Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your typical family trip to the zoo pales in comparison to a visit to Maasai Mara. It's named for the Maasai tribe which has inhabited Kenya for centuries. The reserve is the home of an estimated 1.3 million wildebeest. Large numbers of lions, cheetahs and leopards can also be spotted if you take your binoculars.
There are lodges and private houses within the reserve, keeping you at the heart of Kenya's sprawling game reserve for your entire holiday. It's also possible to camp overnight at Maasai Mara.
Mombasa
The cosmopolitan atmosphere in Mombasa brings together centuries of African history with convenient modern touches. It's been influenced by periods of British, Arab and Portuguese occupation. Mombasa is the largest port city in eastern Africa and is well connected by public transport. The nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with bars, pubs and nightclubs to suit practically every budget.
See the city's history in the Old Town area and at Fort Jesus. Families will love the go-karting track at Mombasa, and the cinema and bowling at the Nyali Theatre. The city is also lined by beaches on the eastern side, with bright sands and swaying palm trees.
Nairobi
Kenya's biggest city is Nairobi, a destination brimming with culture and new experiences. It stands on the Nairobi River, 'the Green City in the sun'. Skyscrapers, shops and restaurants can be easily found everywhere you look. The weather's typically warm in Nairobi all year long, yet is refreshingly cooler than the rest of Kenya.
Alongside the developed, vibrant city centre, Nairobi National Park is a short drive away. As the first national park to be established in Kenya, it's still known as 'the wildlife capital of the world'. More than 400 species of birds have been identified at the park, and you'll also see hyenas, giraffes, and the endangered black rhino.
Safari holidays
On any trip to Kenya, a safari is an absolute must. The sheer scale of the plains and deserts makes for a truly memorable holiday and some dramatic photos. Safari tours give you the chance to see elephants, lions, gazelles and zebras up close. They can be just one part of a Kenyan holiday, or a mini break in themselves.
Book a place on a minibus around one of Kenya's national parks, or go off road in a more private 4x4 tour. At the luxury end of the scale, safari packages can include trips in light aircraft and the Kenyan take on 'glamping'.
