Mara to Mahe

Nairobi hides many an interesting pastime under it’s not-so-shiny reputation and, if you find yourself in the city, you may even wish you had a few more nights to spare.

Most of the action happens in the luxurious garden suburb of Karen. A typical day might include a morning with the orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Trust, time at the Karen Blixen museum (and a coffee and a slice of cake), and end with a giraffe ‘kiss’ at the centre at Giraffe Manor. We recommend hiring a driver to take you around the sights, and perhaps adding a dinner stop at one of the up-and-coming restaurants.

If you’re missing your daily wildlife fix - or desperate to get started – Nairobi is one of the only cities in the world to have a national park on the doorstep. It’s home to four of the Big Five (no elephant), game viewing is good, and there’s even a short walk at the entrance. A half- or full-day trip from the city is easy to arrange and your driver will stay with you for the duration.

Half of Lewa’s allure is the neverending, peaceful scenery where hills roll into savannah grasslands and swamps. The other half is its long-standing reputation as a wildlife haven. The area showcases conservation at its pioneering best and is home to rare northern species including oryx, reticulated giraffe and one of the largest populations of Grevy’s zebra in the world.

There is ample chance to explore the conservancy including safari staples like morning and evening game drives to spot Lewa’s big cats, or more unusual horse or camel-back safari, where you’ll get unbelievably close to zebra and giraffe. Join an expert guide for a morning of rhino tracking, or enjoy the privilege of visiting a local Samburu village to learn about traditions and skills passed down across generations.

The King of the Kenyan safari, the Masai Mara is bucket-list travel down to a tee. The iconic wildlife (think big cats, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra and the famous river crossings of the Great Migration from July to September) is matched by some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa – and there’s a lengthy list of activities to help you discover it all.

Morning and afternoon game drives are the bread and butter of a Masai Mara safari, and all-day expeditions are common especially during the Great Migration. There’s usually a bush breakfast under a shady tree or a mobile sundowner bar to complete the experience too. Specific to the private Mara Conservancies are walking safaris and night drives, both allowing you to get to grips with the landscape in different ways. In specific locations, early-morning hot air balloon flights are possible – definitely worth booking in advance – as are horseback safaris for varying capabilities. Finally, many camps have partnerships with local Maasai communities for a chance to join them in their daily life.

Nairobi hides many an interesting pastime under it’s not-so-shiny reputation and, if you find yourself in the city, you may even wish you had a few more nights to spare.

Most of the action happens in the luxurious garden suburb of Karen. A typical day might include a morning with the orphaned elephants at the David Sheldrick Trust, time at the Karen Blixen museum (and a coffee and a slice of cake), and end with a giraffe ‘kiss’ at the centre at Giraffe Manor. We recommend hiring a driver to take you around the sights, and perhaps adding a dinner stop at one of the up-and-coming restaurants.

If you’re missing your daily wildlife fix - or desperate to get started – Nairobi is one of the only cities in the world to have a national park on the doorstep. It’s home to four of the Big Five (no elephant), game viewing is good, and there’s even a short walk at the entrance. A half- or full-day trip from the city is easy to arrange and your driver will stay with you for the duration.

Candyfloss beaches, incredible water clarity and private islands await in the Seychelles archipelago. In total, there are 115 islands ranging from specks of sand and forest, to rugged, granite outcrops offering adventurous hikes and climbs.

When it comes to water sports, enjoy catamaran sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and surfing in the turquoise lagoons. Alternatively, cruise deeper into the marine park for a snorkelling or diving experience with clarity of up to 30 metres, where parrotfish, waving octopus, reef sharks and manta rays await.

Certain islands are havens for sea turtles and you may be able to see them nest, or watch as the hatchlings make their departure back to the ocean. The Seychelles is home to some fantastic conservation projects too, so pay a visit and learn about their integral efforts to protect these incredible isles.