Kenya

Kenya is one of the best places for safari, and is evocative of a romantic and pioneering age. Kenya holds a special place in the hearts of Africa-lovers.

In the Maasai Mara, part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, huge herds of wildebeest graze on the sweeping plains on their annual migration. When on safari, there are high concentrations of "big five" game, in which Kenya has some of the highest numbers in Africa.

North and east of the Mara, the Great Rift Valley cuts a swathe through the middle of the country and this is one of the best places to witness the sheer scale of this natural wonder.

From Lake Victoria to the Central Highlands via numerous beautiful reserves, Kenya is home to many diverse ecosystems and, after the thrill of safari, you can head for the Indian Ocean coastline to relax on miles of white sand beaches or explore the historic island of Lamu.

The Maasai Mara is one of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa and for good reason. Its plains are home to huge concentrations of game and every year, from July to October, over two million wildebeest flood the plains providing one of nature’s most extraordinary sights. The camps here are usually tented and traditional in style, for an authentic safari experience with focus on guiding.

Lamu Island is an ancient Arabic trading capital lying off the north coast of the country. A spectacular coral reef runs 480km along the palm-fringed coastline of Kenya, while the waters below teem with thriving marine life. The various marine reserves one can visit and Kenya’s beaches offer plenty of opportunities for watersports, or for simply relaxing in the sun.

The Great Rift Valley, which stretches almost 6000 kilometres from Lebanon to Mozambique, runs right through Kenya forming a natural divide between west and east. Forested mountains, semi-active volcanoes, gorges and dramatic escarpments, hot springs, inhospitable desert and fertile farmland collide to form a hugely diverse landscape. The chain of freshwater and alkaline lakes dot this region.

Laikipia District is a vast plateau running from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley and covering over 9500km. Large areas of open grassland are dominated by acacias, and olive and cedar forest characterise the east of the plateau. Home to such diverse tribes as the Samburu and Kikuyu, as well as the the combination of abundant wildlife and exceptional scenery.

Nairobi began as the railroad depot of East Africa in 1899. Since then, it’s become one of the major cities of modern Africa. It’s a vibrant, growing city, a mosaic of many races and cultures, but it still retains its charm, with wide jacaranda tree lined avenues and colourful markets.

Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Kenya

Maasai Mara and Southern Kenya

Lamu and the coast

Great Rift Valley

Laikipia and Northern Kenya

Nairobi and Central Kenya