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Sun, sea and safari in magical Kenya may not be your first idea when planning the gaycation of a lifetime, but this African nation is a clear winner for queer travellers keen on escaping their comfort zone. Join us on our ultimate day Kenya itinerary today. Experience two of Kenya's iconic safari destinations — Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Masai Mara Game Reserve — as you track the Big Five, spot unusual species unique to northern Kenya and visit with the indigenous Maasai people.

First to reckon yourself with is the illegality of homosexuality in Kenya. Same-sex marriage is banned under the Kenyan Penal Code a remnant from British colonial rule! As homosexuality is not recognised, so too are the rights of LGBT citizens, with little to no protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBT Kenya is very much still a work in progress, and, sadly, negative attitudes towards homosexuals or even suspected ones remain widespread, meaning that local gays in Kenya are likely to stay in the closet for fear of persecution and harassment. With the heavy stuff out of the way, there is a flicker of hope in the nation thanks to the ruling that finally granted NGO status to the National Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, something previously blocked multiple times.

Seen as the first step towards legalisation and changing attitudes, the coalition has given LGBT citizens a voice for the first time.

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The main opposition to change in Kenya is religion, with churches and mosques loudly preaching anti-gay sentiment and campaigning against gay rights in Kenya. Despite this, a number of high profile figures are fighting back against this ideology, including successful author, Binyavanga Wainaina, who came out in and paved the way for many others like him.

Your sexual preferences remain your private business but it pays to be discreet when travelling while gay! While there is an underground scene in gay Nairobi to tap into, do not engage in public displays of affection and keep your wits about you when interacting with locals in person or online, as some con artists could attempt to blackmail you with the threat of exposure.

A trip to the doctor before travelling to Kenya is a must to make sure you are appropriately vaccinated and prepared. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations are strongly advised, with considerations for Rabies and Meningitis jabs also. In a remarkably progressive move, plastic bags were banned in Kenya back in and, as such, travellers face fines if found trying to bring plastic bags into the country.

Rid yourself on all your plastic bags before travelling, even those from duty-free, double-checking nairobi your checked and carry-on luggage before landing. When eating outside of your lodge or hotel you should also be cautious, particularly for meat dishes, as food hygiene and cooking practices may be different from what your belly is used to.

Avoid food that looks unclean or not fresh, stay wary of washed foods such as salad and try not to munch on the ice in your drink! Dry season is an incredibly popular time for Kenya safari tours but outside of this time, the winter sun between January and March lures many to the coast for crystal clear diving opportunities, while June is an affordable alternative for safari after the rains when baby animals are finding their feet.

The concrete jungle awaits us in the shape of cosmopolitan Nairobi, a city where the chaotic traffic is offset by vibrant culture and the best nightlife scene in all of Top Africa. With Nairobi National Park just 30 minutes down the road, Nairobi is a great place to add some texture to wildlife-centric vacations, despite crime gay deterring some first-timers.

For cultural history, try the National Museum and the open-air museum, Bomas of Kenya, a site celebrating multiple ethnic groups inside a recreated traditional village. These dusty plains come flecked with acacia trees and coloured by massive herds of migratory zebras and wildebeest which storm across the Masa River between July and September each year.

Around kilometres from Nairobi, it will take a whole day to get to the Masai Mara by car, with public transport only getting you as far as Narok, a town still kilometres from the reserve. For the simplest journey, book early morning transport through your lodge in Nairobi or Narok, reaching the reserve in time for the evening game drive.

Besides splashing out on the best luxury safari Kenya has to offer, take some time to learn of the history of the land and its ancient nomadic tribes with a visit to a local Maasai village, where you can play pool and hang out with locals. With time on your hands, add a horse-riding safari to the itinerary, followed by a club to Sekenani township for an authentic meal and more local interactions.

To avoid the crowds at port, consider booking a private transfer from Mombasa Airport to your hotel in Diani.