kenya

With Somalia, Ethiopia and the Sudan to the north, Uganda bordering the west and Tanzania to the south, Kenya's eastern flank is a 200km stretch of pristine Indian Ocean, providing a coral coast offering many fine beaches and diving opportunities.

If you're looking for some peace and quiet, a little time and space to recharge the batteries and take in a few rays then head to the coast. The South Mombassa Coast offers a whole host of top quality resort options such as Diani, with modern, safe and luxurious accommodation. This luxurious resort gives you the opportunity to spend the days in the palm shade, dine on the finest, freshest locally caught sea food and cool down with a cocktail or a leisurely dip in the hotel pool or the ocean. If it's sun, sand and relaxation you want then Kenya comes right at the top of the list.

Of course there's far more to Kenya than just beach life. You may also want to take in the faded colonial splendour of Mombassa old town, the cafés and nightlife of Kenya's largest city Nairobi or enjoy a spot of golf on one of Kenya's beautiful coastal golf courses. If you like shopping, have an eye for a bargain and enjoy a good haggle then head to the local markets. You might also want to check out the many new designer stores in the glitzy modern malls.

Without doubt though, the main draw and the highlight of any trip to Kenya for most visitors has to be the wildlife. Game reserves and wildlife are what made Kenya famous - an A1 destination for any traveller with an interest in nature and conservation. The country is a Mecca for wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Kenya has a history longer than most. The Rift Valley is seen by many as the birthplace of modern man - Homo Erectus. It's this sense of ancient history, of primal nature, that informs much of the country's appeal. Ever since 19th Century explorers have penetrated deep into the interior discovering a stunning array of wildlife. Other adventurers have followed in their footsteps to also experience Kenya's natural wonders.

Since the mid 20th Century, a number of areas have been designated as national parks and since then Kenyan tourism has been extensively focused on wildlife safaris. Among the favourites are Tsavo East and Tsavo West, perhaps the best places in Africa to see lions (the Tsavo region is also famous for the two 19th Century man-eating lions known as 'the Darkness'), elephants and leopards as well. Amboseli and The Masai Mara game reserve are famed for wildebeest migrations. Each has their own characteristics and often-unique species of wild life. As well as those attracted to the region by the 'big five' - lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos and cheetahs - Kenya is also a draw for birdwatchers, rating in the top five worldwide destinations.

We've all seen images of lions stalking their prey out on the African svelte, of cheetahs racing after zebra or impala, of great elephants bathing or the silhouettes of giraffes making their way across the horizon framed by a giant setting sun or the backdrop of Kilimanjaro in the Amboseli game park. That's Kenya. Taste it first hand. Take a safari and see the majesty of African nature for yourself.

• Go on safari to the Tsavo East National Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya.
• Spend a couple of days at Amboseli National Park for spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and up close encounters with Kenya's elephants.
• Go rock climbing in Tsavo West National Park.
• Visit the white water rapids at Lugard Falls on the Galana river in Tsavo East National Park.
• August and September sees the amazing annual wildebeest migration from Masai Mara to the Serengeti. See it for yourself on a balloon safari. Be sure to book early, as they 're incredibly popular.
• Go snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi.
• Enjoy a round of golf on one of Kenya's many beautiful golf courses.