Lying on the equator, with the glaciated peaks of Mount Kenya - second highest mountain in Africa - rising from a natural environment of exceptional beauty, Kenya is a hugely rewarding place to travel. The country's dramatically diverse geography has resulted in a great range of natural habitats, while its history of migration and conquest has brought about a complex social panorama. But the world-famous national parks, colourful ethnic mix and superb beaches lend an exotic image. Most visitors to Kenya want to experience the country's world famous wildlife. But there are many different ways to experience the Kenyan wilderness. Whether you want to drive by a pride of lions in a four wheel drive, walk through herds of plains game, watch a herd of elephants from the comfortable veranda of a safari lodge, track game on horseback or search for rare birds in a thick rainforest, the possibilities are endless.

Kenya's wilderness areas are famous world wide. The name Kenya has become synonymous with the great wilds of Africa. But they represent far more than you would ever expect, protecting and showcasing a broad range of habitats and species. They are complex ecologies that depend on the conservation of diverse natural resources and systems. The Parks, Sanctuaries and Conservation areas co-exist with and depend on the communities that surround them, and work together to protect the future. From the depths of a coral reef to alpine mountains, from one of the world's most endangered owls to a herd of wildebeest more than a million strong, the wilderness of Kenya is a wonder to behold.

The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sand beaches fringing the warm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Here the wilderness meets the sea, and the ocean itself holds a world of spectacular coral reefs teeming with life and colour. The coast is a place with a long and exotic history, its calm blue waters the traditional passage of the Arabian Spice Trade.

Along the length of this coast, Arab and Portuguese forts, Old Towns and the overgrown, deserted ruins of Swahili outposts bear witness to this fascinating history. In the winding medieval streets and bustling markets of Lamu and Mombasa Old Town, life has continued unhurried and unchanged for more than 400 years. This blend of natural beauty and living history creates an exotic paradise unlike anywhere else on earth.

Kenya is a land of contrasts, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its range of altitudes. The hills and mountains of Kenya are a world apart from the lowland valleys and plains. High altitude Kenya offers something for everyone. There are refreshing hill walks through bird rich areas or more active hikes into montane forests.

Above all there is mighty Mt Kenya, whose slopes are the perfect trekking destination. The mountain's alpine peak is a challenging technical summit for the experienced mountaineer Kenya has a wide range of forests, from coastal forest, through central high montane forests to the thick wet rainforests of the West. These forests support more than just a diverse range of tree and plant species; they are also the territory of a wide range of wildlife, from rare chameleons to Elephant herds, elusive Leopards to colourful Butterflies, Monkey families and prolific birdlife. Kenyan forests offer the traveller a wide range of options, from treetop lodges to trekking trails

Kenya straddles the centre of the Great Rift Valley, the vast prehistoric fissure that stretches from Jordan to Mozambique. From the North to the South of Kenya, the valley is lined with a series of freshwater and soda based volcanic lakes. Travelling from lake to lake is a journey through a world of contrasts: From papyrus fringed Naivasha with its abundance of birdlife, through Nakuru with its famous flamingo population, the steam geysers of Bogoria, the crocodiles and hippo of Baringo and North to the mighty Jade Sea of Turkana

The North of Kenya is a vast trackless expanse of desert and semi desert wilderness. This hot, sparsely populated land is a place of harsh and stunning beauty. Among the stunning cliffs and ranges and thorn scrub of the North, live some of Kenya's last nomadic tribes. For these people, the desert wilderness is an integral part of their lives, and they cross these lands with camel trains following traditional routes older than any living memory. For many people, this is the real Kenya, where the great empty spaces hold the promise of real adventure

Kenya's two largest cities have all played a vital role in the nation's eventful history. Kenya's capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital. Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city. A frontier town no more, Nairobi has become one of Africa's largest, and most interesting cities.

Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found. This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character.

Mombasa is a place steeped in history, yet at the same time fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port town. Mombasa is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town over looks a wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows.The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices. Women wearing the traditional bui bui fill the narrow streets and busy markets. At the dhow docks fresh fish and goods from all along the coast arrive daily. The streets are alive with the bright colours of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy, the all purpose wrap around cloth worn by both men and women.