Adventure ToursRethinking the Safari
When you think “safari,” the image is almost always the same: a 4×4 bouncing across savannah grasslands in search of wildlife. And yes, game drives are iconic—but Kenya offers so much more.
From the skies to the rivers to the walking trails, a new wave of adventurous safari activities is redefining how travelers experience Africa.
1. Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: The Dawn of Dreams
Imagine drifting silently above the Maasai Mara at sunrise, watching wildebeest herds stretch endlessly below. A hot-air balloon safari is magical, offering:
- 360° views of plains and rivers
- Champagne bush breakfasts upon landing
- An unmatched vantage point during the Great Migration
Popular Locations: Maasai Mara, Amboseli (with Kilimanjaro views).
2. Walking Safaris: The Wild at Eye-Level
Game drives are thrilling—but walking safaris bring you closer. Guided by Maasai or Samburu rangers, these treks reveal details often missed from vehicles:
- Animal tracks and scat identification
- Medicinal plants of the savannah
- Close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and smaller game
Conservancies like Naboisho and Ol Pejeta excel at offering safe yet authentic walking safaris.
3. Canoe & Boat Safaris: The Waters of Kenya
While Kenya isn’t known for water-based safaris, its lakes and rivers hold surprises:
- Lake Naivasha: Hippos snort as fish eagles dive overhead.
- Lake Baringo: A birder’s paradise with over 470 species.
- Mara River Excursions (seasonal): Float safely near migration crossing points.
4. Cultural Walks & Village Visits
Step into Maasai or Samburu homesteads for a journey into Kenya’s living cultures:
- Join warrior dances.
- Learn traditional fire-making.
- Share meals of ugali and nyama choma with your hosts.
These aren’t “tourist shows” but immersive experiences, especially in conservancy-managed villages.
5. Horseback & Camel Safaris
For thrill-seekers, horseback safaris in Laikipia or camel treks in Samburu provide a rare adventure. Unlike vehicles, animals see horses and camels as part of the herd, making for intimate wildlife encounters.
6. Bush Dining & Sundowners
Picture yourself sipping a gin & tonic as the sun sinks behind acacia trees. Or dining by lanterns in the wild, with zebras grazing nearby. Bush dining isn’t just food—it’s atmosphere, romance, and memory-making.
7. Conservation & Volunteer Activities
For travelers wanting impact:
- Join anti-poaching patrols.
- Visit rhino sanctuaries.
- Participate in wildlife collaring experiences (when available).
Best Places in Kenya for Beyond-the-Drive Safaris
- Maasai Mara Conservancies → Walking, night drives, balloon safaris
- Amboseli → Balloon safaris, Maasai cultural visits
- Lake Naivasha → Boat safaris
- Laikipia → Horseback, camel safaris, conservation projects
Practical Tips
- When to Book: Balloon safaris & guided hikes sell out months in advance during migration season.
- Packing: Comfortable walking shoes, neutral clothes, binoculars, sunscreen.
- Fitness Level: Walking safaris can be tailored—short 1-hour ambles to multi-day treks.
Safaris Reimagined
The future of African travel isn’t just about watching—it’s about participating. By embracing activities beyond game drives, travelers don’t just see Kenya’s landscapes; they feel them, taste them, and live them.
A safari can be more than a drive—it can be a journey into the heart of Africa.
