East Africa's Greatest Adventures

From horseback safaris in Kenya to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, discover the landscapes and wildlife encounters that made National Geographic's 2024 list.

Kenya Ranks as a Top Travel Adventure for 2024 by National Geographic

Among a variety of unforgettable global experiences, Kenya stands out for its unique horseback safari adventure, offering an alternative to the traditional 4×4 safari. While traditional safaris often involve rugged vehicles, exploring Kenya's wilderness on horseback offers a thrilling alternative. This eco-friendly travel method has been part of Kenya's safari culture since the 1970s and is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking immersive wildlife experiences. Horseback riding fosters a deeper connection with nature, allowing for more intimate wildlife encounters. "Riding on horseback breaks down the barriers between humans and nature," says photographer Nichole Sobecki. With heightened awareness of their surroundings, horses help guides select safe and scenic routes through the bush.

Curated by Monica Irauzqui, VP of Yampu Tours

Kenya's Top 10 Experiences
The most iconic and unique adventures across Kenya's premier destinations.

Hot Air Balloon Breakfast

Glide over the Masai Mara as wildlife stirs with dawn, then touch down for champagne breakfast among the Big Five.

The Samburu 5

Meet the beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, and gerenuk found nowhere else, alongside the warm Samburu people.

Amboseli's Mount Kilimanjaro

African elephants roam the plains beneath Africa's most iconic peak, creating the continent's most romantic backdrop.

Loisaba Star Beds

Sleep under the African sky hosted by Samburu and Maasai warriors, wake to sunrise with hot beverage in hand.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Meet orphaned elephant calves at this community-owned refuge, part of a grassroots conservation movement transforming Northern Kenya.

Giraffe Manor Breakfast

Share breakfast with Rothschild giraffes as they poke their long necks through the windows, a conservation success story.

Kenya's Horseback Safari Ranks #1 Among Global Adventures for 2024

National Geographic recognized Kenya's unique horseback safari as the top travel experience of 2024, placing it ahead of 19 other world-class adventures. From Olympic marathons in Paris to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, from skiing UNESCO sites in Georgia to bear spotting in Katmai, the list celebrates experiences that transform how we see the world. Kenya's horseback approach—an eco-friendly method rooted in safari culture since the 1970s—offers something traditional 4×4 safaris cannot: an intimate connection with the landscape and wildlife that surrounds you.