Kenya safari and beach holiday

You’ll arrive in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

There are numerous hotels in Nairobi, many of which are very close to the airport, which we recommend if arriving in the evening. If you have more time, we enjoy staying in the leafy suburb of Karen, close to the domestic airport, or even in Nairobi National Park itself.

The following morning, you can either head straight off to the Masai Mara, or spend the morning exploring Nairobi before catching the afternoon flight.

The flight from Nairobi Wilson to the Masai Mara takes between 45 – 90 minutes in light aircraft, depending on what part of the reserve you are staying in.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and driven to your lodge. We recommend staying in one of the many lodges and camps in the private conservancies bordering the main reserve, or in the Mara Triangle. These are our favourite areas for game-viewing and tend to attract fewer vehicles than the area of the park closest to Nairobi.

Over the next four days you’ll be able to explore this incredible wilderness and its varying landscape and topography. This is Big Five country and the wildlife is spectacular all year round. If you’re here from July to October you’ll have the opportunity to see the great migration as the herds cross from the Serengeti in Tanzania and back again.

We recommend adding in a hot-air balloon safari to enjoy the wildlife from a different perspective. And, if you’re staying in a private conservancy you can also venture out on foot for a walking safari with an expert guide.

This morning you’ll leave the Masai Mara behind and fly on to your coastal destination. Direct flights operate to Diani and Mombasa, Watamu flights go via Nairobi.

Upon arrival you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Our favourite locations for a beach stay in Kenya are Diani, Watamu and Msambweni. There’s a fantastic range of accommodation to suit all tastes, including boutique beach lodges, private villas, and exclusive resorts.

You’ll spend the next five days enjoying the beautiful beaches and clear waters of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a safari. For those more active members of the family there are plenty of activities. Enjoy excellent snorkelling, SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing, kite-surfing, traditional dhow cruises, and much more.

On your final morning you’ll fly back to Nairobi for your onward flight home.

This is without doubt one of our favourite hotels in Kenya – elegant in an understated way, Hemingways Nairobi delivers it all, all of the time.

Perfect for a night between safaris, or on arrival and departure, it also lends itself to a longer stay if Nairobi is to be explored. From Hemingways Nairobi, guests can easily access Nairobi National Park, as well as the shopping districts of Karen and the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage. The proximity to Nairobi Wilson Airport also makes transfers for domestic flights for safari destinations very convenient.

The service and food are second to none, meaning a relaxed and enjoyable visit, every time.

Kichwa Tembo is one of the Masai Mara’s most long-standing and iconic camps – refurbished and re-imagined in 2014, it’s a prime example of a modern and sleek safari camp.

Communal areas are unusual and well thought-out, the pool is blissful (tear yourselves away for the game drives!) warthog and bushbuck meander all around and the rooms are just the right blend of stylish and functional.

The property is run by andBeyond, luxury safari experts, who have been in this part of the Mara for over 20 years. The focus is on phenomenal experiences, delighting guests, and world-class guiding, all of which are delivered consistently.

Almanara Luxury Villas is a gorgeous, boutique property owned and managed by the Giovando family. This very special place is less than 5 minute’s drive from the closest airport, meaning you can have your toes in the sand by lunch time, having woken up on safari.

Almanara’s villas are tucked away in lush tropical gardens, and share a swimming pool – if you can keep you and yours out of the sea that is! Each villa has a private chef so you can all retreat after the day’s activities and spend time together in your bubble.

Some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species are seriously threatened, and luckily there are amazing people working tirelessly to reverse that reality.

However, they need all the support they can get, and one of the ways you can help on your African safari holiday also happens to be fun, educational and immensely uplifting.

Visiting an elephant rehabilitation centre is an incredible way to get up close and personal with orphaned baby elephants, and occasionally other African safari animals too.

Lion, leopard, African elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo – otherwise known as the Big Five, and for many safari goers the ultimate species to see in the wild.

Originally named by big game hunters as the most difficult and dangerous species to target, today the term Big Five safari is more commonly associated with showcasing these spectacular animals in their natural habitat.

The East African coast and the islands of the Indian Ocean are home to some of the most diverse and beautiful coral reefs in the world. Exploring them can add some exciting activity to the beach part of your family safari holiday. The adventure doesn’t have to end when you leave the savanna behind.

SCUBA diving can also be an incredibly rewarding skill to learn for younger family members, and one that will open up a different world to them as they grow up.

Once you’ve discovered the underwater world as a family, you’ll likely want to do so time and again on future adventures.