From dynamic and overwhelming cities to life-changing and serene natural parks, the things to do in Kenya are unstoppable. Named after the second-tallest mountain on the continent, Mt. Kenya, the country is essentially synonymous with adventure. Now the tough part — how to plan adventures in Kenya that takes you to all of its peaks, valleys, and savannahs!

The capital of Nairobi and oldest city of Mombasa are adventures in themselves, full of diverse populations and vibrant histories at the crossroads of African and Arab cultures. While it’s wise to be wary in these bustling urban centers, starting Kenyan trips with a stay or volunteer program here will provide an understanding of modern Kenya and a fascinating contrast to your voyages into the less (human) populated regions in the countryside beyond.

For those whose passions lie in the outdoors and with animals that they can now see outside of the zoo, there is no better place for adventure than the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Known for the Great Migration of animals to and from Tanzania’s Serengeti, this protected area is the prime place for a Kenya safari alongside zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, and hippos. At the center of conservation efforts, this national park and its surreal surroundings that stretch as far as the eye can see will welcome you to engage with local efforts to preserve the savannah and its inhabitants.

Farther east along the border, trips to Kenya are incomplete without visiting Amboseli National Park, which offers a different look at Kenyan wildlife with its protection of expansive elephant herds. Against the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Maasai people have lived here for centuries alongside other wildlife, like lions and cheetahs. An adventure further inland will lead you to the smaller city of Nakuru and the surrounding Great Rift Valley. Here you’ll take a journey beneath hundreds of protected bird species and alongside a sea of pink flamingos amidst the beauty of the protected nearby lake.