Two of the best areas for walking are in Laikipia and the privacy conservancies around the Masai Mara Game Reserve. A piece of my heart resides in Laikipia - its dramatic scenery with Mount Kenya as the backdrop, savannahs, swamps, kopjes, palm oases, camel trains and the stunning Samburu people captured it. The story of Laikipia is unique, and it was named one of the top places to travel by the New York Times (link) - I certainly agree. That’s part of the reason I love this area for walking, but then consider the low risk of malaria, a resurgence of wild dog packs, the Northern species (link to Luxury Kenya itinerary), cool nights perfect for deep slumbers, Kenya’s most impressive rivers and serene bush with few other travelers, and it becomes a no-brainer. For the most intrepid it is also the gateway to climbs on Mt. Kenya and the wild Turkana region. There are several excellent walking outfitters in the area and Amani works closely with Karisia Walking Safaris and Walking Wild based out of Lewa. Down in the Mara, it is easier to operate day walks rather than multi-night walking itineraries, although Amani can make such arrangements in both the Mara and also outside of Amboseli National Park. The best camps for bush walks include Alex Walker’s Serian in Mara North Conservancy and the Kicheche Camps, for those who prefer a more understated style of luxury. For families, I love the short walks available at luxurious Angama Mara, the site of many scenes from the film ‘Out of Africa.’ My son wanted to spend the entire day walking with our Maasai guide, Fred, climbing dead termite mounds and jumping across narrow streams, and he was at the verge of tears when we boarded our plane back to Nairobi that afternoon.