Kenya — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerAug 4, 2026

Birdwatching Is Only Getting More Popular—Here Are the 11 Best Places to Experience It

Spanning from the hills of Scotland to the jungles of Sri Lanka.

25 hotels in this story

Taru Villas Villu WilpattuHotelWilpattu, Sri LankaStay near the lesser-used gate of Wilpattu National Park.
Hilton YalaHotelYala, Sri LankaSleep within the jungle on the opposite side of the island.
The Rainforest Eco LodgeHotelSinharaja, Sri LankaStay in Sinharaja.
The Datai LangkawiHotelLangkawi, MalaysiaStellar programming and hornbill conservation efforts.
The Ocean Residence LangkawiHotelLangkawi, MalaysiaSeaside stay with amenities.
The St. Regis LangkawiHotelLangkawi, MalaysiaRainforest stay with over-water villas.
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree CampHotelMaasai Mara, KenyaLuxury canvas suites with a bird checklist upon arrival.
Mukima ManorHotelMount Kenya, KenyaWild cabins in forestland.
Mara Intrepids Tented CampHotelMaasai Mara, KenyaGlamping near unforgettable wildlife.
Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife ResortHotelBandhavgarh, IndiaOne of India’s newest wildlife retreats.
Samode Safari LodgeHotelBandhavgarh, IndiaPrime position amidst a vast swath of wildlife rich forest.
King's LodgeHotelBandhavgarh, IndiaAmenities mixed with culture and birdspotting.
Anjajavy le LodgeHotelAnjavay, MadagascarBucket-list stay, part of Relais & Châteaux.
Oceanview rental with poolHotelNosy Ambariovato, MadagascarTrusted villa in Nosy Ambariovato.
Avana villa AirbnbHotelNosy be, MadagascarSpacious, beloved rental in Nosy be.
Spean LodgeHotelSpean Bridge, United KingdomCozy stay, close to mighty Ben Nevis.
Corriegour Lodge HotelHotelSpean Bridge, United KingdomCharming inn with a private beach.
The Swallow's Nest rentalHotelSpean Bridge, United KingdomAirbnb near all of nature's action.
Aguas ClaraHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaIdeal for a birdwatching beach break.
Senda MonteverdeHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaStay up in the dense cloud forest.
Casa Coyota HotelHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaSpacious stay in Monteverde.
Banyan Tree Lang CoHotelThua Thien Hue Province, VietnamChampion of birdwatching in many forms.
Affordable rental for twoHotelThua Thien Hue Province, VietnamSimply fantastic Airbnb.
Angsana Lang CoHotelThua Thien Hue Province, VietnamAmenity-forward birding oasis.
Salt of PalmarHotelBras d’Eau, MauritiusExcursions straight into the center of Bras d’Eau forest.

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Lonely PlanetAug 4

23 of the best destinations for fall travel in 2026

Fall smacks of leaf peeping, road tripping, the last bits of swimming and so much more. These destinations offer the best for fall travel across the globe.

20 things in this story

Fes el-BaliGuest houseFez, Moroccooldest section of the walled medina
ÖlüdenizSightFethiye, Turkeylagoon-side town great for paragliding
PataraAttractionKaş, Turkeytown with endless swathes of golden sand
ÇıralıNeighborhoodKemer, Turkeyprotected area where sea turtles nest
Nara ParkParkNara, Japanhome to over 1000 sika deer
Tōdai-jiMuseumNara, Japantemple with one of the largest bronze Buddha images
Alta Via 1TrailCortina d'Ampezzo, Italyclassic trek through the Dolomites
Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New Zealandarea with hot-spring complexes
Kerosene CreekSightRotorua, New Zealandwild-and-free thermal pool with hot waterfall
HobbitonSightMatamata, New Zealandfilm set
Waipoua ForestSightDargaville, New Zealandforest with towering kauri trees
Taos PuebloSightTaos, United States1000-year-old Native American site
Sangre de Cristos mountainsSightSanta Fe, United Statesmountain range in northern New Mexico
Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United Statesiconic balloon festival
Bocas del ToroNeighborhoodBocas Town, Panamaarchipelago with beaches and watersports
Samburu National ReserveSightMaralal, Kenyareserve with kopje-studded plains and acacia hills
Maó (Mahón)NeighborhoodMaó, Spaincharismatic capital with Anglo-Spanish heritage
CiutadellaNeighborhoodCiutadella de Menorca, Spainformer chief settlement with Anglo-Spanish heritage
Camí de CavallsTrailMaó, Spain185km coastal circuit for hiking or biking
SeychellesNeighborhoodVictoria, Seychellesarchipelago with palm trees and white-sand beaches

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AfarJul 24

Disconnect from Your Device and Reconnect with Your Family at These 8 Nature Destinations

As the peanut butter in the multigenerational sandwich that includes my young daughters and my septuagenarian and octogenarian parents, I’ve learned that one of the easiest ways to make everyone happy ...

8 hotels in this story

Barnsley ResortHotelAdairsville, United StatesSet on 3,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills.
Blackberry MountainHotelTownsend, United StatesRelais & Châteaux resort on 5,200 acres near Great Smoky Mountains.
Four Seasons Resort TamarindoHotelTamarindo, MexicoResort on 3,000 acres of tropical dry forest.
The Lodge at Primland, Auberge CollectionHotelLaurel Fork, United StatesAppalachian escape on 12,000 acres off Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Ranch at Rock CreekHotelPhilipsburg, United StatesOffers accommodations on 6,600 acres of native Montana landscape.
Segera RetreatHotelLaikipia, KenyaKenya's 50,000-acre retreat for multigenerational families.
Vermejo, a Ted Turner ReserveHotelRaton, United States558,000-acre reserve in New Mexico for screen-free nature immersion.
Wilderness ReserveHotelSaxmundham, United Kingdom6,000 acres of rewilding and conservation project in Suffolk.

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National GeographicJul 23

Why urban safaris are on the rise and where to try one

As cities become greener and wildlife returns, travellers are swapping traditional game drives for a new kind of safari closer to home.

17 things in this story

Puerto MaderoNeighborhoodBuenos Aires, ArgentinaAround 350 bird species thrive in these docklands.
Walthamstow WetlandsNature reserveLondon, United KingdomSpot kingfishers here and at Woodberry Wetlands.
High LineTrailNew York, United StatesThe High Line's design is a collaboration between James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro,…
Woodberry WetlandsNature reserveLondon, United KingdomSpot kingfishers here and at Walthamstow Wetlands.
Initiative EarthPlaceLondon, United KingdomLaunched a new 14-mile nature corridor in east London.
Nairobi National ParkSightNairobi, KenyaSpot lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos against skyline.
Cape of Good HopeSightCape Town, South AfricaSee endangered African penguins and game.
Amsterdamse BosParkAmsterdam, The NetherlandsAlthough most of the park is located in Amstelveen, the owner of the park is the City of Amsterdam.
AmstelparkParkAmsterdam, The NetherlandsThe park includes a labyrinth, a café, a restaurant, two galleries, an orangery, a petting zoo and a mini-golf course.
BeatrixparkParkAmsterdam, The NetherlandsThe park was named after the former Dutch Queen Beatrix.
Reserva Ecológica Costanera SurNature reserveBuenos Aires, ArgentinaWetland in Puerto Madero docklands with many bird species.
London Wildlife TrustPlaceLondon, United KingdomOffers guided trips across 36 free-to-access sites.
Paradise FieldsNature reserveLondon, United KingdomBeavers can be spotted here in Ealing.
Eastbrookend Country ParkParkDagenham, United KingdomPlans to reintroduce white storks this autumn.
Tate ModernArts centreLondon, United KingdomIt forms part of the Tate group together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives.
Battersea Power StationSightLondon, United KingdomIt was built by the London Power Company (LPC) to the design of Leonard Pearce, Engineer in Chief to the LPC, and CS…
Sydenham Hill WoodNature reserveLondon, United KingdomSpot stag beetles here.

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Lonely PlanetJul 23

Guide to Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the few places in Africa where you can walk, cycle and hike surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

5 things in this story

Ol Jorowa GorgeSightnarrow, deep canyon winding through the park
Fischer’s TowerSight25-meter-high tower made by volcanic lava
Central TowerSightsecond volcanic rock formation
Hell's Gate Community GuidesPlacelocal guides for insights into geothermal activity and folklore
Olkaria Geothermal SpaSightgeothermal spa with mineral-rich water pool and sauna

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Lonely PlanetJul 13

16 things to know before traveling to Kenya

What do you need to know before visiting Kenya? Is Nairobi safe? Do I need a visa? From passport requirements to cultural etiquette, we have the answers.

2 things in this story

Tsavo National ParkNature reserveroad to the park
Elsewhere
Lamu TownNeighborhoodLamu, KenyaMuslim community where conservative dressing is advised

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National GeographicJul 10

Planning a safari? Here’s what you should know before you go.

Asking a few pointed questions will help reveal whether your trip is funding conservation and local communities, or just paying for a view.

20 things in this story

Maasai Wilderness Conservation TrustPlaceoperates an air safari service and three lodges
African Leadership UniversityPlaceEmpowering future leaders with world-class Bachelor's degree programs, leadership training, and a global education…
Ecotourism KenyaPlaceprovides ratings for lodges
International Union for Conservation of NaturePlaceglobal authority behind the Red List
Virgin Limited EditionHotelhotel portfolio
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural CampHoteltourism revenue funds a school and widows' village
Maasai MaraSightarea with declining lion population density
Laikipia PlateauSightadjacent conservancies operate at low-density benchmarks
Lewa Wildlife ConservancyPlaceUNESCO World Heritage Site and IUCN Green List
Lewa WildernessHotelranch turned into a conservancy in the 1980s
Ol JogiHotelprivate conservancy with an exclusive-use model
Borana LodgeHotelallows four vehicles on 32,000 acres
Borana ConservancyPlaceconservancy with 32,000 acres
Reverie SafarisPlacecurates safaris across 13 African countries
B CorpPlaceB Lab is the global nonprofit behind Certified B Corporations, a community of businesses that meet verified social,…
1% for the PlanetPlaceJoin a global network of businesses committing 1% of sales to environmental causes.
The Long RunPlaceJoin The Long Run, a global network for sustainable tourism.
Nkuringo SafarisPlaceoffers Uganda walking safaris
Shamwari Private Game ReservePlaceprivate game reserve in South Africa
Salaton Ole NtutuPlace

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Smithsonian MagazineMay 29

You’re Guaranteed to Spot at Least One Gorgeous Giraffe in Each of These 15 Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Images

With their singular coats, naturally craning collars and elegant gait, these skyscraping mammals can’t help but attract sightseers to their neck of the woods

2 things in this story

Smithsonian magazinePlace
Smithsonian Magazine Photo ContestPlace

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 29

27 Adult Spring Break Destinations That Might Surprise You

Off-peak destinations with mild weather and fewer crowds, from Antigua to Holland.

15 sights in this story

Vancouver IslandSightVancouver, CanadaThe island is 456 kilometres (283 mi) in length, 100 kilometres (62 mi) in width at its widest point, and 32,100 square…
Puerto RicoSightSan Juan, Puerto RicoLocated about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican…
Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the…
BoliviaSightSucre, BoliviaIts geography primarily consists of an Andean region to the west and tropical lowlands to the east and north.
Costa RicaSightSan José, Costa RicaIt borders Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean…
BelizeSightBelmopan, BelizeIt is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south.
St. ThomasSightCharlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin IslandsAfter a remodel and reopening in 2019, the Ritz-Carlton’s St.
Samaná BaySightSamaná, Dominican RepublicThe Yuna River flows into Samaná Bay, and it is located south of the town of Samaná and the Samaná Peninsula.
AnguillaSightThe Valley, AnguillaIt is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin…
Alentejo RegionSightÉvora, Portugalsampling the finest wines
HollandSightAmsterdam, The NetherlandsFrom the 10th to the 16th century, Holland proper was a unified political region within the Holy Roman Empire as a…
AntiguaSightSt. John's, Antigua and BarbudaIt is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region and the most populous island of the country of Antigua and…
Texas Hill CountrySightAustin, United States
Alabama's Gulf CoastSightGulf Shores, United States
PugliaSightBari, Italy

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026

Our editors across the globe share their favorite places to stay.

20 things in this story

Al Moudira HotelHotelLuxor, EgyptOasis on Luxor's quiet west bank.
Bvlgari Resort DubaiHotelDubai, United Arab EmiratesSecret refuge with understated luxury.
Kinondo KwetuHotelGalu, KenyaBarefoot Indian Ocean retreat.
Mount Gahinga LodgeHotelsouthwest Uganda, UgandaUnderstated luxury with Virunga views.
Our Habitas AlUlaHotelAlUla, Saudi ArabiaVillas dissolve into sandstone cliffs.
HegraSightAlUla, Saudi ArabiaUNESCO-listed tombs, 20-minute drive.
Raffles DohaHotelLusail Marina, QatarLandmark hotel shaped like a scimitar.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu DhabiHotelAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesGrandest luxury resort on beautiful beach.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi DesertHotelRas Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesDreamy escape with wildlife and desert adventures.
Somalisa CampHotelHwange National Park, ZimbabweSafari lodge in Hwange National Park.
Sterrekopje FarmHotelWestern Cape, South AfricaThoughtful healing hotel on a farm.
SussurroHotelMozambique Island, MozambiqueArtistry in every corner on a peninsula.
Wilderness Bisate LodgeHotelVolcanoes National Park, RwandaLuxury conservation tourism base camp.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree EscapeHotelTaro village, IndonesiaOriginal property with volcanic views.
Cape WeligamaHotelSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaClifftop hotel with new beach club.
The AtlasRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaAll-day dining at Cape Weligama.
TableauRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaLive cooking experience on cliff's edge.
The SocietyRestaurantSouthern Riviera, Sri LankaRevamped bar with inspired tipples.
Capella SingaporeHotelSentosa Island, SingaporeHilltop haven in former barracks.
CassiaRestaurantSentosa Island, SingaporeFine dining at Capella Singapore.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →