Adventure Tourism In Kenya

Adventure tourism in Kenya offers a thrilling array of activities for travellers seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences in spectacular landscapes. Kenya is boundless in its beauty and diversity. In Kenya, you can explore the coral gardens of the Indian Ocean, hike Africa’s second-highest mountain, whitewater raft through lion-filled national parks, safari by camel, or sail above the savannah on a hot-air balloon.

Adventure tourism activities in Kenya are booming. Tourists are drawn here by the range of activities they can undertake within one country. Here are some of the most popular…

Mountain Climbing in Kenya

Hop on over to the Mountain Climbing Club of Kenya for a complete list of the best places to climb in the country. The most famous is Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya. There are three separate peaks, but some are recommended only for experienced mountaineers. The children at my school climb the easier Point Lenana in Year 8, so it’s achievable for beginners, and the view is stunning. You might also want to consider:

Lukenya, which is 45 minutes from Nairobi. It offers a variety of climbing routes, including face climbs, jamming cracks, and overhangs. Frog Cliffs is another spot close to the capital, with over 100 established single-pitch routes.

The glorious Hell’s Gate National Park is located near Lake Naivasha and is only 90 minutes from Nairobi. The Main Wall and Fischers Tower, a 100-foot pinnacle, offer excellent climbing opportunities.

Kichwa Tembo and the Elephant Rocks in Tsavo National Park have documented routes ranging from 100 to 300m. However, you need to speak to the Mountain Climbing Club of Kenya and KWS to organise a ranger to accompany you, as this is a national park with many wild and hungry animals.

Hot Air Ballooning in Kenya

The famed image of a balloon drifting lazily across the Maasai Mara draws thousands of people to one of the most incredible safari destinations on Earth. There is nothing in this world like experiencing the pre-dawn Mara from dizzying heights.

Kenyan balloon safaris begin before daylight. You will be picked up from your accommodation and driven to the launch site in the reserve for a safety briefing. This is prime hunting time for Maasai Mara predators, so there is lots of opportunity to watch for wildlife, even as you set up. Balloon safaris take around an hour and are usually followed by a champagne breakfast.

Unsurprisingly, there are lots of balloon companies vying to offer you the chance to witness the wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the sunrise or sunset.

Get Your Guide has a long list of recommended hot air balloon safaris in Kenya, many of which incorporate the trip to the Maasai Mara.

Cost: Approx 450 – 500 USD per person.

Whitewater Rafting in Kenya

Tana River: The Tana River is the most popular whitewater rafting destination in Kenya. It’s easy enough for beginners to try it, with some more challenging sections for experienced rafters. It’s only a few hours north of Nairobi. I have rafted with Savage Wilderness, and I highly recommend them (you can also use Savage as a tour company for climbing Mount Kenya).

Mathioya River Rafting: The Mathioya is best for experienced rafters. It’s a narrow, technical river with a steep descent. In addition, it can be low volume even during the rains. There is some serious, sustained grade IV/V white water. Note that during arid times, it’s not possible to raft the Mathioya River.

The Athi River: The Athi River flows from Nairobi down through Tsavo National Park. Various tour companies offer a multi-day trip, often with less white water rafting and more safari/ game viewing from your boat. I’ve not made this trip; I wonder about the safety of boating along a crocodile and hippo-filled river, but hey! that’s just me. There will be tons of opportunities to see the whole gamut of Kenya’s wildlife: elephant, hippo, leopard, lion, hyena and all their hoofed and clawed friends.

Kakamega Forest: Savage Wilderness offers a three-day/two-night camping trip through this Kenyan ‘jungle’. The Kakamega Forest used to stretch to Uganda and is one of the last preserved areas of Kenya’s rainforest. The river is a mixture of rapids and long, flat stretches.

Ewaso Ngi’ro River Rafting: The Ewaso Ngiro runs 700km along the length of Kenya. The best part for whitewater rafting is Samburu National Park. This trip is similar to the Athi one in that it flows through a wildlife park and has a mixture of flat sections and rapids. Samburu is HOT, and there is lots of wildlife. The availability of the trip depends on rainfall.

Cost: Varies, but a multi-day 3 day / 2 night is around 450 USD per person. A few hours is 70 USD.

Walking Safari and Camel Safari in Kenya

There’s a safari, and then there’s a walking or camel safari. While the conventional safari is close to my heart, this is true adventure tourism in Kenya. Unlike traditional safaris, where you whizz around in a 4×4 and miss the minutiae of Kenyan wildlife, with a walking or camel safari, you are fully immersed in nature.

Walking safaris are a relatively new concept in Kenya, although at most lodges, you will be able to organise a bush walk. A walking or camel safari takes a nomadic journey over several days, where you either walk / or ride a camel through the bush until you reach a camping spot at night. Rarely is the whole day spent walking; you usually stop at a convenient watering hole or scenic spot to spend the afternoon relaxing. Equipment is carried for you, and camps are set up with food organised for you upon arrival. They are invariably high-end experiences in remote and scenic areas such as the Maasai Mara, Laikipia Plateau or the Chalbi Desert.

For both Camel and Walking safaris in Kenya, look at Karisa.
Walking with Rhino’s, check out Saruni Rhino
Maasai Mara walking safari – Go to Leopard Hill

Cost: A bush walk will cost you between USD 50 – 75 – A full 5 day walking or camel safari will be around USD 3000.

Adventure Tourism in Kenya - camel safari — Photo by Arshla Jindal on Unsplash

Hiking in Kenya

Surely hiking is the epitome of adventure tourism in Kenya? Discover Kenya’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems by hiking through Kenya’s national parks, forests, and mountains. Popular hiking destinations include Hell’s Gate National Park, the Aberdare Range, Mount Longonot, and the Ngong Hills, but there’s a ton of remote / off the beaten track trails. All of these hiking paths offer scenic trails and panoramic views. Click on the links above for my blogs on each of them.

Skydiving in Kenya

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush by skydiving over Kenya’s stunning landscapes. These are primarily along Kenya’s coastline, including Diani Beach, Mombasa, Vipingo Ridge, and Watamu. Enjoy breathtaking views as you free fall from thousands of feet above the ground, if that’s your thing. It sounds like hell to me.

Go Jump – Vipingo Ridge
Skydive Diani – Diani Beach
Drop Zone – Watamu

Cost – approx. 400 USD for a tandem jump

Skydiving in Kenya — Photo by Kamil Pietrzak on Unsplash

Kitesurfing in Kenya

It’s hard to imagine a better place to kite surf than the Kenyan coast at certain times of the year. The whitest of white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, the treacherous hump of shallow sand bars, black-tipped reef sharks skipping underfoot. Kite surfing in Kenya offers enthusiasts some idyllic locations to learn or just get out there and hit the waves.

Diani Beach: Located on the southern coast of Kenya, Diani Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for kite surfing. The consistent winds and shallow waters provide excellent conditions for beginners and experienced kite surfers. Kenyaways Kitesurfing Beach Hotel is a fantastic spot to base yourself.

Watamu: Watamu has wide beaches and reliable wind conditions. The nearby Watamu Marine National Park offers additional opportunities for snorkelling and diving. I highly recommend Tribe Watersports for kitesurfing. They can also provide other watersports in Kenya, such as windwinging, stand-up paddle boarding, dolphin and snorkelling trips, and Mida Creek Tours.

Lamu Island: For a more remote kite surfing experience, consider visiting Lamu Island on the North Coast of Kenya.

The winds are best at certain times of the year. The Kaskazi wind blows from December to January, and the Kuzi wind blows in the summer from June to August.

Cost: Group with full equipment USD 50. Private USD 75. Taster course of 3 hours group USD 155.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Kenya

The indigo Indian Ocean offers incredible opportunities for below water adventure tourism in Kenya. Diving and snorkelling is sublime here; coral reefs run nearly the entirety of the Kenya Coast, and Lamu is an archipelago of 65 islands. There are five dedicated Marine Parks in Kenya, including Watamu Marine National Park and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. There is an irresistible array of coral, tropical fish, marine life, and large pelagics. I won’t witter on; check out my blog on scuba diving, which details the marine parks and best places to dive in Kenya.