The Big North isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the kind of place that captures your heart, keeps you wide-eyed, and leaves you craving more. Stretching across Kenya’s wild northern frontier, this rugged region is packed with experiences that you simply won’t find anywhere else on earth. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who just wants to soak in nature’s beauty, The Big North has an adventure with your name on it.
If you’re planning a trip, these five must-do activities are the perfect way to get the full experience.
1. Rhino Tracking on Foot
Imagine stepping into the shoes of a wildlife ranger, following fresh tracks through the bush, your heart racing as you get closer to one of Africa’s most endangered animals. In Sera Conservancy, you can do exactly that. The Big North is home to East Africa’s first black rhino tracking experience, where you walk alongside expert guides in search of these incredible creatures. It’s not just about spotting a rhino (though that’s pretty amazing)—it’s about participating in conservation and seeing firsthand the dedication it takes to protect them. Trust us, this is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list activity.
2. Rock Climbing with a View
If you’re looking for a physical challenge with a serious payoff, look no further than the massive rocky outcrops scattered throughout The Big North. Lgweita Campsite is a great base for this. With its towering rock faces and sweeping views of Mt. Ololokwe, it’s the perfect spot for climbers of all levels to get their adrenaline fix. And when you reach the top? You’re rewarded with panoramic views that will quite literally take your breath away. Bonus: the silence up there is pure magic.
3. Cultural Immersions with Local Tribes
One of the most beautiful things about The Big North is its people. This land is home to some of Kenya’s most iconic communities, like the Samburu and the Laikipiak Maasai, who have lived here for generations. Many lodges and camps offer opportunities to spend time with local communities—whether it’s visiting a traditional market, learning how to bead jewelry, watching a goat being roasted the Samburu way, or hearing the legends passed down through the ages. These are the moments that stay with you long after the trip is over, giving you a deeper connection to the land and its people.
4. Birdwatching Like You’ve Never Experienced
With its diverse landscapes and seasonal rivers, The Big North is a dream come true for bird lovers. Bring your binoculars because you’ll be spotting everything from Somali ostriches to Grevy’s zebras sharing space with elegant secretary birds. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll catch the “sandgrouse spectacular,” when thousands of birds swoop into waterholes at sunrise and sunset. Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, the sheer beauty and variety of the region’s avian life will turn you into one.
5. Sundowners and Stargazing in the Wild
There’s something truly special about ending your day in The Big North with a cold drink in hand as the sky turns pink and the sun dips behind the hills. Find a scenic lookout, park yourself on a rocky ledge, and toast to another incredible day in the wild. But the magic doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the night skies here are some of the clearest you’ll ever see. Lay back, spot constellations, and let the universe remind you just how small (and lucky) we really are.
The Big North Awaits
The best part about these activities? You can mix and match to create your own adventure. Maybe you spend one day scaling rocks, the next tracking rhinos, and then slow it down with a lazy afternoon of birdwatching. No matter what you choose, The Big North guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.
So go ahead—lace up your boots, pack your binoculars, and get ready to discover Kenya’s wildest frontier.