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10 reasons to… visit Kenya this summer

Text Tabitha Lasley

1 The Big Five Kenya’s biggest draw is still the classic safari. It’s the best place in the world to see the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo – roaming about in the wild. And you’re also equally likely to spot zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and flamingos while you’re there.

2 There’s more than one way to see them There are endless variations on the traditional safari. If you don’t fancy heading out across the plains in a jeep, you can get up close to the Big Five on foot, follow them on horseback or on camel, or even drift serenely over them in a hot air balloon.

3 You’ll witness the charge of the wildebeest If you’re coming here between July and October, you’ll have the chance to watch 1.5 million wildebeest making the epic journey from the Serengeti to new grazing pastures – one of the most awe-inspiring sights you’re ever likely to witness in the natural world.

4 You’ll be giving something back The last decade’s seen a huge upswing in ethical travel, and spurred on by the desire to keep Africa’s artistic and ecological heritage intact, Kenyan tourism’s been at the forefront.

There are now more opportunities for tourists to get involved than ever – whether it’s mucking in with community projects in remote villages, learning about wildlife conservation or just booking into an environmentally sustainable resort.

5 It’s not just savannah From the barefoot luxury of the Lamu islands to the pale sweeps of sand at Mombasa, the untamed beauty of the Kenyan coastline is absolutely breathtaking. And, this being Kenya, you can still go on safari – beach safaris, where you negotiate wooded archipelagos and mangrove channels by kayak, are becoming increasingly popular.

6 It’ll be an adventure Outdoor types will be spoilt for choice here. Kenya’s the adventure sports capital of Africa – you can wear yourself out white-water rafting, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kite surfing and rock climbing, to name but a few. And if you’re looking to up the adventurous ante, you can climb Mount Kenya – follow one of eight walking trails to the summit.

7 It’s good for golf If, on the other hand, you fancy something slightly more sedate, Kenya’s one of the world’s best golfing destinations. And many of its 39 courses are perched at high altitudes, meaning golfers get an additional 10% yardage on their strokes.

8 You’ll see living history Kenya has a richly diverse cultural life, and is home to more than 42 unique peoples, many of whom you’ll have the opportunity to visit. Most famous of these is the Maasai, who’ve lived in the south of the country for 600 years, but you’ll also be able to walk with Samburu warriors in the northern wilderness, soak up the Asian-inflected atmosphere of the coast and watch the master fishermen of Lake Victoria at work.

9 There are new destinations to discover There’s life beyond Masai Mara. Kenya has 59 national parks and previously undiscovered destinations are quickly gaining currency – think Lake Turkana for crocodiles, Lake Naivasha for hippos, Mount Kenya for buffalo and black panthers and Abedares for rare forest hogs and Bongo antelope.

10 There’s never been a better time to visit Tour operators are offering special rates on this summer’s package tours to the coast, while there are also fantastic discounts on five-star tented camps. If you book now, there’s a good chance you’ll snap up the bargain of a lifetime. magicalkenya.com