Top 8 Things to Do in Kenya: Unique Experiences

Top 8 Things to Do in Kenya: Unique Experiences

What unique experiences can be enjoyed on luxury Kenya safari holidays? Kenya is a destination famous for delivering unforgettable family safaris, and deservedly so.

Well-known for outstanding wildlife and fascinating culture, Kenya is also home to some of the most unique experiences to be enjoyed on luxury family safari holidays, anywhere in Africa.

Below, we list our top things to do in Kenya for a unique family safari experience:

1. Soar over the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon

Whilst taking off on a hot air balloon safari is not unique to Kenya, we’d argue there’s no better place to enjoy this magnificent method of travel than over the vast plains of the Masai Mara.

A balloon flight will have you and the family rising before dawn, for a quick trip to the launch site. As the balloon fills with gas, first light will appear across the savannah, and you’ll soon be jumping aboard the basket.

The serenity of a balloon flight over the African bush is hard to describe. Few experiences can match the sense of scale and tranquility, interspersed only by the occasional firing of the balloon burner and the excited gasps of your fellow passengers.

One of our favourite luxury properties in the Masai Mara, perfectly positioned for hot air balloon flights, is andBeyond Bateleur Camp – a stylish and modern luxury tented camp, found on a private concession, on the edge of the Mara triangle.

2. The Samburu ‘Singing Wells

For many families, a key part of any African safari is learning about different cultures. We always recommend including some cultural immersion in any luxury Kenya safari holiday.

Whilst opportunities abound throughout Kenya, we have yet to find an experience as authentic as visiting the Samburu ‘singing wells’.

In time-honoured tradition, passed down through the generations, young Samburu pastoralists bring their beloved cattle and livestock to drink. Often the journey can take several hours on foot, over unforgiving terrain. When the wells are located, sometimes by identifying elephant activity from the previous night, water is brought up by hand to fill troughs. The young Samburu then sing their own family song to encourage the animals belonging them to come to drink.

In order to maintain the authenticity of this ancient practice, photography is prohibited, so you’ll have to take our word for how awe-inspiring your time bearing witness to the singing wells will be.

Our favourite place to experience the singing wells is at Sarara Camp, Samburu. Situated on the vast, pristine wilderness of the Namunyak conservancy, Sarara Camp works hand in hand with the local Samburu communities to preserve both the natural habitat and cherished traditions.

3. Take to the sky in a vintage yellow biplane

How to improve a luxury family safari in one of East Africa’s most pristine private reserves; famed for its conservation of wild rhino and healthy lion populations? Fly high above it in an open cockpit, retro, yellow biplane. That’s how!

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the jewels in Kenya’s conservation crown. Their record in protecting and regenerating endangered rhino populations is second to none.

One of our favourite properties to visit in this spectacular corner of Africa is Lewa Wilderness. This is more than just a homely, beautiful, and impeccably run safari lodge. It also offers a wealth of activities, including scenic flights in their wasp-like, yellow and black, Waco biplane.

We can’t think of many experiences more fun than donning a sheepskin jacket and heading up (tiddly up up?) in the sky to observe the East African landscape from above.

4. Breakfast with giraffes in a stately home

No story about unique experiences on a luxury Kenya safari holiday would be complete without a long-necked nod to the inimitable Giraffe Manor.

Once a residential property, Giraffe Manor is now one of Africa’s most famous hotels. Giraffe roam freely through the extensive grounds and have become habituated to know when to greet excited guests for afternoon tea and breakfast.

Your friendly and knowledgeable hosts will ensure all visitors (human, giraffe, and warthog) have an ample supply of pellets, making for the most Instagrammable family photos imaginable.

A visit to Giraffe Manor doesn’t just deliver a phenomenal luxury family safari experience; it also helps contribute to important conservation efforts. Giraffe numbers have reduced by 40% over the last thirty years. Giraffe Manor, and the neighbouring AFEW Giraffe Centre have carried out important work in giraffe rehabilitation.

Families interested to learn more can pay a visit to the giraffe centre, and even sponsor one of the elegant, endangered Rothschild’s giraffes that bring delight to the guests at Giraffe Manor.

5. Witness the Great Migration

One of the most evocative widlife experiences on the planet, viewing the annual wildebeest migration is undoubtedly amongst the most iconic things to do in Kenya.

The Great Migration is the name given to the annual movement of over 2 million herbivores that move between Tanzania‘s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Predominantly known for the wildebeest that dominate the mega-herds, there are also zebra and species of antelope that move with them.

6. World-class game fishing off the Kenya Coast

Ever-dreamt of catching your own dinner to enjoy on a tropical beach? If so, game fishing on the Kenyan coast could be for you!

The Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya is well-known as a home for all sorts of large pelagic species that hunt in the waters. You can charter a boat and head out for fishing safari in the company of an expert skipper and fishing guide.

Your guide will teach you about which species are protected, which can only be caught and released, and which you’ll be able to take home for dinner, if you wish.

7. Horse riding safari with endangered rhino

Kenya is one of the best destinations in Africa to enjoy a horse riding safari, and in many areas you’ll have the added benefit of getting close to the critically endangered black and white rhinos.

Rhino conservation efforts have been successful in recent decades in Kenya due to the creation of many private reserves that are protected from poaching. Two of the leading reserves are Ol Pejeta and Lewa, both found in the Laikipia region of northern Kenya.

A safari in these reserves will almost guarantee sightings of rhino and they also offer the added bonus of being able to enjoy a horse back safari.

With extensive stables, riders of all age and experience levels are welcome, however, only experienced riders will be permitted to get close to the rhino, under the supervision of a trained guide.

8. Snorkel and SCUBA dive in pristine marine areas

The Kenyan coastline is home to many spectacular coral reefs but are perhaps lesser known than those found off the coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

One of our favourite things to do in Kenya is to explore those reefs with a snorkel or SCUBA diving expedition.

Several marine parks have been established, such as Watamu, Lamu and Wasini Island. Reputable diving and snorkel operators can be found offering trips to all these areas and a day out with the family on the boat is an excellent way to add some adventure to a beach stay.

You may get to see turtles, colourful reef fish, and even dolphins cruising through the blue.

Plan your family’s luxury Kenya safari holiday

Whilst the activities above are amongst our favourite experiences to be found in Kenya, there are countless others.

Kenya is amongst the best family safari destinations, ideal for families of all shapes and sizes.

Here at Coral Tree, we specialise solely in unique African safari experiences for families. We’re African safari specialists, and parents ourselves, so we understand what’s important when embarking on a bucket list family adventure.

If you’re thinking of taking your family to Africa, please get in touch and we can help you plan your perfect escape.

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Author: Mike