It’s clear the tourism sector is growing – over £4 trillion is spent in the travel and tourism sector every year. Attitudes towards travel are also changing, with 30% of workers admitting they’d be happier with a lower wage if it meant they’d have more access to business trips, and a further 39% of Millennial and Gen Z workers wouldn’t take a job that didn’t offer them at least some form of travel option.
Travellers are branching out to new and exciting locations, and Kenya is a constantly evolving hotspot for tourism. If you’re interested in experiencing Kenya through responsible and ethical travel, check out four Kenya must-sees below.
The half-day scenic bike tour
Bike the Coast provide a choice of fantastic guided bike tours that cover between 14 and 19 miles, with varying difficulty levels to suit your needs. There are four classic rides to choose from, all of which start from Mombasa, and cover a range of terrains, such as wonderfully sandy beaches, forests and semi arid terrain.
You can choose between leisurely rides through villages, palm trees and fruitful forests – or a coastal bike ride that sees you travel through the lively town of Mtwapa, onto a series of inland Giriama settlements. Coastal tours provide a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean, while other routes focus more on a challenging fitness experience.
All tours include bike rental and refreshments, and finish at the starting point – they’re a fantastic way to experience the wonderful sights Kenya has to offer, without an environmental impact.
Gedi ruins
Located around 10 miles south of Malindi, the Gedi ruins are one of Kenya’s most fascinating and mysterious locations. Believed to have been built in the early 13th century, this abandoned town is hidden within the luxuriant forest on the Indian Ocean.
To this day, you can visit the palace, mosque and coral-brick houses that are still standing in the now-protected area, which has become conserved as part of a national park. The ruins have baffled scientists with how well established and developed the town once was, especially considering the time of which it was said to have been erected. Many interesting artifacts have been found there – and there’s even evidence that the town had running water and flushing toilets.
A visit to the wondrous Gedi ruins can’t be missed.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
Diani Beach is a tourist favourite in Kenya, thanks to its tranquility, beautiful white sands and thriving resorts – but perhaps a hidden gem, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant provides a unique dining experience, providing authentic local cuisine.
The restaurant is located inside a cave which is said to be around 160,000 years old, and 33 feet underground. It offers specialist and fresh seafood, thanks to its location just metres away from the Indian Ocean. While dining, a wide mouth in the cave overhead provides a particularly breathtaking experience as the stars shine brightly above.
The restaurant was designed specifically to preserve the natural elements of the cave, with only the kitchen and bathrooms being modified to fit their purpose. Open from 6:30 pm, it’s the perfect way to unwind after an eventful day experiencing the adventures Kenya has to offer.
Nairobi National Museum
If you’re looking to learn more about Africa’s rich history, The Nairobi National Museum is an excellent place to start. Although it was founded in 1920, it’s been at its current location since 1929 – and was refurbished back in 2008.
Offering fantastic and educational exhibits that display Kenya’s history, paleontology, art and culture, this museum definitely isn’t to be missed. You can also appreciate world-renowned anthropological discoveries by the Leakey family – with exhibitions that demonstrate East Africa as the origin of all humankind.
After appreciating the fantastic learnings the museum has to offer, you can unwind in beautiful botanical gardens, or grab a bite to eat at one of two restaurants the establishment has to offer.
The museum is open between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm every day – so make sure to stop by on your trip.
Of course, this is only a tiny number of the wonderful and responsible experiences Kenya has to offer – so don’t delay in finding a fantastic deal on a trip to Kenya. For more information about responsible tourism, check out our other blogs or get in touch with a member of our team.