When was the last time you did something daring? No, we are not talking about telling your loved one that you really don’t like hanging out with her friends. We are talking about something that gets your blood pumping and gives you that wild adrenaline rush that brings goosebumps to your skin. Something your grandma would consider “too dangerous for her “Lil Timmy”!
There was a time when people considered activities such as picnics and nature walks fun and exciting. While those pursuits are still a mainstay in any safari or adventure, more and more travellers are now looking for something a bit more thrilling. You know:
- Shark diving down in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Cliff jumping in Negril, Jamaica.
- Volcano trekking on Mt. Etna in Sicily.
- Kayaking with whales in Kodiak, Alaska.
The list of the “insane” things people do keeps growing as the days go by. That’s because many have realized just how fulfilling this kind of travel adventure can be. We are no longer all about booking a flight to Mombasa and basking in the sun for a couple of days (although that does sound pretty good!). Now we want to do things our grand-children will brag about as they proudly declare that granny is a daredevil!
Affordable Adrenaline-Filled Activities in Kenya
As one of the leading travel destinations in the world, there is no doubt that Kenya has a lot to offer her visitors. From wild safaris in some of the most iconic national parks to sun-filled stays at her 1,420 KM long coastline…the country is brimming with attractions.
However, your African safari would not be complete if you don’t give at least one of the following adrenaline-filled activities a go. Here is a list of some of the most exciting heart-pumping exploits you can enjoy in Kenya:
1. Paragliding over the Rift Valley
Not to be confused with “base jumping” (adrenaline junkies in wingsuits), “parasailing” (being towed by a boat) or “sky diving” (jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane in Diani), paragliding is a whole different kettle of fish. While it’s still all about taking to the skies, paragliding involves foot launching from high ground and gracefully soaring like a bird.
You will need strong winds, the right kind of paragliding gear and high ground. Thankfully, Kenya is full of high grounds. Some of the best locations to go paragliding include Kijabe, Mt. Ololokwe and Ndoto Mountains. The most popular, however, is in the Kerio Valley where you can soar into the skies and get wonderful views of the Rift Valley.
You will need a qualified tandem pilot and as it turns out, one of the best is called Hunter Marrian.
- Location: Kerio View Hotel.
- Price: 8,000 Ksh ($80) for 20-30 minute flights.
2. Zip Lining at the Forest
“The Forest” is a family-focused destination in Limuru, Kenya. It’s probably called “The Forest” because it’s found deep in the Kereita Forest (go figure!). There are several reasons why this place is so popular with local tourists but the one that will stand out is the fact that it offers a host of adrenaline-filled activities for the whole family. We are talking:
- Archery.
- Mountain biking.
- Paintballing.
Their iconic attraction, however, is the 2,200 meters long zip line that will have you flying high over the Kereita Forest. Those 2,200 meters represent the longest zip tour in all of East Africa, by the way. There is an ongoing debate on whether or not it actually does represent the longest zip tour in Africa but there is one in South Africa that might be longer or just as long but we digress.
With speeds of up to 60Km/h, not only will you skim the treetops at break-neck speeds but you will also fly under giant forest canopies as you make your way through those 2,200 meters like a bird.
- Location: The Forest, Limuru.
- Price: 2,800 Ksh ($28) for 6 lines – 2.2kms or 1,800 ksh ($18) for 2 line – 750m.
3. Jet Skiing in Diani
For some weird reason “speed” is an integral part of many adrenaline-filled activities. Probably because anything that makes us go faster than we are naturally designed to go is inherently dangerous. That, however, doesn’t stop us from trying to break the sound barrier every chance we get.
While jet skis don’t travel anywhere near the sound of speed, they still whizz by at an awfully high velocity which makes them perfect for a high adrenaline experience. Down at the coast, in Diani, to be specific, there is a company that will have you jet skiing out into the ocean for a session of “hanging out with dolphins” if you are lucky. Very few things beat the open water and high-speed manoeuvres.
- Location: Diani, Kenya.
- Price: 5,655 Ksh (approx.: $60 or 50 Euros)
4. Bungee Jumping into the Tana River
Image Credit: Rapids Camp, Sagana
Of course, there is absolutely no way a list of adrenaline-filled activities will be complete without featuring a bungee cord of some sort. Bungee jumping is now widely considered a staple for adrenaline junkies. Not only is it fun but it’s quite affordable, easy to come by and absolutely insane if you think about it!
You are basically jumping head-first into the abyss with nothing but a piece of rope tied to your legs hoping it won’t snap on your way down! Fun times all around!
In Sagana, there is a 60-meter tall bungee jumping structure that plunges into the torrential Tana River. If you are up for it, you can take the 220 steps that lead to the top, assume the Jesus position and jump (it would be advisable to wait for the harness and bungee cord to be securely fastened to your person by the experts at hand).
- Location: Sagana.
- Price: 5,000 Ksh ($50).
5. Windsurfing at the Coast
If you love the water, the sun and a bit of speed, then windsurfing is the perfect activity for you. Not quite as fast as jet skiing, windsurfing will have you riding the ocean waves on a longboard (looks like a surfboard) attached to a sail. It takes some doing to master the skill but once you learn it, you will be like the pirates of old, taming the ocean waves as you conquer the sea albeit for 45 minutes.
- Location: Diani.
- Price: From 25 to 50 Euros a lesson and equipment hire: 5,655 Ksh (approx.: $60 or 50 Euros)
Do you have a favourite adrenaline-filled activity you like to indulge in? Share it with us in the comment section below.