Nowhere quite captures the essence of safari like the Maasai Mara. The setting for countless wildlife documentaries, home to the big five and the stage for the annual great migration, the Mara showcases African wildlife in all its glory.

• There’s no denying that the Maasai Mara is busy but this is purely because it is spectacular. The wildlife experience here is difficult to match.
• The Maasai Mara itself is a national reserve flanked by several unfenced private conservancies. Wildlife moves freely but tourists cannot so stay offers all the wildlife with none of the crowds, although you will pay a little more for the privilege.
• This is a year-round destination with plenty of resident wildlife, so sightings are fantastic irrespective of the migration. It’s famous for its big cats.
• The Maasai Mara forms the northern tip of the Greater Serengeti eco-system, which stretches down through the Serengeti in Tanzania and beyond. Generally the herds are present in the Mara from July to November.
• The Maasai people are still seen herding their goats and cattle across the land in a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Cultural encounters vary hugely in their authenticity so it is essential to organise excursions through a reputable operator.
• Accommodation ranges from exquisite tented camps to private homes and large scale chain hotels. Seek advice and choose wisely!

Take a look at: Serian The Original, Mara Plains, Angama Mara, Il Moran, Little Governors, Mara Expeditions, Offbeat Mara, Naibor, Cottars 1920s Camp, Kicheche Mara, Kicheche Valley, Kicheche Bush, Mara Nyika, Ol Seki, Serian Ngare

Set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, the Laikipia region is a patchwork of semi-arid plains, rocky escarpments and ranch land where tireless conservation efforts protect a rich and rare diversity of wildlife – the greatest outside of the Maasai Mara.

• Laikipia is divided into a handful of private conservancies which were once large ranches but have since been dedicated to wildlife conservation.
• The conservancies are run by, or in partnership with, local communities – a blueprint for mutually beneficial community and conservation initiatives across Africa.
• Many rare and endangered species can be found here including Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, African wild dog and half of the country’s black rhinos.
• Private land grants greater freedom for activities such as star bed sleep outs and horse riding in addition to game drives. Cultural visits are authentic thanks to the strong, personal ties with local communities.
• Conservation efforts provide experiences including animal darting, relocation, anti-poaching patrols and education programs. Each is unique and available on a ‘needs must’ basis.

Take a look at: Borana, Lewa Wilderness, Ol Lentille, Sirikoi, Sosian, Solio Lodge, Ol Malo

To the north of Laikipia and Mount Kenya, the topography drops and the temperature rises as an equatorial greenbelt gives way to semi desert through dramatic Samburu land.

• The near-perennial Ewaso Nyiro River brings life to this otherwise dry and dramatic landscape. The wildlife depends on and congregates near to it.
• Samburu is famous for its elephants and the lion population is healthy. The ‘Samburu five’ (gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Besia oryx, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich) is a rare collection of species found only in this part of Northern Kenya.
• The land shares its name with the Samburu, a Nilotic people who are historically linked to the Maasai and similarly speak Maa. They are a proud people known for their resilience and integrity. Both men and women dress in brightly coloured traditional shukas with adornments of jewellery, beads and flowers.
• The Samburu singing wells come to life daily in a rhythmic melody of song, dust, heat, jangling cow bells and bleating goats, as the men water their livestock. A breathtaking tradition seen only by the fortunate few.
• The landscape is dramatic and unforgiving with great rocky ridges running north to south. This, combined with the diversity of wildlife, means Samburu wonderfully complements a safari in the Maasai Mara.

Take a look at: Saruni Samburu, Sasaab

Nothing quite prepares you for the sight of an elephant ambling across the emerald green plains at the foot Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s pure majesty in motion.

• After the Maasai Mara, Amboseli is the second most popular wildlife area in Kenya. People flock here to capture that iconic shot of an elephant with snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the background.
• A number of private conservancies border Amboseli National Park and a stay on private land means far fewer crowds and an exclusive wildlife experience.
• The volcanic Chyulu Hills stand to the north east of the park as the legacy of an almighty lava flow. These are Hemmingway’s ‘Green Hills of Africa’.
• The forested slopes harbour leopard, elephant and giant forest hogs as well as a couple of excellent lodges from which you can tackle the pretty walking trails and climb inside the world’s largest lava tubes.
• ‘Amboseli’ derives its name from a Maasai word meaning ‘salty dust’ describing the park’s usually dry lakebed. Additionally, you’ll find open plains, groves of fever trees, marshy swamps and dense thorn-bush, all supporting their own unique ecosystems.

Take a look at: Campi ya Kanzi, Ol Donyo Lodge

The Rift Valley extends from Jordan all the way south to Mozambique, but it’s probably at its most spectacular in Kenya. The tearing of the earth in two creates immense chasms, psychedelic rocks, bubbling geotherms and a series of mighty lakes.

• Some of the Rift Valley’s lakes, including the famous Naivasha and Nakuru, attract a great many visitors. Others such as Baringo or Elmenteita see few but the hardiest of geologists and birders.
• Closest to Nairobi and enjoying a palatably cool climate, Lake Naivasha was favored by settlers including George and Joy Adamson of ‘Born Free’ fame. Their home stands today as a conservation and field study centre.
• Lake Nakuru is famed for the flamingoes that flock here in their millions, feasting on rich algal blooms. Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to great concentrations of black rhino.
• In the far north, Lake Turkana sparkles jade amidst purple boulders and volcanic formations. Intrepid travellers will delight in some of Kenya’s best tribal culture, ornithology and geology but be warned that it is not easy or cheap to reach Lake Turkana. Adventures here usually call for helicopter travel.

Take a look at: Loldia House

When Elsa the lioness was famously released in Meru National Park, it was forever marked on the map. Laced with a total of thirteen rivers, Meru is scenically pretty and rich in wildlife, yet receives very few visitors thanks to a common misconception that little wildlife remains.

• During the 80s, Meru National Park was heavily poached. Fierce rehabilitation programmes have returned the park to its former glory, yet visitor numbers remain low – a major perk for those in the know.
• All the ‘big five’ are present, plus a handful of the rare northern species including reticulated giraffe and the long-necked gerenuk antelope.
• To guarantee their protection, a carefully guarded rhino sanctuary has been established. Close encounters and excellent photographic opportunities are virtually guaranteed, especially since these animals are very relaxed.
• Meru is one of the only national parks across Kenya to permit walking safaris. Getting out on foot allows you to appreciate the sounds, smells and textures so often missed in a 4×4.
• The park claims fame as the setting for ‘Born Free’, the tale of George and Joy Adamson’s life spent researching big cats. The famous ‘Elsa’ the lioness is buried in the south of the park on the banks of the Ura River.

Take a look at: Elsa’s Kopje

Palm fringed beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, gently bobbing dhow boats and nesting turtles all come together to create an idyllic coastal destination whether you seek a little post-safari relaxation or pure, unapologetic escapism.

• The Kenyan coast attracts a range of visitors and you’ll find everything from sleek five star hotels to lively backpacker joints. The less desirable spots are easily avoided with a little knowhow.
• Tourists attract chancers and charmers the world over and Kenya is no different. People will jostle for your business but the atmosphere is friendly.
• A long reef stretches along almost the entire coastline creating a series of safe swimming beaches and sheltered lagoons – great for children and watersports enthusiasts.
• The primary drawcards include the pretty coral coast of Watamu, the smart hotels of Malindi, the Robinson Crusoe-esque adventure of Funzi Island and the sweeping white sand lagoons of Diani beach.
• Lamu Island has a distinctly ‘Zanzibar’ feel with its labyrinth of tiny, ancient streets, carved Omani doors and spice scented coastal breezes.
• While it’s warm year-round and there’s never a bad time to visit the coast, ocean visibility does vary with the advent of rain and run off. January and February see the clearest conditions for snorkeling and diving.

Take a look at: Alfajiri Villas, Kinondo Kwetu, Hemingways Watamu, Medina Palms, Ocean Spa Lodge, Manda Bay