris

A Kenyan safari on horseback is a unique and incredible experience because it allows you to get extremely close to the animals. While wild animals may be nervous of human beings on foot or in a vehicle, they are more relaxed around horses because the horses disguise one’s smell. Traveling on horseback also allows visitors to explore beyond the reach of a vehicle and is a welcome change from being seated in a vehicle for six to eight hours in a day. Safari-goers can do single-day horseback excursions or multi-day horseback safaris, all of which travel agents can book through a tour operator.

On horseback, clients can explore the most remote locations in Kenya. Using the same paths walked for millennia by nomadic tribes, horseback safaris allow for unencumbered rides across open country and, of course, the freedom to move with the wildlife. From the Maasai Mara to Laikipia to Lake Naivasha to Mount Kenya, travelers on horseback will discover a new way of seeing Kenya, as close to nature as they can get.

Experienced riders, confident on broken terrain while riding athletic horses, will be in their element on a horseback safari. The opportunity to see big game and interact with wild animals is an unforgettable thrill. Often, in the Maasai Mara, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra extend as far as the eye can see. What’s more, the chance to see tribes whose cultures are so different from that in the West is a fascinating experience.

The sounds of nature

Most horseback safaris are undertaken with mobile, tented camps, which are surprisingly comfortable. One of the most unforgettable moments of a horseback safari is the concert of night noises which accompany sleep. Often you can hear the roar of a lion or the piercing calls of the hyena as you are lulled to sleep by the sounds of nature.

Camel Safaris

Camel safaris are another unique way to explore Kenya’s wilderness, particularly in Northern Kenya. Walk out into the bush with Samburu tribesmen and camels carrying the camp, or ride them through the dry riverbeds of Northern Kenya—here, your clients will traverse some of the most remote, breathtaking landscapes in Kenya. This serene journey travels across historic wilderness. Typically, camels with saddles are used. The annual International Maralal Camel Derby event held in August is a good place to experience a camel race among other immersive experiences such as Samburu culture, bike race, history and Kenyatta House, and wildlife at the Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Introduction

Kenya is an authentic canvas for adventure activities, with excellent hiking and climbing inland and marvelous kitesurfing, snorkeling, and diving along the coast.

Other adventure activities include walking, running, biking, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, and rafting, which are also readily available and easy for visitors to engage in. For true adventurers, there’s also bungee jumping, white-water rafting, 4x4 off-road driving, and paragliding. These activities provide the perfect adrenaline-pumping complement to a safari or beach experience.

Breathtaking Scenery

Adventure enthusiasts will get to experience breathtaking landscapes from the snows of Mount Kenya, the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, and the Great Rift Valley. The typography of the landscape is so diverse that travelers can explore desert plains, lush forests, mountains and hills, stretches of white sandy beaches, and the savannah woodlands all in one vacation.

Kenya is perfect for hiking, trekking, cycling/biking, and running experiences.

Running & Marathons

“Run with a Champion” Sample Itinerary:

Considerations when developing the itinerary should incorporate the following:

 
1. Arrival in Nairobi and transfer to high altitude training center
 
2. Dinner and overnight
 
3. Training is twice a day
 
4. Three days of recovery runs
 
5. Three days of hard work
 
6. One day of easy run
 
7. Two days of doing extensive exercises

Introduction

If there is one sport for which Kenya is well-known, it is running (long distance marathons). This medium-size country of about 50 million dominates the world in competitive running. Pick any long-distance race and you’ll often find that up to about 70 or 80 percent of its winners since the late 1980s have been from Kenya.

Lewa Safari Marathon

Travel agents with clients who are runners can suggest tying in the trip with the annual Lewa Safari Marathon in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also one of Kenya’s most densely populated wildlife areas. It is regarded by Runner’s World as one of the world’s top ten “must do” marathons where runners of all abilities take part. Widely considered one of the most beautiful races in the world, about 1,300 runners usually take part in the endurance test every June. The conservancy is located north of Mount Kenya, at an altitude of over 5,250 ft., which makes for a challenging race so runners must be in excellent shape; marshals ensure safety in the wildlife areas, and participants run on dirt tracks through the bush.

Why Participate

Participation in the Lewa Marathon also helps improve and protect the local community. Since beginning in the year 2000, the event has raised $6.1 million for clean water, medical equipment, and education. While many professional athletes take part, amateurs and running clubs are also welcome to join the challenge (a half-marathon is also available). Besides the Lewa Safari Marathon, other running events that champion a cause include the Annual Nairobi Marathon held in Nairobi in October every year and Maasai Mara Marathon in September every year.

The Professionals

Of course, a staggering number of Olympians and long-distance marathon runners hail from Kenyan highlands, in particular the small town of Iten in the beautiful Western Rift Valley. Runners world over can travel to Iten and stay at a training facility there, testing their strength and endurance while training with some of the best athletes in the world. Indeed, visitors who travel to Iten ahead of a major international competition are likely to find runners from across the globe training and have the opportunity to meet and mingle. In addition to miles of soft dirt trails to explore, expert training equipment and meals from professional chefs, runners can partake in seminars and specialized workouts, as well as visit local markets, workshops, and schools.

Travel agents with clients who are serious runners interested in joining training workshops or experiencing Kenyan training can recommend one of a number of different programs, though the largest and most well-known is the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC). Guests who book a stay here have access to a fully equipped gym and instructors who offer training sessions every week. There’s also a physiotherapy clinic and a running coach who caters to all levels of fitness and experience. When they’re not training, runners may wish to visit the nearby Rimoi National Reserve or the Kureswo Hot Springs.

Some of the top destinations for running in Kenya include:

 
1. Kaptagat
 
2. Iten
 
3. Kapsabet
 
4. Kericho
 
5. Nyahururu

10 tips for Marathon preparation by the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Eliud Kipchoge:

 
1. Start training
 
2. Get a teammate to train with
 
3. Get physiotherapy
 
4. Record all the workouts
 
5. Always try to finish your workouts
 
6. Do flexibility exercises
 
7. Audit your workouts
 
8. Hydrate yourself
 
9. Walk your talk
 
10. Feel your body & Enjoy every training session

Fun facts about running a marathon:

 
1. It’s the only way to enjoy life
 
2. Marathon running is where freedom is in life
 
3. A lot of ideas come in during a marathon
 
4. Helps a lot in knowing how healthy you are
 
5. You get to understand life in a very different and divine way, since life is like a marathon
 
6. Running and finishing a marathon gives you satisfaction in life

Forest Flying

Ziplining or forest flying is yet another activity that is getting more and more popular in Kenya with locations throughout the country. Kereita Forest, about 45 minutes from Nairobi near Kimende, is at the tip of the Aberdare Range and has the longest zipline in Kenya with six different lines that run one into the other. Another excellent location is the Machakos People’s Park with cables suspended at 30 ft. above the ground and excellent views of the park and its environs. Third, there’s Limuru Zip Line, about 20 miles outside Nairobi in The Dam Redhill. The route on the zipline here passes through the actual dam with excellent views of the neighboring towns in an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Rapids Camp Sagana

Yet another fantastic ziplining location is Rapids Camp Sagana on the Tana River, about an hour from Nairobi near Nyeri. Sagana offers ziplining and a host of other outdoor activities including kayaking, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting.

Bofa Beach Resort

Those wishing to zipline on the coast can visit Bofa Beach Resort on Bofa Road in Kilifi. Bofa is among the few hotels in Mombasa with a complete ziplining challenge; the entire process takes about three hours to complete and there’s opportunity to see some of the lush coastal vegetation in the region as you walk back after your zipline challenge.

Introduction

Snorkel off the back of a dhow or visit one of the many top-notch dive schools on Diani Beach, Nyali Beach in the Mombasa Marine Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, or Kisite Marine National Park. Nyali, in a peaceful residential area near a local wildlife sanctuary, is particularly good for short snorkel and scuba trips due to its proximity to the city-center. Six-mile-long Diani Beach is filled with coral reefs, while Watamu boasts magnificent coral as well, with abundant fish life and sea turtles. Malindi, the oldest marine park in Kenya, covers 80 sq. miles of coral and Thalassia seagrass, home to fish and green sea turtles. At beautiful Kisite, visitors have a good chance of spotting dolphins, who will often permit them to snorkel alongside them.

A place for all levels of divers

Kenya’s coastal waters are warm all year-round and it’s possible to dive without a wetsuit almost anywhere, though the best period is October to April with October, November, and March being prime months. Most of the dive bases located at Malindi, Watamu, the coast north of Mombasa, or Diani Beach, will provide training from a beginner’s level and upwards. For underwater photographers, in particular, the extensive coral reef is a major attraction. The undersea landscape is quite varied, with shallow coral gardens and blue-water drop-offs sinking deep into the ocean with visibility generally excellent.

Coral Reefs

There are a number of world-class dive sites in Kenya and north of Mombasa is home to several. Some of the best sites are in the Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area with a reef that’s close to shore with accessible shallow coral that’s ideal for novice divers and snorkelers. The outer reef here has drop-offs with sheer walls and large brain corals attracting abundant marine life. Dives on the central Turtle Reef attract large schools of vibrant parrot and surgeon fish, and divers can occasionally spot white-tip sharks. Watamu is also an egg-laying site for the endangered green sea turtle, which lay on the beaches here several times a year.

Amazing Wildlife

Nearby Moray Reef has a beautiful overhang dropping several feet to a sandy bottom. The coral here is home to octopus, eel, and a massive moray. The sharp reef edge has plenty of nudibranch, angel fish, tang, and the occasional grouper or barracuda. A spectacular dive site is the Canyon, a long sandy channel bordered on each side by deep drop-offs. There is an arch here covered with soft corals and the reef walls are filled with snapper. Rays and reef sharks are here, and whale sharks pass through from October to February. From June to September, migratory whales from Southern Africa pass through this area and are often seen breaching in deeper waters.

A little farther south towards Kilifi, there are dive sites at Mtwapa and Barracuda Reef. The outer edges here have large shoals of angel and butterfly fish, and there have been occasional sightings of whale sharks. Experienced divers will want to dive at the Vuma Caves near Kilifi Creek, just beneath the surface on the face of seaside cliffs. The open sea around the entrance is a good place to spot dolphins, while the interior of the caves is a refuge for eels, grouper, and barracuda. After exploring the caves, divers exit through a chimney to emerge through a hole in the reef above.

There are also dive sites along the coast south of Mombasa from Tiwi to Shimoni. Some of the best sites are centered on Kisiite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve where divers can sight massive manta rays. For experienced divers, the best option here is Nyulli Reef, a deep dive with strong tidal currents where spectacular coral, snapper, barracuda, and zebra sharks can be seen. A much easier dive is Kisite Point with its hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.

Trekking & Climbing

Mount Kenya

From snow-capped Mount Kenya to the dry plains of Laikipia, Kenya is a trekker’s paradise. There’s a range of treks—from sedate hill walks through wildlife-rich ranges to high-altitude hikes on alpine slopes. Experienced climbers may wish to tackle the mighty peak of Mount Kenya, or one of many other climbs ranging from granite cliffs to volcanic rock to high peaks.

Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, is considered the most challenging climb in Africa and attracts experienced climbers from all over the world. Making the summit requires expert guiding and equipment. While any trekker who’s in good shape is likely to reach Point Lenana, the ascent to the summit, crested by twin icy peaks called Batian and Nelion, is a serious climb across ice and rock.

Important!

Travel agents should make sure that climbers are experienced and use a reputable guiding company with all required equipment provided. There are about 30 routes to Mount Kenya’s summit but the most common is on the southeast face, approaching the mountain along the Chogoria Route. This climb requires a minimum of six days. The final approach to the summit requires an ascent before crossing the large Lewis Glacier to climb to Nelion and on the following day a crossing to Batian is made. A north face ascent, on the other hand, requires a direct assault on Batian, with an overnight camp at the foot of Firmin Tower.

Mount Elgon

The uncrowded trails and moorlands of Mount Elgon make for excellent trekking. The series of craggy peaks around the caldera makes for an enjoyable climb, but equally rewarding is exploring the forests, geothermal springs, and caves. Trekkers should be adequately prepared because the mountain can be cold and rainy, despite its equatorial location. There are several established routes on Elgon, but the mountain lends itself to exploration and free hiking. Local guides and rangers are the best resource. The cliffs of lower Elgon are also ideal for rock climbing.

Aberdare Ranges and National Park

The Aberdare ranges and the National Park is excellent terrain for a trek with unique alpine flora and fauna providing captivating eye candy for your adventure. There is also a well-marked trail and observation look-out at the stunning Karuru Falls where trekkers will enjoy sweeping views of the entire Aberdare range and the distant Gura Falls and can proceed along wooden walkways across the lower Chania Falls. Travelers may even opt to take a dip into the chilly waters here. A bit lower, in the heavily forested Salient, trekkers will encounter abundant game, both big and small. What’s more, the upper slopes here boast open plains that are perfect for walking, rising to a summit of over 13,000 ft. at Satima. There are excellent views across to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya and the surrounding plains, and campsites and huts available, too.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of Kenya’s top national parks where visitors are highly encouraged to explore on foot. It boasts some of Kenya’s best rock climbing with high cliffs offering several possible routes and ample opportunity for climbs and hiking. Fischer’s Tower, a large volcanic pillar inside the park, is a particularly worthy climb. There is a qualified rock climbing guide based at Hell’s Gate Park headquarters by Elsa gate, where equipment can also be rented.

Mount Longonot

The 6,800-ft. Mount Longonot is an accessible Rift Valley volcano with astounding views down into its crater within the mountain. The views from the top across to Naivasha and the Aberdares are also extraordinary. The climb up Mt. Longonot is relatively easy if taken slowly, and the average climber can reach the top in an hour-and-a-half, following a clearly marked path. There are break stops with tables along the way here, and once at the top, a further hour can be spent walking around the crater rim, with breathtaking views during the entire route. There is also a steep path down to the crater floor. Ranger guides are available at the park gate for clients. Longonot is an easy day’s trek, and for the adventurous, the crater presents interesting possibilities for abseiling. Note, however, that abseilers need their own equipment and the assistance of a locally skilled guide, which travel agents can book through a reputable adventure tour operator.

Other Notable Regions in Kenya

Other notable regions in Kenya where hiking and trekking are popular for adventure travelers include the Mbulia Conservancy (thick woodlands, lookouts over Tsavo); the Matthews Range (highlands in Samburu country); the Loita Hills (the remote south); the Loroghi Hills (the Lesiolo escarpment); Kakamega Forest (easy walks, a range of trails); Baringo (Ol Kokwe Island birding); Lake Elementaita (flamingoes, other plains game); and Menangai Crater (views of Nakuru from the crater rim).

While Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, and the Aberdares are superb for alpine climbing, there are hundreds of routes for rock climbers who don’t wish to scale an entire mountain. Some of the best rock climbing in Kenya is at Lukenya, just 45 minutes from Nairobi. Here, climbers can explore a variety of climbing routes including regions near Main Wall, Upper Cliffs or Edinburgh Castle. While the cliffs are located on land owned by the Mountain Club of Kenya, visitors may purchase a daily membership for $2.50 or a temporary 3-month membership for $20. The area was visited by Halford Mackinder in 1899 on his way up to make the first ascent of Mt. Kenya, and is a favorite amongst rock climbers in Kenya.

Another popular rock-climbing region is Frog Cliffs on Ngong’ Hills, about an hour from Nairobi. Frog Cliffs has over 100 established routes, all of which are easy to find as they are numbered. Near Frog Cliffs are two other rock-climbing regions worth noting: Ndeiya and Embarabal, which offer routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Both require some hiking, particularly Embarabal, which is bushy and somewhat difficult to find.