Safari / Holiday Activities in Kenya

Diving and Snorkeling

There a string of marine national parks spread out along the coast between Shimoni and Malindi, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving though snorkelers are discouraged from wearing fins due to damage to the coral. The better marine parks are further from Mombasa at Wasini Island in the south and Malindi and Watamu north of Mombasa.

Windsurfing and Sailing

The waters are protected by offshore reef and winds are usually reasonably strong and constant. The sheltered channel between Lamu and Manda islands is one of the best places. Kilifu, Mtwapa and Mombasa all have sailing clubs, elsewhere smaller freshwater clubs can also be found, such as at the Lake Victoria. If you’re experienced you may pick up some crewing at the various yacht clubs, though you’ll need to become a temporary member. Although it isn’t hands on, a traditional dhow trip out of Lamu is an unforgettable experience.

Trekking and Walking

Mt Kenya is the obvious Kenya safari trekking choice but other promising and relatively unexplored territory includes Mt Elgon on the Ugandan border, the Cherangani hills and Kerio Valley East of Kitale, the Mathews range, the Lorighi plateau north of Maralal and even the Ngong hills close to Nairobi.

Gliding and Flying

Flying lessons are easily arranged in Nairobi and are much cheaper than in Europe, the USA or Australasia.

Ballooning

Balloon trips in the parks are an absolutely superb way of seeing the savanna plains and of course the animals and the experience of floating silently with a 360 degree view of everything beneath you is incomparable. Flights typically set off at dawn and go for about 1 and a half hours after which they put down for a champagne breakfast. You’ll then be taken on a wildlife drive and returned to your lodge.

Fishing

Kenya offers some wonderful fishing, for freshwater fishing, there are huge Nile perch in lakes Victoria and Turkana, and the trout fishing around the Abardares and Mt Kenya is exceptional.

White Water Rafting

The Athi/Galana River has substantial rapids, chutes and waterfalls and there are also possibilities on the Tana River and Ewaso Ngiro River near Isiolo. The most exciting times for rafting are from late October to mid January and from early April to late July when water levels are highest.

Cycling

Kenya offers cycling and mountain biking trips; popular locations include the edge of the Masai Mara, Hell’s Gate national park, the Central Highlands and the Kerio Valley.

Motorcycling

These take trips including a wildlife ride in Tsavo West national park.

 

Jean Ankunda is a free lance writer with Abacus African Vacations, specialists in Uganda safaris, gorilla safaris and wildlife tours. More of her articles can be found on Uganda safari blog.

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Safari / Holiday Activities in Kenya


Diving and Snorkeling
There a string of marine national parks spread out along the coast between Shimoni and Malindi, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving though snorkelers are discouraged from wearing fins due to damage to the coral. The better marine parks are further...