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If you think of Kenya, you’re likely to think of majestic lions and sweeping savannas. However, this East African treasure has a lot more to offer. Let’s take a look at some incredible activities in Kenya besides safari. Whether you’re a beach enthusiast or a culture buff, Kenya has something for everyone.
Imagine powder soft sand between your toes, turquoise waters to the horizon, palm trees waving in the wind. Come to Diani Beach, the crown jewel of Kenya’s coastline. It’s as though someone had dropped a postcard from the Caribbean on the African coast.
Take a kitesurfing lesson, snorkel with sea turtles or simply work on your tan. What about when the sun sets? The beach bars come alive with the rhythm of Swahili beats. Why have lions when you have lobster and cocktails?
If you want a beach extension following your safari, you may find a package you are interested in in our safari and beach packages. Or, call us and we will create a safari and beach package to your liking.
Although Kilimanjaro may take the spotlight, Mount Kenya is no slouch. The second highest peak in Africa is a trekker’s dream with jagged peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. It’s a walk through a geography book, but it’s more fun.
It’s not a challenge for mountaineers only. They have trails for all levels of fitness, ranging from easy walks to adrenaline-pumping climbs. Be careful of the clever rock hyraxes, they’re cuter than a button but sneakier than a fox.
Step back in time in Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a living museum of Swahili culture. The narrow alleys, donkey traffic and centuries-old architecture make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set.
Take a traditional dhow boat, cook Swahili cuisine, or simply get lost in the maze-like streets. And don’t forget to try the local specialty: date-nut bread that’s so good, it should be illegal.
Nairobi is not only a stopover, but a destination as well. This vibrant city is a blend of traditional African charm and urban modernity, offering a uniquely Kenyan experience. Have a baby elephant fed at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, do some bargaining at the chaotic Maasai Market, or enjoy craft beers at one of the city’s hip microbreweries. But beware of the infamous Nairobi traffic jams, which make rush hour seem like a Sunday drive.
You don’t need a car to have a wildlife experience! Hell’s Gate offers cycling or hiking with zebras, warthogs and giraffes. It’s as close as you can get to a real-life wildlife film set, without the man-eating dinosaurs.
The park’s dramatic gorges and geothermal hot springs provide an additional level of excitement. Pro tip: wear sturdy shoes and have an adventurous spirit. Those baboons have sticky fingers.
Kenya is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions. There are so many cultural experiences to be had, from the iconic Maasai to the lesser-known Pokot. Take part in a Samburu beading workshop, learn warrior dances from the Maasai or watch the gravity-defying jumping dance (adumu) performed by Maasai and Samburu warriors. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself busting out some moves in the supermarket back home.
Do you believe that Kenya is all about the mainland? Think again. The Funzi Keys, a group of islands off the south coast, offer a slice of Robinson Crusoe-style paradise.
Kayak through mangrove forests, see rare birds or simply relax with a good book in a hammock. The ideal place to imagine you’re a castaway, minus the food and comfier beds.
The highlands of Kenya are one of the best coffee and tea growing regions in the world. So why not go straight to the source? Take a tour of a coffee plantation near Nairobi or a tea estate in Kericho.
Discover the bean-to-cup experience, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed goodness, and take home souvenirs that will make your morning cup of tea feel like a Kenyan vacation. But don’t say we didn’t warn you if you end up becoming a coffee snob.
Shopping doesn’t have to be a chore! Outside Nairobi, at Kitengela Glass, you can watch artisans making amazing glass pieces from recycled materials. It’s a workshop, a sculpture garden, and it’s worth the bumpy road out there.
Collect handmade souvenirs, experience glassblowing, or simply stroll through the whimsical sculpture garden. It’s a place where you say “wow” at every turn.
Mombasa’s Old Town is a feast for all the senses, and the taste buds in particular. This melting pot of cultures has created a cuisine that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
Try Swahili delicacies such as biryani and mishkaki, snack on Indian-style street food, or take the plunge and eat the hot Mombasa pickle. Simply make space for halwa, a sweet treat that’s worth every calorie. If you’re looking to make a proper culinary detour, Magical Kenya has more to offer on the country’s food scene.
So there you have it folks, 10 amazing things to do in Kenya apart from safari! Whether you’re looking for beach paradise or cultural immersion, Kenya has something for everyone. So the next time someone says “Kenya”, don’t only think safari. Consider endless possibilities, unforgettable experiences and perhaps a little sunburn (don’t forget the SPF).
Kenya, are you ready to venture out of the safari circuit? Majestic Kenya Safaris can help you build the trip.
Last updated: July 2026
Tracey is a Senior Safari Consultant at Majestic Kenya Safaris. She holds a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from the University of Nairobi and has spent more than a decade planning safaris, including several years at Ardan Safaris, where she worked in safari offices and at ground level in bush camps. Her insights have appeared in several travel magazines and she has authored two guides on sustainable tourism practices. She writes on safari costs, trip planning, conservation, sustainable tourism, and wildlife. She is also an avid safari enthusiast, Masai Mara being her favorite safari destination.
