What to do in Kenya

When it comes to conservation and unbelievably diverse wildlife, Laikipia has them both in spades. Take your seat on an open 4x4 in the early mornings and late afternoons, setting out to ogle more animals than you could imagine. Laikipia has some of the best wildlife in Kenya including the likes of giraffe, Grevy's zebra, cheetah and growing packs of painted dogs. Keep your binoculars poised to see the Big Five, including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population who graze in the shadow of Mount Kenya!

We'd bet our hides, you've heard of the Big Five, but do you know about the Samburu Special Five? Swap Africa's biggest names for these unique and rare creatures on a game drive through sun-baked Samburu. Roll call...Grevy's zebra (who gather in a dazzle of black and white), the aptly-named long-necked gerenuk who startles by standing on its hind legs to reach the juiciest leaves and produces young throughout the year - keep your eyes peeled for a fawn taking its first tottering steps. Look out for Somali ostrich, long-horned Beisa oryx and striking reticulated giraffe as they meander down dry river beds. And the best part is, most of these animals can't be found anywhere else in Africa.

Kisite Marine Park is just a short boat ride from Msambweni Beach, and is home to one of Kenya’s largest and most spectacular coral reefs. Each morning, visitors to the reef climb aboard a dhow (a traditional East African sailing boat) and venture out for a morning of snorkelling. Dolphins often cruise the islands around the reefs and accompany visitors on these expeditions and then maybe even escort them to Wasini Island to delight in Charlie Claws infamous fresh crabs and a cold coca cola.

Rhinos are under constant threat from poaching, and there are only a few places you can go to in East Africa to find them living safely and comfortably in the wild. Meru is one of these places. The thick vegetation and lush swampy riverlines make the Meru rhino sanctuary a real haven for these prehistoric giants. Forty odd rhinos, an equal mixture of black and white, are monitored closely by rangers working around the clock. With such large numbers, good, clear sightings of them are guaranteed.

Lewa was one of the original conservancies in this area and so has an incredibly diverse spread of wildlife and a naturally high game count. Early morning and evening game drives across the undulating grassy plains and through lush acacia riverlines produces an abundance of wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo. Lewa is also home to rare Northern species like Grevy’s zebra, oryx, reticulated giraffe and, most important it is a sanctuary for a large number of black and white rhino.

You may have heard of Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, but we'll let you in on its best kept secret. A short boat ride from the shore (passing pink-eared hippo as you go), lies Crescent Island, a well-protected gem with more wildlife per acre than any other park in Kenya. Put on your safari boots for a scenic walk across the island with flourishing birdlife from pelicans to eagles that soar overhead, and plenty of plains game. Watch families of giraffe snack on acacia leaves or stretch with impressive agility to drink from the water's edge, and wildebeest and gazelle gathered in their hundreds, only disturbed by the occasional jackal. Lay out under the shade for a picnic overlooking the steamy springs of Hell's Gate (which just might be your next stop) before returning to your lodge on the mainland.

Depart from camp as the morning breaks over the plains and the wildlife wakes, or after a siesta in the late afternoon, for a game drive in the bowl of the Great Rift Valley. And believe us, there's plenty to see... Keep your binoculars and camera on hand to spot vast herds of stamping buffalo, prides of lion peering out from the savannah and unmistakable swish of a leopard's tail in the treetops. The park is also home to rare white and black rhino! Trundle past Lake Nakuru where you'll revel in the birdlife, from the tiniest colourful bee-eater to the Verreaux's eagle soaring regally overhead.

Dating back to the 12th century, Lamu Town is the oldest inhabited Swahili town in Kenya, comparable only to Tanzania’s Zanzibar (Stone Town). With its ancient fort, its wood-carved doors, bustling markets and the ubiquitous donkeys, the town is charming and authentic—no wonder UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site. Free from first world influence, Lamu retains all of its old world traditions and with little to no international advertising, it is still relatively un-touristy. At the end of your tour, make sure to pick up a fresh coconut and sit in the town square taking a moment to soak it all in and feel like a local.

The Samburu tribe are Kenya’s most colourful tribe. The women are brightly adorned in beaded necklaces, bracelets, anklets and head dresses whilst the moran (young warriors) display elaborately braided hair dyed with red ochre. Few places in Kenya hold so strongly onto their culture as the 1,200 Samburu families of this district do and so much so that though they welcome visitors to their homes, ceremonies and gatherings, photographs are not allowed.

Just 700m shorter than its more famous sister, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya is a sight to behold. You emerge from the bordering forests onto stretches of grassy mountain plains broken with deep valleys and lush mountain streams. As you climb higher into the land of giant lobelia’s the temperature drops and Mt Kenya’s three peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana tower above you. Those who summit Lenana for sunrise are rewarded with spectacular views, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Kilimanjaro. Technical alpine climbers take on Batian and Nelion, which some of the world’s best climbers have declared to be amongst the most challenging and rewarding technical ascents in the world.