Kenya is one of those countries that offers far more than the classic safari experience. I spent around three months travelling in Kenya, exploring its coast, historic towns, wildlife areas and smaller places that often receive far less attention than the famous national parks. From Swahili culture and sacred forests to white-sand beaches and extraordinary landscapes, Kenya has an incredible variety of experiences.

Along the Indian Ocean coast, Diani Beach is one of the best places to slow down after travelling around the country. In my guide to the best things to do in Diani, you’ll find ideas for exploring the area beyond simply spending the day on the beach. Nearby, you can also visit Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, an important cultural and spiritual site connected to the traditions of the Digo people.

Further north, Mombasa combines Swahili history, busy markets, colonial architecture and life along the Indian Ocean. My guide to the best things to do in Mombasa covers some of the places worth seeing if you’re spending time in Kenya’s largest coastal city.

Continue north and the atmosphere changes again. Malindi is a useful base for visiting one of Kenya’s strangest landscapes: Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Marafa Canyon, where erosion has created a maze of colourful sandstone formations. Beyond Malindi lies Lamu, one of my favourite places for experiencing the historic Swahili coast, with narrow streets, traditional architecture, dhow boats and almost no motorised traffic. My Lamu travel guide covers what to see and how to experience the island.

Kenya isn’t only about its coast. If you want to experience wildlife in a more unusual setting, Nguuni Nature Sanctuary in Mombasa offers the chance to walk through the landscape among giraffes and other animals, making it an easy addition to a coastal Kenya itinerary.

These guides are only the beginning of my Kenya collection, and I’ll continue adding more places as I expand this section of the site