Things not to miss

#01 Mount Kenya

Many climbers consider Africa’s second-highest peak a tougher test than Kilimanjaro: it’s certainly less of a highway to the top. You’ll be glad of its via ferrata on the last morning.

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Martin Mwaura/Shutterstock

#02 Mara Naboisho Conservancy

This conservancy in the greater Mara region combines wildlife conservation with community involvement and offers outstanding viewing of big cats, elephants and giraffes.

#03 Thimlich Ohinga

Even most Kenyans have never heard of their most impressive upcountry ancient site – huge stone circles in a remote part of western Kenya.

© Jen Watson/Shutterstock

#04 Graceful Hippos

The chain of lakes at Mzima Springs, fed by subterranean meltwater from Kilimanjaro, is a magical location in an exceptionally beautiful park – Tsavo West.

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#05 Stars at Bedtime

Book a night out in the bush under the stars at Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge, sleeping on a specially adapted “star bed” atop a secure platform.

Il Ngwesi © Danita Delmont/Shutterstock

#06 Lake Baringo

The world record count of bird species seen in 24 hours – 342 – was made at this freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. There’s budget accommodation on the shore and luxury lodges on the islands.

© Victor Lapaev/Shutterstock

#07 Chameleons

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These curious, harmless reptiles can be found all over Kenya, but only the highlands are home to the impressive Jackson’s three-horn species, like a miniature triceratops.

© reptiles4all/Shutterstock

#08 Fresh Coconuts

If you’ve never had a fresh coconut, you’re in for a treat – try one at any coast hotel for the price of a tip to the intrepid tree climber.

© Maris Dargis/Shutterstock

#09 Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

Join more than a dozen local tribes for three days of traditional song and dance in a chilled, international atmosphere.

© E X P L O R E R/Shutterstock

#10 Warrior training

Head to a Maasai-run eco-camp and learn the ways of warriorhood – which you'll soon discover involves playfighting with sticks and much singing and jumping.

© Thomas Brissiaud/Shutterstock

#11 Lake Naivasha

The perfect getaway from Nairobi: excellent backpackers hostels, boating, a music festival, hippos, a rich array of birdlife and the secluded Crater Lake Game Sanctuary.

© Mogens Trolle/Shutterstock

#12 Lolling in the Lagoon

The Indian Ocean coast is sheltered by a coral reef for nearly its entire length: you can drift among shoals of fish or skim around on a kite- or surfboard.

© kyslynskahal/Shutterstock

#13 Nairobi National Park

On the city’s doorstep, the park is home to nearly all Kenya’s big mammals, including the largest of Kenya’s antelopes, the eland.

#14 Desert Lake

Venture to the shores of Lake Turkana in the barren lands close to the Ethiopian border where the climate is harsh, life precarious and the landscapes searingly beautiful.

© Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

#15 Lake Victoria

Kenya’s biggest lake packs in busy harbours, virtual plains of water hyacinth, pretty beaches and mountains.

© Stefan Haider/Shutterstock

#16 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Get on petting terms with tiny pachyderms at this highly regarded centre.

© Lenka Krejcova/Shutterstock

#17 Driving with Dragons

Travelling in Kenya's far northern deserts you never know what you'll meet around the next bend – like this fearsome-looking desert monitor.

© Syrus Neilson/Shutterstock

#18 Lamu

There is nowhere in the world like the ancient seafaring town of Lamu, with a fort, a maze of alleys and cool lodgings on every corner.

#19 Canine Receivers

Endangered wild dogs range hundreds of kilometres: take part in research on a working conservancy in Laikipia by following radio-tagged dogs.

© Lisa Hagan/Shutterstock

Top image: Mount Kenya © Martin Mwaura/Shutterstock

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