Updated: August 2021
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Welcome to Kenya.
From the gorgeous coast to the vast savannah, this East African country is an unforgettable escape. It’s one place in Africa you won’t want to miss; it is the ultimate safari destination and one of my new favorite corners of the world.
Here are my bucket list experiences in Kenya!
Stay at Giraffe Manor
I’ve been to a lot of amazing boutique hotels around the world, but nothing compares to this place. With endangered giraffes roaming around the luxury, vintage property, Giraffe Manor has an otherworldly beauty.
Incredibly preserved and sitting on top of 140 acres of land, this place is like stepping into a dream.
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Stay at Cottars 1920s Safari Camp
The first tented safari in Africa, this 1920s-inspired camp is at the heart of the Maasai community and has a stunning view of the Kenyan savannah.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the vast Olderikesi Wildlife Conservancy and seeing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Explore Nairobi
East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Kenya’s capital is an essential stop. The great museums, galleries, and markets of Nairobi will give you a fascinating glimpse into Kenyan culture.
It’s also where Kenya’s largest airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, is located, so it’s a good starting point.
See Flamingos at Lake Bogoria
Late autumn is far from the only time to visit Kenya.
From August to early October, you’ll find an incredible gathering of flamingos at Lake Bogoria. If you’ve ever wanted to get started with drone photography, there is no better place to be.
Discover the Serengeti
Spanning from northern Tanzania to southwestern Kenya, the Serengeti is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the Ten Natural Travel Wonders of the World. It is home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, and this place will blow you away.
Helpful Tip: I recommend visiting Kenya between July to September for the Great Migration. Two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes migrate from Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, and it’s one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see.
Stay at Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s luxe camp nestled in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, was named the “favorite safari camp” by Condé Nast Traveler, and it’s easy to see why.
The sights and sounds of the African bush will make you never want to leave Kenya.
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Adventure in Hell’s Gate National Park
Part of the Great Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park is named after the intense geothermal activity that takes place inside the park.
With towering cliffs and dramatic volcanoes, this is the place for mountain biking, rock climbing, visiting a natural spa, and (of course!) finding beautiful photo ops.
Visit a Maasai Village
One of the highlights of my experience in Kenya was visiting the local Maasai community. Its culture is so interesting and open.
I had the opportunity to interact with the native people and hear their remarkable stories. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that opened my eyes up to another world.
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Helicopter Over Mount Kenya at Sunrise
The highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is one of the country’s most remarkable sights. It overlooks Lake Michaelson and has snowy peaks reaching up to 17,057 feet. There’s no view like a helicopter view!
If you have more time, visit some of the treks going up Mount Kenya; they are truly epic. You can climb to the highest peaks or just hike for a couple of days to take in the cliffs, valleys, and savannah surrounding Mount Kenya.
Take a Beach Day
Kenya isn’t known for its beaches, but it should be! Turtle Bay in Watamu has flawless white-sand beaches, while the nearby water has fantastic reefs that make it a dream for diving and snorkeling.
Another dream snorkeling locale, Tiwi Beach has captivating coral right off of the beach. It’s often overlooked for the famous nearby Diani Beach, which means that you’ll have the whole place to yourself for the perfect beach day.
Spend a Weekend on Lamu Island
Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small Swahili town is home to historic architectural wonders, wondering donkeys and dhow boats cruising along the coastline in the distance.
Book a short, inexpensive flight from Nairobi and spend a few days exploring one best-preserved Swahili settlement in Africa.
With an influx of migrants from Persia, India, Asia and Europe, Lamu has a unique blend of cultures that you won’t find anywhere else!
Adopt a Baby Elephant
Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi and adopt an orphaned baby elephant. For $50 USD, you can visit the elephants after hours and help with their feeding.
Your fostering fee also includes a monthly summary of how your elephant is doing, a certificate, and photos.
What’s on the top of your bucket list for Kenya?
There is a lot more to Kenya! I know you’re just trying to beef up your site and plug in some nice lodges who hosted you but make some effort to see a country before generating this garbage…. This is exactly what gives bloggers a bad name.
Thanks for your comment Janet. As the post states, this is my personal “bucket list” for Kenya. It has nothing to do with authority or expertise, nor claims that these are the only experiences one is able to have in Kenya. Rather than criticize, it would be great if you could share your favorite experiences in Kenya for this community.
I am Kenyan and I love this blog post. It would be nice if you put you point across politely without being impolite.
I lived in Kenya long ago and have been back many times since. It is well worth getting away from the tourist spots, to just look around and talk to real Kenyans. There isn’t even a language barrier.
I am partial to the scenery around Nyeri and Embu, very lush, on the south and east sides of Mount Kenya. But going up on the east side toward Meru also is jaw-droppingly beautiful. And the west side has vast plains that go off to the Aberderes. In the Aberdere Mountains, Thompson Falls is a surprisingly cozy spot (it’s way up high, so it’s cold there). And the Rift Valley is unforgettable. You can really see how the earth ripped apart, and the volcanoes that sprouted up. Lake Naivasha is gorgeous. Watch out for hippos.