Some people are naturally-born adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. The great outdoors is their playground, while acquiring scars and bruises are considered nature’s trophies. Fortunately, Kenya offers such adrenaline junkies a playground that allows them to burn through their hiking shoes as often as necessary. Here are the 15 best adrenaline adventures in Kenya, not for the faint of heart!

1. Skydiving, Diani Beach

Normally, if someone asks you to jump out of a plane mid-air, the correct response is to swiftly walk away. In Diani, however, your answer should be a resounding “Yes, please!” Here you can attempt a solo or tandem jump, or take classes if you’re a newbie.

2. Snorkeling, Malindi

Since you can’t explore the lost city of Atlantis, why not do the next best thing? Snorkeling off the Kenyan coast in the welcoming waters of the Indian Ocean provides you with a great underwater adventure and gets you up close with the marine life and plant life that populates the secret world below the surface.

3. Paragliding, Kerio Valley, Eldoret

The Kerio Valley offers a one- or two-hour break from gravity: paragliding. Thrill-seekers should make a point of timing their trip either very early or very late in the year, as December to March is when winds are strongest and give you the most bang for your buck.

4. Windsurfing, Kenyan coast

Combining wind sports with water fun, windsurfing is a great way to get the best of both worlds — and have an excellent time doing it. Set against the backdrop of the Kenyan coast’s pristine beaches, your day of out-of-the-box fun can be guided by a professional coach, or you can take the “learn-as-you-go” approach.

5. Kite surfing, Kenyan Coast

Take your coastal vacation to the next level with a spot of kite surfing, courtesy of the lovely Kenyan coast. Featuring calm waters, scenic beaches and 300 days of wind every year, both beginners and seasoned pros can get a dose of excitement. Sign up at the kite surfing schools in the area if you need to brush up on the basics.

6. Jet skiing, Kenyan coast

If you prefer your fun at high speed, a jet ski is just the thing for you. The Indian Ocean allows you to try your hand at this comparatively toned-down sport that’s perfect for beginner adrenaline fiends. Galu beach is the perfect place to get started and offers instructors and schools to help you along the way.

7. Mountain biking, Hell’s Gate National Park

Nothing beats the rush you get from speeding over narrow, rocky paths, past stunning flora and fauna with scenery you’ll want to stop and photograph. Mountain biking through Hell’s Gate offers this, with the thrill and exertion of the average ride enhanced by a view of hot springs, extinct volcanoes and gorges that look like the came straight from the set of a movie.

8. Horseback safaris, locations across the country

Channel your inner cowboy and take a horseback safari through Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Chyulu Hills or even Laikipia. For those seeking the excitement of a horseback ride minus the “gallop alongside wild animals” part, some stables on the edge of Nairobi suburbs provide a more tame ride through nature trails as well.

9. White water rafting, Tana River and Athi River

Water sport enthusiasts can get the ultimate adrenaline rush by navigating the treacherous white waters of the Tana and Athi rivers. With gentler stretches perfect for beginners and more intense rapids waiting to test the pros, add a little drama to your vacation with white water rafting.

10. Stand-up paddle boarding, Malindi

For those looking to do more than just dip their toes in the water, paddle boarding is a thrilling introduction to the world of water sports that can help you work your way up to its more extreme cousins. With several water sports schools along Diani beach, you’ll be in good hands for your introduction to the fast lane.

11. Rock climbing, Tsavo National Park West

Kenya offers many opportunities for rock climbing aficionados, but the Roaring Rocks in Tsavo National Park West hold a special allure. Test your agility and strength before reaching the top and savouring the glorious views. The Roaring Rocks are so named because of the sound the wind makes as it rushes between them.

12. Scuba diving, Malindi

With the Malindi Marine Park located just offshore, it’s no wonder that scuba diving around Malindi is such a popular activity. The outcrops of coral and the various reefs make this a haven for brightly coloured fish. And in the deeper waters, there are shoals of pelagic fish.

13. Bungee jumping, Sagana

Not for nervous souls suffering from vertigo, bungee jumping is nevertheless perennially popular. So why not throw yourself off a high ledge and have the adrenaline kick of a lifetime?  At Sagana, you leap off a 60m (196 ft) tower located over the Tana River.

14. Night safari walks, various locations

Increasing in popularity, night safari walks offer a new take on the Kenyan wild environment and its inhabitants. You’ll hear noises you don’t hear during the day, and see countless eyes reflected back at you. At Sagana you can walk along the river at night time, along the hippo route. You never quite know which animal is also taking a nightly stroll, perhaps in search of a meal!

15. Hot-air ballooning, Maasai Mara

This might seem like more of a gentle activity than adrenaline-inducing, but bear with us. Ballooning is one of the best ways to get exceptional views of the wildlife, and the thrill of looking down upon the plains as the animals start their day will take your breath away. As balloons are mostly silent, you won’t startle animals with unnecessary noise. The balloons are blown by the prevailing winds, and you never know quite where you might end up.

Related content on AFKTravel:

Exploring The Kenyan Coast: 15 Activities To Do In And Around Mombasa

13 Kenyan Adventures You’ve Probably Never Considered

An Adrenaline-Filled Kind Of Safari: White Water Rafting In Kenya

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