Building Itineraries

The Bush and Beach Itinerary: 10 Days

On arrival in Nairobi, take a short transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the smaller domestic terminal, Wilson.

The Maasai Mara is arguably at the top of most visitors’ wish lists and remains ever popular. As a result, there are regular daily departures to the Mara from Wilson airport. It is possible to drive, which will take approximately five hours from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara.

The Mara has an abundance of game, making each safari drive different. You could spend longer here dependent on time and budget but four to five days is an appropriate amount of time. You could opt to divide your time between two different properties to see even more of the National Reserve and its conservancies. Top of the list to see for visitors are the big cats, but all of the big five can be seen here, including an abundance of birdlife and smaller game too.

After the early starts of game drives in the Mara, many will relish the chance to spend a few nights on the coast for a relaxing break before their departure back home. Domestic flights will be via Wilson with a short stopover before catching the afternoon flight to the south coast airport of Ukunda. From here, the boutique resorts along Diani beach are all accessible.

An Introduction to Safari: 10 Days

Visitors from the UK can choose to fly with Kenya Airways via Nairobi for access to the coastal airport of Moi International. Within 45 minutes, you can be relaxing at one of the larger resorts in Nyali and Shanzu beaches. With over 500km of beautiful coastline, Kenya is the ideal destination for a beach holiday with large stretches of pristine white sands, world-class water sports, and outdoor pursuits available.

Three hours southeast of Mombasa is Tsavo East, the largest of Kenya’s National Parks. The Maasai Mara pales in comparison to Tsavo National Park, which is roughly the size of Wales. As such, you can often feel like you are the only person in the park, going for hours without seeing another vehicle. The red, endless stretching miles of tracks throughout the park certainly help add to this feeling of isolation.

The park is vast, and as such, wildlife may be more spread out than you would expect to find in the smaller national parks in Kenya, but this adds to the drama when you do see something. In particular, expect to see lots of elephants, lions, and cheetahs. It is worth spending at least one night here to get the full safari experience before heading back to the beach.

The Great Rift Valley Itinerary: 7 Days

Under a three-hour drive from Nairobi, the lakes of the Great Rift Valley are the perfect choice for budget-conscious travellers or those who prefer to drive and see more of Kenya’s scenery. Due to its close proximity to the capital, it is also a popular choice for domestic travellers wanting to escape to the country for the weekend.

Start your trip at Lake Nakuru National Park. Historically, the alkaline waters here attracted millions of flamingos; however, in recent years, these are found further north at Lake Bogoria and Baringo. The area is regarded as a birdwatcher’s paradise even in the absence of flamingos. It is a fantastic place to spot white rhino. Although not native to this area, the white rhino population has thrived in this park since being introduced as part of a rehabilitation programme.

An extension of your stay in the Great Rift Valley might include Aberdare National Park. Located adjacent to Lake Nakuru, the park is perhaps most famously known for its royal connection as it is here that the then Princess Elizabeth learnt she would become queen whilst staying at Treetops Lodge. Visitors flock here to follow in the royal footsteps. The forest foliage makes game drives all the more dramatic, often concealing lion, elephant, and smaller game until you are right next to them.

Lake Naivasha is approximately one hour and a half away, south of Aberdare. This freshwater lake offers the opportunity to get out onto the water in a small motorised boat. Expect to see hippos in the shallows and fish eagles swooping down from the tops of submerged trees. It is a good option to include en route back to Nairobi as a day trip or extension to your stay in Kenya.