Mumbai: Kenya is a world of wonders. It’s the pride of Africa, where elephants roam and big cats prowl. And yet the country has so much more to offer than just safaris – it’s the perfect destination for an all-round holiday.
The stunning destination of Kenya is well known for fantastic safari holidays but there are also a huge variety of other activities on offer to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach break or another adventure, there’s plenty to see and do in Kenya.
Take to the skies in a Hot Air Balloon
What better way to start the day could there be than rising gently above the plains of Africa in a hot air balloon? As you ascend, dawn begins to creep over the horizon, illuminating the landscape in an ethereal light and setting the scene as the animals begin to stir and a new day begins.
As you float in the air you will have a bird's eye view of the wildlife. Hour-long excursions set off at dawn and end with champagne breakfasts. This incredible once in a lifetime experience offers the visitor a fantastic view of Kenya's scenic beauty, and the chance to drift unobtrusively over the wildlife below.
Swim with Dolphins
The safe warm waters of the Kenya’s coast provide the travellers with this unique opportunity. Swimming with Dolphins has been recognized as one of life’s special moments and even medically challenged non-swimmers derive enormous benefit and pleasure from this most natural and uplifting experience.
To enjoy the Dolphins one do not need to be a strong swimmer. If the tourists prefer to stay dry they can sail in a dinghy and view the reef through a specially designed viewing scope.
Walking safari
A privately escorted walking safari is one of the most exciting and in-demand activities in the African bush. Walking safaris in Africa are completely different to game drives; being on foot brings about a totally new way of understanding the surroundings. Walking safaris were the original safari and remain the purest form. There are few experiences as exhilarating as a close encounter with an elephant, lion or buffalo.
Feed the wild Giraffe
Getting up close and personal with the wild giraffes at The Giraffe Centre, Nairobi is a thrilling experience. From a raised wooden platform you can observe, hand-feed and pat the Giraffes. Watching, feeding, kissing, and interacting with some of the most majestic creatures that walk this earth is a memory to cherish your lifetime. Hand feeding giraffes is an education in itself. You will see, close at hand, how they use their long, prehensile tongues to remove leaves from prickly acacia branches.
Elephant orphanage
Thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory, mainly driven by demand from Asia. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos with the aim of returning them to the wild. Visitors to the elephant orphanage come face to face with the infant survivors. The babies play around in their daily mud bath between 11 a.m. and noon. The youngest elephants come trotting out of the bush to greet their keepers who stand at the ready with giant bottles of milk.
Dhow sailing
The marine life is wonderful, with abundant wrecks and reefs to dive around, although there’s plenty to be seen if you simply snorkel. Dolphins, turtles and whale sharks can be seen along with many colourful, exotic fish. A day spent at sea on a Dhow is a wonderful experience and a fantastic way to explore the region. The calm waters are perfect for sailing and one can soak in the serenity of the place.
Visit a Maasai village
A visit to a traditional tribal village will allow you to see the rich cultural history of the people with many tribes living the same way their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.
Boat safari, Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, the second largest in the area after Lake Baringo. Lake Naivasha is an ideal place for boating, with wide open waters, fantastic surrounding scenery and plenty of channels to explore. Boats can be hired with driver/guides from many of Naivasha's lakeside lodges and camps. This is an excellent way to see plenty of birdlife and hippos up close. For keen sailors, there is a sailing club in Naivasha.
Snorkelling
The warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are an irresistible draw to water lovers; there is no better way to explore this environment than to strap on a mask and snorkel and go for a swim. The coast is rimmed with long, fringing reefs that shelter inner lagoons from the rougher weather and larger creatures. Snorkelling in the clear, blue waters of these lagoons provide a breathtaking introduction to marine life.
Nightlife
Nairobi comes alive at night, and with a fast paced nightlife, it is hard to keep up with the various nightclubs around. There are also a few local nightclubs in Nairobi and Mombasa that stay open until dawn. Every night in Kenya is a different and lively night. Casinos have also sprouted around the city increasing the night life attractions. There are casinos, cafes, nightclubs and 24-hour facilities like supermarkets.
Kenya offers a safari or beach vacation accompanied by a vibrant nightlife and all the global tastes are found in one destination.
