Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Essential Kenya Capital Buzz, Bush Explorations and Beachside Bliss
Kenya – Nairobi – Amboseli – Tsavo – Diani Beach
Touchdown in Nairobi for a quick overnight pitstop before venturing into the bush. Head to Amboseli National Park by road, where you can witness large herds of elephants advancing in single file under an umbrella of acacias – a classic East African backdrop. Set up in a lovely lodge, you won't even have to climb out of bed to enjoy the legendary views. Even better: the landscape is so flat the animals can be seen from miles away.
Double down on the wildlife wonders by heading to West Tsavo National Park next, a sprawling reserve surrounded by volcanic hills. Of course, with great safaris come great photo-ops, so expect to fill your camera roll with even more snaps of Africa’s beloved animals.
The last chapter of your journey unfolds along the pristine sands of Diani Beach, which stretch out to kiss the Indian Ocean on Kenya’s south coast. Here, you can spend your final days in the country becoming increasingly bronzed and blissful, safe in the knowledge that several of your bucket-list sightings will (likely) have been ticked off.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Grab your khakis and swimwear – your trip to Kenya kicks off today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge for some complimentary nibbles before take-off. Flights to Nairobi, the capital, take just shy of nine hours, giving you plenty of time to dive into your holiday read.
When you land, enjoy a warm welcome and assistance with customs formalities at Nairobi airport, followed by a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Then, check in for an overnight stay, drop your bags and... relax.
If you’re tired out from the journey, simply take advantage of the facilities at your hotel. But if you’re still raring to go, step out to take the pulse of the bustling city on your doorstep before bed.
Meet your driver-guide outside your hotel this morning to embark on the four-hour journey southeast to Amboseli National Park, in the Maasai lands. Along the way, watch as the city gives way to a landscape of great plains and Mount Kilimanjaro rises up over the horizon.
After pulling up to your first safari lodge, check in for a one-night stay and stretch out any long-car-journey stiffness. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please, whether that means chilling by the pool, nursing a sundowner on the deck or drawing up a list of must-see wildlife while you’re here.
Today is all about savouring your first encounter with Kenya’s wonderful wildlife. Set out bright and early with an expert driver-guide to explore your surroundings – don’t forget to bring cameras and SPF.
This vast wetland north of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro offers the chance to see an abundance of iconic animals. Drive around the park in a 4x4, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, hyenas and migratory birds.
Come evening, you simply must see a sunset over Mount Kilimanjaro – it's a rite of passage for all visitors to the area. So, before dinner, perch up in front of the horizon and prepare for that unbeatable orange glow to drench the sky.
Another day, another top-tier Kenyan safari destination. Check out and load up the car this morning for your two-hour private transfer to West Tsavo National Park. The road crosses beautiful savannah studded with baobabs and acacia trees, as well as several bush villages.
Little by little, the landscape changes to give way to mountainous formations, including the Chyulu Hills, a rolling mountain range of extinct volcanoes. The contrast between the red slopes and the deep green vegetation on the hills is striking. Rocky cliffs interspersed with lava flows and the sprawling savannah complete this photo-wall-worthy picture.
When you arrive, settle in for a two-night stay in a lovely safari camp inside West Tsavo National Park, on the edge of lagoons fed by natural springs where hippos wallow. Then, following some downtime, sit down to a mouth-watering meal and sink into bed – ready to rest up for the adventures of tomorrow.
Leap out of bed this morning to enjoy a full day in West Tsavo National Park. Established in 1948, this wildlife reserve is the closest park to the shores of the Indian Ocean, making for some next-level views.
In the west of the park, there are about 50 species of mammals, including elephants, buffalo, rhinos, leopards, lions, giraffes and antelopes. Because of the vastness of the territory, it’s less densely populated by animals than in Amboseli, but the feeling of being perfectly alone is unparalleled, and you'll have incredible wildlife watching opportunities from your open-sided 4x4.
Between safari stints, you can unwind with a dip in the pool, a session in the spa or a crisp glass of wine in the bar. Follow this up with dinner under the stars and a pause to reminisce about all the animals you’ve encountered.
Hear that? The coast is calling. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast overlooking the plains this morning before checking out and heading off. Start with a five-hour private transfer to Mombasa, where you’ll hop on a short ferry before continuing to drive south towards Ukunda and dreamy Diani Beach.
After arriving, check in for a four-night stay in a lovely hotel overlooking the shore. Then, divvy up the sides of the bed and prepare to dial up the R&R. The name of the game for the rest of the day is scoping out your suave new digs – bonus points if you weave a welcome cocktail into the mix.
Cue four days of pure rest. You probably won't want to tear yourself away from the soft sand of Diani's beaches, but if you do, there’ll be plenty to keep you entertained.
Fancy pairing your safari encounters with an aquatic adventure? Go diving, snorkelling, kitesurfing, windsurfing or kayaking. Back on dry land, you could also play a round of golf or team up with a local fisherman to learn about the shellfish species that dwell along the shoreline. For a dose of calm, opt for a massage at the hotel.
However you choose to end your time in Kenya, just be sure to toast to time well spent during your final dinner of the trip. After all, adventures like this deserve a fitting send-off.
Sadly, the time has come to bid a fond farewell to the diverse delights of Kenya. Enjoy one last breakfast surrounded by sun and sand before packing up, checking out and hitting the road in a private transfer to Mombasa airport.
Here, you’ll catch a one-hour-and-15-minute flight to Nairobi before hopping on your overnight flight home. The journey takes nine-and-a-half hours, so you’ll arrive the following morning, ready to regale friends and family with tales of your enviable escape to Kenya.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
ALTERNATIVES TO DIANI BEACH:
THE LAMU ARCHIPELAGO
Sitting north of the Kenyan coast, Lamu isn't just an idyllic archipelago with beaches and mangroves; it's a great opportunity to discover Swahili culture, which is a blend of African, Arab and Indian influences. Full of charm, Lamu is the oldest city in the area and in the whole of East Africa, too. This once thriving harbour is now a treasure trove of pristinely preserved architecture and enviable sunbathing spots.ZANZIBAR
If you feel like adding another stamp to your passport at the end of your trip, hop over to the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. An idyllic alternative to the beaches of southern Kenya, this is a chance to end your adventures on a truly luxurious note. While here, you can also visit historic Stone Town and the east coast for a slice of paradise packed with history, palm trees, sunshine, soft sand and turquoise waters. Utter bliss.
Why visit Kenya with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Kenya
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
