Things to do in Kenya

Whether you’re parked up to watch a million wildebeest attempting to cross the Mara River without getting eaten by crocodiles, tracking the huge elephant herds of Amboseli against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro or visiting the highly endangered black and white rhino, a game drive tops our list of things to do in Kenya.

Of Kenya’s 40-odd ethnic groups, it’s the Maasai who have most successfully tapped into tourism, and no matter how much wildlife you see, a Kenyan safari would not be complete without meeting these elegant people.

Cultural tourism has, thankfully, moved on from the bad old days of looking and pointing. As landowners, the Maasai have a network of communal conservancies where you can stay in Maasai-owned lodges and go out on bush walks and game drives with Maasai guides – discovering as much about them as you do about the wildlife. Evening entertainment may include traditional music and dance – or discussions on tribal traditions and ways of life – and the importance of cattle. If you fancy something a bit more hands on, warrior training sessions will get you throwing spears, fighting with sticks and using bows and arrows.

As fun as this all may be, it’s also a vital source of income for the Maasai, as well as a way for them to preserve their traditions and folklore. And for most visitors, it actually ends up being the most treasured part of their Kenya vacation.