Safari and beach holidays in Kenya

The beauty of a Kenya safari and beach holiday is how effortlessly these two experiences can be combined. Spend your days tracking the Big 5 in the Mara Triangle, then swop game drives for turquoise waters and powder-soft sand, with seamless connections making the transition easy. A safari itinerary of between 10 and 14 days is recommended, which allows for at least 4 to 6 nights on safari, followed by the same amount of time by the sea.

Whether travelling as a couple for your honeymoon or getting away on a multi-generational family adventure, Wilderness can help arrange a holiday combining both safari and beach, with end-to-end routing, accommodation at properties aligned to your needs and interests, and all activities, transfers and logistics taken care of. All you need to worry about is your sundowner order or where you left the sunscreen (although we've probably got that covered too).

Kenya offers some of the best beach and safari holidays to the simple routing. In Kenya go from the plains of the Masai Mara or Amboseli, with their vast antelope herds and impressive elephants, to the coast were dhows drift past at sunset. The popular Diani Beach is Kenya's premier luxury beach destination, while Watamu offers a quieter atmosphere with a renowned marine park. Alternatively, Lamu offers a completely different beach experience with elegant Swahili architecture, boutique hotels and a slower daily pace.

For those seeking something even more exclusive, you can pair Wilderness Mara with the pristine beaches of Seychelles, or one of the secluded private islands and luxury retreats found off the coast of Kenya and neighbouring Tanzania. 

What is the best time of year for a beach and safari holiday in Kenya?

The best time for a beach and safari holiday in Kenya depends on the experience you're looking for. July to October is renowned for the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. This time also aligns beautifully with an Indian Ocean beach holiday as days are generally warm and sunny and free of rain. November to March can bring showers in safari and beach holiday destinations in Kenya but these sporadic rains often provide welcome relief from the heat. The shoulder months (roughly April to June and September to November) tend to strike an ideal balance between calm seas, comfortable temperatures, and lighter crowds, however there isn't really a bad time to book your safari and beach package.

How do you get from safari to the beach in Kenya?

Scheduled light aircraft flights connect the Masai Mara with Nairobi, where you can easily continue to the coast or onward to island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Rather than returning home straight after your safari, you'll transition to a luxury beach escape in just a few hours, or you might decide to overnight in Nairobi and enjoy a tour of this vibrant city. Simply get in touch with a Travel Designer to start planning a tour that works for you.