8 Reasons You Have To Bike In Kenya

1. Nairobi National Park

You should bike to the Nairobi National Park while in Kenya to experience the beautiful exotic wildlife that Kenya has to offer. This park is referred to as “The World’s Wildlife Capital” and continues to prove it deserves the title.

Between the abundant vegetation the park has to offer, you are able to see giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, endangered species such as the greater bamboo lemur and black rhinoceros, and over 400 species of birds.

You can picnic, camp and hike anywhere in the park except of course, the animal area. It offers a wonderful experience with wildlife and nature that will create memories that will last a lifetime. Entrance fee is 40 USD for adults and 20 USD for children and students.

2. Mount Kenya

While only two points, Batian and Nelion, are accessible through professional climbing; Point Lenana is a popular destination for hikers to get to on foot. Mount Kenya has a diverse terrain between snow, rocks, and ice and is free for all visitors.

For safety reasons, I’d recommend parking your bike and walking around this area. For more confident riders, you can use your mountain bikes. Walking around the base of the mountain is also ideal. Being able to see meadows, exotic vegetation, and unique wildlife makes the walk around the base of the mountains perfect.

3. Hell’s Gate National Park

This park is a part of the Great Rift Valley and offers amazing cliffs, gorges, towers, and volcanoes. Hell’s Gate National Park is an ideal place for a daytime bike trip. Avoid expensive tour guides (some people pay up to a four figure fee!) and make your way through the park yourself, entrance fee is 30 USD.

You’ll be able to see African buffalo, zebra, and baboons. You’ll also see over 100 species of birds including vultures, buzzards, and eagles. This park is in a temperate climate with lots of rainfalls. I would suggest avoiding the seasons of rainfall; there are two seasons of rainfall, the long rain season (March and April), and the short rain season (November and December).

4. Lake Nakuru

The flamingos alone are reason enough to go to this park. Lake Nakuru is a must-do if you love birds and/or are an avid bird watcher. Over 400 species of birds can be found here, including 5 threatened species. Entrance to the park is on the more expensive side; tickets go at 90 USD for adults and 55 USD for students.

Lake Nakuru is also home to the endangered giraffe and has the highest amount of black rhinoceroses in the world. You could also catch a glimpse of hyenas, jackals, pythons, lions, wild dogs, and colobus monkeys.

The lake also has a unique landscape that changes from grassland to dense forest. This lake has a sub-humid climate, which is beautiful weather for taking in the sights. Careful though, you may just get rained on!

5. Giraffe Centre

If you’re looking for a pitstop, be sure to visit the Giraffe Centre in Karen, 3.1 miles (5 km) from Nairobi. This is an amazing conservation project that helps provide free conservation education to children. The Giraffe Centre offers more than just close encounters with giraffes; it also allows you to see and hear nature and offers serene views.

The Giraffe Centre is also home to different trees, birds, and butterflies. There is a nature trail for your enjoyment that allows you to get close to giraffes, birds, and other animals. It will be an experience of a lifetime!

If you’re considering the Giraffe Centre as an overnight pitstop, you can stay at local people’s houses overnight. They are extremely kind and friendly, some will be so hospitable that they won’t charge you any fee for the stay!

6. Ruins of Gedi

These ruins are positioned on the coast but hidden in a lush tropical forest. These ruins were once a town that is believed to have been founded in the early 12th century, but was rebuilt in the 15th century. The town had marvelous developments that intrigues most scientists, such as streets, running water, and flushing toilets, and many people still wonder why the town was abandoned.

For only a 6 USD entrance fee, you will get to see ruins of stone and rock houses, old wells, a mosque, and a palace. These ruins will astound you!

7. Watamu Marine National Park

This marine reserve is a beautiful collection of corals, aquatic plant life, and sea animals. Gorgeous green turtles, different birds, unique array of fish can all be explored through diving and snorkeling (equipment can be rented from the park).

In this park you can also enjoy boat rides and water skiing. Just being able to be with the sea life one-on-one will leave you amazed. Adults can enter the park for 20 USD, and children for 15 USD.

8. Jamia Mosque

This mosque in Nairobi is the largest in the country. It still retains its classic Arabic Muslim architecture and can be seen in the business district. Inside are beautiful colors adorned with stunning pillars and light fixtures.

When visiting the mosque, please be respectful of the people practicing their religion and also respect their traditions. Follow their rules so that you don’t offend anyone or get in trouble. For example, please do not speak loudly inside the mosque. If you take the time to tour the mosque, you will see incredible views of Nairobi from the windows at all floors and angles.

The Bike Hunt

Going on a tour and traveling to a new place can be a lot to take in, but you have to appreciate the things you get to do before going: packing, planning, and buying. When you are touring a new place, it’s ideal to make sure you have the best bike for the area you are riding in, or a general well-rounded bike.

You should definitely check out the best mountain bikes under $500. The top three bikes are ideal for most locations, made well, can handle the outdoors and weather, and can save you some hard earned money.

The first on the list is the Nashbar Single-Speed 29er Mountain Bike with a 4.5 star rating. This bike is a basic one-speed, no gear-shifting bike with an aluminum frame and plenty of strength. It’s good in all weather conditions and will give you a smooth ride. This bike will cost you about 400 USD.

Next is the DiamondBack Sorrento 27.5 Mountain Bike with a 4.1 star rating. This bike has knobby tires for a smooth ride and powerful brakes to give you the confidence in your cycling. Aluminum frame, tires with great traction, and 7-speed shifters. This bike will cost you about 480 USD.

Last but not least is the Victory Vegas Jackpot Adult Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike that has a 3.8 star rating. This bike has an aluminum frame and dual disc brakes. 24 speeds are available for your riding comfort. This bike will cost you about 400 USD.

Tour Options

There are many options that you can choose from are endless. You can choose from a predetermined tour, or plan your own. If you choose your own, there are many options to travel.

You can choose from the whole country, just the coastline, the national parks, the city, and even just ruins. The possibilities are endless, but choose the route that will be able to allow you to receive the experience you are after.