Photo of the Week
Reticulate Giraffes
I shot this in the early morning at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This looked like a family of four giraffes, maybe they were just hanging out, not a family, but, patterns and peace...yes
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24 Hours in Stone Town
Nairobi to Mai Mahiu, Suswa Road and Back via Ngong
Shades of Blue Down South
Exploring Kanunga
Nairobi to Kakuzi
City Guides
24 Hours In
Stone Town
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Breakfast
7:30 AMLukmaan Restaurant
Vitumbua (rice pancakes) with chai in the narrow streets. Simple, and exactly what you want before a morning of walking.
Things to Do
9:00 AMThe Old Fort
Start at the 17th-century fort. Free to enter, the open-air amphitheatre inside is worth seeing.
Wander at Stone Town
Get lost on purpose. Carved Zanzibari doors, spice shops, alleys that open into courtyards. Don't use a map.
Places to See
11:00 AMChanguu Island/Prison Island
Changuu Island, a serene escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Known as Prison Island, this captivating destination offers more than just a glimpse into Zanzibar’s past
Christ Church Cathedral/Slave Market
Consecrated in 1879, Christ Church Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar, stands as a powerful testament to the end of East Africa’s largest slave market, upon whose grounds it was built.
Lunch
1:30 PMZanzibar Coffee House
Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views over tin rooftops and minarets. The seafood curry is excellent.
More Activities
3:00 PMSpice Farm Tour
Take a guided tour of a traditional Zanzibar spice farm to learn about the aromatic plants and their uses in local cuisine.
Sunset at the Waterfront
Walk back to Forodhani Gardens. Sunset over the Indian Ocean with silhouettes of dhows. Find a spot on the seawall.
Dinner
7:00 PMForodhani Night Market
Fresh seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugar cane juice, skewered mishkaki. Walk the full row first, then commit.
CapeTown Fish Market's Bar
End the night on this rooftop overlooking the harbour. Cold Kilimanjaro lager, live taarab music, sea breeze.
Where to Stay
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Boutique
Mizingani Seafront Hotel
Mid-range
Zanzi House
Budget
Nanyuki
Nanyuki, Kenya
Breakfast
7:00 AMBarney's Bar and Restaurant
A cozy spot just next to the Nanyuki airstrip for breakfast and lunch, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Things to Do
9:00 AMDrive to Root North Farmshop
A scenic drive through canola plantations in Timau to this quaint farmshop, where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies.
Ngare Ndare Forest
A lush forest area away from the city perfect for canopy walks, bird watching and a swim at the perfectly blue waterfalls.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
11:00 AMOl Pejeta Conservancy
A 20-minute drive from Nanyuki, the conservancy is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos. Also, it offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Lunch
1:00 PMMorani's Restaurant
Named after Ol Pejeta's beloved rhino ambassador, Morani's is a popular stop at the Conservancy's Information Centre, known for its hearty burgers made with locally sourced Ol Pejeta beef.
Evening Game Drive
3:00 PMEvening Game Drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Experience the thrill of spotting wildlife as the sun sets during an evening game drive through the conservancy.
Dinner
7:30 PMJib's Café Bistro
Nestled in the heart of Nanyuki Town along Kenyatta Highway, Jib’s Café Bistro is a vibrant, two-story hotspot that perfectly balances a cozy rustic charm with a modern lifestyle vibe
Where to Stay
Ukiyo House Boutique Hotel
Boutique
Idan Barn
Mid-range
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Mid-range
Suswa
Kenya
Breakfast
8:00 AMQuick Bite at Artcaffe Sigona
Grab a quick bite at Artcaffe Sigona just inside Rubis PS Sigona. They serve okay coffee and light pastries.
Things to Do
9:30 AMBike Ride or Game Drive at Hells Gate National Park
Enjoy a scenic bike ride or a thrilling game drive through the stunning landscapes of Hells Gate National Park.
Hike at Mt Longonot
If you are up for a challenge, take a hike up Mt Longonot for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Places to See
12:00 PMVisit the Cafe Ubuntu community
The community hub offers a space for the locals to learn sewing and beading. They also have a small shop selling handmade crafts.
Lunch
1:30 PMCafe Ubuntu
A cozy community space where you can enjoy great coffee and light meals while supporting local artisans.
More Activities
5:30 PMCatch the sunset at Ewaso Kedong
Enjoy the stunning views of the sun setting over the hills and landscape.
Dinner
7:30 PMNyama Choma zone
A couple of places offering authentic Kenyan grilled meat dishes in a casual setting.
Where to Stay
Cabin Charlee: The Ultimate Unwind Cabin
Boutique
Camping at Mt. Suswa
Budget
Zambezi Cabin Resort
Budget
Diani
Kwale, Kenya
Breakfast
7:30 AMSunnyside Up
Feet in the sand, fresh fruit platter, eggs any way you want them. The Indian Ocean is right there. Best way to start a Diani morning.
Things to Do
9:00 AMDolphin Watching
The best place to see dolphins in their natural habitat is along the coast in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park in the early morning.
Kite Surfing
Experience the thrill of kite surfing along the pristine beaches of Diani. Harness the power of the wind and glide across the turquoise waters.
Places to See
11:30 AMVisit a gallery
Explore the local art scene at one of Diani's many galleries. Discover works by emerging artists and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage.
Lunch
1:00 PMThe Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant
A restaurant at beach front with stunning views of the ocean. It offers a great selection of fantastic food & cocktails. Make a reservation in advance.
More Activities
3:30 PMBoat ride along the coast
Diani has some of the best boat ride experiences in the region. Enjoy scenic views and spot marine life like starfish.
Sunset Beach Walk at Kongo River
Walk south along the beach at low tide. White sand, warm water, and nobody around. The light at 5pm is incredible for photography.
Dinner
7:00 PMNomad Beach Bar
Right on the sand, lanterns and fairy lights, grilled calamari and cocktails. The kind of place where dinner turns into the whole night.
Where to Stay
The Sands at Nomad
Boutique
Swahili Beach Resort
Mid-range
Diani Backpackers
Budget
Beyond the Lens
Drives, Hikes & Sounds
Scenic Drives
- Nairobi → Machakos → Kitui → Thika A short round trip that takes you through Machakos and parts of Kitui and back to Thika Rd
- Exploring Kanunga Ndakaini Dam & hidden waterfall
- Voi → Mwatate → Wundanyi A coastal highway through one of the scenic winding roads in Taita Taveta
- Nanyuki → Isiolo → Marsabit → Moyale Northern frontier, wide open skies
- Nairobi → Nakuru → Kericho → Kisumu → Kakamega Through the Rift Valley, tea plantations in Kericho and hilly terrain of the western side of Kenya
Favourite Hikes
- Elephant Hill Aberdare Range • Bamboo forest & waterfall trail
- Ol Donyo Sabuk Machakos County • Scenic summit near Nairobi
- Mt. Longonot Nakuru County • Crater rim hike, 3,100m
- Ngong Hills Kajiado County • Rolling ridges & Rift Valley views
- Mt. Satima Aberdare Range • Highest peak in the Aberdares
- Table Mountain Aberdare Range • Escarpment views & alpine moorland
