An Incredible Safari & Beach Experience In Kenya

An Incredible Safari & Beach Experience In Kenya

Kenya is the country which almost invented the safari holiday, as it was one of the first to embrace this extraordinary and exciting experience, showing the wonders of the wild.

It is a land of explorers, farmers, adventurers and more than 70 indigenous tribal groups, while offering the most magnificent national parks and nature reserves on the continent. There is the Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro or the Masai Mara at the northern end of the Serengeti, which is part of the whole migration experience where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and antelope follow the rains. Then there is the desert-like Samburu Reserve and the Rift Valley Lakes – both freshwater and salt and famed for their profusion of birdlife, hippos and crocodiles – and not to mention the beaches of the seductive Indian Ocean resorts.

Our sales advisor Emma Hunt was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit this extraordinary country recently, read the account of her trip below:

I have previously travelled to a number of African countries, but I've never been to Kenya, which many people consider the birthplace of the modern day safari holiday. So, after a very comfortable 9 hour flight from London, I was ready to discover what this iconic African destination had to offer.



Accommodation
After flying from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, I was transferred to Tortilis Camp, an award-winning eco safari camp that enjoys unrivalled views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and is also home to a vast elephant population – with more than 1,000 in the park. Tortilis is a lovely camp with a very calm and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation comprises of spacious rustic tents featuring large verandahs, king-size beds and elegant ensuite bathrooms – all set against a backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain. As well as traditional game drives, the camp also offers guests the opportunity to enjoy guided walks and cultural visits to local villages. After spending the night at Tortilis, my next stop after a short private charter flight was Finch Hattons  in Kenya's Tsavo West National Park. This five star camp definitely has the wow factor from the second you arrive. The camp has recently undergone a huge renovation and the owners have done a fabulous job of keeping the bygone safari feeling, but adding a modern touch where necessary. All of the rooms at the camp are en suite and feature large deck balconies facing a waterhole teeming with wildlife. There is also a large pool and spa area which are great for relaxing in between game drives. My stay in the bush was now over, it was time to make my to the beaches of Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. After a short flight from Finch Hattons, I was transferred to Kinondo Kwetu, a small all-inclusive luxury resort located on a tranquil private beach. Family-owned and run, it is well distanced from any neighbours and can only accommodate a total of 38 guests in a selection of rooms and cottages furnished with Swahili antiquities and surrounded by green shady gardens. The variety of accommodation options mean Kinondo Kwetu caters well to couples, honeymooners and families and there are plenty of areas to relax in peace and quiet. After spending the night at Kinondo, the final stop on my trip was the Almanara, a collection of luxury villas and a five bedroom boutique hotel providing space, privacy and personal service away from the crowds and the busier beaches of the Kenyan coast. Whilst at Almanara you might not want to do anything other than relax but when you need a bit more activity there is plenty to do in and around the resort including kite surfing, wind surfing, snorkelling trips and horse riding. Food is also a very important part of any stay at the resort with fresh seafood playing a particularly prominent role.



Activities
I was fortunate enough to experience a wide variety of activities during my time in Kenya. At Tortilis camp in Amboseli National Park, I enjoyed some wonderful morning and afternoon game drives where I saw a wide variety of wildlife including lions, giraffes and elephants. I was also treated to sundowners on a beautiful hillside setting with panoramic views of the national park and the imposing Kilimanjaro. At Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, I was able to to go out on numerous game drives (I saw lots of giraffe, wildebeest, kudu and even 2 leopards very briefly) and also had the opportunity to experience a night drive, which gives you a really different perspective of the park and its wildlife. If I'd had more time at the camp, I could have also enjoyed a guided bush walk, scenic air flight or a cultural visit to a local village. At Kinondo Kwetu on Kenya's pristine Indian Ocean coast, I was able to experience a wide variety of water sports including deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and wind surfing. I also got to enjoy some incredible spa treatments, which made me feel so calm and relaxed after a busy few days in the bush on safari.



The Bottom Line:
Kenya has something to suit everyone. Whether you're looking for a big game safari experience in the heart of the bush or a week relaxing by white sandy beach, this extraordinary country has got you covered.

If you’re interested in booking a holiday to Kenya then call 020 7843 3500 and speak to one of our travel experts today. They’ll be happy to tailor an itinerary to suit your exact requirements.


Emma is our sales advisor. Emma has been travelling all around the world. However it was in Africa where Emma found her heart. She signed up for the adventure of a lifetime when she explored Tanzania and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Emma now uses her knowledge and passion for this continent to create tailor-made itineraries for travellers who would like to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Africa first-hand.