"In what is considered one of the earth's greatest spectacles, over a million wildebeest maketheirway from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya in search of lusher grasslands. The great migrationis a very good reason to visit the diamond in Kenya’s crown of national parks, the Masai Mara. The most dramatic scenes take placeat the river crossings, where the wildebeest slip and crash down the steep embankments of the Mara River into crocodile- and hippo-infested waters and, if they get through that, still have to gallop past the Mara’s high density of lions awaiting them on the other side. The best time to see the migration hereis between the months of July and September. Porini Lion Camp is an excellent accommodation choice, with knowledgeable guides and a responsible approach to protecting the delicate Mara ecosystem."

"Kite-surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing in Watamu Nestled between pristine beaches and lushforest, the peaceful town of Watamu is ground zero for water sports in Kenya . One of Kenya’s most renowned kite-surfing schools, Tribe Watersports, is based here and offersthree–day courses to get you skimming the warm waves of the Indian Ocean in no time. If you're happierunderwater, Watamu will also appeal. A maze of rich coral reefs skirts the shoreline, so giant turtles and exotic fish can beseen year-round, and at certain times of the year majestic whale sharks pass through this region, making ita snorkeling and diving haven. For accommodation, check out the eccentric and charming Watamu Treehouse."

"Camping in the wild at Ngare Ndare forest Live a childhood fantasy and spend the night in the treetops. Deep in the Ngare Ndare forest, just north of Mount Kenya, a tree platform and a suspended canopy walkway allow adventurous souls tocamp out high among the branches. As darkness sets in, you canwalk along the canopy until the trees give way to a million stars overhead. Standing there in midair with the giant Milky Way loomingabove is an experience that’s difficult to top. There are no facilities at the campsite, so you’ll want to bring all your food and water, as well as a flashlightor two to guide your nighttime walk. (Also note that a decent 4x4 is needed to reach the campsite once you leave the main road leading from Nairobi to Nanyuki.)"

"Kilifi Creek It’s a two-hour drive from Mombasa alongopen roadsthat parallel the coast to reach Kilifi Creek, a giant estuary of cerulean blue thatspills out into the Indian Ocean. As you cross the majestic Kilifi Bridge, you'll notice a few yachts cruising along the calm waters below and a handful of elegant villas scatteredalongthe creek's banks. After the chaos of the cities, the sceneis delightfullycalm. Were this spot of geographical beauty in Europe or America, it would be teeming with tourists, hotels, restaurant chains, and tacky bars by now. Not in Kenya and not in Kilifi. With itsbeautiful coastline, a smattering of creekside restaurants, and a few opportunitiesfor sunset dhow-boat cruises, there's little to do besidesrelax in this sleepy costal town."

"As you approach Lake Naivasha from Nairobi, the one-lane,potholed road risesand you are suddenly treated to a truly awesome view of the Great Rift Valleystretching outto the horizon. Shimmering within that vistaisLake Naivasha, a popular weekend destination for Nairobians. The lake itself is beautiful in a prehistoric-looking way, with wispy, jagged trees jutting up from the water and hippos bathing in the midday sun. Along the boggy shoreline, before thewater lilies and tropical grasses give way to the open water, it’s easyto imagine ancient creatureswriggling their way up onto landand eventually evolving into the first hominids. While in the area, explore Hell's Gate National Park andits gigantic gorge, take a boat trip on the lake in search of hippos, and get your fill of the freshly made pizzas at Camp Carnelley’s."

"Meet baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust TheDavid Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues orphaned baby elephants from the wild, nurturing and raising them through the grief of losing their families, and then easesthem back into their natural habitat when they are old and strong enough. The animals are notforced to return to the wild—at around fouryears old, they are moved from the Nairobi nursery to a new home near Tsavo National Park to help them gain the independence to move on. The baby elephants can be visited every day at 11 a.m., where you'll see them playing in the mud and guzzling gallons of milk. Guests who choose toadopt an orphan can return at 5 p.m. to watchthe babies enjoy an evening snack of leaves before being put to bed."

"Nairobi's Karura Forest Right in the heart of Nairobi, the Karura Forest isa tranquil oasis with fragranteucalyptus trees, open expanses of wild grassland, a waterfall, and hundreds of types of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and even antelope. On weekends, Nairobians walk their dogs here, cycle the dirt tracks with their families (bike rentals are available), and walk the many trails throughthis 2,500-acre urban wilderness. Enter via the Limuru Road entrance for the waterfall and for access to the River Café, and via Peponi Road to enjoy a quieter side of the forest."

"Families would be hard-pressed to find a more memorable place to stay than Giraffe Manor. Located in the leafy suburb of Langata, about a 30-minute drive from central Nairobi, the 1932 family home of a former candy baron was modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge before becoming a sanctuary for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, for which the boutique hotel gets its name. The ivy-clad brick mansion features 12 light-filled guest rooms, many with gauzy canopy beds and understated furnishings, but the real draw is the airy breakfast room, where you can feed the exceedingly friendly animals as they crane their necks through windows and doors in search of snacks. Afterward, complimentary chauffeured vehicles are on hand to take you to the area’s most popular attractions: at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the residents being fed are orphaned baby elephants."

"Hike the Ngong Hills For a spectacular hike near Nairobi, head to the Ngong Hills, just a 40–minute driveaway. These knuckle-shaped hillsoffer panoramic views of Nairobi and the surrounding mountain ranges, and you can choose to turn back at any point if you don’t feel like scaling every peak (the highest risesto 8,071 feetabove sea level). The easiest option is to leave your car at the Ngong Town entrance and pick up a ranger to guide your walk. Be sure to bring a picnic—the satisfaction of reaching the final peak is best celebrated by sprawling out on a blanket, enjoyinga sandwich, and soaking inthe views extendingout from all sides."

"Kenya's Mathioya, Tana, andAthi rivers offersome excellent white-waterrafting opportunities. Rafting the Athiis considered one of the top 10river trips in the world and includes steep rapids, giant waterfalls, and stunning views of wildlife along the route. Savage Wilderness, a company in the Sagana region, offers exhilarating and well-guided white-water excursions (as well as rock climbing, archery, and more) and is an easy day trip from Nairobi. At some points of the year, the rivers around Sagana can betoo low to raft on, but a range of other activities, from swimming to attempting to kayak througha 50-footwaterfall, are available."

"As soon asthey see it alongthe Great Rift Valley, hiking enthusiasts want to climbMount Longonot, a dormant volcano thatlast erupted sometime in the 1860s. The name Longonot is derived from a Masai word that means "steep ridges"—fitting because the journey to the top is nearlyvertical, along deep crevices and crumbly rocks. Summiting usually takes about 1.5 hours; from the top,peer into the forest-filled crater and sit under ashaded gazebo to enjoy a picnic. If you have the energy, it’s also possible to hike the rim of the crater, but be warned:Skirting around takes roughly three hours, not including the journey back to the bottom."

"Sitting atthe edge of Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi National Park. Kenya’s first national park is home to a huge range of wildlife, including buffalo, rhino, zebra, and lions. You can drive on your ownaround the park, or book a game drive with the Kenya Wildlife Service in advance. The best times to view the animals are at dawn or dusk; while away some of the time in between by heading to Ololo Lodge for lunch and a swim, or stay the night at Nairobi Tented Camp. Helping fund the park with tourism is more important now than ever: It is under pressure from developers, and there have been a number of incidents involving wildlife straying into nearby farmland, due to the encroachment of humans on the animals' habitats in recent years."

"Just an hour’s drive from the busiest town in Laikipia County, El Karama Lodge feels like a world away. Set on 14,000 acres of private land, six cottages and two riverfront cabins are simply decorated with locally sourced stone and thatch and regionally made furnishings, giving emphasis to the lush natural surroundings. If total immersion is more your speed, the staff can arrange a personal fly camp before your arrival: after a hike to a remote location, you're greeted by a suspended tent with a clear view to the night sky, complete with comfortable bedding, a drinks table, and a small barbecue. What you won't find here? Cell service, though you'll hardly miss it. A drive through El Karama land is almost certain to include sightings of elephants, giraffes, and zebras, but guests can also see creatures that are unique to northern Kenya, including gerenuk and Laikipia hartebeeste. Back at camp, there’s nothing to do as darkness sets in but lie back, stargaze, and listen to the calls of the wild."

"Hiking Mount Kenya Scaling Mount Kenya , the country'shighest and the continent's second-highest mountain, is on the bucket list of many adventurers. Thejagged summit peaks, sharp cliffs, and snowcapped crags can be seen on the northern road fromNairobi when the mountain is not shrouded inclouds. Hiking this monster usually takes fromthree to sevendays, depending on fitness levels. Of the different possible routes up, the popular Chogoria route passes through lush green pastures and by icy blue lakes, crossing dusty martian landscapes along the way. The highest point hikers can reach without specialized climbing equipment is Lenana, more than16,000 feetabove sea level."

"The hot-air balloon captains of the Masai Mara see themselves more as sailors than pilots. Despite the fact that they are flying, they guide the balloonthrough the air, adjustingthe pulleys and controlling blasts of hot airlike sailors harnessing thewind withcanvas. The anticipation of takeoffis exhilarating: Guests arriveto an open field in the darkness and lie down on the grass tobehoisted up into the basket, withthe roar of the flames overhead. The ride itself is tranquil and relaxing, drifting through the sky, admiring the balloon's shadow on the golden ground as the sun rises. Rides can be booked in advance while staying at Angama Mara, one of Kenya’s most luxurious lodges."

"It is worth the long, hot, and bumpyride to Lake Turkanato see its jade blue waters and the surroundinglunarlandscape. Members ofthe seminomadic Turkana tribe, decked out in jewelry and colorful fabrics, with goats, donkeys, and children in tow, pace the shore, collecting water and gathering wild fruits. Lake Turkana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's largest permanent desert lake as well as itslargest alkaline lake. The landscape is so hot, windy, and aridthatit's hard to imagine how anyone manages to survive here. If possible, come to the annual spring Lake Turkana festival, when tribes from across northern Kenya gather here to promote peace and celebrate one another’s cultures."

"Spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru Film fans mayremember the scene in Out of Africa when Denys Finch Hatton's little yellow gypsy plane swoopedabovethe pink flamingo–filled waters of Lake Nakuru to the sound of the John Barry soundtrack. The lakeis indeed known for the thousands of flamingos that nest along its shores, attracted to the lake's vast quantities of tasty algae. (Recent rising water levels have resulted in many of the birds moving their nestselsewhere, but naturalists believe they'll return when the waters recede.) In 1961, the lake and its surrounding land were namedLake Nakuru National Park, nowprotectingthe black and southern white rhinos, warthogs, lions, baboons, and otherwildlifethat live here. The lake is a roughly three-hour drive from Nairobi."

"Lamu, one of the most magical destinations in Kenya , isfamed for being the oldest and best-preserved example of a Swahili settlement in East Africa. The Old Town has been inhabited for over 700 years and is made particularly beautiful by the assortmentof Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European architecture. Since 1370, different cultures have been lured to Lamu, making it an important trading port along the East Africa coast. Nowadays it enchants visitors with its narrow cobbled alleyways, wandering donkeys, weather-beaten stone buildings, hidden courtyards, and the sight of rustic wooden dhows sailing in the distance. Visit the local mosques, wanderthe streets of quaint Shela village, sail over to the luxurious Majlis Resort for a swim and a cocktail, or whileaway the hours on an ornate roof terrace."

"Kimana Sanctuary is special for a number of reasons. Not only was it the first community-owned conservancy in Kenya when it was established back in 1996, it’s also located in a crucial wildlife corridor that links Amboseli National Park with the with the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo protected areas, providing animals with a route though the narrowest part of the space between two settled areas. When elephants pass between the areas, they are able to use this corridor; sometimes they will just pass through the Sanctuary and other times they will stay for months. Accommodation for guests is available either by camping in a tranquil spot by the river or staying at the dreamy Kimana House, a four-bedroom self-catering property that comes with an on-site manager to do the washing up. Two notable organizations are involved: Big Life Foundation managesthe Sanctuary in partnership with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust ."