Kenya Travelers Recommend

The concept of going on safari was made popular in Kenya, and the country remains one of Africa’s top destinations for spotting wildlife. A safari is an unforgettable experience, but not all safaris are created equal. Here are some safari options in Kenya, whether you’re short on time or planning the ultimate bucket list trip.

For the Time-Crunched Visitor

You don’t need a ton of time to get out into the bush to spot wildlife. Nairobi National Park is just outside the Kenyan capital, making it a convenient option that can be done in half a day. Those pressed for time who still want to do an overnight safari can opt for one in Amboseli National Park.

For the Environmentalist

Conservation is a headline issue in Kenya, and those who want to learn more about wildlife protection efforts can combine a short safari to Nairobi National Park with visits to an elephant rescue and rehabilitation facility and a center for endangered giraffes.

For the Bucket-Lister

For most travelers, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make the most of it with a longer safari—typically around two weeks—that showcases the best of both Kenya and neighboring Tanzania. Spotting the Big Five is almost guaranteed. 

For the Beach Lover

While the wildlife undeniably headlines Kenya’s list of attractions, sunseekers needn’t choose between a safari and a beach vacation. Multi-day tours combine the best of both worlds, with time to visit Amboseli and Tsavo East national parks, as well as several days to relax on the beautiful beaches of Kenya’s south coast.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

For travelers who feel at home in the great outdoors, camping safaris offer basic camping accommodations and the chance to sleep beneath the stars and take “bush showers” in the warm African sun. A typical week-long camping safari includes the highlights of the Great Rift Valley, including Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara National Park.

In a country known for wilderness and wildlife, Nairobi is the cosmopolitan heart. With one day in Nairobi you can see key highlights, from museums to colonial-era architecture, then find pockets of wildness just beyond the city. Whether you’re all about animals or interested in local history, use these tips to plan one day in Nairobi. 

Morning: Discover Downtown

Follow the morning rush of local workers into the city center, where skyscrapers jostle for space with historic landmarks. It can be overwhelming for anyone who doesn’t live here, so join a guide who can lead the way between key destinations, which include Uhuru Park, the National Parliament, and the Kenya National Archives. For an entirely different look at life in Nairobi, head to the outskirts and visit Kibera Slums—a guide is essential here—where you can see how residents of this impoverished community live and work.

Afternoon: Celebrate Conservation

Some rescued elephants and other wildlife find their way to orphanages in Nairobi, where conservationists nurse them back to health. Visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre gives you a glimpse of the work that Kenyans are doing to keep wildlife vibrant; lucky visitors get the added bonus of seeing workers bottle-feed baby animals. Some tours of the two conservation destinations add an additional stop at the Karen Blixen Museum, set on the former estate of the Danish author of Out of Africa. With gorgeous view across the Ngong Hills and a preserved 1912 bungalow, it’s a worthwhile destination even if you haven’t read Blixen’s work.

Evening: Urban Game Drives—and a Carnivorous Adventure

Just beyond the urban sprawl lies Nairobi National Park, where free-roaming giraffes, lions, and black rhinos live on grassy plains with the city skyline for a backdrop. It’s a year-round game-drive destination that you can slip in between lunch and cocktail hour, and early evening is the perfect time to see the park at its most beautiful. Following the trip, wrap up your day in Nairobi with the flamboyant show at Carnivore Restaurant; book a table in advance for the fixed-price meal, which is served by sword-wielding waiters in costume.  

With three days in Nairobi, you can sample urban style and encounter traditional cultures, with time left over for a day trip to one of Kenya’s headlining national parks. Get an early start and you can be spotting lions, hiking through the bush, and snapping photos of giraffes by lunchtime. Here’s how to spend three days in Nairobi.

Day 1: Cityscape Safari and Conservation

Even in Kenya’s biggest city, wildlife isn’t far away, so spend your first morning on a safari through Nairobi National Park. With the added bonus of cool air and good light for photography, you’ll see the animals—cheetahs, rhinos, and lions live here—when they’re most active. If you’re not ready for an early morning wake-up, opt for an early evening safari instead.

Following your safari, head back to the city—this would be a good time for some of Kenya’s locally grown coffee or tea—to see conservation work within city limits. Watch animal caretakers bottle-feed baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and visit the nearby Giraffe Centre. Since the two destinations are in the same area, choosing a tour that features both is convenient and time saving.

Day 2: Local Culture and Cuisine

Start the day with a cultural encounter at Bomas of Kenya, which brings together people from the country’s diverse communities in the grasslands, mountains, and coast. It’s an opportunity to get a first-hand look at traditional life, with re-created village houses, dance shows, musical performances, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Alternatively, join a tour that’s focused on cultures closer to Nairobi, whether you’re learning about women-focused community development, visiting an impoverished neighborhood, or learning about the lives of Nairobi’s street children. In the evening, book ahead to experience a night of classic Nairobi entertainment: a dinner show with Kenyan dancers or a table at Carnivore Restaurant, where a meat-lovers’ feast is served at the tip of a sword.

Day 3: Safari Experience

Spend your last day exploring one of the country’s remarkable game reserves. For views of hippos and more than 400 bird species, including flamingos, head to Lake Nakuru National Park, in the Great Rift Valley. For endangered black rhinos, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where Africa’s “Big Five” wildlife gather around watering holes.

Other options include joining a ranger for a cycling or walking safari of Hell’s Gate National Park, which is home to everything from African buffalo to gazelle, or trekking to the summit of Mt. Longonot, a forested volcano with sweeping views across the Great Rift Valley.

The Maasai are one of Africa’s oldest and most recognizable tribes, with nearly a million of these nomadic people living amidst the unforgiving plains of Tanzania and Kenya. Here’s what you need to know about experiencing this traditional culture while in Kenya.

• Spend a day touring Ngong Hills, the homeland of the Maasai tribe in Kenya.

• Follow a Maasai guide through Loita Forest to immerse yourself in the traditional way of life, while learning survival skills and local customs from the Maasai.

• Learn the art of traditional Maasai jewelry-making from a local artisan (and take home your own creation).

• Sample some of the proteins critical to local communities—ostrich, crocodile, and camel among them—roasted on Maasai swords over an open charcoal pit.

• Tour the Bomas of Kenya heritage village to learn more about each of Kenya’s 42 ethnic groups, including the Maasai.

• Shop for arts and crafts handmade by Maasai women at Maasai Markets.

With two days in Nairobi, you can take in the essential city sights and still have time for a deeper dive into wildlife, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re watching a traditional dance performance or spotting giraffes at the edge of the city, this is where Kenya’s magnificent nature meets urban culture. Here’s how to spend two days in Nairobi.

Day 1: Urban Exploring and Conservation

**Morning:**Start the day in the center of the action; downtown Nairobi is home to historic sites, Kenya’s parliament, and plenty of landmarks. It’s an exciting place, but Kenya’s colorful history is what makes the area so interesting, so join a guided tour to get the whole story.

**Afternoon:**Nairobi might feel a world away from Kenya’s vast national parks, but important conservation work happens right here. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see an elephant orphanage, then head to the nearby Giraffe Centre to crane your neck at endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes.

**Night:**Meat is on the menu at the Carnivore Restaurant, where waiters serve your grilled meal on the tip of a sword. Since the sale of wild-game meat is banned here, don’t worry about finding a zebra on your plate, though you can dine on crocodile, ostrich, and camel.

Day 2: From Wildlife to Traditional Culture

**Morning:**Wake up early for a game drive through Nairobi National Park, taking advantage of the morning hours when the animals are most active; lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and buffalo all live here. Bring a camera, as images of free-ranging wildlife with a backdrop of the Nairobi city skyline are shots you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

**Afternoon:**Then explore Kenyan culture at Bomas of Kenya, which brings together some of the diverse cultures from across the country. From village homes to dance performances, it’s an all-ages attraction, but with the chance to meet and interact with Kenyans face-to-face it’s especially popular with kids. Alternatively, spend the afternoon touring communities in Nairobi committed to empowering local women.

**Night:**With one last night in Nairobi, make it count with tickets to a local show. To save the trouble of looking for taxis at night, consider booking tickets that include transport from your hotel.

Three days in Mombasa is ample time to visit the city’s UNESCO-listed attractions, sunbathe and sip cocktails, and venture farther afield to hang out with elephants and giraffes. From kid-friendly water parks to multi-day safaris, here are our top tips for making the most of your time in Kenya’s oldest city.

Day 1: Discover the City

Spend your first day discovering Mombasa’s Old Town and main island. To skip the hassle of getting around on your own, join a full- or half-day city tour that includes round-trip transport—most stop by top sights such as Fort Jesus and Mandhry Mosque. If you have time in the afternoon, cool off at a water park, cycle along rural trails, or learn more about the region’s flora and fauna at an ecopark. After a busy day, unwind on an evening dinner cruise along the coastline.

Day 2: Widen Your Perspective

Mombasa is an ideal starting point for wider exploration of Kenya. Spend a day in Shimba Hills National Reserve in search of leopards, elephants, and myriad bird species. Or, head out on a multi-day adventure touring the iconic Tsavo national parks, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, or Maasai Mara large-game reserve. Alternatively, seafarers and marine-life lovers might opt for a day away from the mainland spotting dolphins on a wildlife-watching cruise.

Day 3: Do as the Locals Do

Two-day tours continue into the following day, with accommodation and meals typically included. Otherwise, spend your final day experiencing the city like a local. Wander around a few of Mombasa’s museums, galleries, and cultural centers. Then jump in a tuk-tuk or taxi to one of the sandy beaches that line the city’s north coast, and while away the afternoon sunbathing, sipping cocktails, or taking part in water sports. Popular bars line Links Road and the surrounding streets, offering further adventures for after-dark revelers.

Kenya has 54 national parks and game preserves scattered throughout the country. From plains and deserts to the Rift Valley and mountainous areas, these parks provide protected natural habitats for the diverse wildlife for which Kenya is famous. If you’re heading out on safari, here are your best bets.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The best known (and most visited) of Kenya’s national parks is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which adjoins the Serengeti in Tanzania just across the border. Africa’s “big five” live here: lion, elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, and leopard, along with hundreds of thousands of other animals, including giraffe, warthog, hyena, and wildebeest. 

Nairobi National Park

Kenya’s oldest and most accessible national park, Nairobi National Park gives visitors the opportunity to spot lions, black rhinos, antelopes, hyenas, and ostriches with the skyscrapers of the Kenyan capital in the background. This park is close enough for a day trip from Nairobi, perfect for time-pressed travelers.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Since large carnivores are extremely rare within the bounds of arid Hell’s Gate National Park, visitors are free to explore on foot or by bicycle. Giraffes, zebras, impalas, and buffaloes often make an appearance. Guided bike tours typically include bike rentals and round-trip transportation.

Lake Nakuru National Park

This African national park is a must for bird enthusiasts, as Lake Nakuru is home to millions of flamingos, as well as more than 400 other bird species. Big mammals feature as well—leopards, black rhinos, and plenty of plains dwellers. Multi-day safaris through Kenya often include Lake Nakuru along with Maasai Mara.

Amboseli National Park

Situated 160 miles (257 kilometers) southeast of Nairobi, Amboseli National Park offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, across the Tanzanian border. Another draw is the park’s large herd of elephants, about 900 all told.

Kenya offers prime opportunities to observe the mass migration of Africa’s wild herds, an event known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. We’ve gathered some top guided experiences as well as insider tips to help you make the most of the annual spectacle. See below for your options.   When to Go The Great Migration takes place on a yearlong cycle, with most movement through Kenya happening between July and October. As the animals’ progress along the route is ultimately determined by the rains, touring with an experienced guide is the best way to optimize your chances of gaining the best views.   Where to Go The sprawling Maasai Mara provides plenty of opportunity to spot the migratory grazers, as well as their roaming predators. Mara River is the iconic location of many treacherous river crossings, where hungry crocs lurk in wait. Over on the grass plains, crossing survivors group in the thousands, drawing lions, leopards, and hyenas from far and wide.   How to Go There are several ways to experience the Great Migration, including watching from a secure all-terrain vehicle or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon for sweeping panoramas of the natural spectacle. Some tours also offer a multi-experience package for a comprehensive overview.

With two days in Kenya’s oldest city, you can visit UNESCO-listed landmarks, spend time in a nature or water park, and dance the night away—but some planning is essential. From safari tours to sunset cruises, here are some ideas for optimizing your time in and around Mombasa.

Day 1: Sightseeing and City Life

Morning: Familiarize yourself with Mombasa’s unusual layout, taking advantage of tours offering private transport and guidance to find your way among island and mainland attractions with ease. Explore the Old Town, home to landmarks such as Fort Jesus, Mandhry Mosque, and Lord Shiva Temple, before heading into the modern suburbs.

Afternoon: Full-day sightseeing packages eliminate the hassle of advanced planning and generally continue into the late afternoon or evening. Alternatively, Wild Waters park and the city’s public beaches offer water sports and entertainment, while Haller Park and Mombasa Marine National Park draw nature lovers with their wealth of flora and fauna.

Night: Head north to Mtwapa for a sunset dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean. Afterward, stay in town to drink and dance among locals, or catch a tuk-tuk or taxi to Bamburi or Kisauni, where the nightlife caters to a more touristy crowd.

Day 2: Beyond the Island

Morning: Full-day tours from Mombasa typically include round-trip transport, allowing you to take a break from the city and widen your perspective of Kenya with ease. Head out on a safari tour of Shimba Hills National Reserve, home to species such as antelope, elephants, and leopards. Or, embark on a full-day cruise, ideal for unwinding, coastal sightseeing, and spotting native marine life.

Afternoon: Lunch is generally included on day trips, along with hotel drop-off in the late afternoon. If you find yourself back in town with time to spare, visit the city’s often-overlooked galleries and museums, such as the Swahili Cultural Centre, Akamba Handicraft Industry, and Mombasa Butterfly House.

Night: After a busy couple of days, relax on a dinner cruise, with food, drinks, and live music usually included.

From the UNESCO-listed Old Town to beaches and a suburban ecopark, there’s a great deal to explore in Mombasa. Checking off the coastal city’s highlights in one day is possible, but planning is essential. Here are our top tips for making the most of your time.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Orient yourself in Mombasa on a half- or full-day city tour, taking advantage of packages that include private round-trip transport to get around the island city with ease. Departing early to beat the crowds, check out central landmarks such as Fort Jesus, Mandhry Mosque, and the iconic elephant tusks that tower over Moi Avenue.

Afternoon: Suburban Parks and Beaches

Full-day tours generally continue into the afternoon, though lunch isn’t always included. Fortunately, Mombasa’s street food is considered some of the best in the region, and you can’t go far without finding mogo (fried cassava), makai (corn on the cob), or fresh seafood. If you find yourself with some free time, head north to Haller Park, a repurposed wildlife sanctuary that’s home to species such as giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Alternatively, Wild Waters water park boasts slides, pools, and play areas ideal for entertaining visitors of all ages, while Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach (Pirates Beach) is a top spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Night: Coastal Cruises and Beach Bars

After a busy day, unwind on a sunset cruise. Absorb dusk views as you sip an aperitif, opting for a dinner package to immerse yourself fully in the after-dark ambiance. Once back on dry land, travelers reluctant to retire to bed can stroll along the Bamburi beachfront to discover a wealth of bars catering to both local and international crowds.

Like most urban African centers, Nairobi caters to Western travelers with continental fare and European cuisine, but the best food on offer is traditional, cheap, and, of course, delicious. Here are some of our favorite must-try dishes and experiences in the Kenyan capital.

Must-Try Dishes

Local peppers, onions, and tomatoes make up the base for most sauces and many dishes, including the spicy salad kachumbari. Indian flavors permeate many traditional Kenyan dishes, including hot cups of early morning masala tea. Sit-down spots offer hearty meat stews poured over steaming plates of ugali, a stiff porridge made of maize and boiled water.

Street food is easy to find in Nairobi, and while travelers are frequently warned about the risks of eating items sold informally, some of the best eating happens right next to the road. Roasted chicken and fried fish are skewered for easy consumption on the go. Fried nsenene, or bush crickets, make for a quick and crispy snack. Vegetarians should seek out githeri, a hearty dish made from beans and corn, while less adventurous eaters may want to start with small fried donuts called mandazi, which are a popular treat for local children.

Must-Do Experiences

• Head into the countryside to tour the country’s oldest tea plantation.

• Sit down for a traditional Kenyan lunch during a walking tour of the city.

• Feast on exotic meats—camel, ostrich, and crocodile—roasted on a Maasai sword over a charcoal pit at Nairobi’s famous Carnivore restaurant.

• Enjoy the ultimate night out with a dinner and Safari Cats Dancers show at the Safari Park Hotel.

• Sample African beer at a local bar and savor the flavors of East Africa during a night tour of Nairobi.