Adventure Holidays in Kenya

Kenya is renowned for wildlife and safaris but it has also played a vital role in discovering the history of mankind. Several key discoveries were made in the 20th century of human fossils dating back as far as 4.2 million years, which has helped researchers link together human evolution. Ruled by the Portuguese from 1498 to 1698 and then by Oman until 1856, Kenya became a British protectorate at the end of the 19th century until gaining independence in 1963.


There is plenty of adventure to be had on holiday in Kenya, so check out Explore's wildlife holidays to this fascinating country. Browse all our tours in Kenya.

Safari and wildlife holidays in Kenya

Foothills of Mount Kenya/Sandy Beatty

Foothills of Mount Kenya/Sandy Beatty

A classic safari in Kenya takes you around some of the national parks and reserves to spot the game. As well as the well known Tsavo and Maasai Mara, you will also visit Hell's Gate National Park - one of the few places where you can walk around due to lack of predators. If traditional camping isn't your style, don't worry. On this holiday in Kenya you either stay in lodges or ridge tents complete with safari beds, a verrandah and chairs.

For those that like some action, why not climb Mount Kenya before heading off for some wildlife viewing in Kenya and relaxation at Tiwi Beach south of Mombassa. Spot the 'Big Five' at Samburu and Maasai Mara, and diverse birdlife at Lakes Nakuru and Elementeita.

Explore the Rift Valley from Kenya to Djibouti. After a safari in Kenya looking out for lions, elephants and reticulated giraffes amongst other wildlife, drive through Ethiopia and Djibouti passing scrubland, volcanic caldera, salt lakes and sunken plains.

White Rhino/Jake Corke

White Rhino/Jake Corke

Visit Kenyan Parks & Lamu Island searching for elusive leopard, white rhino and vultures. At Lake Navaisha you have the option of visiting Elsamere, home to the late George and Joy Adamson: famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the lioness Elsa, told in Joy's book 'Born Free'. A couple of days on Lamu Island give you the chance to relax on the beach and go snorkelling.

Created by the collision of the continental masses of Africa and the Middle East, the Great Rift Valley stretches from Jordan to Mozambique. Our East African Explorer adventure holiday traverses the Great Rift Valley, from Kenya into Tanzania. Spot the 'Big Five' in the Maasai Mara before heading into Tanzania's national parks.

Short breaks in Kenya

Cheetah with cubs

Cheetah with cubs

After a wild week at work, why not switch off in the wild of the Maasai Mara for a long weekend? To maximise your chances of seeing the animals on this short break in Kenya, game drives will be early morning and late afternoon, the best time for observing wildlife activity. Amongst the variety of wildlife to spot are spotted hyenas, silver- and black-backed jackals, impala and hippos.

Family holidays in Kenya

A young king of the plains

A young king of the plains

See if your own little cubs can spot some real-life ones on our Kenyan Parks & Lamu Island family holiday in Kenya. Explore the private game sanctuary of Crescent Island with a guide on foot to see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and some 350 species of birds that have been recorded here. Those of you who have read 'Born Free' will enjoy a trip to Elsamere where you can find out more about the raising of Elsa the lion cub and her return to the wild. Spend a couple of days at the Maasai Mara before finishing off your family holiday in Kenya with some relaxation on Lamu Island.