Safaris, Lakes and Island Life: An Idyllic Escape to Kenya and the Seychelles

Get set to explore your beautiful surroundings with a private tour of Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island, followed by a guided bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. Located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by hills and acacias, and home to a variety of wild animals, including a large population of hippos. Spot crocodiles, pelicans, cormorants and kingfishers as you glide across the calm waters aboard a small boat, enjoying spectacular views of Mount Longonot in the distance. You’ll disembark at Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary set in the middle of the lake. Stroll beside the animals without the barriers of a traditional safari park in search of zebras, giraffes and wildebeest.

Next, get set for a private cycling and walking tour of Hell's Gate National Park, so named for its red cliffs towering either side of a vast volcanic gorge. The guided tour takes you through the park’s rugged terrain of rocky canyons, hot springs, waterfalls, caves and cavities. Get up close and personal with animals such as baboons, giraffes and zebras as well as a variety of birds, including eagles and ostriches.

Swap the tranquil Lake District for the famous arid savannahs of the Masai Mara Reserve – one of the most beautiful parks in the country. The drive takes around six hours and once you pass the town of Narok, the rugged, green landscapes gradually disappear to make way for the immense bush of the Mara, which some 300 miles later, ends in Tanzania's Serengeti. You’ll spend the next three nights in an elegant camp on the edge of the reserve with tents which open onto the savannah, complete with a pool for cooling off during the day.

Having drifted off to the evocative sounds of the bush, you'll be woken early to head out in a 4x4 safari vehicle for the first of today's game drives, and over the next two days, you’ll enjoy safaris each morning and afternoon. The landscape, characterised by open plains, rolling hills and acacia trees, provides animals - including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hartebeest and elands – with the space to roam freely. Spot majestic elephants as well as predators such as jackals and vultures and discover the park’s abundant ecosystem, witnessing nature’s circle of life during these memory-making experiences. Back at the camp, the chefs will have prepared a wonderful candlelit dinner for you and if you’re not too sleepy, you can gather round the campfire afterwards for a leisurely nightcap.

Today you’ll leave the Mara behind and make the six-hour drive to Nairobi, after which you’ll settle in for an overnight stay in an iconic city centre hotel. An ideal stop-over between the ‘bush’ and ‘beach’ parts of your trip, you can enjoy the hotel’s beautiful garden, heated swimming pool and wellness and fitness areas; the perfect way to relax after your journey through the African bush. After an afternoon of R&R, it’s then time to head out into the city for dinner. Known for its pioneering street food scene, Nairobi serves up burgers and buns aplenty, but it’s the exotic sides that set the food apart. Delicious mango and coconut mayo, homemade pickles, sliced almonds and mint all elevate the ordinary to extraordinary, and every detail of your evening will be lovingly crafted to deliver a truly memorable experience (with the help of our local Concierge).

After the excitement of Kenya comes the more indulgent part of your special trip. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check in and catch your flight to Mahe, followed by a second short flight to Praslin Island, with a combined flying time of just over three hours. Dive enthusiasts, luxury lovers and beach bums alike will be more than content in Praslin. A truly romantic paradise, the island boasts glorious white sand beaches and gin-clear sea, with turtles swimming around pristine coral reefs. Your recently renovated eco-hotel, home for the next four nights, is steps away from the beautiful beach of Côte d'Or. After checking in, you can enjoy the hotel’s tranquil location, beautiful pool area and excellent restaurant.

After a hearty breakfast, get ready to explore the beautiful island of La Digue by bicycle. Reaching the island by ferry from Praslin, you will be given a map with the most popular sites, best cycle routes and lunch venues, before you set off together to explore one of the most picturesque places in the Seychelles. There is very little by way of traffic on the island, making it perfect to discover on two wheels and we highly recommend heading over to the coves on the east coast, as they are particularly beautiful. Another popular excursion for romantic getaways is to the renowned Vallee de Mai reserve, a World Heritage Site home to rare Coco de Mer palms and the indigenous black parrot. Pop on a mask and snorkel to explore the seabed and its inhabitants, walk through the valley overlooking the magnificent Chevalier Bay, visit the giant tortoises and take a nap in the shade of a coconut tree, lulled by the sound of the waves gently lapping the sandy shore.