Kenya is home to numerous national parks and reserves but Maasai Mara is the most iconic. Visit in July and August and you can observe a natural spectacle in action as great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles return to the reserve in search of food. As well as safari tours, try a visit to the Maasai villages.

As the second tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya has real appeal for avid climbers. The protected parkland that surrounds it is also a haven for wildlife – key species that live in this area include the hyrax, common duiker, elephant and buffalo. Visit Mount Kenya to climb or simply explore the surrounding wilderness.

Not only is Kenya a haven for wildlife enthusiasts – it also has much to entice the history buff. Visit the gorgeous beach resort of Watamu and you can take a day trip to Gedi, a tiny village housing something unexpected: ruins of a 13th-century town complete with advanced plumbing, a mosque and items from Italy, China and India.

Wasini Island feels a world away from the open plains of central Kenya. Refreshingly free of purpose-built tourist attractions, this breezy island paradise is the perfect spot for a day trip from Mombasa. You can snorkel on the remarkable coral reefs, spot dolphins, sample the local seafood, or simply recline on the idyllic white sand beaches.

Though not quite on the scale of Victoria Falls, Karuru Falls is truly spectacular. Located in Aberdare National Park, this tiered waterfall is the tallest in the country at a whopping 273 metres. You can visit this astonishing site as part of a hike through the national park, where you can spot leopards, hyenas, and baboons – amongst other species.