Kenya
AFRICA · 6 PLACES
Elephants under Kilimanjaro, a million wildebeest storming the Mara River, and coral-stone Swahili ports selling tamarind juice. Kenya stacks savannah, reef and city into one short flight.
Nairobi
Elephant orphans, giraffes and a national park on the capital's doorstep.
Maasai Mara
Big cats year-round and, from July, the migration river crossings.
Amboseli
Big-tusker elephants framed by Kilimanjaro at dawn.
Lake Nakuru
Fenced rhino sanctuary three hours from Nairobi; easy Rift Valley add-on.
Diani Beach
White sand, reef snorkelling and kitesurfing to reset after safari.
Mombasa
Fort Jesus, Old Town alleys and the best Swahili food on the coast.
One month here
Elephant orphans, giraffes and a national park on the capital's doorstep.
Big cats year-round and, from July, the migration river crossings.
Fenced rhino sanctuary three hours from Nairobi; easy Rift Valley add-on.
Big-tusker elephants framed by Kilimanjaro at dawn.
White sand, reef snorkelling and kitesurfing to reset after safari.
Fort Jesus, Old Town alleys and the best Swahili food on the coast.
Three months here
Use it as a base: museums, live music, day trips and safari logistics.
Split reserve and conservancies to get night drives and walking safaris.
Pair with Naivasha, Hell's Gate and Bogoria on a slow Rift Valley loop.
Add Kimana Sanctuary and the Chyulu Hills next door.
Long enough to learn to kitesurf or dive and still do nothing.
Old Town as a coastal base, with Watamu and Tsavo East within reach.
Festivals worth flying for
Great Migration · July-October
Wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara and Talek rivers. Timing varies; allow several days.
Madaraka Day · 1 June
National holiday marking self-rule, with parades and a presidential address.
Rhino Charge · Late May
Off-road 4x4 fundraiser for Rhino Ark. Location changes yearly and is announced late.
Lewa Safari Marathon · Late June
Half and full marathon run through a rhino conservancy, open to international entrants.
Jamhuri Day · 12 December
Independence Day. Expect closures, big crowds and full coastal hotels.
In an emergency
Emergency number 999 or 112
999, 112 and 911 all reach police, fire and ambulance. State ambulances are unreliable; private services and your hotel are usually faster.
Language
Swahili and English are both official; English is widely spoken in tourism.
Money
Kenyan shilling (KES). M-Pesa mobile money runs daily life; cards work in cities, cash rurally.
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