Kenya

Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in south-west Kenya. It is home to 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. Its animals include lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Visitors can witness the epic Great Migration which is the annual migration of wildebeest en masse into the Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in huge numbers. The reserve offers possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system.

Situated in southern Kenya, Amboseli is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants and to view Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Amboseli is also home to eland, buffalo, African wild dog, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. The Maasai people and their livestock are an integral part of the Amboseli landscape, which is one of Kenya’s “conservation jewels” because humans, livestock and wildlife have co-existed for centuries.

Tsavo National Park is located in the south-eastern part of Kenya and is made up of Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks which are separated by a railway line. The wildlife species include rhino, hippo, elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and giraffe, among others. A popular attraction in Tsavo West National Park is the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary which is home to a number of endangered rhinos. Tsavo is less than 100km from Kenya’s coast which makes it a great combination for a bush and beach trip.

Samburu National Reserve is known for some of the best sightings of leopards in Kenya. It is also home to rare species such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx – wildlife not commonly found in other parks. Elephants, Wild Dog and over 450 species of birdlife can also be found here. A visit to the Samburu caves is a worthwhile cultural experience which offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the Samburu people, portrayed by the historical rock art.

Lake Nukuru National Park is best known for the thousands of flamingos which nest along the lake shore, feeding on the abundance of algae which thrives in the warm waters. As such, the Park is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the peak flamingo season when the lake turns pink with the elegant birds. The Park is host to 4 of the members of the Big Five (rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard) and also a home to other animal species like giraffe, hippo, warthog, vervet monkeys and many more.

Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and is an extinct volcano, meaning it will never again erupt. Despite being close to the Equator, the mountain is so high that its peak is constantly covered with glaciers (sheets of ice). With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most spectacular landscapes in East Africa. Anyone who is trek fit and is comfortable walking 6–8 hour days should be fine climbing the mountain.

Diani Beach has been voted one of Africa’s leading beach destinations since 2015. It is about 10 kilometers long and is famous for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The beach is popular for relaxation and water sports such as snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing. Coral reefs are home to vibrant marine life for underwater exploration.

Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Built in coral stone and mangrove timber, the town’s narrow streets and traditional architecture make it a fascinating place to explore, offering glimpses into the region's past. Lamu has become a significant centre for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.

Nairobi National Park is a short distance from the world’s only wildlife capital and offers an extraordinary experience of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, giraffe and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded.

Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliff and powerful geothermal activity shaping the park from below. The Park features steaming vents, spitting geysers and hot springs. The volcanic rocky outcrops provide great opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. It is the only national park in Kenya that one can explore on foot. Unlike other national parks in Kenya, there are no predators here apart from the occasional leopard sighting.

Aberdare National Park offers diverse landscapes such as lush forests, bamboo groves and picturesque waterfalls. It is home to the Big Five and also to the elusive bongo antelope but is not a typical Big Five destination. Elephant and buffalo are almost always spotted whilst leopard and black rhino are usually only seen at night. Lion is not often seen.

Ol Pejeta means “place of burning”. The local communities named it that because they used to burn the grass to kill ticks. Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. The sanctuary was established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market.

The high-profile coastal town of Mombasa offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can go from beach sand to night club or restaurant. For those who enjoy diving, snorkelling or deep-sea fishing, Mombasa is a popular option. Explore historical sites such as Fort Jesus and wander through the town’s markets.