Holidays to dream of – Safari and beach in Kenya
Kenya is a knock-out safari country – fabulously versatile, with brilliant options for honeymoons, anniversary and birthday celebrations, families and multi-generational safaris. There’s the added bonus that you can reach a palm fringed beach on the Indian Ocean coast without having to cross a border which makes the classic Kenya safari and beach combination very easy to arrange.
Stunning views close to Sasaab Lodge in Laikipia
The magical Masai Mara which hosts the annual wildebeest migration, and dramatic river crossings, is a major draw. Wildlife viewing is superb year-round and the private conservancies surrounding the main reserve offer an exclusive experience; you get the same habitat and wildlife – there are no physical boundaries so animals roam freely – but with fewer visitors. Kicheche Bush Camp is a perfect example in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. It’s unfenced so the wildlife wanders past at will, and each of the six tents has an expansive view over the surrounding plains.
Kicheche Bush Camp tucked away in a private conservancy
Rugged Laikipia is home to a plethora of owner-run lodges where activities include horse and camel riding, helicopter excursions, fly camping, walking safaris, meeting anti-poaching units and tracking wild dog. Horse lovers will be in heaven at Borana or Sosian, rhino enthusiasts should include Lewa, luxury lovers will enjoy Sirikoi, and for romantics there’s sleeping under the stars on a four poster on a platform at Loisaba.
Rhino on the Lewa Conservancy in the shadow of Mount Kenya
Less well trodden but no less spectacular are the likes of Meru and the Chyulu Hills. The latter is a pristine wilderness with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro which can be explored on foot, by bike, by horse and by vehicle. Meru is home to some of the rarer wildlife species with Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and lesser kudu mingling with the ‘Big 5’. Top spots are Ol Donyo Lodge in the Chyulus and Elsa’s Kopje in Meru.
Riding through the Chyulu Hills. Ol Donyo Lodge
Along with a wealth of wonderful safari camps, Kenya has a superb selection of exclusive-use houses – all fully staffed with private safari guides and vehicles. Cottar’s Bush Villa is a fine example, with one of the world’s best wildlife viewing areas on its doorstep. Other lovely spots include Sarara House, way to the north in quite simply astounding scenery, and Ol Malo House where there is an extraordinary range of activities to enjoy.
Superb wildlife close to Cottar’s Bush Villa
Combining safari with the beach in Kenya couldn’t be easier; a network of regular internal flights means you can enjoy a wildlife drive in the morning and sipping a sundowner on the beach in the afternoon. There are small hotels tucked away on sandy beaches, safari-on-the-beach type lodges awash with character, and elegant villas to choose from. Among our favourites are Peponi Hotel, a small and personal boutique hotel on Lamu island, Kinondo Kewtu, a home away from home on the dazzling Diani Beach, and Alfajiri Villas – a luxurious three villa resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Peponi Hotel, a lovely boutique property on Lamu island
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a dream safari and beach holiday in Kenya. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
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Mustafa-Peponi Hotel Lamu