With new flight routes to the Kenyan capital, there has never been a better time to visit the East African nation. We take a look at some of the biggest and best events going on across the country to ensure that no matter what time of year you choose to visit you will never be short of options.
 
Mount Kenya Extreme Sports Challenge
June
 
Each year hundreds of local and international extreme sports enthusiasts head to Meru County to challenge themselves in the wilderness of Mount Kenya. Activities include rock climbing and abseiling, orienteering, high ropes and obstacle crossings, and a highly competitive bush race.
 
Wildebeest Migration
July - September
 
The greatest wildlife show on earth, the wildebeest migration takes place from July to September each year. Watch in awe as more than 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra head east for the green pastures of the Maasai Mara.
 
Maralal International Camel Derby
19-21 August
 
Swapping horses for camels, this is the African equivalent to the Grand National. The derby spans three days and offers a dazzling fusion of colours, cultures and marvellous animals in which competitors race through the Maralal Township and surrounding desert-scape.
 
Cycle with the Rhino
September
 
Taking place in Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected rhino sanctuary, Cycle with the Rhinos is an educational environmental conservation cycling initiative. Activities include a cycle race, game viewings and children’s activities with proceeds going towards the preservation of the black rhino.
 
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
28 October
 
With 21,000 runners taking part, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is one of the biggest and most celebrated events in the country’s athletic calendar. Kenya is home to some of the greatest distance runners of all time and this event brings together runners and supporters from all over the world.
 
Mombasa Carnival
November
 
Kenya’s second largest city showcases its multi-cultural heritage with the annual Mombasa Carnival, a lively display of floats, parades, and traditional and contemporary music and dance performances. It also offers a great chance to try Kenyan delicacies with street stalls popping up all over the city.
 
Maasai Olympics
15 December
 
The Big Life Foundation’s Maasai Olympics takes place every two years, in which the Maasai warrior generation of the entire Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem compete in a range of track and field events including the 200m sprint, high jump and the more traditional rungu throwing for medals and prizes.
 
Nairobi Restaurant Week
January
 
Nairobi Restaurant Week is a celebration of Kenyan cuisine in which more than 70 participating restaurants across the city offer heavy discounts and special prix fix menus. This is a great chance to sample a wide variety of Kenya’s most popular dishes making it a must attend for foodies.

Whale Shark Diving
February
 
February offers visitors to Kenya the best chance to go whale shark diving. The unspoilt environment of Diani Beach is the perfect spot for watching the whale sharks during their annual migration. However, the month-long diving season can equally be enjoyed at Malindi and Watamu.
 
KCB Safari Rally
March
 
The KCB Safari Rally has been a much loved sporting event since its inaugural event in 1953 in honour of Queen Elizabeth. Putting pedal to the metal, this high-octane race sees drivers skilfully negotiate the rough terrains and assorted wildlife of the Kenyan wilderness.
 
Kenya Open Golf Championship
April
 
Dating back to 1969, and an integral part of the Challenge Tour since 1991, the Kenya Open is one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures on the African golfing calendar. Past winners include Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam, whilst the Pro-Am game has featured the likes of former Premier League footballer Jay Jay Okocha.

Lake Turkana Festival
May
 
This annual festival celebrates the diversity of Kenya’s culture with unique performances and demonstrations by 10 ethnic communities which live in the Lake Turkana region. Each tribe showcases its culture by performing traditional dances, songs and rituals all in their colourful tribal dress against the stunning backdrop of the world’s largest permanent desert lake.

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