Safari, Lakes and Sea: Highlights of Kenya

Today, you’ll have time to unwind after your long journey in the beautiful setting of Lake Naivasha. Located northwest of Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley, Naivasha’s freshwater lake was made famous as the setting for Joy Adamson’s novel Born Free. With views of the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot, your luxurious country-style guesthouse is perfectly placed for you to explore the region and the nearby lake is loved by hippos and various bird species, meaning you’ll likely enjoy the first of many wildlife encounters of your trip.

If you’re keen to kick off your holiday today, the guesthouse can arrange guided game drives and excursions including a canoe trip to Crescent Island for a chance to mingle with giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. Back at your accommodation, take in views over the lake from the serene infinity pool, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment and enjoy a delicious dinner before finding a spot on the spacious veranda to watch the sinking sun.

This morning, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to your idyllic lakeshore guesthouse as you embark on a drive south towards the Masai Mara, a journey which will take between five and six hours. Spend the drive gazing out the window at the shifting landscape, as steep green slopes make way for large scrubby plains, and observing daily life as you pass through towns and villages. As you travel further south, you may notice the temperature warming up (it’s time to get the factor 50 out).

When you reach the Masai Mara after your scenic drive, settle into your home for the next three nights: an intimate and luxurious tented camp with incredible views across the game-abundant plains. Watch the sun go down as you enjoy dinner and sundowners, and put your feet up after a long day of travelling.

Famous for the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, the Masai Mara Game Reserve offers an unforgettable safari experience. Your exclusive camp is located in a secluded location in the reserve, far from other lodges to allow for unrivalled game viewing. For the next two days, expect breakfasts and picnics in the bush, atmospheric night drives and full access to the reserve and Mara River. Whether it’s the majestic lion or the elusive leopard you’re hoping to spot, your knowledgeable guide will know where all the action is happening. Just make sure to have your cameras and binoculars at the ready, as you never know what you’ll encounter out on the great plains. We also recommend heading out to visit a traditional Masai village to learn about their cultural practices and traditions, many of which originate from their nomadic way of life.

After days full of activities, return to camp to chill out on one of the stylish viewing decks with a glass of wine as you debrief on the day’s excitements. In the evenings, enjoy dinner on your private veranda or out in the bush. You can look forward to a cuisine inspired by familiar European favourites with a contemporary Kenyan twist. Come nighttime, retire to your elegant tented room for a restful night’s sleep.

Sadly, it’s your final morning in the reserve, so cherish the magnificent vistas while enjoying your last breakfast out on the veranda. For the next leg of your trip, you’ll be privately transferred to the nearby airport, where you’ll catch a two-and-a-half-hour afternoon flight to the coastal city of Mombasa. Once you’ve touched down, you’ll be greeted by your driver, who will take you to your hotel in Ukunda Diani, about 20 minutes away, on the south coast. Your accommodation for the next three nights is a sumptuous boutique lodge located on a tranquil private beach.

This morning, you’ll be waking up in a beach paradise, so enjoy a leisurely morning spent exploring the lush grounds of the lodge. Included in your itinerary today is a private guided bike ride along the south coast, where you’ll visit the Ukunda market and the surrounding villages. Breathe in the fresh sea air as you pedal along, meeting locals and learning about their lives. The scenic bike tour will last four hours, and then you’re free to while away the hours walking along the glorious stretch of beach, basking in the sun and taking a dip in the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean. For dinner, take a seat in your hotel’s restaurant and tuck into delicious culinary creations infused with coastal African flavours and locally-sourced ingredients.

Enjoy another day in this idyllic beach haven. After all the excitement of the trip so far, you may choose to laze on the private sandy beach (you’ve earned it). If, however, you fancy more of an active day, there’s plenty to get involved with. Your accommodation has stables on site, so hop on a horse to explore the beach and surrounding Kaya forests, which are considered sacred by the Digo people. There are also tennis courts, boat excursions, yoga and various watersports to satisfy adventure lovers. This evening, settle into a hammock or secluded spot on the sand to watch one last sunset over the Indian Ocean with a gin and tonic in hand.

Today is your final morning in Diani Beach. Enjoy breakfast and coffee on your veranda and head out for a final stroll along the sand and dip in the serene waters before a private transfer picks you up early afternoon. Your next destination is the country’s capital, Nairobi, which is a one-hour flight away. Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Located in a leafy residential suburb, just 30 minutes from the airport, your small guesthouse has a homely environment with plenty of cosy areas for you to relax in for the night.

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time for a private visit to a nearby Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. The orphanage is world-renowned for its work rescuing and rehabilitating baby elephants, and you’ll have a front-row seat for their feeding time. Learn all about and interact with the world’s tallest creatures at the Giraffe Centre and, if you’re feeling brave, get involved with feeding these gentle giants. After a full day of animal interaction, head back to your accommodation for some down time. Cool off in the guesthouse pool, try your luck with a board game or settle on the veranda with a good book for the final night of your trip.