The central highlands of Kenya encompass an immense array of attractions from the vast open plains of the Masai Mara to the glistening waters of Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru teeming with wildlife, to the soaring heights of Mount Kenya.

Central Kenya is the heartland of the Maasai. The Maasai are a strongly independent people whose everyday traditions and rituals are an integral part of their everyday lives. This unique co-existence of the Maasai people and wildlife makes for one of the most exceptional wilderness regions.

In the heart of this wilderness is the Masai Mara Game Reserve, comprising of 200sq miles of open plains, woodlands and forest. The ‘big five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) inhabit the terrains of the reserve, the Acacia forests teem with birdlife and monkeys and the Mara and Talek Rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles. Every year the reserve plays host to one of the most spectacular natural spectacles, the great migration of the wildebeest from the Serengeti. The reserve provides endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast including walking and jeep safaris and hot air balloon rides over the vast savannahs.

North of the Masai Mara Game Reserve are a number of lakes, each with their own unique ecosystems. Thousands of pink flamingo ring the shores of Lake Nakuru who feed off the algae that forms the lake bed. The national park is also an important rhino sanctuary home to black and white rhino often spotted resting on the shores of the lake.

Lake Baringo, a freshwater Rift Valley lake encircled by mountains and dotted with picturesque islands is a bird watchers haven. The lake is very well stocked with fish, pelicans, fish eagles and cormorants and is also the home of the Njemps tribe who are the only pastoral, cattle herding tribe who also fish.

The Aberdares National Park encompassing the Aberdares Mountain Range contains unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls creating an area of great beauty. Wildlife sightings are dominated by elephants and buffaloes but rare black leopards and rhinos are also sometimes seen. Fantastic views of the peak of Mount Kenya and the Rift Valley can be gained from higher ground.

The great wildernesses of Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, miles of pristine tropical beaches, unspoilt islands and Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the distance provide superb backdrops for safari and beach holidays.

Tsavo as a whole comprises of 10 million acres of pure wilderness encompassing savannah, acacia and montane forest and an extensive river system. On safari, visitors will see large herds of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe and many species of birds such as hornbills, sunbirds, and raptors.

Amboseli National Park covers an area of 400sq kms with its southern boundary along the Tanzania border and impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest mountain. Amboseli National Park is home to small groups of antelopes, buffalo and family groups of elephants sweeping across the plain. There’s also acacia forest that make for good birding, and are home to many small mammals.

South of Mombasa, lie miles of pristine white sandy beaches, fringed by lush tropical rainforest and warm turquoise waters. The protected coral reefs have created ideal beaches with calm, inviting waters.

Traders have been coming to the port at Mombasa since the 12th century, the traditional passage for the Arabian Spice Trade. The old Town doesn’t have the charm of Lamu but nevertheless it does have some interesting building characteristics of coastal Eastern Africa.

To the north of Mombasa are the fascinating Gedi Ruins, the remains of a Swahili town located in Gede. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, Gedi was a thriving community along the coast of East Africa. Excavations have revealed artefacts from Italy, China, India and Spain indicating that the villagers were extraordinary traders.

The beautiful tropical Lamu Island lies off the eastern coast of Kenya. Its carved woods, winding streets and traditional houses evoke the sights and sounds of another age. Tiny villages nestle between coconut plantations and elegant dhow boats ply the waters.

Northern Kenya’s vast arid plains and wild beauty hold the promise of real adventure. Against this striking backdrop live Kenya’s last nomadic tribes, where the desert wilderness is an integral part of their lives.

Maralal, a frontier town and the gateway to the northern wilderness is a thriving dusty town with streets bustling with passing traders and camels. The wild country between Maralal and Turkana is ideal for the adventure seeker with the opportunities for camel safaris, bush walking and white water rafting.

To the north is Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake widely known as the Jade Sea because of the remarkable colour of its waters. It is also home to hundreds of species of birds native to Kenya and a large population of crocodiles and hippos. Over the dry grasslands grazing mammals can be sighted such as zebra, gazelle, giraffe, lions and cheetah. The lake is also the source of life for some of Kenya’s most remote tribes who live a semi-nomadic existence around its waters. One of the smallest tribes, El Molo, live close to the shores in villages with distinctive rounded reef huts.

To the east of Lake Turkana is the Sibiloi National Park, a scenic wilderness covering an area of 1570sq km. Sibiloi National Park was partially established to protect unique prehistoric and archaeological sites and you will find many examples on display at the park museum.

Further south are other magnificent national parks, including Meru National Park and Samburu National Reserve. The N’giro River is the Samburu National Reserve’s life source and therefore attracts a fascinating procession of species to its waters. Large herds of elephant, giraffe, buffalo and impala gather on the banks to drink from the lake. The forests that line the riverbanks are also home to many birds and leopards, often seen at dusk. This beautiful environment provides opportunities for great adventure and experiences, including river rafting, rock climbing and safaris.

Meru National Park is the least visited park in Kenya and therefore an explorer’s paradise. The abundant rainfall in this area makes for lush swamps, tall grass and thick forest surrounded by rolling hills and stark Kopjes. The park has a wide range of animals including elephant, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and some rare antelopes.

The mix of high altitudes and tropical sun make for a unique and variable climate. The coastal areas are tropical, the lowlands, hot and dry, while the highlands are more temperate with four seasons.

The weather is generally considered to be best in January and February when it’s hot and dry with high concentrations of wildlife. March to May experiences long rains and is generally the low season. June to October is generally dry and during this period the annual wildebeest migration takes place. November and December experience short rains.

Travelling around Kenya by plane is by far the quickest method of transport. There are a few domestic airlines that link popular safari destinations and coastal towns. Kenya Airlines and Air Kenya provide regular services between Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lamu. Air Kenya flies to several airstrips the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks.

Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Bus companies offer comfortable, reliable and moderately cheap services, although they can be quite slow.

Matatus are privately operated minibuses operating along set routes. They provide a very cheap and quick method of transport in all major towns and cities and many rural areas.

The official languages are English and Swahili alongside many tribal languages. Although English is widely spoken a few words in Swahili will prove useful.