Kenya has a glamorous reputation, due in part to the extraordinary adventures of Karen Blixen and the savvy expat community calling this African nation ‘home.’ In Kenya, this same community was the driving force behind several successful wildlife conservancies. Today, tourists travelling to Kenya enjoy offbeat activities due to the fact that conservancies are owner managed (rather than government managed). Being free from government regulations, yet still respecting the needs of wildlife, these conservancies offer many opportunities for adventuring with the wildlife within their borders. Here is a shortlist of our 11 absolute best Kenyan wildlife adventures.
1. Camel safari in Laikipia
Camels thrive in arid environments, making the area around Lewa and Laikipia (Northern Kenya) ideal habitats. Travelers to Laikipia have the option of going out on a one-day foray into the wilderness with their camel, or doing an all-inclusive four day camel safari.
2. Rhino tracking in Samburu
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the immersive rhino tracking experience in Samburu. A highly trained guide leads these three-day walking excursions following in the footsteps of the northern black rhino. Guests learn all about rhino habitats, behaviors, threats, and conservation opportunities.
3. Swimming in a waterfall at Sirikoi
Most lodges in Laikipia offers beautiful walks in the verdant Ngare Ndare Forest. In the typical mid-day heat, hikers are rewarded with a beautiful forest waterfall with an ideal natural swimming pool.
4. Climbing Mt. Kenya
Mt. Kenya peaks at a lower elevation than its neighbor Mt. Kilimanjaro, but the climb is much more technical and therefore reserved for extremely adventurous (and fit) travelers. Point Lenana is the most feasible and least technical route, yet still presents a challenge to most beginner or intermediate mountaineers. Guests will sleep in dome tents for the duration of the climb and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains as well as the gratifying feeling of conquering a breathtaking peak in Africa.
5. Horse riding safaris
Horse safaris are a brilliant way to get closer to wildlife and walk beside them while enjoying the thrill of cantering over open savannah. Laikipia offers excellent horse safaris ranging from one to three days in areas with fewer predators for safety reasons.
6. Balloon safari over the Masai Mara
Hot air balloons have a romantic connotation – there is something sentimental about the ancient flying technique. During peak migration season, travelers on a balloon safari may witness thousands of wildebeest running across the plains of the Mara, adding to the sense of romance and adventure. This is a must for flying enthusiasts.
6. Fly camping in Naboisho
Camping has a unique allure. Adventurous travelers have the opportunity for an immersive wildlife experience combining a walking safari with a private ‘fly camp’ in dome tents. The ‘host’ camp sends a team of staff with the guests who sleep on comfy cot beds, eat a delicious cooked meal, and enjoy the safety of an askari protecting the camp through the night.
7. White water rafting in the Tana River
The Tana River has a range of rapids from class 1 to class 5, making it an adrenaline junkie’s dream come true. There are routes available from beginner to advanced, so it’s essential to indicate skill level with the tour company before enjoying a river rafting adventure to remember!
8. Safaricom Marathon
A thrill seeker’s ultimate adventure, the Safaricom Marathon traverses a dangerous route of 13kms of unfenced wild territory in Lewa Conservancy. Several helicopters and armed rangers are on hand to protect participants from dangerous animals, but the completion rate is only 30% due to the propensity of potentially dangerous wildlife encounters on the running route.
9. Wild dog walking safari
Wild dogs are somewhat rare, so a walking safari presents an unusual opportunity to witness them up close and personal. Multi day walking trips are a physical challenge and present multiple sightings of wild dog.
10. Sail on the Tusitiri dhow
Tusitiri is a restored ancient dhow originally used for trade on the iconic Spice Route. For active travellers, the Tusitiri crew brings a litany of water toys along. Guests can choose from kayaking, fishing, kite surfing, snorkelling, or diving – arriving at the ideal place for these activities with a dedicated dhow. Journeys aboard the Tusitiri can be tailored to individual clients, and they usually start in Lamu Town on the Kenyan Coast.
Are you ready to start planning your next adventure in Kenya? Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below.
Willow Constantine is the Founder of Bespoke Safari Co. Bespoke Safari Co. is a boutique travel agency offering cutting edge curated travel experiences in Africa.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Willow Constantine is the founder and director of Bespoke Safari Co., a travel agency specializing in curated African experiences. Bespoke Safari Co. designs itineraries as a synergy of craft and travel, including private villa retreats in which clients escape the din of daily life to enjoy slow travel while observing wildlife in its natural habitat. As part of the Bespoke Safari Co. family, clients enjoy the privilege of travelling like a local. Whether exploring the hidden corners of Cape Town, camping with primates in Mahale, or quietly tracking leopard through the kopjes of Southern Tanzania, a Bespoke Safari experience will remain etched in one’s memory forever – we only curate the most unforgettable travel experiences. Willow researches each destination thoroughly for recent weather patterns, discovering any changes to wildlife migration and behavior. She also personally visits each lodge and villa she recommends, ensuring lodges are delivering only the best – at every price level.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
11 Comments
I’ve been to Kenya a couple of times and I know what you mean about the sense of freedom, whether you are looking out over a vast plain from a safari lodge or from a beach onto the horizons of the Indian Ocean. When you do that you can see why so many colonial settlers thought that this could be an exciting new home for them forever. When you are in a place with so much heritage of adventure you’ve got to be a little bit adventurous your self.
Bob, you are so right. Some of us just have the soul of adventurers, endlessly curious to explore the hidden corners of the world. I’ve always loved the re-wilding potential Africa proposes, long may it last.
Doing the 3 day rhino tracking would be an amazing experience. I’ve done some walking safaris in Africa and it’s tough going with the heat and scrub. You would have to be fit to do it. Imagine the excitement if you finally got a sighting of a rhino.
It IS incredible. The group needs to be extremely quiet, and stay low while walking to avoid giving the rhino a fright. But when the bushveld opens up to reveal them right in front of you, it’s a magic feeling.
I was watching something on TV not long about about a Kenyan adventure, some guy that was spending a few weeks there and showing all the things he did, the safaris he went on and the local people he met there, the hiking trails, talking about the wildlife and such. It’s very tempting. I think ‘go on safari’ is one of those bucket list adventures that many of us want to do but not all of us manage to or are able to do in our lifetime. It’s a special one, and I’d love to one day. There are quite a few things here I’d be up for doing, but not the Safaricom Marathon, that sounds intense!
Lucy, while I was researching this article, I suddenly had a strong urge to climb Mt. Kenya. It is a wonderful feeling to push ourselves psychologically and physically. Most safari experiences are quiet, and wild…two things we need more of in the world. I hope you can do a safari one day!
I totally agree that getting out to Kenya and experiencing something wild can be very freeing and beneficial to our health in a workaday world. I would love to climb Mt. Kenya with my dad. I know he’s very interested in climbing Kilimanjaro, so I’ll have to run this by him for sure.
Mt. Kenya is the ultimate challenge due to the technicality of the climb. but imagine the exhilaration! If you decide to do this, please let me know how it goes.
A trip to Kenya means enjoying a mix of nature and wildlife. If you are a person who loves both adventure and peace, Kenya is the place to be. I’ve been in Kenya twice and I had no regrets choosing it over a cruise trip. You will never run out of activities to enjoy and get that adrenalin pumping, but you will surely love how you can also just kick back and relax.
Lula, Kenya is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and indeed a million times more fulfilling than more sedentary type trips. I am so pleased to hear you got to experience this before the lockdown delayed our travels!
This was a really nice idea for a post. It give me lists of inspirational ideas for a trip.
How about the rest of Africa? It’s a continent that I know so little about. Would you be able to do similar posts for Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania etc?
2. Rhino tracking in Samburu
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the immersive rhino tracking experience in Samburu. A highly trained guide leads these three-day walking excursions following in the footsteps of the northern black rhino. Guests learn all about rhino habitats, behaviors, threats, and conservation opportunities.
2. Rhino tracking in Samburu
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the immersive rhino tracking experience in Samburu. A highly trained guide leads these three-day walking excursions following in the footsteps of the northern black rhino. Guests learn all about rhino habitats, behaviors, threats, and conservation opportunities.
3. Swimming in a waterfall at Sirikoi
Most lodges in Laikipia offers beautiful walks in the verdant Ngare Ndare Forest. In the typical mid-day heat, hikers are rewarded with a beautiful forest waterfall with an ideal natural swimming pool.
4. Climbing Mt. Kenya
Mt. Kenya peaks at a lower elevation than its neighbor Mt. Kilimanjaro, but the climb is much more technical and therefore reserved for extremely adventurous (and fit) travelers. Point Lenana is the most feasible and least technical route, yet still presents a challenge to most beginner or intermediate mountaineers. Guests will sleep in dome tents for the duration of the climb and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains as well as the gratifying feeling of conquering a breathtaking peak in Africa.
5. Horse riding safaris
Horse safaris are a brilliant way to get closer to wildlife and walk beside them while enjoying the thrill of cantering over open savannah. Laikipia offers excellent horse safaris ranging from one to three days in areas with fewer predators for safety reasons.
6. Balloon safari over the Masai Mara
Hot air balloons have a romantic connotation – there is something sentimental about the ancient flying technique. During peak migration season, travelers on a balloon safari may witness thousands of wildebeest running across the plains of the Mara, adding to the sense of romance and adventure. This is a must for flying enthusiasts.
6. Fly camping in Naboisho
Camping has a unique allure. Adventurous travelers have the opportunity for an immersive wildlife experience combining a walking safari with a private ‘fly camp’ in dome tents. The ‘host’ camp sends a team of staff with the guests who sleep on comfy cot beds, eat a delicious cooked meal, and enjoy the safety of an askari protecting the camp through the night.
7. White water rafting in the Tana River
The Tana River has a range of rapids from class 1 to class 5, making it an adrenaline junkie’s dream come true. There are routes available from beginner to advanced, so it’s essential to indicate skill level with the tour company before enjoying a river rafting adventure to remember!
8. Safaricom Marathon
A thrill seeker’s ultimate adventure, the Safaricom Marathon traverses a dangerous route of 13kms of unfenced wild territory in Lewa Conservancy. Several helicopters and armed rangers are on hand to protect participants from dangerous animals, but the completion rate is only 30% due to the propensity of potentially dangerous wildlife encounters on the running route.
9. Wild dog walking safari
Wild dogs are somewhat rare, so a walking safari presents an unusual opportunity to witness them up close and personal. Multi day walking trips are a physical challenge and present multiple sightings of wild dog.
10. Sail on the Tusitiri dhow
Tusitiri is a restored ancient dhow originally used for trade on the iconic Spice Route. For active travellers, the Tusitiri crew brings a litany of water toys along. Guests can choose from kayaking, fishing, kite surfing, snorkelling, or diving – arriving at the ideal place for these activities with a dedicated dhow. Journeys aboard the Tusitiri can be tailored to individual clients, and they usually start in Lamu Town on the Kenyan Coast.
Are you ready to start planning your next adventure in Kenya? Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below.
Willow Constantine is the Founder of Bespoke Safari Co. Bespoke Safari Co. is a boutique travel agency offering cutting edge curated travel experiences in Africa.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
I’ve been to Kenya a couple of times and I know what you mean about the sense of freedom, whether you are looking out over a vast plain from a safari lodge or from a beach onto the horizons of the Indian Ocean. When you do that you can see why so many colonial settlers thought that this could be an exciting new home for them forever. When you are in a place with so much heritage of adventure you’ve got to be a little bit adventurous your self.
Bob, you are so right. Some of us just have the soul of adventurers, endlessly curious to explore the hidden corners of the world. I’ve always loved the re-wilding potential Africa proposes, long may it last.
Doing the 3 day rhino tracking would be an amazing experience. I’ve done some walking safaris in Africa and it’s tough going with the heat and scrub. You would have to be fit to do it. Imagine the excitement if you finally got a sighting of a rhino.
Hello John,
It IS incredible. The group needs to be extremely quiet, and stay low while walking to avoid giving the rhino a fright. But when the bushveld opens up to reveal them right in front of you, it’s a magic feeling.
I was watching something on TV not long about about a Kenyan adventure, some guy that was spending a few weeks there and showing all the things he did, the safaris he went on and the local people he met there, the hiking trails, talking about the wildlife and such. It’s very tempting. I think ‘go on safari’ is one of those bucket list adventures that many of us want to do but not all of us manage to or are able to do in our lifetime. It’s a special one, and I’d love to one day. There are quite a few things here I’d be up for doing, but not the Safaricom Marathon, that sounds intense!
Lucy, while I was researching this article, I suddenly had a strong urge to climb Mt. Kenya. It is a wonderful feeling to push ourselves psychologically and physically. Most safari experiences are quiet, and wild…two things we need more of in the world. I hope you can do a safari one day!
I totally agree that getting out to Kenya and experiencing something wild can be very freeing and beneficial to our health in a workaday world. I would love to climb Mt. Kenya with my dad. I know he’s very interested in climbing Kilimanjaro, so I’ll have to run this by him for sure.
Mt. Kenya is the ultimate challenge due to the technicality of the climb. but imagine the exhilaration! If you decide to do this, please let me know how it goes.
A trip to Kenya means enjoying a mix of nature and wildlife. If you are a person who loves both adventure and peace, Kenya is the place to be. I’ve been in Kenya twice and I had no regrets choosing it over a cruise trip. You will never run out of activities to enjoy and get that adrenalin pumping, but you will surely love how you can also just kick back and relax.
Lula, Kenya is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and indeed a million times more fulfilling than more sedentary type trips. I am so pleased to hear you got to experience this before the lockdown delayed our travels!
This was a really nice idea for a post. It give me lists of inspirational ideas for a trip.
How about the rest of Africa? It’s a continent that I know so little about. Would you be able to do similar posts for Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania etc?