Can you combine a Kenya Wildlife safari with a Beach Escape?

Can you combine a Kenya Wildlife safari with a Beach Escape?

Can you combine a Kenya Wildlife safari with a Beach Escape? The answer is absolutely “Yes.” Actually, the “Bush and Beach” combo is the quintessential Kenya experience, making it the most popular option among visitors.

Kenya is one of the very few places on Earth where you can be on a lion tracking expedition in a golden savannah one moment and be on a beach sipping a coconut drink the next. Besides having a pretty extensive domestic network of flights, Kenya also has a modern railway; these two combined make the trip from the exotic wildlife interior to the tropical beach very easy, fast, and comfortable.

1. The Perfect Balance: Why Combine Them?
   Safari is indeed a thrilling adventure; however, it also can be quite exhausting. The day usually starts at dawn, about 5:30 AM, so that one can witness the predators in action, and then long hours are spent riding over uneven roads. If you combine a safari with a beach holiday, you get a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate. The majority of travelers pop the safari first, flushed with the excitement of the “Big Five,” and then wind down their trip with 4 or 5 days of pure coast relaxation. In this way, you will come home inspired by nature and physically refreshed.
2. The Safari Stars: Maasai Mara and Amboseli
   Generally, you start with some of the popular wild parks of Kenya to make the most out of the combined trip.
   Maasai Mara: It is the quintessential safari destination. To watch the Great Migration, you have to be there between July and October. Besides, it is the perfect place for big cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

   

   Amboseli: Situated right at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is a major attraction because of the huge elephant herds. Also, the majestic mountain provides a wonderful backdrop to your wildlife pictures before you set off to the ocean.

3. The Beach Gems: Diani, Watamu, and Lamu
   Kenya’s coast has a worldwide reputation for turquoise seas and coral reefs.
   Diani Beach: Situated south of Mombasa, Diani is regularly chosen as the best beach in Africa. It has long stretches of white sand and upscale resorts. For kite surfers, skydivers, or those just wanting to chill on a palm-lined beach, it is ideal.
   Watamu: Going further up north, Watamu is a quiet place that is famous for its marine park. If you want to snorkel or dive with the turtles, this is the place to go.
   Lamu Island: Lamu is the place for couples and those who appreciate history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Donkeys and dhows (traditional wooden boats) are the only means of transport on the island that has no cars, so a romantic or nostalgic (coming in from the past) feel is guaranteed.
4. Logistics: How to Get from the Bush to the Beach
   Transport is the “hidden” key to a great combination trip in Kenya. Essentially, you have three choices:
   Domestic Flights (The Best Option): Safarilink and AirKenya are examples of airlines that offer “bush-to-beach” flights. You may even take a direct flight from a dirt airstrip in the Maasai Mara to the beach airports in Diani (Ukunda) or Malindi. It takes only some 2 hours; thus, you have saved the whole day.
   The Madaraka Express (The Scenic Option): Kenya’s modern SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa is about a 5- or 6-hour-long journey. It goes through Tsavo National Park; therefore, you might see animals like elephants and giraffes right through the window of your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌train!

   Road Trip—You could drive from some parks (like Tsavo East) to the coast, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by safari vehicle. We recommend flying from the Mara so that you get the best use of your time on holiday and relax more.

   5. The Best Time to Go.
   To get the best of both worlds (safari and beach), the ideal time to go is during the dry season (July to October or January to March). This is also when it will be most convenient for you to see wildlife, as they will be congregating around water holes, and the climate on the coast will be hot and sunny with clear, calm waters for swimming.

   

   An example 10-day trip plan is as follows:
   
   Day 1-3: Take a flight to the Maasai Mara to experience one of the most exciting safaris that will feature the “Big Five.”

   Day 4: The Morning adventure will be a game drive, followed by a direct flight to Diani Beach.

   Day 5-9: Spend the entire period relaxing at a luxurious beach resort while enjoying wonderful meals from fresh seafood. Also enjoy a variety of other beach activities, such as snorkeling.

   Day 10: Take a flight back to Nairobi to board the international flight home.

   In conclusion, a combination of a safari in Kenya along with an adventure at Diani Beach is truly the best of what Africa has to offer. The adventure brings you the excitement of nature, while the beach provides you with peace and quietness, thus making for an extraordinary travel experience.