Running, the national sport

Kenyans excel in middle and long distance running. Since the late 1960s, Kenyan runners have won most of the world and Olympic titles in cross-country and 3,000-meter steeplechase races, and have been frequent podium finishers in 1,500-meter, 5,000-meter, 10,000-meter, and marathon races. Several reasons have been put forward to explain this success: life and training in the highlands at an altitude of over 2,000 m, the endurance acquired by the children who sometimes have to travel dozens of kilometers to get to school, and finally, a body type that is particularly well adapted to cross-country running. Training camps have multiplied in the highlands, especially in the Eldoret region, and attract athletes from all over the world.

The first to lead the way was Kipchoge Keino, who won two gold medals at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. And the latest achievement is Eliud Kipchoge, two-time Olympic marathon champion in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021 and the first man to run under two hours in an unregistered race.

Safaris and treks, the king of activities

This is what makes the reputation of Kenya: safaris and the famous "Big Five" observable in the wild... Almost all the species expected in Africa are represented in impressive numbers: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes, hippos... To observe them, several options: 4x4, but also on camelback, on foot, or even in a hot-air balloon for impressive views... More than 1,000 species of birds are also listed. Birdwatching enthusiasts, don't forget your binoculars! Outside the parks and reserves, hikers can also consider trekking, notably on the ridge of Ngong Hills, Loita Hills, located along the Great Rift Valley, Cherangani Hills or Chyulu Hills, but also on Mount Longonot, on Mount Elgon, on the Ugandan border and protected by Mount Elgon National Park, or on the majestic Mount Kenya, within Mount Kenya National Park, for the most experienced.

Numerous nautical activities

The Kenyan coast, especially south of Mombasa and Lamu, is a real postcard setting: clear and warm waters (25°C to 27°C), a coral reef that repels sharks, immaculate fine sand, coconut trees... Obviously, the setting is perfect for the practice of many water sports: surfing, especially in Malindi, deep-sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. On land, you can practice kayaking and rafting in the many rivers.

A diving destination

Diving is therefore a very popular activity thanks to the coral reef. It must be said that from Lamu to Mombasa, the seabed is magnificent and the marine reserves are quite numerous. We recommend the Malindi Marine Park, the Watamu Marine Park and the Kisite Mpunguti reserve. Visibility is good all year round, even if the high tides of July-August can somewhat disturb the dives. The lucky ones can see the famous manta rays. There are a number of clubs on the coast. The ideal season is from October to April.

Excellent fishing spots

Most hotels on the Kenyan coast organize fishing trips for big game (swordfish, marlin, sharks...), especially in Shimoni, Mombasa and Malindi. The best season is between November and March and no special permit is required by the authorities. However, the ultimate in sport fishing in Kenya is the giant Nile perch in Lake Turkana. It is also possible to fish for tilapia in Lake Victoria. Finally, the rivers around the Nyandaruas and Mount Kenya are full of rainbow trout