Things To Do in Kenya, Activities, Attractions for First Timers (2025-2026)

Africa safari tours in countries such as Kenya are the ultimate experiences with a blend of both outdoor and indoor things to do in Kenya. We are going to look at the 14 best things to do in Kenya or Tourist attractions. The location of Kenya along the Great Rift Valley and its nearness to the Indian Ocean also contributes to the beautiful scenic outlooks in Kenya. This includes destinations such as the Diani beach that are an enticement to the tourists. It is also an ecological network for feral species such as the big five safari in Kenya and the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara that is among the greatest wonders globally.

14 Best Things To Do in Kenya (Tourist Attractions) - See the places to visit in Kenya

1. The Great Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara Safari

big migration Africa predators attacking wildebeests

Witnessing the great migration in Masai Mara Kenya is amongst the best things to do in Kenya. Watch the great animal migration in Africa as the wildebeests, Zebras and more transfer from the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya to the Serengeti National Park Tanzania. This Kenya safari great migration movement involves movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests alongside 200,000 zebras and 300,000 gazelles. So, they all move together for mutual aid. For example, the zebras feed on the upper fresh grass so that the wildebeests get to feed on the short grass.

Watching these animal migration Kenya herds movements is a significant and a monumental adventurous venture amongst the Kenya tourist attractions. Also, you get to witness most the predator prey patterns during the crossing of the herds at the Mara River. In addition, see the lions and Nile crocodiles make moves to secure their prey during this wildebeest migration Kenya expedition. This experience normally takes place from great migration Africa months of July to October in the Maasai Mara Kenya.

2. Tracking down the big five safari animals in Kenya

See a leopard in an African safari

The big five safari in Kenya is a must do tourist attraction conducted  in various places to visit in Kenya. This Kenya safari experience involves following up on the movements of the Big five members,” lion, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants’’.  In addition, these Kenya big 5 safari animals are known for their prestige and power over other animals in the wilderness. Some of these big 5 animals are found on land and others are found both on land and in water. So, the best places to visit in Kenya for the big five safari animals are Kenya National parks. These include Amboseli national park that is prominent for have large groups of elephants. Also, Tsavo East national park, Lake Nakuru national park and the Maasai Mara national reserve.

On pursue of the big five safari Kenya animals, you will be amazed by their distinct behavior like the way the leopards stalk and hunt down their prey. Also, how some of these animals like the elephants and rhinos interact. So, if you plan to visit this destination, the big 5 safari must be amongst the best things to do in Kenya.

3. Visit the Maasai communities and villages

maasai-men

This Maasai visit experience brings awareness to the tourist about the different life experiences of some of the indigenous local communities in Kenya. The Maasai people are known for their warm hospitality and for skills such as craft. They are also known for hunting and fire making that they usually showcase to the visitors. So this experience helps the visitors to discover new extraordinary competencies unlike other Kenya things to do.

Visitors also get to experience some of their customs such as the Maasai traditional dances like adumu. So visitors to Kenya might also get to witness the dances performed by the young Maasai warriors. Also ,get to interact and exchange ideas with the local Maasai people and get to support them by buying the local crafts. The Maasai community expeditions can either be experienced in Amboseli national park or the Maasai Mara national reserve.

4. Birdwatching expeditions in Kenya

flamingoes on Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Wondering which things to do in Kenya Africa during any season? Kenya has about 1000 different bird species such as the red-knobbed coot, black coucal. Other species include masked booby, ring necked dove and many more. These Kenya birding species can be found in places such as Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya. Also, the other destination is Abardare national park which is a home to the thicket birds. So, lake Nakuru is popular for harboring a huge population of the pink flamingos. In addition,this is because of its waters that have marine vegetation that the birds feed on.

You can  do this Kenya birdwatching venture at any months of the year. However, the best time to visit Kenya for birdwatching tours is during the rainy seasons between October to April. Additionally, its because of  there’s dense vegetation’s during this time because of the rains. So,this induces migration of the various bird species from all over Africa to Kenya. So this is among the top Kenya attractions during the rainy season

5. Hot Air Balloon Rides in Masai Mara Kenya

Masai Mara National park is among the best places to visit in Kenya for the hot air balloon safaris. Catch the action of the wild animals such as the great migration in Masai Mara and the predator – prey chases at a birds view perspective. This hot air balloon Kenya things to do activity gets you soaring in the air. You get to view the stunning panoramas of the warm yellowish sun kissed savannahs and the mesmerizing surroundings.

One of the common places to experience this Kenya attractions is the Maasai mara national reserve. This is where the hot air balloon rides take about 60 minutes. Hot air balloon safaris in Masai Mara Africa are usually done either very early in the mornings or in the evenings when the winds are calm. The most enjoyable part of this experience is the bush breakfast that is usually served after the hot air balloon safaris.

Hot air balloon flying during the great migration safari

6. Hot springs and rock climbing at Hells gate national park, Kenya

Woman riding a bicycle in Hell's gate national park, Kenya

Hell’s gate National park has one of the largest geothermal power station in Kenya. It also has the hot springs where people get to enjoy a relaxing bath and these are among the 14 best places to visit in Kenya. The fascinating   beauty of the distinct rock formations and the hells gate gorge creates a relaxing ambiance for travelers in the park.

Visitors also get to cycle via the different trails in the park such as the Hell’s gate trail which is among the things to do in Kenya. Also, cycling through the hilly areas of the park. Rock climbing and visiting the obsidian caves is also part of the adventurous activities at the Hell’s gate National park, Kenya.

7. Mountain Hiking in Kenya - Top Kenya attractions

Get to hike some of the towering mountains in Africa such as Mountain Kenya. This is a top experience and among the best things to do in Kenya. You get to explore the numerous natural diversities and uncover the hidden natural treasures such as the different flora. Additionally, the flora in Kenya mountains includes  the giant heather, lobelia and fauna like the golden monkeys. Lastly, bushbucks of the African mountains.

The best time to travel to Kenya for Mountain hiking in Kenya is during the dry season from July to September. Its because, this is the time the  hiking trails at mount Kenya and other mountains are easily accessible since they’re less boggy.

Trekking a mountain in Kenya - Things to do in Kenya

8. Tour the giraffe center - best places to visit in Kenya

Visit and explore the conservation sanctuary in Kenya for a variety of the giraffes. Additionally, get to come up-close with the giraffes while you interact with them. Also, attain more knowledge about the giraffes since this is also an educational Centre for nature and the environment. The interaction with the giraffes involves feeding them in a respectful manner is also a consideration for your Kenya tourist attractions.

9. Visit Gedi in Kenya - places to visit in Kenya

This is one of the significant and extraordinary archaeological historical site in Kenya. Gendi is neighboring the Indian Ocean with unique ancient inspired architectural buildings, palace and Hinterland. Also, Gendi is of a historical significance to various cultures like the Swahili that has a mixture of the Kenyans, Arabs and Europeans. On visiting this site, tourists get to learn and discover new Kenya experiences. So, they also gain awareness about the distinct cultural groups in Kenya and the unique art crafts at the town. Visit Gendi if you are looking for the things to do in Kenya.

10. Visit Nairobi town - Things to do in Nairobi Kenya

Nairobi city aerial View

There are so many top things to do in Nairobi. Nairobi City is a vibrant place with grand dining places. These include the Pullman Nairobi upper hill for mouthwatering cuisines. Nairobi tourist attractions like parks include Nairobi national park and Nairobi Arboretum Park that have variety of eco systems. Experience shopping different kinds of things both local and international at places such as the Galleria shopping mall, the village market, Kenyatta market and the Maasai market.