Kenya for Adventure-Lovers

As soon as they see it along the Great Rift Valley, hiking enthusiasts want to climb Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano that last erupted sometime in the 1860s. The name Longonot is derived from a Masai word that means “steep ridges"—fitting because the journey to the top is nearly vertical, along deep crevices and crumbly rocks. Summiting usually takes about 1.5 hours; from the top, peer into the forest-filled crater and sit under a shaded gazebo to enjoy a picnic. If you have the energy, it’s also possible to hike the rim of the crater, but be warned: Skirting around takes roughly three hours, not including the journey back to the bottom.

Kenya’s Mathioya, Tana, and Athi rivers offer some excellent white-water rafting opportunities. Rafting the Athi is considered one of the top 10 river trips in the world and includes steep rapids, giant waterfalls, and stunning views of wildlife along the route. Savage Wilderness, a company in the Sagana region, offers exhilarating and well-guided white-water excursions (as well as rock climbing, archery, and more) and is an easy day trip from Nairobi. At some points of the year, the rivers around Sagana can be too low to raft on, but a range of other activities, from swimming to attempting to kayak through a 50-foot waterfall, are available.

Lewa conservancy in the north of Kenya offers quad biking safaris along their game trails, although for an extra-special experience you can be helicoptered to an even more remote and stunning start point. A day can be booked when you stay at Sirikoi camp, and includes breakfast and refreshments. When the heat gets too much bikers stop off at one of the nearby pools, which are naturally filled with icy water fresh from the slopes of Mt Kenya.

Lake Magadi lies in a catchment of faulted volcanic rocks in the southernmost section of Kenya’s Rift Valley. Camping on the edge of the lake is an adventurous out-of-this-world experience comparable to pitching up on Mars due to the rusty red arid landscape. At the crack of dawn, leave your tent and dip into the hot springs – you’ll have them all to yourself as the sun rises.

Find safari trucks a bit too tame? Want a more exhilarating way to witness Kenya’s amazing wildlife? You’ll want to give paragliding at Borana Lodge a go then. Located in northern Kenya, registered tandem-paraglider Hunter Marrian will get you all kitted out at the lodge and then, weather depending, whisk you off a mountain top to watch Kenya billow out below whilst you glide along in the skies.