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Kenya Excursions

There is so much to see and do across Kenya all year round, the following is just a quick overview to give you an idea of the variation. Many advertised Adventure Alternative trips already incorporate some aspects of the activities listed below but for volunteers, medical electives, private and tailor-made trips we can of course work with you to ensure that your visit to Kenya is everything you expected and more. 

We have full time staff across Kenya who will help plan itineraries, give advice about where to go and where to avoid and we have the vehicles or contacts to help plan any day trip, weekend or event, you just need to ask.

Kenya Excursions - Nairobi

Remember that traffic in Nairobi is generally very slow so make sure to discuss with our staff about the most viable options to fill your day. The following are some of the more popular attractions in Nairobi.
 
Cultural/museums – www.museums.or.ke     
* Nairobi National Museum – cultural and national heritage exhibitions 
* Railway Museum – memorabilia from the East African Railways 
* Snake Park and Herbarium – reptile park, aquariums 
* Parliament Building – tours, public gallery when Government is in session 
* Nairobi Gallery – formerly the old Provincial Commissioners Office 
* RaMoMa Museum of Modern Art – contemporary African art
* Bomas of Kenya – traditional dancing, homesteads and artefacts 
* Craft Centre in Gikomba - craft workshops in the heart of the slums 
* Karen Blixen Museum – guided tours of the house and gardens 
* Mandir Hindu Temple – Indian cultural exhibition 
* Buildings of interest – National Archives Building, Jamir Mosque, McMillan library, Norfolk Hotel, Kenyatta Conference Centre 

Wildlife 
* Bird Walks at National Museum
* Nairobi National Park – rich variety of wildlife on the outskirts of the city
* Nairobi Safari Walk – get up close with the animals at Langata KWS HQ 
* David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – orphaned elephants and rhino       
* Giraffe Centre – education centre for the Rothschild Giraffe
* Silole Sanctuary – nature walks set up by local landowners
* Mamba Village - Crocodile sanctuary

Activity/fun/shopping 
* Masai Market – Many stalls selling crafts and souvenirs 
* Splash Water World – swimming pools and water slides 
* Ice Skating – Panari Sky Centre on Mombasa Road 
* Ngong Race course – race meetings most Sunday afternoons 
* Shopping centres – YaYa, Hurlingham, The Junction, Karen Centre, Sarit Centre, Galleria and many more
* IMAX Theatre and many cinemas
* Go Karting or Paintballing and much more!
* Seemingly endless list of great bars, restaurants and clubs, including the Carnivore

Full list of things to see and do in and around Nairobi on Trip Advisor

Kenya Excursions - day trips (accessible from Nairobi)

  • Ngong Hills – walking and picnic with great views, SW of Nairobi.
  • Kiambethu Farm – learn about tea, walk in the indigenous forest, Banana Hill/Limuru Rd.
  • African Heritage House – sundowners and a tour of the house, SE Nairobi.
  • Climb Mt Longonot – small volcano in Rift Valley near Naivasha, 2 hour easy walk to the summit.
  • Hells Gate National Park – cycling, walk through the sandstone gorges, near Naivasha.
  • Naivasha Lake – barbecues, boat rides in early morning, birdlife, fishing in the Rift Valley.
  • Maasai Ostrich Farm – working Ostrich Farm on Namanga Rd near Athi River.
  • Lake Magadi – bird watching around the soda lake, SW of Nairobi in the Nguruman Hills. 
  • Lake Nakuru National Park – early start to visit this Park to see the wide variety of wildlife here. 
  • Mwea Natural Reserve and Dam – via Thika on the Garissa Rd, then the Embu road, wildlife/birdlife.
  • Wajee Valley Nature Park – birdwatching, nature trails, walks.
  • Fourteen Falls & Ol Donyo Sabuk Park – amazing falls and views, via Thika on the Garissa Rd.

Kenya excursions - overnight trips

  • Solio Game Reserve – a very successful rhino reserve, central region (near Naro Moru)
  • Lake Elementaita – stay at Elementaita Lodge or Delamere Lodge and go on an early morning balloon ride 
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy – huge wildlife conservancy, 
  • Lake Naivasha and Hells Gate - boat ride, cycling, wildlife, birdlife. Stay overnight at Fish Eagle Camp or Fishermans Camp on the shores of the lake. Bicycle hires, swimming pool, bar and restaurant with small lodges or camping available. 
  • White Water rafting – central region.
  • Nyeri – visit the famous Outspan Hotel and the Aberdare National Park and overnight in the even more famous Treetops Lodge.
  • Kerugoya – stay in a charming colonial building on Mt Kenya.
  • Amboseli National Park – on the Tanzanian border, famous for its 'elephants below Kilimanjaro' scenery.
  • Kakamega National Park - great place for weekend visits when staying at our 'Ulamba' Guest House in Western Kenya

Other places of interest (around Mount Kenya and in Western Kenya)

Many people with Adventure Alternative in Kenya spend longer periods volunteering or on medical electives in Embu or/and at Ulamba in Western Kenya, although these places are not famous for being the epi-centre of tourism in Kenya they do offer a more 'off the beaten track' experience, well away from the traditional tourist trail. That helps us make the following suggestions a little bit more exciting, knowing that you'll be experiencing something a little different that few visitors to Kenya get to experience. At the same time, you also have the security and guidance of our full time staff in each location.

  • Western Kenya - sunrise over Kakamega National Park (see Kenya excursions above)
  • Western Kenya - search for wallowing hippo or spend a day fishing on a boat trip on Lake Victoria
  • Western Kenya - visit the home of Mama Sarah Obama, near Ulamba Children's Home
  • Western Kenya - Kisumu museum
  • Western Kenya - Impala Sanctuary Wildlife Reserve in Kisumu
  • Western Kenya - birdwatching at Ndere Island National Park in Kisumu
  • Western Kenya - Kisumu markets, hotels, bars and restaurants
  • Embu - day/overnight safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy (see Kenya excursions above)
  • Embu - Mwea National Reserve
  • Embu - Castle Forest Lodge - stunning views of Mt Kenya peaks from lodge / campsite surrounded by rainforest, rivers, valley and waterfalls
  • Embu - day hikes to explore the hills and viewpoints that surround Embu
  • Embu - climb down to the waterfalls and caves just outside Embu town
  • Embu - Izaak Walton Hotel offers a safe environment for a quiet drink, night out or a day swimming in their outdoor pool
  • Embu - Horse riding on the lower slopes of Mt Kenya (Isaak Walton Hotel)
  • Embu - easy access to Mount Kenya (see below)
  • Embu & Western Kenya - Moving Mountains project visits (see below)

Safari
A safari in Kenya is renowned for its adventurous appeal, big game, stunning scenery and fascinating history and culture. We offer many types of safaris which cater for individuals, families, couples and groups that range from budget to luxury and we are more than happy to discuss options and help you design tailor-made private safaris. 

Mount Kenya
The beautiful, snow capped peak of Mount Kenya is the second highest point in Africa at 17,058ft (5199m), a challenging and popular destination for trekkers and climbers. Generally you need about a week (when you include travel days) to reach Point Lenana, the third highest peak of the mountain and the most accessible point for trekkers. We provide guides and staff for your trek up the mountain and an all-inclusive package. There are a lot of different options on this website but using the Naro Moru and/or the Sirimon route is most popular for those on a budget and restricted by time or an East to West traverse using the Naro Moru route for the ascent and Chogoria route for the descent if you're more flexible, extra days can be added to explore the summit circuit around the three main peaks. 

Beach time
The coastline of Kenya is famous for its pristine white sands, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, stunning coral reefs and sea life. Around the main city of Mombasa you can find watersports, fishing villages, historic architecture and luxury hotels. You can fly easily or take the overnight train, or drive in our tour vehicles. We can help with your hotel bookings and advice about where to visit and what to do.

Moving Mountains Project Visits
Your holiday to Kenya provides a great opportunity to visit some of our charitable projects, including places like Ushirika Community Clinic in Kibera slum, the Rescue Centre for Street Children in Embu, and Ulamba Orphanage and Community Village in Western Kenya. The projects benefit from the tourism that is provided by Adventure Alternative, so this is a good chance to see how commerce can properly support charity, and how our sustainable tourism policy works on the ground.

Vehicle Hire
Adventure Alternative has 7 seater safari minivans with pop-up roofs for game viewing and two fully converted overland trucks with front facing seating and lots of storage space. All vehicles are available for hire or as part of a package for a group or safari. However we cannot allow self-drive.

Equipment Hire
Our stores have a substantial stock of all equipment necessary for individual and group activities.  Walk-in safari tents, mess tents, cookers, tables, chairs, catering equipment, bedding, toilet/shower tents and portable toilets, generators and lighting, rucksacks, waterproof clothing, carry mats and sleeping bags are all available for hire.

Kenya information