Kenya trips and vacations

Going on safari is the number one thing to do in Kenya, home to countless national parks and reserves. See the famous elephants of Amboseli or follow the migration of the wildebeest across the Maasai Mara. You can even catch black rhinos and big cats on the outskirts of the capital city at Nairobi National Park.

Kenya’s nomadic tribes have inhabited the Great Rift Valley for centuries, and you can follow in their footsteps. For breathtaking scenery, head to the highlands, where the grass-covered savanna meets volcanic mountains like the snow-capped Mount Kenya and the majestic Mount Longonot. Explore dramatic gorges and hot springs at Hell’s Gate National Park. Or cool off in the natural pools of Ngare Ndare Forest.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the ultimate safari spot, its endless plains dotted with lions, gazelles, hippos and more. Go between July and October to see the wildebeest migration. For wildlife encounters just a short drive from the capital, head to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre. Craving paradise beaches? With dazzling white sands and an offshore coral reef, Diani Beach near Mombasa steals the show.

Kenya’s 300 miles of Indian Ocean coastline begin in the north with the laid-back Lamu archipelago, whose dozens of coral islands offer excellent diving and snorkeling. And Mombasa is a popular vacation destination with plenty of attractions and family-friendly resorts. Get off the beaten track at Watamu, a favorite spot for kitesurfers, or Diani, which is known for its nightlife.

Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes — Kenya’s great plains are home to some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. But its other habitats, from sacred mangrove forests and alpine moorland to saltwater lakes, are just as rich. Lake Victoria is a bird-watcher’s paradise, and the coral reef running almost the length of the coast teems with marine life like dolphins and turtles.

With its indie cinemas and art galleries, Nairobi is a buzzing cultural hub that hosts one of the best museums in Kenya. The National Museum celebrates natural and human history and features a skull collection tracing back to humankind’s earliest ancestors. You’ll find more ancient wonders at the Hyrax Hill archeological site, plus a riveting introduction to Swahili culture at the Lamu Museum.

The hippest restaurants in Kenya are in Nairobi, where the foodie scene has taken off recently. In more traditional places, you’ll find beef, goat and mutton on the menu — often roasted or folded into a stew and served with the cornmeal staple ‘ugali.’ Don’t overlook roadside treats. Corn on the cob and fresh fruits like papayas, guavas and coconuts are just the beginning.