Kenya Adventure Travel Guide

Hugely diverse and unforgettably beautiful, Kenya's 580,367 square kilometres are brimming with exhilarating opportunities for adventure. With snow-capped mountains, golden deserts, jungles, lakes and vibrant savannas not to mention 536km of coastline, this east African country boasts every possible landscape. So take your pick of sporting adventures: embark on a safari, explore the reefs of the Indian Ocean or even climb Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.

Hugely diverse and unforgettably beautiful, Kenya's 580,367 square kilometres are brimming with exhilarating opportunities for adventure. With snow-capped mountains, golden deserts, jungles, lakes and vibrant savannas not to mention 536km of coastline, this east African country boasts every possible landscape. So take your pick of sporting adventures: embark on a safari, explore the reefs of the Indian Ocean or even climb Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.

Every landscape is accompanied by a different climate, and it follows that weather in geographically variable Kenya fluctuates widely across the country and across the year. You may need to plan your adventure carefully around this. Essentially, there are four zones that together comprise the fabric of the Kenyan climate.

Starting at the Indian Ocean, the coastline is consistently humid and tropical with high temperatures eased slightly by onshore winds. April to July brings a south-easterly monsoon and a relatively large amount of rainfall, so water sports may be slightly compromised during these months. In contrast, the northern frontier districts and the lower inland plateau are very dry with limited rainfall and humidity, meaning typical desert conditions all-year-round.

Moving upwards, the Kenyan highlands, comprising the central and western areas of the country, have recognisable seasons, the cooler 'winter' spanning from June to September. Higher still, the mountain regions that extend above 8,000ft are progressively chillier; frost is common here and sometimes there is even snow - Mount Kenya has a permanent snow-cap.

So when should you go? That all depends on what you want to do in Kenya. January and February usually attract the most tourists - the weather being at its warmest and driest then. Also, for safari goers, during this period wildlife is easier to find as animals more frequently gather around the watercourses. However, it may be best to avoid the busier periods, and also the long rains of March to May, when safaris do not yield many sightings and mosquitoes are on top form.

Getting to Kenya is easiest by plane, with the main airport in Nairobi conveniently close to trekking hotspots and Mount Kenya. You can also find cheap chartered flights to Mombasa for the coast and water sports. Cheapest flight times coincide with the European summer holiday: June to September. Travelling into the country by train or bus from other parts of Africa is also relatively straightforward, although driving yourself all the way from Europe would mean passing through several war zones so is not particularly recommended!

Safaris
Kenya is the original safari destination with national parks and an abundance of exotic and fascinating wildlife to gawp at: The Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria; Family safaris, sleeping in hotel safaris, squeezing into a tent safaris - the choice is huge. The Masai Mara safari is particularly breathtaking, helping you witness the twice-a-year mass migration of millions of wildebeest, and thousands of zebra and gazelle. These unmissable expeditions usually take place in August and November.

Overland Trips
If it's not just safari you're interested in, why not experience a bit of everything and absorb the gorgeous Kenyan landscape on an overland trip? Travelling across the country by bus, elephant, camel, canoe, you name it, these organised tours are an exciting and efficient way to view all the sights. Several trips let you explore even more of Africa too, travelling beyond Kenya into neighbouring countries, such as Tanzania and Uganda.

Trekking
Blessed with a significant area of mountainous terrain, Kenya has great potential for any altitude seeker. Treks vary from walking tours and gentle hill walks, to full-scale expeditions of Mount Kenya. Some Kilimanjaro walks start in Nairobi, before winding their way through southern Kenya to reach the 19,000ft Tanzanian giant.

Mountain-Biking
Mountain-biking is another hugely popular way of touring and exploring the country, and will get you home tanned and toned. Opportunities abound for all abilities and levels of fitness - whether it's the low-level Laikipia Plateau or a rocky ride down from one of the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya.

Diving
Kenya's extensive coastline offers a whole range of adventures, and diving to discover the reefs of the Indian Ocean is one of the most unique. The waters are just as teeming with life as the country's grasslands, so you'll have your very own underwater safari. Mombasa is a tourist diving hotspot, but it may be best to find more peaceful, lesser-known destinations further along the coast.

Kite-surfing
Consistent coastal winds, combined with unblemished beaches mean the Kenyan coast also boasts perfect conditions for many over-water sports. The shoreline is particularly ideal here for enjoying the adrenaline-pumping excitement of kite-surfing. Kenya's wide, deserted, white sand beaches are every kite-surfer's dream and suit all ability levels. The wind levels even change across the day, blowing ten knots in the morning for beginners and 15-20 knots in the afternoon so the experts can show off their skills. In June and August, the monsoon brings even more challenging conditions.

Other Activities
Wind-surfing is another trendy Kenyan water adventure, available at many beach-side locations, including Mombasa and the slightly less busy Diani beach. Other inland activities include some controversial types of safari and overland tours: horse riding alongside wild animals, ballooning expeditions and the most bizarre, a tour conducted on unicycles. Golf is also a popular pastime across the country, both in the highlands and near the coast.

Classical Itineraries
Fly into Mombasa and base yourself on the coast. Then explore the surrounding coastline, including the unmissable Diani and Nyali beaches, where the ocean is spectacular and water sports opportunities rife. A certain amount of trekking or a short tour could take you to Tsavo West, or Tsavo East National Park, between Mombasa and Nairobi. The Tsavo River flows through these parks and wildlife is abundant - a visit to the rhino reserve in the Western Park is a must. Here you will have plenty of safari opportunities, as well as the chance to enjoy various other activities. Slightly further north the country's capital Nairobi is, despite its reputation, an interesting and cultural place. From here you could then trek northwards into the foothills of Mount Kenya, or climb to the highest peak, Point Lenana. Further north you could explore the Masai Mara and the Great Rift Valley, and if you time it right, witness the famous wildebeest migration.