Holidays in Kenya

An endless expanse of sun-scorched grassland, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a must on any visit to Kenya. Between July and October, the iconic Great Migration reaches its conclusion here, where upwards of two million wildebeests, zebras, topis and more stampede from the Serengeti. Beyond its headlining phenomenon, the Masai Mara also boasts the planet’s highest density of lions, who roam the grasses alongside giraffes, impala, elephants and countless others in this spectacular wildlife-filled land.

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of Kenya’s true success stories. Due to poaching, Lewa’s rhino population stood at a critical 15 in 1983. Now, over 160 white and black rhinos thrive in the safe savannah the conservancy has created. It ranks alongside the Masai Mara for wildlife, with its rangers taking you nose-to-horn with its famous residents on safari drives. It’s not only rhinos who’ve benefitted from the great work at Lewa – Grevy’s zebras, cheetahs, hyenas and the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino) all call this haven home.

For a flavour of Africa, look no further than Laikipia. While it boasts wildlife to rival anywhere else in the country – including rhinos and Grevy’s zebras – here it’s all about the experience. Stays in colonial bush homes give you prime access to this ancient patchworked landscape of semi-arid plains and acacia-blanketed hills, a place for you to soak up a classic African picture. But perhaps the star of the show here is the fascinating Samburu people and these lodges act as gateways to experience their culture and traditions, where you can witness warrior dances and skilled bead makers at work.

Everywhere you turn in this tucked-away national park is a unique vista: riverine forests, lakes, cloud forests and vast savannahs. The volcanic emerald contours after which the Chyulu Hills are named are framed by ancient lava flows long since cooled but still brimming with legend. Safari game drives are a real adventure in these shifting landscapes as you search for leopards, elephants and buffaloes in the wilderness, all under surveillance from the epic, rugged slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mixing the perfect blend of nature and history, Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline is the ideal way to end a holiday filled with sensational safari experiences. Its flour-white curves are fringed with kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, perfect for snorkelling straight off the beach. While its sands draw travellers today, they once lured the Arab spice traders of yesteryear and their presence can still be felt. Forts pock the shoreline and you can take traditional dhow trips around the bay – still an important part of Swahili culture today.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccinations are currently recommended. If entering Kenya from a yellow fever zone, you must be in possession of a valid international yellow fever innoculation certificate. Please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice and medical precautions regarding Malaria.

The time difference is GMT +3 hours.

The flight time from London to Nairobi is 8½ hours.

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling.

All UK nationals need a visa to enter Kenya. The visa application can be completed online prior to your trip, with a three-month eVisa costing US$51.