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KENYA, It might be difficult to find the right exotic vacation. There are many beautiful cities to visit on your holidays, but there is nothing as exotic as “the best safari and beach holiday in Kenya.” Kenya is located in East Africa.
It is a country that has something for everyone. Kenya offers a beautiful open savanna with many animals that you only have seen on television and in pictures on the computer. If you love safari, then Kenya is a dreamland. It is possible to travel cheaply or comfortably with a limited budget.
There is a range of expensive hotel facilities that continue to develop along the coast. The hotel offers beautifully decorated suites with pools and raised decks. The food is from organic gardens and the water is UV-filtered.
Between June and October, the most fascinating performances take place in Kenya. Millions of antelopes take their annual walk between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. The antelopes move to find the finest grass, and with them come lions and other predators.
The sight and the sounds of the huge herds are among the most powerful things you can witness during a safari. Most spectacular is the Mara River where the crocodiles await the antelopes who have to cross over.
Tsavo, Masai Mara, and Amboseli are the most famous national parks in Kenya. Safari vehicles are adapted to safari life with refrigerators and adjustable cameras. The guides have high qualifications and set their benchmarks to high standards. You can also contact specialized safari operators who arrange individual tours and give you a better price overall. Kenya is famous for its popular safari destinations and the beautiful beaches along the coast. I have chosen to write about Tsavo, Masai Mara, and Amboseli National Parks and tell about the cities of Mombasa, Malindi, and Watamu. I will also recommend hotels and activities in the surrounding areas.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is located 156 km from Malindi and 173 Km from Mombasa. The park is open every day from 6:00 to 18:00 European time. The best time to visit the park is from June to September. Avoid March and May when it’s the rainy season in Kenya.
You will get to Tsavo East National Park by local bus or car. On a wildlife safari, you will see Kenyan animals in their natural environments. There is a lot of surprises, like gazelles that get close to lions.
Common animals you’ll see are zebras, cheetahs, Cape buffalo, African elephants, Sykes’s monkeys, black-faced monkeys, divers, gazelles, giraffes, gerenuks, black rhinoceros, hares, hartebeests, impalas, hyenas, crested porcupines, squirrels, lions, leopards, warthogs, mongoose, and giant rats. The best time to watch the animals is in the morning and evening. The sun makes the animals tired.
In the Galana River, you will find crocodiles. The Aruba Dam and Mudanda Rock are popular drinking places for animals and birds. For watching birds, the best time is between October and January. There are over 500 bird species that have been seen in the park, and some are kestrels, buzzards, weaverbirds, secretary birds, and herons. The guides are helpful and communicate with each other if they find rare animals.
It’s important to have good clothes for a day in the wilderness. A camera and binoculars are also important to take with you. A bottle of water that has been in the freezer overnight cools during the day and avoids drying out in the heat.
Most people visit the park for a wildlife safari during the day and return to the hotel in the evening. There are several accommodation options to choose from for those who want to stay overnight near the park. I recommend Voi Wildlife Lodge and Voi Safari Lodge. They are both popular places to stay overnight. The national park’s top runner often takes $250-$850 per night for two people including meals, safari dishes, and so on.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the southwest of Kenya. Common animals in Masai Mara are hippos, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebra, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and giraffes. Masai Mara’s most rare predator is the wild dog; it has been threatened with extinction in the region. Every year, however, the number of wild animals increases in Masai Mara, and it is becoming more common to see them. Other unusual animals are black rhinos, white rhinos, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, eagles, and schakal.
There are two large rivers: the Mara River and the Talek River. The area of the Masai Mara area consists of low grasslands, which means it is easy to detect the animals. Masai Mara has around 450 different bird species ranging from ostriches to birds of prey. A big attraction is the hornworts, which are black with red faces.
Masai Mara organizes balloon flights in the area. It’s not the animals you’re looking for, it´s the amazing view of nature. The tour usually takes place in the morning and lasts about 1 hour. There is room for 12 people in the basket.
Masai Mara National Reserve underwent extensive renovations which were completed in June 2018. The renovation introduced additional pools, a gym, and a massage salon. The guest tents were rebuilt and increased in size. There are many accommodations to choose from. Popular lodges include Kichwa Tembo Camp and Keekorok Lodge.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is located 260 km from Nairobi and is close to Masai Maria National Park. Amboseli is famous for its flocks of African elephants; there are over 900 elephants in the park. Other animals are wildebeests, African lions, giraffes, monkeys, hyenas, antelope, and zebras to mention a few. There are also many birds, such as goshawks, African skimmers, yellow and red bishops to name by few.
Amboseli is quite small compared to other national parks. But Amboseli delivers many beautiful animals and with Kilimanjaro in the background, it offers an amazing view. There is also the opportunity to meet the Maasai people. You may be surprised that many animals go near predators. The truth is, they live together in harmony and predators only kill for food.
When you arrive at the park, you will get instructions and rules not to leave your vehicle more than in selected places. Stay on the track and take care of the animals; the animals are entitled to the road. To spend the night, I recommend Tortilis camp, which was an award-winner for best eco-tourism. Remember, you need to have your own camping gear with you.
Kenya’s Best Beach Holiday
The coast of Kenya has long white beaches. The beaches in Malindi north of Mombasa and Diani south of Mombasa are common ends to the holiday after the safari. Near the Diani beach are two beautiful nature reserves: Jadni Forest and Shimba Hills. To explore the ocean and its animals, I recommend diving the crab which offers diving activities and lessons.
Just a 30-minute taxi drive north from the city, you come to Shanzu Beach, where you can go on sea safaris and search for water animals such as starfish. You can also rent windsurfing and snorkeling equipment. There are also opportunities to take windsurfing courses. At low tide, the water is so shallow that you can cross the coral reef 500 meters from the beach.
If you want to stay in Mombasa, I recommend Voyager Beach Resort located 10 km outside town. The price includes all food and beverages. The beach is a few meters away and offers boat trips, water sports or a photo shoot with a camel. Voyager Beach Resort has restaurants, a children’s club, a bar, and a shopping area. The cottages are located in a beautiful setting with stunning views of the sea and the garden.
I also recommend renting a cottage on the Hotel Saruni Ocean. It´s located near the beach and the wilderness near Msambwni Beach. Each suite has its own entrance and consists of a private garden with beautiful sea views and a large porch. Inside there is a bedroom, living room, and a bathroom.
The suite is comfortable and luxurious. The design is Mediterranean-inspired. Saruni Ocean offers gourmet food based on fresh ingredients, such as lobster, octopus, and olives to give some examples of delicious food. The hotel has a large lovely pool and Sarunity Thermae & Spa which provides an incredible way to relax, giving a sense of well-being. There are many activities on the beach such as beach volleyball, golfing, and a day flying safari.
Along the coast north of Mombasa, you come to Malindi, which is an appreciated holiday destination for families. There are snorkeling-friendly beaches that keep kids occupied for hours. Malindi is an exciting city with a mix of old-town charm with modern comfort. Malindi has tourist attractions like local towns and the Jumaa Mosque.
There is a lot of art and architecture to study. The white sand beach is a beach lover’s destination, whether you want to relax and listen to the waves or join various beach activities. Maldini Marine Park is a coral reef that can be discovered when you snorkel, dive, or sit in a glass-bottom boat. There are several good hotels to choose from.
I recommend the African House Resort, which is 300m to Malindi Beach and a 10-minute walk to Malindi Marine. The rooms have private verandas and air conditioning. The food is inspired by Italy and Swahili. Free coffee, tea, and pastries are served each afternoon. African House Resort has free parking and can assist with car rental. It takes 5 minutes to drive by car to the city center
Behind Malindi, you find the city of Watamu, which is located 105 km north of Mombasa and 15 km from Malindi. Watamu is a peaceful and beautiful city farthest from the Kenyan coast. Here you can find tropical forests and unspoiled beaches. Watamu is famous for its unique and relaxing lifestyle. It is surrounded by small coves and wide lagoons. There is a wide range of accommodation options, from simpler hotels to luxury villas.
The most popular hotel is Lonno Lodge. This hotel is a large beautiful white building with views to admire the coast. A short walk will take you to the pool, the bar, the restaurant and the reception are. This is a place that offers peace and quiet. Lonno Lodge has 8 suites decorated with dark wood furniture and elegant Kenyan paintings. All rooms have a television, a coffee machine, and mosquito nets. Outside the door is the fantastic beach that is private for the hotel guests.
The food is dominated by Italian flavors such as olives and different pasta dishes. Breakfast consists of different fruits. The wine is imported from a vineyard in Italy, but there are other international wines to choose from. Guests order the day before the number of meals they want the next day.
Watamu has been in Vogue for its great swimming and excellent diving waters and you might find manta rays and whale sharks. The hotel staff is helpful in arranging day trips and excursions; 30 km from the hotel, you will find Kakoneni’s cultural attractions that are worth a visit.
Traveling on your own is usually easy. Simple hotels, utilized by Kenyan and backpackers, cost about $10 for a double room. Safarilodger and the tourist resorts of the beaches offer lavish double rooms with air conditioning for $125-$300.
My last words
The absolute most important reason for traveling to Africa is that your money goes to preserving Africa’s wildlife and to the people of society. You travel for a reason to meet exotic animals and to explore them in their unique environments.
There is nowhere on earth where you can meet the diversity of big animals like in Africa. Through your visit, you ensure their survival. Through tourism revenue, Kenya has played a major role in the rhino’s survival in the country.
Consider going during the long season when the price is cheaper but at the same time, the financing is guaranteed for the whole year. You lower your costs to half and get excellent service without competition from other tourists.
And remember, a few months before you travel to Kenya, you need to book a doctor’s appointment and check your vaccinations. It is important to review your travel insurance as well.
If you travel to Kenya, I’d appreciate if you’d share your experiences in the comments field, Thank you!