bagaria
March 6, 2025
There is a version of Kenya you simply don’t experience through the window of a safari vehicle.
You experience it with muddy boots, cold mountain mornings, food cooked around a campsite, and that wonderful feeling of finally dropping your backpack after a long day on the trail.
From high-altitude trekking on Mount Kenya to camping beneath the stars in the wilderness, Kenya has plenty to offer travellers who would rather spend their holiday outdoors.
Here are some of our favourite places to start.
If you’re serious about trekking, Mount Kenya belongs near the top of the list.
Africa’s second-highest mountain offers several routes through forests, bamboo zones, open moorlands and dramatic alpine landscapes.
You don’t have to be a technical climber either.
Trekkers commonly aim for Point Lenana, while the higher Batian and Nelion peaks are technical mountaineering objectives.
Popular trekking routes include:
For a particularly rewarding trip, consider ascending on one route and descending on another.
Hell’s Gate is perfect when you want adventure without committing to a multi-day mountain expedition.
The dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscape make it excellent for hiking, while parts of the park can also be explored by bicycle.
Its location near Lake Naivasha makes it easy to combine your adventure with a boat ride, nature walk or a relaxing overnight stay.
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The Aberdares are a completely different Kenya.
Expect misty forests, mountain streams, waterfalls, bamboo and moorland rather than endless savannah.
The cooler climate and rugged terrain make the region excellent for hikers who enjoy forests and mountain landscapes.
Camping also gives you more time to appreciate just how quiet the Aberdares become after dark.
Rolling green hills, volcanic landscapes and enormous skies make the Chyulu Hills one of Kenya’s underrated adventure destinations.
The area sits between Amboseli and Tsavo, making it possible to incorporate hiking into a longer southern Kenya safari.
On clear days, you’ll also understand why this part of Kenya is famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Short on time?
Mount Longonot offers one of the best day hikes from Nairobi.
The trail climbs steeply towards the crater rim, where hikers are rewarded with wide views across the Great Rift Valley.
You can return after reaching the rim or continue around the crater for a considerably tougher day.
Start early. The midday sun makes the mountain much less forgiving.
Not every trek needs to involve climbing a mountain.
Kakamega Forest offers walking trails through one of Kenya’s most important remaining tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Birds, butterflies, primates and enormous indigenous trees make this a great option for nature lovers who prefer forests to open savannah.
It also offers a very different perspective of western Kenya.
Camping can also become part of the safari itself.
Selected parks, conservancies and private wilderness areas offer camping experiences ranging from simple public campsites to fully serviced mobile camps.
And there’s something special about sitting beside a campfire knowing that the sounds beyond the light belong to the African wilderness.
For first-time visitors, we recommend arranging wilderness camping with experienced guides rather than treating it like an ordinary recreational campsite.
Kenya can be explored throughout the year, but January to February and June to October generally offer drier conditions for many trekking and outdoor itineraries.
Conditions vary considerably by altitude and region, particularly around Mount Kenya.
Always prepare for sudden weather changes in mountainous areas, even during the drier months.
Keep it practical:
For multi-day expeditions, your exact equipment will depend on the route, altitude and camping arrangements.
You don’t have to choose between hiking and wildlife.
A Kenya itinerary could combine Mount Kenya → Ol Pejeta → Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara, giving you mountains, conservation experiences, hiking and classic Big Five game drives in one journey.
Or combine Chyulu Hills, Amboseli and Tsavo before finishing your holiday on the Kenyan coast.
Explore our Kenya safari experiences
Read: Top Wild Adventure Experiences in Kenya
At Bagaria Tours and Safaris, we can incorporate trekking, camping and other outdoor experiences into personalised Kenya itineraries.
Depending on the activity, we work with appropriate guides, camps and specialist providers so that the adventure fits naturally into your wider safari rather than feeling like a separate trip.
Maybe you want five days on Mount Kenya followed by luxury in the Masai Mara.
Maybe you’d rather camp, hike, cycle and keep things simple.
Both experiences are Kenyan. And both can make an incredible journey.
