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!

Feel the crunch beneath your boots and the sweet African breeze as you explore the plains of Amboseli. Let your guide share the secrets of the bush with you while spotting animal tracks (of lion and dung beetle alike) and inspecting the acacias for more unusual flora and fauna. Game drives may be the star of many safaris but there's no truer way to experience the bush than a hands-on and close-up walkabout. Your camera will thank you! And, you'll still have the chance to see plains game and big cats from a comfortable distance.

The Laikipia private conservancies and game ranches have banded together to make this area a wonderful sanctuary for rare and endangered species. Here, you will find more elusive Northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, kongoni, bongo, giant forest hogs and oryx as well as wild dogs, black and white rhino and, most importantly, the last remaining Northern white rhinos in the world in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. These sanctuaries work closely with local communities to eliminate human/wildlife conflict and to encourage harmonious cohabitation and conservation.

Diani Beach isn't just a place for laying out on the sand with a cocktail, there's a whole lot of adventure to be had. And there's no better way to get into the spirit of the coast than with a session of kite surfing. The gin-clear lagoon has warm, shallow water and a reliable breeze makes it a prime location for beginners to learn the ropes. And hopefully, catch some serious air! December to March is an especially good time with flatter conditions. Winds blow in from the south between April and September, bringing the high waves that work well for the pros. Kite surfing is rather popular and there are a number of quality outfitters to rent gear and receive a few lessons.

As the sky becomes spangled with stars above Samburu's red landscape, you'll be driven out of camp to find a soft spot for the night. There'll be plenty of time for stargazing and you could even spot the Big Five of the African Sky. You couldn't get closer to nature if you tried and your guide will be there to share the secrets of Kenya's wilderness. After dinner, to the sounds of a crackling fire and the symphony of the bush, curl up in your tent for the ultimate camp-out. The sunrise and birdsong act as your alarm clock before you embark on another full day in Samburu.

Get to know the wilds of Kenya on a walking safari over golden grasslands, forested hillsides and wildlife-filled conservancies of Laikipia. Depart just after dawn-break to make the most of the daylight as you track African painted dogs (hopefully seeing them trot across a quiet path) and learning to sniff out where a lion may be snoozing while herds graze bravely on the plains. With the sprawling Laikipia plateau before you, lean in for a closer look as you spy a dung beetle rolling by and examine tree bark for signs of life. If you're staying on private land, there are no strict paths and you can really blaze a new trail. There's also the option to extend your walking safari into a multi-day activity, stopping to camp beneath the stars.

Fancy casting your line from a boat drifting off the southern coast of Kenya? Us too! The area has gained quite a reputation for its fantastic deep sea fishing and you can easily see why. Reel in some real big wigs like sailfish, dorado, kingfish and wahoo - and it could just be whipped up for dinner that evening. If it's yellowfin tuna you're after, August to October is the time to go and the marlin season happens between December and mid-March.

Staying in a conservancy just outside of the main Samburu National Park has its perks, most notably, the night drives! Under a moonlit sky, head out to experience a safari of a different kind when the big cats are in full hunting mode, their eyes glowing from behind the acacias. The daytime crowd has retired for the evening and a new host of creatures can be seen. As your eyes adjust, enjoy a game of 'what's that sound', which your guide should know the answer to and spot the likes of porcupine and mongoose to the bat-eared fox and aardwolf.

As the sky becomes spangled with stars above Laikipia's wild plains, you'll be driven from the lodge to find a soft spot for the night. There'll be plenty of time for stargazing and you could even spot the Big Five of the African Sky! You couldn't get closer to nature if you tried and your guide will be there to share the secrets of Kenya's wilderness. After dinner to the sounds of a crackling fire and the symphony of the bush, curl up in your sleeping bag for the ultimate camp-out. The sunrise and birdsong act as your alarm clock before you embark on another full day in Laikipia.

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.

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.

Lace up your safari boots and escape into the plains for a bush walk. Not a common occurrence in most of Kenya's parks, this is the truest way to experience the essence of Laikipia. Led by your experienced guide, venture into the lush hills and tawny valleys to follow the tracks of the African painted dog, see the flutter of birdlife over a flowing river and feel the rumble of elephant on the move. And get to know the local flora and its uses! This is your chance to lean in close and see the details often over-looked! Set out at sunrise or after your morning game drive for a few hours of safari-ing like an explorer.

When in Laikipia, do as the Samburu do! In the land of wildlife-filled conservancies and epic game-spotting, why not swap the rumble of the engine for the sway of a camel? Go where no car can as you travel over rugged hilltops and forest-covered escarpments, before venturing down into dry river beds to find a trail to track. On a safari by camel, you'll have the chance to get especially close to zebra, giraffe and ostrich, while keeping an eye on the horizon for lion, black rhino and the elusive African painted dog.

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.

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.