What to do in Kenya

Under a canvas of stars, set out from camp in a jeep to spy on the wildlife as the Masai Mara comes alive with a whole new cast of creatures. Even more so than the day, nighttime belongs to the predators. Lion and leopard slink between the trees, sniffing out hidden plains game, and hyenas howl in excitement as they look for leftovers. In the quiet of the evening, scan the brush for a pair of glowing eyes - then try and figure out if they belong to a bush baby, aardvark or even the shy civet. Your guide knows all and won't let any rustle go unnoticed!

Take a journey through the desertscape to visit a Samburu village. It is a remarkable privilege to meet members of this ancient and proud tribe as they welcome you with a traditional meal and a walk through the manyatta (homestead). Sit in the central meeting place to see the stalwart Samburu warriors as they share a traditional dance, jumping higher and higher to outdo each other. Learn all about the stunning beaded necklaces worn by the Samburu women and listen to stories passed down for generations.

Spend a morning or afternoon at the Sheldrick elephant sanctuary in Nairobi. As the most successful program for orphaned elephants in the world, your time spent here won't easily be forgotten. The calves are hand-reared by their keepers and develop a bond that is amazing to see. Watch as they run and splash in muddy pools, before they guzzle down a bottle for lunch. Each calf has a name and a story (they arrive from all over Kenya) and you can even adopt one of the elephant before heading home.

On this enlightening One Horizon cultural tour, you meet some endearing and entrepreneurial grandmothers who are beating their generational cycle of poverty. Many Kenyan grandmothers play a vital role in raising their grandchildren and extended families, and you’ll visit a pig farm, which is a project supported by One Horizon to improve the livelihoods of grandmothers by empowering them through small-scale farming. They invite you to assist with farming activities, help cook a traditional meal, and by sharing lots of laughter and listening to their inspirational stories, you’ll get a real insight into the strength and resilience of these remarkable Kenyan women. A cultural tour like no other.

Kenya's leading role in wildlife conservation is well-known and Nairobi is no exception. Before you begin or bid farewell to your safari, spend a few hours with the gentle Rothschild giraffe at their haven just outside of Nairobi. The centre was created to protect this endangered sub-species, which is only found in the grasslands of East Africa and calves are born at the sanctuary before being rehomed at a reserve. These creatures will quickly steal your heart as they lick up pellets straight from your hand - you may even get a kiss in thanks. Grab a cuppa and watch the giraffe snack and stroll, or hike to the View Point for a stellar view of Nairobi before returning to your hotel.

Anyone winging their way to Kenya will have likely heard the name, Karen Blixen. After arriving in Nairobi, her home-turned-museum makes a good first port of call. Karen Blixen's story was made famous by 'Out of Africa', which portrayed her life in the hills of Nairobi. The hundred-year-old house she once lived in was given to the Kenyan government after gaining independence. It has since become a museum, recounting the the life and work of Karen Blixen, with a collection of fascinating letters, books and art.

Dubbed one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth, the Great Migration becomes even more thrilling as the tsunami of stomping wildebeest run the terrifying gauntlet of crossing the Mara River. From August the wildebeest and Zebra begin to gather along the river banks ready to cross from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. As they build up the courage to face the crocodile-laden waters the big cats stalk in hot pursuit. The Masai Mara has the largest concentration of wildebeest, zebras and gazelle as they make their pilgrimage, before returning to Tanzania in November. Words cannot describe the sheer adrenaline of this spectacle and your guide will know where to find the best vantage point on a game drive to remember.

Come on a wild adventure by visiting the Animal Orphanage at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Bring your family and friends for a day of lasting memories. Explore, discover, and connect with the wonders of nature. All entry fees and donations directly contribute to the care of the animals and our overall conservation mission. This unique Animal Orphanage provides care to orphaned, injured and distressed wildlife, giving them a second chance. The Orphanage provides shelter and professional veterinary care with the aim of releasing these animals back into the wild where they belong once they are back to full health.