Located near the equator in East Africa, Kenya has wonderfully diverse natural landscapes and wildlife, which are a significant part of why it is such a popular tourist destination.

The main tourist season runs throughout the cool, dry months of June, July and August, and the hot, dry months of December and January. When the rains fall from March to May Kenya is much quieter, fewer tourists visit, accommodation prices fall, and some places close altogether.

Wildlife-watching, khaki-clad tourists sat in open-top safari jeeps are the key selling point for Kenya’s tourist industry. The Maasai Mara is the conservation area to visit for the most dramatic game viewing and widest range of safari experiences. The immense wildebeest migration takes place during July through to October and sees the movement of over two million animals – including gazelle, zebra and eland – from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

But this isn’t the only wildlife hot-spot. The Samburu National Reserve showcases over 50 species of wild animals including oryx, zebra, giraffe and ostrich, while the Malindi Marine National Park is endowed with magnificent reefs and coral gardens that harbour sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins and more.

Amazing alpine highlands
There’s a great deal more to Kenya than animals, though. After a drama-filled safari, there’s nothing better than lounging around on beautiful white-sand beaches. The dazzling tropical coast has offerings for a whole range of holiday-makers from those who enjoy a buzzing resort, to more chilled out customers who want to indulge in an exclusive island hideaway.

If wildlife and beaches aren’t your thing, there are plenty of adventures to be had. The Rift Valley lakes are a natural area of outstanding beauty and offer a unique aquatic bird viewing spot; Amboseli provides stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro; while Mount Kenya features amazing alpine highlands and fantastic glacial topography of volcanic ridges.

Accommodation varies from mid-range safari lodges with buffet-style cafeterias to private luxury tented camps, and all-inclusive beach resorts to exclusive luxury lodges.

Whether you pack a bikini for the beach or binoculars for a safari, Kenya is sure to impress.