Top 7 Things to Do in Kenya

Kenya offers a special mix of iconic wilderness, profound cultural connections, and pioneering conservation that defines the essence of East Africa.

The Quintessential Landscape of Imagination

This is the Africa of your dreams. From the endless golden plains of the Maasai Mara to the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro towering over Amboseli's elephant herds, Kenya’s Kenya's landscapes are etched into our imagination. It's the birthplace of the safari and a country that offers the quintessential "Out of Africa" fantasy. In this spectacular country, you don’t just observe the landscape; you step into a story.

Combination of Wildlife and Culture

Along with the wildlife, a safari in Kenya will give you encounters with the vibrant cultures that coexist with it. The human story is inseparable from the natural one. You can receive a blessing from a Maasai elder in a village, learn tracking skills from a Samburu warrior, or explore the ancient Swahili history of the coast. This cultural connection provides context and depth that enrich every game drive.

Pioneering Conservation with Purpose, Adventure with Serenity

Kenya is a world leader in conservation. It's home to pioneering community-based conservancy models and world-renowned rehabilitation centers like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Your visit actively supports this purpose to create experiences in which you can feel the adrenaline of a river crossing one day and the deep tranquility of a private beach on the Indian Ocean the next. It’s a destination that satisfies the craving for thrilling adventure and unbridled serenity.

One of the greatest spectacles on Earth, the Great Migration is a thundering, primal drama that unfolds across the vast wilderness of the Maasai Mara. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the power of nature, as over a million wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in their relentless search for fresh grass.

What to Expect

• Dramatic River Crossings: Feel the ground tremble and your heart pound as you watch the chaotic, desperate plunge of the herds into the river from a prime, secluded viewpoint.
• Intense Predator Action: Sense the tension as lions, cheetahs, and colossal crocodiles stalk the edges of the massive herds, offering incredible photographic opportunities.
• Expert Guiding: Rely on your private, expert guide to navigate away from the crowds, interpreting animal behavior to anticipate where the crossing will happen.
• Sunrise Balloon Drifts: Experience the migration from above with a serene, sunrise hot-air balloon ride, floating silently over the endless herds as the world awakens below, followed by a champagne breakfast.
• A Sea of Life: Be surrounded by a horizon-to-horizon view of animals, a moving, grunting sea of life that fills the air with a constant, low rumble of hooves.

Best Places to Witness the Great Migration:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• The Mara Triangle

Find inspiration for this epic journey by exploring our Great Migration safaris and tours.

Kenya is the quintessential safari destination. It will provide you with timeless experiences in its legendary reserves. While the migration is a single event, a classic safari here is an intimate immersion into diverse ecosystems, from the elephant-filled plains of Amboseli to the unique, stark beauty of Samburu, all in search of the revered Big Five and so much more.

What to Expect

• Exclusive Game Drives: Embark on early-morning and late-afternoon drives in a private 4x4 vehicle, accompanied by an expert tracker and guide dedicated to your interests.
• Iconic Backdrops: Capture that postcard-perfect photograph of elephant herds moving slowly across the plains, with the majestic, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
• Luxury Bush Dining: Enjoy a gourmet breakfast cooked fresh in the middle of the savanna or a private, lantern-lit dinner under a canopy of stars, far from any camp.
• Unique Wildlife: Travel north to reserves like Samburu to spot the "Samburu Special Five"—the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.
• Avian Spectacles: Witness the breathtaking sight of Lake Nakuru's shoreline, transformed into a shimmering, pink mirage by thousands, sometimes millions, of flamingos.

Best Places for a Classic Safari:

• Amboseli National Park
• Samburu National Reserve
• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Tsavo East & West National Parks

Discover the range of these timeless adventures in our sample Kenya safari tours and vacations.

The Kenyan coastline is a tranquil paradise that offers the perfect luxurious counterpoint to a thrilling safari. The shores of the Indian Ocean invite you to unwind on powdery white sands, sail in traditional dhows, and explore a rich Swahili history, from Diani Beach to the Lamu Archipelago.

What to Expect

• Private Beach Relaxation: Unwind at an exclusive, boutique hotel on Diani Beach, consistently voted one of Africa's best, with its brilliant white sand and turquoise waters.
• Historical Immersion: Step back in time in the car-free Lamu Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring ancient, narrow streets and coastal ruins by donkey.
• Sunset Dhow Cruises: Sail a traditional wooden dhow at sunset, sipping cocktails as the sky turns crimson and the warm ocean breeze fills the sail.
• Marine Adventures: Snorkel or dive in the protected Watamu Marine National Park, a vibrant underwater world of coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
• Gourmet Seafood: Indulge in exquisitely fresh seafood, from grilled lobster to Swahili-spiced curries, served at intimate, toes-in-the-sand restaurants.

Best Places to Visit:

• Diani Beach
• Lamu Archipelago
• Mombasa
• Malindi
• Watamu Marine National Park

Explore our African safari and beach vacation packages to combine the bush with the beach.

Nairobi is a bustling, cosmopolitan capital city that is the beating heart of East Africa. It offers a surprising mix of urban energy, compelling history, and unique wildlife encounters, making it far more than just a safari gateway.

What to Expect

• Exclusive Wildlife Encounters: Arrange a private visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to "adopt" and meet an orphaned baby elephant, or feed a rare Rothschild's giraffe from your hand at the Giraffe Centre.
• Historical Immersion: Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the farmhouse made famous by "Out of Africa.”
• Artisan and Craft Markets: Enjoy a curated shopping experience at artisan workshops, supporting local craftswomen, or browse high-end boutiques for unique souvenirs.
• City National Park: Enjoy a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, spotting rhino and giraffe against a backdrop of the city skyline.
• Gourmet Dining: Experience sophisticated culinary scene, from an iconic nyama choma feast, meaning flame-grilled meat, to contemporary, gourmet dishes like pan-seared red snapper with a Swahili coconut-tamarind sauce in an upmarket suburb.

Best Places to Visit:

• Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Giraffe Centre
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Nairobi National Park
• Kazuri Beads

See how to begin your journey in our How to Plan a Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps.

If you are an active and adventurous traveler, Mount Kenya offers a thrilling challenge. As Africa's second-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its jagged, snow-capped summits provide a breathtaking backdrop for multi-day treks through diverse and dramatic alpine ecosystems.

What to Expect

• Luxury Trekking: Embark on a fully-supported trek with private guides and a full porter team, ensuring you only carry a daypack and can focus on the scenery.
• Diverse Scenery: Hike through distinct ecological zones, from lush montane forests and bamboo zones to the unique, alien-like landscapes of giant lobelias and groundsel.
• Scenic Routes: Choose a route like the picturesque Chogoria for its stunning views of lakes and valleys, or the Sirimon route for its excellent acclimatization.
• Summit Achievement: Ascend to Point Lenana at sunrise for a 360-degree panorama of the African plains and a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro to the south.
• Exclusive Stays: Combine your trek with a luxurious stay at a nearby conservancy, relaxing in comfort before or after your climb.

Best Hiking Routes to Explore:

• Sirimon Route
• Chogoria Route
• Naro Moru Route

Learn more about tackling Kilimanjaro in Zicasso’s Kilimanjaro Climb and Wildlife Safari Tour.

The Great Rift Valley cuts a dramatic swathe through Kenya. It cradles a series of stunning lakes, each offering a unique and picturesque setting. From the flamingo-filled soda lakes to the freshwater havens for hippos and birds, it creates unparalleled photographic opportunities.

What to Expect

• A Pink Horizon: Witness the spectacle of Lake Nakuru, where vast flocks of flamingos create a vibrant, moving sea of pink against the water.
• Hippo Spotting: Take a private boat safari on the freshwater Lake Naivasha, gliding past pods of grunting hippos and observing eagles snatching fish from the water.
• Walking Safaris: Enjoy a guided walk on Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can stroll peacefully among relaxed giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
• Soda Lakes: Visit the otherworldly, lunar-like landscapes of Lake Elementaita, a soda lake that attracts unique birdlife and offers a sense of remote tranquility.
• Scenic Vistas: Capture dramatic photos from the Rift Valley viewpoints, looking down on the vast, ancient landscapes and shimmering lakes below.

Best Lakes to Visit:

• Lake Nakuru
• Lake Naivasha
• Lake Elementaita
• Lake Bogoria

Explore itineraries featuring these unique landscapes in our 10 Best Places to Visit in Kenya on Safari.

Delve into Kenya’s rich heritage by exploring the historical landmarks that tell the story of its complex past and vibrant Swahili culture. From ancient, ruined cities on the coast to powerful memorials in the capital, these sites offer a deep connection to the heart of the nation.

What to Expect

• Coastal Ruins: Explore the mysterious, 15th-century Gede Ruins near Watamu, a Swahili town mysteriously abandoned and now reclaimed by jungle and curious monkeys.
• Historical Mombasa: Wander the narrow streets of Mombasa's Old Town and visit Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress and UNESCO site that stands guard over the harbor.
• National Monuments: Visit Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park in Nairobi, a powerful monument celebrating the location where Kenya declared its independence.
• Living History: Immerse yourself in the living history of Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, where life moves at the pace of a donkey.

Best Places to Visit:

• Gede Ruins, Kilifi
• Fort Jesus, Mombasa
• Lamu Old Town
• Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park, Nairobi

Incorporate these cultural cornerstones into a Kenya and South Africa safari.

The best time to visit Kenya’s parks is generally during the dry seasons, when vegetation thins and animals seek out water sources, making them easier to spot. While Kenya is a year-round destination, timing your visit can transform your wildlife-viewing experience.

• Long Dry Season (June to October): This is the peak safari season. It offers pleasant, sunny weather and exceptional game viewing. This window also hosts the Great Migration, with the dramatic river crossings in the Maasai Mara typically occurring between July and October.
• Short Dry Season (January to March): This is another excellent period. The weather is hot and dry, and wildlife is abundant.
• Rainy Seasons (April to May and November to December): These "green seasons" see fewer crowds and are exceptional for bird-watching and photography, as the landscapes are lush and dramatic. However, travel can be more challenging and some remote camps may close.

Here is a guide to popular destinations:

• Maasai Mara: Visit from July to October for the peak of the Great Migration and dramatic river crossings. January to March is also excellent for general wildlife viewing with fewer crowds.
• Amboseli Park: The best times are June to October and January to March. These dry seasons offer the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro and draw large elephant herds to the swamps.
• Samburu Reserve: Travel from June to October or January to March. The dry weather concentrates wildlife along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
• Tsavo Parks: Plan your visit for June to October or January to February. During these dry months, wildlife gathers around the rivers and waterholes in Tsavo East and West.
• Lake Nakuru: Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but the most comfortable weather is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to March.
• Kenyan Coast: The ideal time for a beach stay is from January to March or July to October. These months avoid the main rains and offer perfect, sunny beach weather.

Safety and Health

Planning a seamless and secure journey is paramount. A visit to Kenya is extremely rewarding and like travel to any international destination, it requires awareness and preparation.

Travel Safety: For most travelers on a planned, guided safari, Kenya is a very safe destination. Your journey will be managed by professional guides and Zicasso partners who are experts in the region. The primary risks, such as petty theft and crime, are concentrated in major urban centers, particularly at night, and in specific areas not frequented by tourists.

Our specialists ensure you avoid these areas entirely. Your guides will handle all logistics, and the lodges and camps you stay at have excellent security. The most important safety rule on safari is to always follow your guide’s instructions, especially concerning wildlife encounters.

Health and Vaccinations: Your health and comfort are essential. We strongly recommend you consult your doctor or a travel clinic four to six weeks before your departure for the most current advice.

• Vaccinations: The yellow fever vaccine is often a requirement for entry, especially if you are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission. Other recommended vaccinations typically include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine boosters like Tetanus.
• Malaria: Malaria is present in many parts of Kenya, including most safari parks and coastal regions (Nairobi and the highlands are generally low-risk). Prophylactic antimalarial medication is highly recommended. Your doctor will prescribe the best option for you.
• Other Precautions: In addition to medication, prevent mosquito bites by using a strong insect repellent that contains DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings, and using mosquito nets provided by your lodge.

Getting Around

The logistics of a Kenyan safari are part of the adventure and choosing the right mode of transport is key to maximizing your experience.

Internal Flights vs. Driving

• Internal Flights: This is the most efficient and popular option for a luxury safari. Small "bush planes" connect the main parks via a network of airstrips. This method maximizes your time on safari by turning multi-hour drives into short, scenic flights, allowing you to travel between reserves like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli in a fraction of the time. Note: These flights have strict luggage limits, typically 33 pounds per person in soft-sided bags.
• Driving: For some itineraries, traveling by private 4x4 vehicle with your guide is an excellent way to see the changing landscapes of Kenya. This is most common for transfers between closer parks, such as from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru or Amboseli. We do not recommend self-driving as road conditions can be challenging and difficult to navigate.

The Role of Your Guide

Your safari guide is the single most important element of your trip. They are far more than drivers; they are highly-trained naturalists, trackers, and cultural ambassadors. Your private guide will be your host, your teacher, and your protector. They will track wildlife, interpret animal behavior, share deep ecological knowledge, and ensure your safety and comfort, transforming a great trip into an extraordinary one.

The Maasai Mara is a cornerstone of the classic Kenyan safari, but it is intrinsically linked to an even larger ecosystem: the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania. Both parks protect the same vast, rolling savannas and host the thundering herds of the Great Migration, yet they offer distinct experiences. Choosing between the dramatic river crossings of the Mara and the endless, predator-rich plains of the Serengeti, or deciding how to combine them, is a classic safari dilemma. Understanding their key differences is the first step in planning the perfect East African journey.

• Vast Scale: The Serengeti is significantly larger, offering a sense of limitless, remote wilderness. The Maasai Mara is more compact, providing a higher concentration of wildlife in a smaller area, especially within its exclusive private conservancies.
• Migration Timing: While both host the Great Migration, the experience differs. The Mara is world-famous for the dramatic river crossings, typically from July to October, while the Serengeti hosts the calving season from January to March and offers migration viewing year-round as the herds move across its vast plains.
• Exclusive Activities: Safari regulations differ. The Maasai Mara's surrounding private conservancies permit off-road driving, guided bush walks, and night drives, activities that are highly restricted within the main Serengeti National Park.
• Core Landscape: The Serengeti is famed for its iconic, flat "endless plains" and rocky granite outcrops. The Maasai Mara is characterized more by its rolling, grassy hills, riverine forests, and the prominent Mara River.
• Cultural Component: While both border Maasai lands, the Maasai-led conservancy model is a defining feature of the Kenyan Mara. This system deeply integrates community partnership and authentic cultural visits directly with the safari experience.

To help you decide which region to visit, take a look at our Serengeti vs. Maasai Mara: Where Should I Travel? article.

This list is only the beginning of what Kenya has to offer. Whether you dream of a classic "bush and beach" holiday, a thrilling active adventure, or an immersive cultural journey, your perfect itinerary can be brought to life. The diversity of experiences ensures every visit is unique, memorable, and deeply personal.

Your journey to the heart of the safari awaits. To find out more, see our comprehensive Kenya safari guide or browse our Kenya safari tours and vacations. Then, contact our destination specialists to start crafting your personalized Kenyan adventure.