Located on the east coast of Africa, with a coastline on the Indian Ocean, Kenya is an ideal destination to visit. With beautiful scenery, fantastic national parks and wildlife, warm and friendly people, Kenya is a country you should put at the top of your bucket list.

Just a nine hour flight away, Kenya is a very accessible destination. Perfect for combining your safari with a beach break, extend your stay with time to unwind on the beautiful coast of Mombasa or the idyllic island of Zanzibar.

I followed our Kenya Classic itinerary and journeyed from the capital city of Nairobi with a light aircraft flight into the heart of the Masai Mara where I spent three nights experiencing the spectacular wildlife and magnificent scenery, as well as spotting the Big 5. I was lucky enough to enjoy a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara and watch the sun rise over the vast open plains, spot hippos bathing in the river and herds of elephants grazing below.

I then continued my journey north towards Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through scenic villages and the great rift valley before arriving in to pretty Lake Nakuru. This picturesque lake is home to black and white rhinos, hippos and the endangered Rothchild’s giraffe. My last but certainly not least destination on my itinerary was the stunning Amboseli National Park. Known as a wildlife photographers dream, I can certainly see why, here you can watch herds of elephants and towers of giraffe move across the park to the swamps and wetlands in search of water all with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background – a magnificent sight.

Impossible to pick just one! From flying into the Masai Mara on a light aircraft flight and seeing the vast open plains below to watching a graceful leopard stalking one of its prey, the wildlife sightings are second to none and you will not be disappointed.

However, the biggest highlight for me had to be the hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara. Kenya lies directly on the equator so watching the sun rise from a bird’s eye perspective as you float into the sky is something I will never forget.

Fly from Nairobi into the Masai Mara to avoid an additional five hour drive, the flight takes approximately one hour and the views over the open plains are beautiful. I would also recommend staying at a camp which offers views of Mount Kilimanjaro from your room, such as Tulia Camp or Tawi Lodge. I stayed at Tawi Lodge and watched the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro from the comfort of my bed whilst enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate – amazing!