Kenya Tours & Holidays

Kenya is one of Africa’s most multicultural countries, with a population as diverse as its terrain. There are more than 40 different ethnic tribes, each with their own language, culture and customs. The red-robed, beaded Maasai of the south are undoubtedly the most famous tribespeople of the region. The unique Swahili culture dominates the coastal regions and Islam is quite common in the North. Nairobi is home to a large swirl of humanity, with significant Indian, African and Western populations. As a result, you’re likely to see mosques, churches and temples, taste international cuisine from all over the world and hear the sounds of Kenyan hip-hop, traditional African drumming and Western pop.

Depending on where you are in Kenya, the culture and customs vary according to the area you are visiting. The northern and coastal regions tend to be more traditional, while Nairobi, as an international hub of trade and commerce, tends to be more liberal. The Maasai and other tribes typically lead pastoral lives based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Their daily life is based on centuries of tradition and if you get the chance to visit a tribal village, you’ll be able to see the customs of these fascinating people firsthand. Traditional clothing, dance, song and ceremonies keep this proud culture alive in the face of modernisation, which is sweeping through the country.

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

As a multiracial society, Kenya has many different cuisines for travellers to try. From traditional Swahili cuisine to Indian, European and Middle Eastern food, many cultures are represented, especially in large cities like Nairobi. While the average Kenyan lives mostly on maize, beans and vegetables, tourist areas and large cities offer much more variety for visitors.

Things to eat in Kenya

1. Seafood

Kenya’s coastal areas, such as Mombasa and Lamu, are the best places to feast on fresh crab, lobster, oysters and kingfish cooked to perfection in sumptuous spices.

2. Nyama Choma

One strictly for the carnivores, Nyama Choma is a popular Kenyan style of cooking and eating meat. Goat, beef and chicken are roasted and served on a communal cutting board, sometimes with condiments such as chilli, salt, chopped tomatoes and avocado.

3. Curries

With a significant population hailing from India, Kenya is a great place to savour spicy curries made with an East African twist.

4. Tropical fruit

For a cheap and cost-effective snack, head to the market stalls that sell a colourful array of tropical fruit. Pineapples, papayas, bananas, and passionfruit are usually plentiful in Kenya. Any fruit that you can peel is a more hygienic, easy option than the one you have to wash.

Kenya is located in East Africa, sharing borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. With a diverse topography, Kenya has a wide variety of terrain – lofty mountains, dense rainforest, stark plains and soft-sand beaches.

This diversity also applies to the environments that Kenya’s people live in. Kenya’s crowded capital is a heaving melange of cars, buses, skyscrapers, street stalls, markets and people; the idyllic Loita Hills is the heart of Maasai country; the national parks run wild with exotic creatures; and rustic Lamu Island is a car-free piece of living history. Overall, most Kenyans either live a fast-paced existence in the modern metropolis of Nairobi or a quieter, agricultural-based life in Kenya’s rural towns and villages.

Early history

Recent archaeological findings in Kenya have revealed the remains of one of the earliest species of hominid, placing Kenya among the first places inhabited by humans. Before the arrival of outsiders, Kenya was inhabited by nomadic tribes who most likely entered Kenya from the north. The Maasai and the Kikuyu were the most dominant in numbers, although the Maasai were well known for their reputation as strong warriors who often raided their neighbours. 

During the 19th century, Kenya came under the influence of outside cultures due to the arrival of traders from the Middle East and Asia, and settlers and missionaries from Europe. Britain and Germany both had vested interests in Kenya for its abundance of natural resources (especially ivory) and because it was an important point for trade. As such, settlers from Britain, Germany and other European nations flooded into the country in large numbers, setting up agricultural empires such as coffee plantations. These plantations relied heavily on local tribespeople for labour, much to the resentment of the indigenous populations. As a result of this, a large number of Indian labourers were brought to Kenya to work on plantations and build railroads. This Indian influence is reflected in the current population of Kenya.

Recent history

After much infighting, confrontation, uprising and reform, Kenya was granted its independence from British colonial rule in 1963. The “Mau Mau Uprising” of the 1950s was responsible for drawing attention to the plight of the African population, and was also the catalyst for the change in how Kenya is governed. 

The 1970s saw Kenya’s international economic profile grow due to the successful development of a free-market economy, with agriculture and tourism creating more a more stable economy. More recently, Kenya’s tourism industry has continued to develop and flourish, mainly due to its wealth of exotic animals, national parks, coastal hot-spots and unique cultures. Standards of living have also improved in Kenya, with an overall improvement in life expectancy, infant mortality and fertility rates – probably due to the increased investment in family planning, education and health by both the Kenyan government and NGOs. Despite this, many Kenyans still live below the poverty line and struggle to provide the bare necessities for themselves and their children. Regardless of this, travellers will be touched by the generosity of spirit and genuine hospitality that Kenyans display to visitors.

1. Cheetah chase

The cheetah, the Ferrari of the animal kingdom, is the fastest land animal on the planet. This slick predator can reach speeds of up to 120 km/hr and can accelerate to 103km/hr in just three seconds. Seeing a cheetah stealthily stalk, then pursue, a gazelle, springbok or an impala is a thrilling sight.

Spot the speedy cheetah on our 7 day Premium Kenya adventure.

2. Lioness kill

See the circle of life play out in Masai Mara National Reserve. Lions might be the kings of the jungle, but in Kenya, it's the lionesses that do the hunting. Working in groups, these big cats track down prey such as wildebeest, impalas, zebras and buffalo. If you are lucky, you will see a kill - the lionesses hunting together, encircling a herd then targeting the closest animal. The attack is swift and powerful - an experience you will never forget!

Watch the lioness in her natural habitat on our 15 day Premium Kenya & Tanzania tour.

3. Wildebeest migration

The annual migration of 1.5 million wildebeest across the grassy plains of Eastern Africa is an extraordinary spectacle of nature. The wildebeests risk drowning in rivers and attacks from big cats and crocodiles, to travel nearly 2,000 km in search of food and water. Around 200,000 zebra and 500,000 Thomson's gazelle also join this boisterous group each year, making it one of the greatest shows on earth.

Witness the wildebeest migration on our 8 day Kenya Wildlife Safari.

4. Sea of flamingos

See Lake Nakuru turn a shimmering sea of pink as millions of flamingos flock to feed in the shallow waters. The sheer amount of these long-legged creatures - among 400 species of birds that inhabit the area - is an incredible sight.

Marvel at flamingos on our 15 day Masai Heartlands adventure.

5. Elephant bath time

Elephants love water and, despite their size, they are excellent swimmers. To cool off from the scorching African sun, they splash about in lakes, paddle in rivers and give themselves a shower using their trunks. Witnessing these gentle giants having a bath is a truly memorable experience, but don't stand too close or you'll likely get very wet.

Catch a spray from elephants on our 13 day Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya tour.

6. Rhino love

A baby rhino stays by its mother's side for up to five years after it is born and, during this time, mum is extremely protective of her calf. With an adult white rhino weighing up to 3,600 kg and reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h when charging, you don't want to get between a mother rhino and her baby. The best place for spotting the rare black rhino is Kenya's Aberdare National Park.

Snap some photos of these fascinating creatures on our 15 day Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights tour.

7. Giraffe parade

It's the classic African image – giraffes striding across the African savanna at sunset, nibbling on acacia trees and carving a graceful silhouette on the orange-tinged skyline. Kenya has the biggest giraffe population on the continent, so a dusk safari to see these unique creatures is a must.

Look up at Kenya's giraffe population on our 8 day Kenya Family Safari.

8. Hippos wallowing

One of Africa's best locations for hippo spotting is Lake Naivasha. Here, you can see large pods of these mighty animals submerged in the water and wallowing in mud. More than just social interaction, the water helps them cool down and protects their skin from drying out. With the exception of feeding, hippos spend most of their lives in the water - from childbirth and reproduction to fighting with other hippos - so it's very likely you'll see them playing in their aquatic playground.

Watch hippos playing in the water on our 31 day Premium Kenya & Southern Africa In Depth tour.

9. Zebra crossing

For many, the highlight of the annual zebra migration is hundreds of thousands of these black-and-white-striped animals making the death-defying dash across the Mara River. Vulnerable to massive crocodiles lying in wait for a tasty meal, the zebras don't waste any time once they decide to take the plunge.

Admire these majestic animals on our 20 day Best of East Africa tour.

10. Monkey business

That chatter from the treetops above is most likely from cheeky colobus monkeys. As these creatures spend nearly all of their lives in the forest canopy, your best chance of spotting them is as they dart through the trees, a flurry of black and white fur. Treating branches like trampolines, they leap high into the air, then drop downward, using the long hair on their shoulders like a parachute. Listen out for males, whose croaking roars can often be heard resonating throughout the forest.

Point out swinging monkeys on one of our safari tours in Kenya.

From the large, lively markets of Nairobi to the small, slow-paced markets of the villages, shopping in Kenya is definitely "market-centric". Nairobi and other large cities have a range of boutiques and malls but, as in most other African countries, the buzzing markets are some of the best places to shop, eat and mingle with locals.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand for example have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Kenya

1. Handicrafts

The wood and soapstone carvings in Kenya are of great quality. Peruse the carvings at city markets and shops, or alternatively, buy direct from artisans in countryside villages.

2. Maasai jewellery

The colourful beaded creations of the Maasai make excellent souvenirs. Wear them as a bold, statement piece or hang them on walls at home as a unique reminder of your time in Kenya.

3. Fabric

Kenyan markets are full of vibrant fabric sarongs and wraps (also known as kikoys or kangas). Put these on your shopping list as they offer great protection from the African sun.

4. Kenyan music

Reggae, afro-rap and African hip-hop are popular (especially in Kenya’s big cities), so stock up on some local music to bring a bit of Kenyan rhythm home with you.

Jamhuri Day

Feasts, speeches, parades, music and dance all feature in this national holiday commemorating Kenya’s independence and the establishment of its republic. A mass celebration of freedom and unity, this is a big day for all Kenyan people. The day is celebrated on 12th December each year.

Maulidi

The birthday of the Prophet Mohammed turns Kenya’s Lamu Island from a sleepy village into a busy hub of activity. Pilgrims and visitors flock here for four days of devotional prayers and reverence, concluding with fun events such as donkey races, dhow sailing, traditional dance and drumming.