Kenya Safari and Beach Holidays

Kenya is arguably the birthplace of the 'safari' and is famously associated with the film 'Out of Africa' based on the life of Karen Blixen.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its vast, flourishing wildlife including the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate every year in search of greener pastures, followed closely by hungry carnivores hoping for an easy meal. Home to approximately 25% of all the wildlife found in Kenya, it is where Big Cat diaries were filmed, as well as numerous David Attenborough clips, so whether you are hoping to see lions and leopards, elephants or buffalo, the Masai Mara and its private conservancies will not disappoint.

Whilst the Masai Mara is the most famous national park in Kenya, there are over 20 to choose from and so it is well worth visiting multiple to see the huge variety of landscapes the country has to offer, as well as to maximise your chances of seeing any specific wildlife of interest. Lewa is a shining beacon of the best in conservation and is home to a large number of black and white rhinos, as well as rare Grevy zebra, Laikipia offers a wide range of safari activities from camel treks to walking safaris and has a vast range of accommodation from the luxury Palad birds nest where you sleep on a platform above the trees to family-friendly properties with swimming pools such. Samburu offers a completely unique landscape which is drier and hotter than other national parks, almost semi-arid and is home to the Samburu tribes, as well as the Samburu special five. Then there is Meru, where the story of Elsa the lioness in 'Born Free' is told, Tsavo which is easily accessed from Mombassa beach, Amboseli which is famed for the postcard-perfect photos of elephants trundling along the front of Mount Kilimanjaro Nairobi national park, Lake Nakuru which at the right time of year is a mass of pink thanks to all the flamingos which come here and Nairobi national park which is just on the edge of the city, brimming with wildlife and ideal for those looking for a predominantly beach holiday with just a touch of safari.

But what about beaches? Kenya is home to 500km of exotic coastline just waiting to be explored. Lamu is Kenya's oldest settlement, and if you want to step back in time to somewhere where no vehicles are allowed on the island with donkey power being used instead, to explore a mix of cultures, watch Dhow's sail slowly by and get off the beaten track, then Lamu or Manda are the choices for you. Further down the coast is Watamu Marine National Park, an ideal spot for kite surfing due to slightly stronger winds, as well as wonderful snorkelling and diving options. Further south is Diani Beach, one of our favourite Kenyan beaches and a short hop from the Masai Mara thanks to a direct flight. Miles of soft sand fringed by palm trees, a calm azure sea, watersports galore and a stunning coral reef make this beach hard to top. Of course, if you want to visit the spice island of Zanzibar, this is a short flight from Naoiboi and another very popular beach option to finish your safari.