Kenya really does have it all and it caters for everyone, whatever the wish list, and with only an eight hour direct flight from London Heathrow to Nairobi it’s also the closest and most direct route to a safari in sub-Saharan Africa you can get. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is well known as a pioneering safari spot and home to the annual wildebeest migration (normally between around July to October) and is a must on any trip to Kenya for a big cat fix; it’s had a bad reputation for being too busy but it really does depend on where you choose to stay. Knowing your way around conservancies adjacent to the actual Game Reserve itself is key to the perfect Masai Mara experience.

However, there are so many other remote and beautiful areas to explore all over Kenya. In addition to traditional safari and game drive activities, the conservancies in central and northern Kenya allow complete freedom from park rules and encourage you to get out of the 4x4 and immerse yourself in the bush with some horse riding, walking safaris, wild swimming, sleep outs under the stars and helicopter safaris to the very north of the country. The scenery in this central area - Laikipia Plateau, Matthews Range and Samburu - is quite breath taking and, importantly, it offers a glimpse into the strong, diverse and colourful tribal culture of the country. 

Do you want to get even more off the beaten track? Often the highlight of a Kenya safari is going walking with a lightweight mobile camp carried by the camels and led by the knowledgeable and fun Samburu guides through Laikipia – perfect for families and groups of friends in between more permanent camps. A complete technology and wifi detox in the wilderness! Or if horse riding is your passion, then a mobile riding safari is the ultimate adventure as you gallop alongside herds of plains game, or surprise some sleeping lions under a tree – experienced riders only for obvious reasons.

It's then just a quick internal flight to find yourself on the coast to relax after your safari.  If you’re not one to lie around then Lamu Island is a fun place to visit, it’s like stepping back in time in this UNESCO World Heritage site which is steeped in Swahili culture, history and character. There are still no cars on the island and you are safe to explore the sandy alleyways on foot or catch a dhow to Lamu Town to visit the market or silversmiths. Shela beach is eleven kilometres long and just wonderful for long walks and swimming after a morning exploring.

Or you can head to the south coast with endless white sandy palm fringed beaches where you can wallow in the warm and turquoise Indian Ocean or learn to kitesurf, go diving, snorkelling and even horse riding.