Top Ten East Africa Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Surprise—East Africa isn't all about game parks and wild animals. Get beyond the tourist areas and see what really makes Africa hum—its people. Take a trip into the remote desert region of northern Kenya on the back of a camel. Most trips are accompanied by Samburu morani, or warriors, and they give you the chance to get a feel for the life of Kenya's northern nomads—at times it feels as though the 21st century has yet to even come close to this area. Camel treks range from five to ten days, although the really adventurous can hire camels—or even donkeys—and guides by the day and just head off for as long as they want. If you're in this area in late summer, don't miss the International Camel Derby held in Maralal—camel-racing teams from all over the world flock here for this wildly colorful event.